Stylish and sporty, the Mazda MX-30 is the car manufacturer’s first entry into the realm of all-electric vehicles.
Perhaps this is why it suffers significantly from a lack of range, offering a sub-standard 100 miles on a full charge and a sluggish acceleration from its 143 hp single motor.
It gets an EPA estimated 98 city/85 highway MPGe and offers rapid DC charging. Still, it’s a Mazda, and it shares its tagging with the lauded Miata, which means you can expect lively steering and a genuinely fun-to-drive ride out of the MX-30.
Exterior styling is classy, blending futuristic hints with sleek lines. The elegant interior uses sustainable materials like cork and fabric upholstery made from recycled bottles. Heated front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a power sunroof offer a little luxury in the affordable crossover.
A floating center console features a secondary 8.8-inch display giving drivers access to audio, navigation, a view of the backup camera, and the infotainment suite that connects seamlessly to both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Cargo is limited in this compact SUV, and the rear seat is a bit cramped for grown-up passengers. Overall, the MX-30 is best suited for short commutes or a second vehicle for longer range trips looking for an affordable entry into the all-electric category.
Its starting price tag is $33,740, one of the less expensive options in the class.
Three competitors stand out above the crowd if you are in the market for a compact crossover that doesn’t rely on gas to get you going.
- Ford Mustang Mach-E with a slightly higher price point and a lot more packed in features, beefy style, and significantly more range.
- Volkswagen ID.4 with great range, lots of room, and clever features
- Kia Nero EV, which is price comparable, more than double the range, and plenty of hi-tech features.
Read on to discover more about alternative options to the 2022 Mazda MX-30.
Top 3 Similar Electric Vehicles to 2022 Mazda MX-30
1. Ford Mustang Mach-E
A striking contender, the Ford Mustang Mach-E offers aggressive style inspired by its namesake and brings performance to match. The Mach-E has an impressive 314 mi range and an EPA-rated 110 city/96 highway MPGe.
The available 480 hp engine easily outshines the performance of the MX-30 and gives the Mach-E a lively acceleration rate. The Mach-E offers dual-motor, extended range models that offer AWD for those who want to take on longer adventures.
With more than double the available cargo space, the Mach-E is more than ready for the family vacation or a stock-up trip to Costco. The interior cabin is roomy and well-designed, with a good selection of user-friendly tech on a central 15.5-inch screen.
The driver’s display is a digital 10.2-inch screen that includes instrument clusters and navigation info. You will pay more for the extra goodies, as the Mach-E starts at $43,895.
You can learn more from the automaker’s website here.
2. Volkswagen ID.4
The ID.4 can upgrade to a double motor that offers AWD, granting a significant performance edge over the MX-30. The ID.4 can travel 280 miles on a full battery, nearly triple the MX-4, with an MPGe of 107 city/91 highway.
Performance-wise, it’s not quite as sluggish as the MX-30 at the starting line but may lag behind other EVs. Regenerative braking is present, but the one-pedal driving other EVs offer is unavailable in the ID.4.
It’s possible to see a bit of the VW Beetle in the exterior design but reduced in character for its modern polish. The interior is notably quiet and roomy, offering 64.2 cubic feet of cargo space and seating for five.
Ambient lighting, adjustable seats, and heated seats create a comfy cabin, though the infotainment system can be somewhat clunky to use. Overall, a good choice at a moderate starting price of $40,760.
Learn more from Volkswagen here.
3. Kia Niro EV
The Kia Niro EV is an attractive, affordable, well-equipped subcompact option. With a respectable 239 mi range on a full battery and an MPGe rating of 123 city/102 highway, the Nero is perfectly capable of filling in as your daily driver.
A single motor manages a zesty starting 0-60 in 6.2 and offers regenerative braking with four settings. Like the MX-30, you’ll find heated, power front seats. With an upgraded package, you’ll enjoy wireless charging.
The interior design is underwhelming and heavy on black plastic. No folding rear seats, but the Nero still manages 53 cubic feet of cargo room.
