2022 Mazda MX-30

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The all-electric 2022 Mazda 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 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 2022 Mazda 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 MPG

The EPA says the 2022 Mazda MX-30 is good for 98 MPGe city, 85 MPGe highway and 92 MPGe combined, but similar electric vehicles such as the Kona Electric and 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 2022 Mazda 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 the 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.

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, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and more. Cargo space behind the MX-30’s rear seats isn’t exactly generous, so 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 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 launched on the 3 sedans and hatchback, and offers both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

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.