2023 Mazda MX-30

Overview

An EV with as limited a driving range as the 2023 Mazda MX-30 hasn’t been common since the first-generation Nissan Leaf was on sale, and it limits this little stylish crossover’s appeal. Nearly all of its rivals offer 200 or more miles per charge, and many outaccelerate the MX-30 to boot. The Mazda’s redeeming qualities are its eco-friendly interior, its sharp coupe-like styling, and its low starting price, which undercuts rivals such as the Kia Niro EV and the Volkswagen ID.4 by about $5000. However, the MX-30 is sold exclusively in California and in small numbers. While we could see the Mazda being a decent choice for drivers who rarely venture far from home, it’s hard to see how it could possibly keep up on the current electric-vehicle battlefield.

What’s New for 2023?

While nothing has changed for the MX-30 EV for 2023, we are expecting Mazda to launch a version with a rotary engine to extend the SUV’s range. We haven’t heard anything from Mazda about that model yet, but rumors are circulating that we may see it launch later this year.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The MX-30 is offered in base and Premium Plus trims. The Premium Plus model adds a lot of equipment, including active blind-spot assist, front cross-traffic alert, a 12-speaker Bose stereo system, a heated steering wheel, a 360-degree exterior camera system, and more.

EV Motor, Power, and Performance

The all-electric MX-30 comes with one 143-hp electric motor that drives the front wheels; all-wheel drive isn’t available. However, we’ve also learned that there will be a plug-in-hybrid version that’ll launch later and will pair an electric motor with a rotary gasoline engine, so perhaps all-wheel drive is still on the table. As its low horsepower rating suggests, the MX-30’s acceleration isn’t up to par with more powerful rivals, and at our test track, it needed 8.7 seconds to reach 60 mph. The chassis is playful and the steering is sharp, which is what we expect from a modern Mazda. That eager handling is what earns this SUV the “MX” in its name, a prefix that is shared only with the brand’s MX-5 Miata sports car.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

Compared to other electric vehicles, the MX-30’s 30.0-kWh battery pack is small. The EPA estimates its driving range will only be around 100 miles per charge, which is less than half that of the Bolt and the Kona Electric. The battery will be capable of charging on standard AC power as well as more modern and faster DC chargers.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe

The EPA says the MX-30 is good for 98 MPGe city, 85 MPGe highway, and 92 MPGe combined, but similar electric vehicles such as the Hyundai Kona Electric and the Chevrolet Bolt EV carry ratings of 120 and 119 MPGe combined, respectively. On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test route, the MX-30 returned a disappointing 76 MPGe. For more information about the MX-30’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The MX-30’s cabin uses natural and sustainable materials such as cork and breathable fabric upholstery made from recycled plastic bottles. Front-seat space is enough to fit two adult Americans, but the rear seat is far more cramped, both in head- and legroom. A floating center console is right on trend; it frees up space for storage behind a digitized screen that adjusts the car’s climate-control system. Mazda is offering a host of desirable features as standard on the MX-30, including heated front seats, a 7.0-inch digital gauge display, a power sunroof, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Cargo space behind the MX-30’s rear seats isn’t exactly generous, so Costco runs may require folding the rear seats flat.

The Car and Driver Difference

Infotainment and Connectivity

In addition to the digital panel for the MX-30’s climate controls and vehicle settings, a secondary 8.8-inch display sprouts from the dashboard to cover infotainment features such as the audio system, navigation, and backup camera. The MX-30 uses Mazda’s latest infotainment interface, which was launched on the 3 sedan and hatchback and offers both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

How to Buy and Maintain a Car

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Called i-Activsense, the bundle of standard features provides collision-mitigation and lane-keeping features to help reduce the risk of an accident. For more information about the MX-30’s crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The MX-30 comes with the same set of policies as its stablemates such as the CX-30, the CX-5, and the CX-9.

Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles No complimentary scheduled maintenance

Specifications

Specifications

2022 Mazda MX-30

Vehicle Type: front-motor, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 2+2-door hatchback

PRICE

Base/As Tested: $34,695/$38,600

Options: Premium Plus package (passive entry, heated steering wheel, blind-spot monitoring, 360-degree parking view, cross-traffic alert), $3010; ceramic metallic multi-tone paint, $895

POWERTRAIN

Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC

Power: 143 hp @ 4500 rpm

Torque: 200 lb-ft @ 0 rpm

Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 32.0 kWh (C/D est)

Onboard Charger: 6.6 kW

Transmission: direct-drive

CHASSIS

Suspension, F/R: struts/torsion beam

Brakes, F/R: 12.8-in vented disc/11.9-in disc

Tires: Falken Ziex ZE001A A/S

215/55R-18 95H M+S

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase: 104.4 in

Length: 173.3 in

Width: 70.7 in

Height: 61.5 in

Passenger Volume: 86 ft3

Cargo Volume: 21 ft3

Curb Weight: 3674 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS

60 mph: 8.7 sec

1/4-Mile: 16.8 sec @ 83 mph

90 mph: 20.6 sec

Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.

Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 8.8 sec

Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.3 sec

Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 5.3 sec

Top Speed (gov ltd): 91 mph

Braking, 70–0 mph: 166 ft

Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.84 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY

Observed: 80 MPGe

75-mph Highway Driving: 76 MPGe

Highway Range: 70 mi

EPA FUEL ECONOMY

Combined/City/Highway: 92/98/85 MPGe

Range: 100 mi

C/D TESTING EXPLAINED

More Features and Specs