2022 Mazda MX-30 Review, Pricing, and Specs
Mazda will be bringing its first all-electric vehicle to market soon in the form of the MX-30 SUV, which will offer a plug-in-hybrid variant, too. The subcompact crossover has a sharp exterior design with a coupe-like roofline and rear-hinged back doors similar to those found on the BMW i3 electric car. Many details are still hazy, but Mazda says the SUV will come with a 35.5-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and a 144-hp front-mounted electric motor.
Pre-orders have already started for South Florida buyers and Mazda says the MX-30 will start rolling out to dealerships in the United States this fall, starting in California before expanding to other states such as Florida.
What’s New for 2022?
Not only is the MX-30 an all-new model for Mazda, it marks the first time the Japanese automaker has experimented with an all-electric powertrain. It’s similarly sized to the current CX-3 and CX-30 crossovers, but borrows the MX nomenclature of the MX-5 Miata, giving us hope that it will be a performance oriented option in the electric-SUV marketplace.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We aren’t sure how many trims will be offered on the MX-30 when it eventually hits the market, but if it follows the normal Mazda method, we expect four trims ranging in price from the base Sport model to the loaded and luxurious Signature. Until we know more about the pricing and available equipment, we’ll hold off on recommending one trim over the other.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The all-electric MX-30 will have one 144 horsepower electric motor that will drive 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 pair an electric motor with a rotary engine, so perhaps all-wheel drive is still on the table.
Despite the seemingly low horsepower rating, the MX-30 should still delivery decent low-speed acceleration, but those seeking outright speed may find rivals such as the Hyundai Kona Electric and the Mini Cooper Electric offer more power. When we have a chance to test drive the MX-30, we’ll update this story with driving impressions and test results.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
Compared to other electric vehicles, the MX-30’s 35.5-kWh battery pack is small. Mazda hasn’t released a driving range yet for the U.S.-spec model, but we estimate it will only deliver around 100 miles per charge, which less than half that of the Chevrolet Bolt EV and the Kona Electric. The battery will be capable of charging on standard AC power as well as more modern and faster DC chargers. This replenishes the battery a lot faster and more efficiently than most other EV vehicles on the market today.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA hasn’t released fuel economy estimates for the MX-30, but similar electric vehicles such as the Kona Electric and Bolt EV carry ratings of 120 and 119 MPGe, respectively. We expect the MX-30 to earn a similar rating. 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 looks like it will easily fit two adult Americans, but the rear seat appears to be far more cramped, both in head- and legroom. A floating center console is right on trend and frees up space for storage behind a digitized screen that adjusts the car’s climate control system.
We’re not sure how much cargo space will be available behind the MX-30’s rear seats, but if the similarly sized CX-3 is anything to go by, Costco runs may require folding the rear seats flat.
Infotainment and Connectivity
In addition to the digital panel for the MX-30’s climate controls and vehicle settings, a secondary display sprouts from the dashboard to cover infotainment features such as the audio system, navigation, and backup camera. We expect it will use Mazda’s latest infotainment system, which launched on the 3 sedan and hatchback, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Called i-Activsense, the bundle of 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:
- Available automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Available lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Available blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Assuming the MX-30 doesn’t receive special warranty coverage, it should come with the same set of policies as its stable mates, such as the CX-3, 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
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