2023 Mazda MX-30 Owner’s Manual

Seeing that the MX-30 is Mazda’s first electric vehicle, it is easier to forgive the handful of quirks that this nameplate ships with. While this stylish, eco-friendly crossover has a lot going for it, it falters on several points that can considerably mar the experience of potential end users.

The MX-30 maxes out on style points, featuring a calm, distinctive exterior that pairs an eye-catching coupe-style roofline (with a color that contrasts with the rest of the body) with a clean, minimalist aesthetic that will impress even the most hardcore design snobs. Inside, this nameplate continues to impress, with a matching aesthetic built off sustainable materials, including paneling and upholstery made from cork, denim, vegan leather, and recycled plastic.

However, the MX-30 is severely cramped in the rear seat, with a shortage of both headroom and legroom. The cargo space is also far less generous than most of the competition. Nevertheless, the real deal-breaking issues are not in the cabin; they appear under the hood.

One major factor limiting the MX-30’s appeal is its puny driving range. At only 100 miles of range, the MX-30 is bested by every serious contender in its market class, including the Hyundai Kona Electric and the Chevrolet Bolt, both of which post ranges north of 200 miles.

This mix of low practicality and appalling battery life makes Mazda’s MX-30 a tough sell in today’s market. Hence, it is no wonder that the automaker announced that it would sunset the nameplate after this year’s release.

Since the MX-30 is sold in small numbers (only in California,) it is evident that this vehicle is more of a trial run from Mazda, and we expect more dedicated challengers from them soon.

The 2023 Mazda MX-30 ships with one 143-horsepower motor and front-wheel drive.