2022 Mazda MX-30 Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

Mazda is joining the crowd that's making all-electric vehicles. The 2022 Mazda MX-30 is the first of its kind, and it's going to appeal to potential buyers who like the sleek style that Mazda is known for and want something that lets them cut their gas consumption. There are two trims of the Mazda MX-30, and while neither is that affordable, they still have reasonable price tags. They also have advanced technology and cool design elements.

What's New for 2022?

As mentioned, the Mazda MX-30 is a brand new model for this model year. It shares part of its name with the MX-5 Miata sports car, but there are not that many similarities between the two vehicles. Perhaps Mazda wanted people to associate the MX-30 with sportiness and excitement, so that's why it went with that name.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2022 Mazda MX-30 – The Pros

1. No Fuel Required

It's pretty liberating to make the switch from gas to electric. Going to gas stations has become such a regular part of a commuter's routine. With the Mazda MX-30, though, this is no longer required, unless someone wants to stock up on snacks or drinks. This SUV uses an electric motor and a 35.5-kWh battery instead of the components found under the hood of traditional vehicles. Long-term savings can add up after a few years of driving an electric model.

2. Excellent Amount of Torque

The Mazda MX-30 has 200 pound-feet of torque and is very fast to respond to pressure on the gas pedal. While this SUV might not have enough power to haul heavy cargo, for example, it's responsive and fun to drive. It can accelerate quickly after a stop light or when merging onto a highway, and this is definitely something that a prospective buyer would notice during a test drive.

3. Can Charge Quickly

There are three options for charging. Level 3 charging requires a DC fast charger, and it can take the battery life from 20% to 80% in only 36 minutes. This is perfect for travelers, as they can pull into a charging station and grab a quick bite to eat or run an errand while the battery is getting energized.

With a Level 2 charger, it takes a little less than three hours to get to that 80% charge. These types of chargers can be installed in residences, and since most people are at home for stretches that are longer than a few hours each day or night, this can be an ideal charging solution.

The last type of charging is a Level 1 charge. It uses a regular 120-volt outlet. This method takes the longest, going from 20% to 80% battery capacity in more than 13 hours. This might still work for those who plan on charging their vehicles overnight.

4. Looks Upscale

Mazdas are known for their sophistication. The company has come up with a design approach that's quite elegant.The MX-30 has aerodynamic lines and gentle curves, and its roofline slopes down in the back. Signature LED lights, LED daytime ramming lights, and LED taillights contribute to the modern aesthetic. The grille is narrow, as are the headlights, and this makes the exterior of the SUV look streamlined.

5. Great Technology

Plenty of high-tech equipment has been integrated into this model. It has an 8.8-inch center display that seems to float above the dashboard. It comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth, with SiriusXM being available.

There is an additional display behind the steering wheel. That one measures seven inches and provides useful information regarding driving performance. Plus, there's an active driving display that projects some pieces of data onto the windshield, right where it would be easy for the driver to read this information.

6. A Unique Door Design

Most two-row SUVs have four traditional doors. The MX-30 is a little different. Its front doors swing open as one would expect them to, but the back doors have rear hinges and hidden door handles. Without a pillar in between the two rows, there is a real sense of openness. This type of door is called a Freestyle Door by the company, and this name embodies the spirit that Mazda was going for with this vehicle.

7. An Array of Driver-Assist Safety Systems

It makes sense that this brand new model has advanced technology that allows it to protect its passengers. It has numerous mitigation systems that are ready to intervene if necessary.

Blind spot alert, rear cross traffic alert, and forward collision alert are some of the monitoring systems that can be important. On top of that, the MX-30 has emergency braking so that it can actively work to prevent collisions. Further, it can correct steering if the driver is veering gout of position, and it has rear parking sensors and rear smart brake support.

The higher trim, which is called the Premium Plus, has more features. They include a front cross traffic alert system, front parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera system.

8. Nice Cabin Amenities

Leatherette seats are standard with the MX-30, and so are heated front seats. The leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shifter add to the cabin's style. It's great that Mazda decided to give this model a standard power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support. This seat has two-position memory as well.

The frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror is minimalistic, and the power moonroof may make the SUV more attractive to buyers. Automatic climate control and multiple storage compartments can also be appreciated. The Premium Plus gets to have heated steering wheel, too.

9. A Versatile Cabin

As an SUV, the MX-30 has a relatively tall cargo area. The rear seatback has a 60/40 configuration to provide some flexibility. Lowering the whole seat increases cargo capacity by quite a bit. It's helpful that each side of the seatback can be lowered independently in case a combination of cargo and passengers have to be accommodated at the same time.

10. Sustainability Is Important

Mazda was thoughtful in its approach to how the MX-30 was made. The door trim actually has recycled materials in it, which have been sourced from plastic bottles. Under the center console and in the door trim, there's cork. This cork is soft and has an interesting texture, and it's been taken from unfelled trees. This is a throwback to Mazda's origins as a cork-harvesting company.

Reasons Not to Buy a 2022 Mazda MX-30 – The Cons

1. Limited Range

This model only has a range of about 100 miles. This is much less than the range of many high-end electric vehicles, and it's less than more budget-friendly ones as well. 100 miles might be ideal for daily commutes to work or school. However, it's not ideal for long road trips and will require frequent stopping. It's a significant limiting factor that prospective buyers will have to think carefully about.

2. All-Wheel Drive Isn't Available

The one electric motor provides power to the front wheels only. This means that the MX-30 can't redistribute power to the rear wheels if it ever experiences a loss in traction. As a result, this vehicle isn't particularly suited for snowy streets and rugged trails. It's much more at home on dry pavement and suburban or urban environments.

3. A Small Cabin

Mazda labels the MX-30 as an SUV, but some may think that this categorization is a stretch. It feels more like a hatchback or crossover because of its design and its size. Second-row leg room is only 30.1 inches, so adults would have a hard time staying comfortable on longer trips.

 

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

2022 Mazda MX-30 vs 2022 MINI SE

Another somewhat unique vehicle that runs on an all-electric powertrain is the MINI SE. It has less torque than the Mazda has, so it might not feel as responsive. It does have a good amount of technology, but it only has a 5.5-inch digital gauge cluster instead of the seven-inch one that's found in the MX-30.

While both of these models are on the compact side of the spectrum, the MX-30 has a decent amount of cargo space. The same can't really be said for the MINI SE, which has less than nine cubic feet of space behind its rear seats.

2022 Mazda MX-30 vs 2022 Nissan Leaf

The Nissan Leaf has been around for several years, and it was one of the pioneers in the field. It does have an attractive look, but the Mazda MX-30 definitely looks more refined. Its freestyle door system helps it appear to be much more modern than the LEAF does. Unlike the MX-30, the Leaf doesn't have standard heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver's seat, or leatherette upholstery.

Also, the Leaf can't be charged as quickly as the MX-30 can. This is a major factor when it comes to buying electric vehicles.

Conclusion

The 2022 Mazda MX-30 is a refreshing new option made by Mazda. Being an all-electric vehicle is its primary feature since so many consumers are trying to find ways to be more eco-friendly and, as a result, realize some long-term savings. Mazda has done an excellent job at making the MX-30 look luxurious and distinct, and it has given it advanced technology and nice amenities. If people can look past the limited range and capability of the MX-30, then it would be an intriguing option.