Like the MX-30, adult passengers might find the rear seats cramped due to a raised floor. Overall, a good choice for a green daily commuter with a starting price of $39,990.
You can explore options at Kia’s website here.
Similar Electric Vehicles to 2022 Mazda MX-30
1. Kia EV6
The EV6 is Kia’s first all-electric line, and they’ve packed this crossover with delightful features. The exterior is striking in its fluid design, with a futuristic edge and aerodynamic lines.
It also offers an impressive 310-mile range with a combined EPA rating of 117 MPGe or 105 MPGe for the dual-motor variants.
It has responsive handling and zoom, with the GT version boasting a respectable 576-hp motor for zippy acceleration at 3.5 seconds to 60. Adjustable regenerative braking, available AWD, and rapid charging also feature in the EV6.
The interior presents a digital dash and style that inspires gold-accented cockpit vibes with plenty of built-in storage compartments.
Unlike the MX-4, there’s plenty of room front and back for passengers and a decent 50.2 cubic feet of cargo storage with rear seats flat.
The better handling and design comes with a higher price tag; the starting price for the EV6 is $40,900.
Discover the EV6 options at Kia’s website here.
2. Volvo C40 Recharge
The C40 Recharge looks to offer drivers a modern, clean hatchback crossover with lots of clever storage design. With standard AWD and two independent motors providing 402 hp, expect responsive driving with less zest offered by rides like the Mach-E.
The driving range still exceeds the MX-30 by about double, with a 226 mil range and a 94 city/80 highway MPGe. Rapid charging can get the C40 back on the road in 40 minutes.
Inside, you’ll find high-end materials, backlit door and trim panels, a panoramic sunroof, comfortable seating for long-legged folks, and lots of smart storage. Unfortunately, the swooping roofline cuts into visibility and creates large blind spots.
The cargo capacity still beats the tight-fit MX-30 at 42.6 cubic feet. The luxury materials show up in the price tag, with this Volvo starting at $58,750.
Discover C40 Recharge details at Volvo’s website here.
3. Chevrolet Bolt
The Chevrolet Bolt offers a striking sheet metal appearance with a newly refinished cabin with updated materials and an enticing lower starting price.
The front-drive-only drivetrain ensures rapid acceleration response and provides lively highway handling. One pedal driving can be activated via a button on the console and allows for adaptive regenerative braking.
The range exceeds the MX-30, with 259 miles available at full charge and a 131 city/109 highway MPGe. The interior offers a better use of space than the MX-30, including rear seats that can comfortably seat adults and up to 57 cubic feet of cargo space.
With upgrades, drivers can enjoy subscription-based wifi hotspots and wireless smartphone charging. The lowered cost comes in under the MX-30, at just $31,500, making the Bolt an attractive option for those looking for an affordable EV.
Explore the Bolt and its options here.
4. Hyundai Kona Electric
A compelling competitor to the MX-30, the Kona Electric is affordable, attractive, and offers a good range with delightful driving.
One-pedal driving with efficient regenerative braking is adjusted via steering-wheel-mounted paddles to adapt the regeneration rate. The 258-mile range exceeds the MX-30, and the 132 city/108 highway MPGe is respectable.
The 201 hp provides lively handling. A low center of gravity and heavy battery helps it feel rooted while driving. Inside, drivers will find elegant design and quality materials with comfortable front seats.
The rear seating is cramped for adult-sized passengers, and it offers smaller cargo space than others in its class.
A 10-year warranty comes standard, as does a complimentary three-year/36,000-mile maintenance plan, making the Kona Electric an appealing option at its low entry price of $34,000.
Explore Hyundai’s Kona at their website here.
5. Tesla Model Y
A practical entry into the Tesla field, the Model Y offers a sedate-looking exterior with a streamlined, tech-haven inside with the lively handling and range the automaker is known for.
