2022 Mazda MX-30

The ground is shifting beneath the auto industry as it rapidly moves toward electrification. Car companies that have tied their marketing to the sound and fury of internal combustion engines for decades—like Mazda with its “zoom zoom” tagline—now have to play catch-up. The MX-30 is based on the CX-30 crossover, and is Mazda’s first electric vehicle (EV). On the plus side, we like its sharp and modern design, as well as its classy and cool interior. It’s also, importantly, fun to drive. But the vehicle’s EPA-estimated range of 100 miles on a full charge severely limits its utility. Because of this, as well as its substandard acceleration, the MX-30 is an inauspicious electric debut for Mazda. Though much pricier, the Tesla Model Y remains our Editor's Choice winner in the EV crossover segment.

MX-30 Power and Range

Before we get started, note that you can currently only purchase the Mazda MX-30 in California as of this writing.

The vehicle is available in two trims: Base ($33,470) and Premium Plus ($36,480). Both models come with a 35.5kWh battery pack that powers an 80.9kW electric motor, which drives the front wheels via a single-speed transmission. The all-electric drivetrain produces 143 horsepower and 200lb-ft of torque. 

The MX-30’s charging port supports both AC and DC fast charging. You can charge the battery from 20% to 80% in a little over half an hour via a Level 3 DC fast charger. With a Level 2, 240-volt home charger, the same feat takes a little under three hours. And with the Level 1, 120-volt charging cable that comes with the vehicle, the process takes about 14 hours. We like that the 120-volt cable can top off the battery overnight, as that hasn’t been our experience with other EVs.

Of course, that rapid charging time might be a result of the MX-30's lackluster range of 100 miles. For comparison, the 2022 Tesla Model Y Long Range can take you up to 330 miles on a full charge. The entry-level RWD Ford Mustang Mach E is capable of 247 miles, Volkswagen's ID.4 offers a range of 250 miles, and the Hyundai Kona Electric boasts a range of 258 miles.

MX-30 Trim Options and Design

The Base trim includes exterior features such as 18-inch wheels with P215/55R18 tires, automatic adaptive LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, a gloss-black front grille and grille shutters, heated and power-folding exterior mirrors with memory function and integrated turn signals, a powered sliding sunroof, and rain-sensing wipers.

Standard interior features include an eight-way powered driver seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, electronic parking brakes, heated front seats, a keyless ignition, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, simulated leather seats, and single-zone automatic climate control. it also comes with an 8.8-inch infotainment touch screen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth for hands-free calls and audio streaming, a heads-up display, a digital gauge cluster, an eight-speaker stereo with AM/FM HD Radio, Mazda Connected telematics services, two USB ports, and voice recognition capabilities.

Standard driver assists include adaptive cruise control, auto high beams, blind spot monitoring, driver attention alert, forward and rear collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera.

The Premium Plus trim we tested adds auto-dimming side mirrors, blind spot assist, bright-finish 18-inch wheels, a driver monitor camera, front cross traffic alert, front parking sensors, a heated steering wheel, a HomeLink garage door opener, keyless entry, a premium Bose 12-speaker premium audio system with three months of SiriusXM satellite radio, a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines, and a surround-view camera. The only option on our test car was for Machine Gray Metallic exterior paint ($495). With a delivery, processing, and handling fee of $1,175, the total sticker price came to $38,150.

The MX-30, like many other Mazda vehicles, has an innovative exterior design. Its coupe-style roofline, bold C pillars with eye-catching brand badge, slender front grille, and rear-hinged back doors make it stand out from its gas-powered siblings, as well as other EVs.

The vehicle's interior has an understated elegance and integrates sustainable materials. For example, the center console is made of cork and other surfaces use material from recycled plastic bottles. But we have to wonder how well the cork on the covers of the center console cupholders will stand up to dirt and spills over time. Additionally, the placement of the USB ports behind the floating console (and toward the passenger side of the car) makes them a pain to access when you're driving.

A Familiar Infotainment Interface

Although the MX-30 is a departure for the company in many areas, the vehicle’s Mazda Connect infotainment system is very similar to the one we’ve tested in years past, with some refinements. The array of physical controls includes a familiar center console rotary that's flanked by four menu buttons, a volume/track/radio knob, and a favorites button.

The rotary controller works in conjunction with an 8.8-inch touch screen on top of the dash. Mazda updated the interface to show photorealistic images for features like driver assists. The infotainment system also includes EV-specific displays that show battery and charging status, as well as energy usage. You can set up charging schedules, too. 

As is common with modern vehicles, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay handle phone, messaging, and music tasks. Mazda Connect also provides an integrated Pandora Radio app and voice-activated text messaging via Bluetooth.

The Mazda Connected Services app (available for Android and iOS) handles other connectivity tasks, including roadside assistance, maintenance notifications, and a Mobile 911 feature that dials the emergency number on a Bluetooth-connected phone in the event of a crash. This service is complimentary for the first three years you own the vehicle.

The Connected Services app also allows remote access to the vehicle for functions like locking and unlocking the doors, starting and stopping the engine, and changing climate control settings. In addition, the app unlocks EV-specific features for the MV-30, like finding charging stations and checking the battery level, charging status, and current driving range.

Fun to Drive, But Slow to Get Going

True to Mazda’s reputation, the MX-30 is fun to drive, with sharp handling and steering—it's notably the only vehicle other than the MX-5 Miata sports car that gets the MX prefix. The MX-30 also provides a serene ride on rough pavement, and its cabin is quiet and well-insulated. 

But acceleration is disappointing compared with rivals like the Chevrolet Bolt, the Hyundai Kona Electric, and especially the Tesla Model 3. The MX-30’s regenerative braking system has five modes that range from barely noticeable to a palpable one-pedal driving feel at the highest setting; it's easy to flip through those modes via the steering wheel paddle shifters. We wish the gear shifter worked as gracefully, as we had difficulty going from park to either reverse or drive and back again.

Mazda Crosses Over to EVs

Mazda’s first EV, the MX-30, has plenty of strong points, including sharp styling, a creative and comfortable interior, and fun performance. But the vehicle’s acceleration is disappointing, and its driving range is poor compared with that of competitors. Although the range may work if you have a short commute, the MX-30 simply won’t go the distance for most EV buyers. If you're in the market for an electric crossover, the Tesla Model Y remains our Editors’ Choice winner thanks to its longer range, quicker acceleration, and regular over-the-air updates.