The MX-30 is the first electric vehicle from Mazda. While it’s stylish and agile, it only has a range of 100 miles when most other new EVs have 200- and even 300-mile ranges.
Base Price: $36,480
As Tested: $38,150
Horsepower: 143
Mileage: 98 MPGe city/85 MPGe highway/92 MPGe combined
The five-passenger MX-30 is all new for 2022. It’s based on the subcompact CX-30 crossover. Mazda says it was designed to meet the needs of most urban residents. While 100 miles is realistically enough for most drivers, the ability to go on a longer trip is challenging.
It’s offered in two trims: MX-30 EV and MX-30 EV with Premium Plus package. Starting prices are $33,470 and $36,480, respectively.
The MX-30 has an 80.9kW electric motor that makes 143 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque, and a relatively small 35.5-kWh battery pack. Front-wheel-drive is the only option; all-wheel-drive isn’t available.
Mazda is known for making fun-to-drive vehicles, and the MX-30 does have nimble handling. However, acceleration is slow, especially compared to other EVs. On the plus side, steering and brakes are responsive and the MX-30 stays planted when cornering. The MX-30 handles well in busy city traffic and its small size makes it easy to fit into tight parking spaces. Steering wheel paddles allow you to adjust the level of regenerative braking to your liking. Visibility is good to the front but hampered to the rear.
EPA ratings for the MX-30 are 98 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) city, 85 MPGe highway and 92 MPGe combined.
The MX-30 has a 6.6-kW onboard charger which is less powerful than many rivals; however, charge times are relatively quick. Using a Level 2 240-volt charger, you can charge the battery from 20% to 80% capacity in less than three hours. It takes just 36 minutes with a Level 3 DC 50kW fast charger. If you plug into a Level 1 120-volt regular household plug, it takes 13 hours and 40 minutes.
I charged the MX-30 with a regular household plug. After a full night of charging, I would have a range of 114 miles if I turned off the heat/air conditioning system.
Mazda has partnered with ChargePoint, one of the world’s largest charging networks, to give MX-30 owners a $500 charging credit that can be used for public charging or toward the purchase of an in-home ChargePoint Level 2 charger.
Mazda has made efforts to improve the interiors of its vehicles and the MX-30’s interior is indeed handsome. The leatherette upholstery looks and feels nice, and the cork trim is attractive. Most surfaces are soft-touch. The door trims are made from recycled PET bottles. Front seats are supportive and comfortable, and have decent leg- and headroom. The second row is tight and best for kids. The cabin is quiet with little noticeable wind and road noise.
The MX-30 has so-called suicide doors for the back seat – the hinge is on the rear instead of the usual front of the door. And the front doors have to be open before the rear doors can open, so that can make it tricky for getting in and out of the backseat.
Standard features include push button start, rear view camera, head-up display, single-zone automatic climate control, leatherette upholstery, eight-way power driver seat with power lumbar support and memory, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, leather-wrapped shift knob, seven-inch digital gauge cluster, Mazda Connect infotainment system with 8.8-inch center display, eight-speaker audio system, HD Radio, Pandora integration, two USB ports, wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 12-volt outlet, power moonroof, automatic headlights with high-beam control, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
Available features include keyless entry, surround view camera system, heated steering wheel, and 12-speaker Bose audio system, and navigation.
Standard driver assistance technologies include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear automatic braking, rear parking sensors and driver attention alert.
Available driver assistance technologies include blind spot assist, front cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors. camera-based driver attention monitor.
The Mazda Connect infotainment system with 8.8-inch center display uses Mazda’s latest interface. There are also physical controls as well as the familiar rotary control located between the two front seats. A new seven-inch touchscreen is used for climate settings.
The MX-30 has decent cargo space for a subcompact crossover. There are 21 cubic feet with both rows of seating in place. The rear seats fold 60/40 giving flexibility in hauling passengers and gear. There are several small cubbies and holders in the cabin to stash smaller items.
The good:
Stylish, unique looks
Nimble handling
Attractive cabin
Long list of standard features and tech
Standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
The not-so-good:
Only 100 miles of range
Leisurely acceleration
Tight back seat
Rear suicide doors can be inconvenient
Pricing info:
My tester starts at $36,480. Machine Gray Metallic paint is $495. Destination charge is $1,175 bringing the grand total to $38,150.
Bottom line:
The all-new 2022 MX-30 is the first EV made by Mazda. This stylish and nimble hatchback has an upscale cabin and lots of standard and available features and tech. But the limited range will make it a no-go for many would-be buyers.
