Mazda's first all-electric vehicle, the MX-30 SUV, has a sleek appearance and beautiful minimalist interior, but while it might look the part of the slick new EV, it lacks the driving range most buyers demand. With its 35.5 kWh battery pack, the MX-30 has a range of just 100 miles, meaning it might work great for short commutes, but you couldn't do a round trip across most major cities without having to stop and charge.
The coupe-like roofline and hinged rear doors remind me of the Mazda RX-8 and give the MX-30 a more sporty appearance than the CX-30 that it is based on. The exterior is mostly signature Mazda styling with very few clues that it is an all-electric, it even has a traditional grill and foregoes the "frunk" as future models will be offered with a rotary range extender and the space will be used for that more conventional drivetrain. Still, it seems that a small storage bin could have been offered to create some additional storage in the mostly empty underhood compartment.
Inside the cabin is full of sustainable materials including cork which harkens back to Mazda's founding as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Company. The upholstery is made from recycled plastic bottles and comes in two color combinations, white and grey or brown and black. Heated front seats, an 8.8-inch display, a power sunroof, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink, and more are all standard. The Premium Plus package adds Bose Premium audio, a heated steering wheel, a cargo area light, and several other options. The MX-30 offers slightly more cargo space than the Mazda 3 and CX-30, but the sloping roofline does limit both rear seat passenger headroom and what will fit in the cargo area. The back seats do fold flat when more cargo space is needed.
The Mazda EV SUV features a 35.5 kWh battery pack which is good for up to 100 miles of range and is rated at 143 horsepower, which is 43 less than the base CX-30. The MX-30 is also trying to move almost 300 more pounds than the Mazda CX-30 that it is based on, so don't expect the lightning-quick acceleration that many electric cars are known for. The MX-30 is more than quick enough to get on a freeway or to get up to speed when needed, but it isn't going to be shredding any tires between red lights. Once you do get up to speed the MX-30 is still very much a Mazda, sporty and fun to drive through the canyons of Southern California. Sadly with just 100 miles of range, you could make it up Angeles Crest Highway but will be coasting home and hoping the regenerative brakes give you enough juice to get to a charger.
For charging Mazda has partnered with ChargePoint and every MX-30 owner will receive a $500 charging credit that can be used at public charging stations or towards the cost of installing a home unit. In addition, Mazda is launching the Mazda MX-30 Elite Access Loaner Program, which will allow MX-30 owners 10 days a year where they can drive more than 100 miles by borrowing a conventional Mazda. The program is for the first three years of ownership, so you can still go on some off-grid adventures if the MX-30 happens to be your only vehicle.
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