With a range of up to 330 miles and a 131 city/117 highway MPGe, the Model Y is at the higher end of EV ranges. The dual-motor powertrain offers a lively 0-60 in 3.6 seconds with the Performance model.
The interior provides a clean look with an expansive, heavily-tinted all-glass roof, helping it feel roomier than it is. The cabin isn’t particularly quiet; expect road noise to be a companion.
A large infotainment display manages nearly every function, which offers a full suite of apps, even entertainment options like Netflix and video games (but don’t worry, these can’t be used while driving).
The interior also offers plenty of cargo, up to 76.2 cubic feet. You can expect to pay a little more for the Model Y than the MX-30, with a starting price of $58,990.
Learn more about the Model Y’s features at Telsa’s website here.
Similar Hybrid Vehicles to 2022 Mazda MX-30
1. Honda CR-V Hybrid
With a generous, well-designed interior and good fuel economy, the Honda CR-V Hybrid is a good option for those who aren’t ready to take the plunge into a wholly electric vehicle yet. Both engine options are efficient, providing 40/35 MPG.
The acceleration is comparatively sluggish and the engine noisy, but the steering is responsive, and the braking is solid.
The interior is beautiful with elegant accents and plenty of space for passengers and cargo, offering up to 68.7 cubic feet of storage.
With a starting price of $31,610, the Honda CR-V Hybrid is a strong contender against the MX-30, offering more in terms of space, comfort, and handling but leaving you reliant on gas.
Learn more details about the Honda CR-V Hybrid at their website here.
2. Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
Offering a lively powertrain and a comfy, quiet interior with plenty of cargo space makes the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid a good option for those looking for alternatives to the Mazda MX-30.
It earned an EPA estimated 36 city/31 highway MPG with a range of 31 miles on battery power alone. New for 2022, buyers can opt for the plug-in hybrid for home charging.
Drivers can anticipate a solid driving experience, though it won’t satisfy those looking for a sportier feel. AWD is available for those who want to tackle more challenging road conditions.
The interior is well designed, with a contemporary cockpit look, head-up display, digital gauges, and even available heated rear seats. Speaking of seats, they are comfy in both front and back.
With an impressive 72.1 cubic feet of potential cargo space so you can handle Costco trips or family camping adventures with ease.
Discover what the Sante Fe Hybrid has to offer at Hyundai’s website here.
3. Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
If you want Subaru’s notable safety scores and reputation but the fuel efficiency of a hybrid, the Crosstrek Hybrid is a good option and compares well to the MX-30.
It is capable of off-roading with standard AWD and offers lively handling, it can travel up to 17 miles on battery alone, and an EPA estimated 35 MPG combined or 90 MPGe combined.
Subaru earned a 2021 Top Safety Pick + from IIHS, and in 2022 it received a Good score in every crashworthiness test. Plus, you’ll benefit from Subaru’s EyeSight suite, which offers a comprehensive suite of active safety features and driver-assist software.
With only 43.1 cubic feet of cargo, it lacks storage space but still compares well to the MX-30 in most other areas. The starting price for a Crosstrek Hybrid is $35,845.
See more about the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid at their website here.
4. Toyota Rav4 Prime
If you are looking for something comparable to a Mazda MX-30 but want towing capacity, the Toyota Rav4 Prime can haul up to 2500 pounds. With 303 hp, it can get up to 60 from a dead stop in as little as 5.4 seconds.
With its plug-in hybrid engine, you can anticipate a range of 42 miles on battery alone and 38 MPG combined. To get access to the quicker charger, though, you’ll need to upgrade to the Premium trim level.
With that upgrade, you’ll also get a panoramic roof, a 120-v outlet in the cargo area, heated rear seats, and a head-up display. The interior is well-designed, but the infotainment system feels outdated.
You can fit up to 63.2 cubic feet of cargo with the seats folded down. For added capacity, you can expect to pay a little more. The Rav4 Prime has a starting price of $39,800.
Learn more about the Rav4 Prime from Toyota at their website here.