Unveiling Mazda MX-30: The Future of Electric Mobility

The Mazda MX-30 arrived in 2021 amidst high expectations. Unfortunately, this subcompact electric SUV was a letdown from the start.

Some models of the MX-30 continue to be sold as used models, with a few 2023 versions still on Mazda lots as new vehicles. The most challenging aspect of this small Mazda SUV is the short electric driving range, which only reaches 100 miles. If Mazda was trying to compete with longer-range EV models, they missed the mark with this vehicle. Still, if you need an EV to tool around town, the MX-30 could be a good option.

A different version lived on

The MX-30 was a flop as a fully-electric model, but it lives on in a different form in other markets. While you won’t find a 2024 version of this Mazda subcompact SUV in America, other countries have this model year vehicle with something much different. The latest version is called the MX-30 R-EV. The R-EV part stands for the rotary generator, which sends power to the batteries. This gas-powered small rotary engine generates power and gives this little vehicle up to 280 miles of driving range. This is a much more acceptable figure than the 100 miles offered in the EV model.

More power and flexibility

The new R-EV model gives drivers 167 horsepower, which is more than the EV version. The added horsepower isn’t going to allow this Mazda to win any awards. Still, adding a rotary power generator gives this vehicle the flexibility to drive much further than the EV model, which makes this a much more useful vehicle. Instead of requiring a recharge at an EV station, the 13.2-gallon tank can be filled with gasoline and give this little SUV the ability to continue on the road.

Only two trims offered

This little Mazda was mostly a test model for this brand to enter the EV market. It was only offered in EV and Premium Plus trims. Let’s take a look at what’s included in each of these two trim levels of this little Mazda SUV.

CX-30 EV

The base version of this Mazda EV gives you some good features to enjoy during your 100 miles of driving range. This trim has:

• Rear-hinged back doors
• Recycled fabric cabin materials
• Cork door panels
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• LED headlights and taillights
• Adaptive front lighting system
• Leatherette-trimmed seats with cloth inserts
• Heated front seats
• Automatic climate control system
• Auto-dimming mirror
• Windshield-projected Active Driving Display
• 8.8-inch infotainment screen
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• HD Radio
• Two USB ports
• 8-speaker audio system
• Adaptive cruise control
• Rear parking sensors
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alerts
• Automatic emergency braking
• Lane-keep assist
• Driver attention alert
• Automatic high beams

MX-30 Premium Plus

The more luxurious version of the Mazda MX-30 is the Premium Plus trim. This model gives you additional standard features, including:

• Blind-spot assist
• SiriusXM satellite radio
• Bose 12-speaker premium audio system
• Universal garage door opener
• Heated steering wheel
• 360-degree camera
• Front cross-traffic alert
• Driver monitoring camera
• Front parking sensors

This trim is also offered with a couple of premium paint options including Machine Gray Metallic and Ceramic Metallic with a contrast roof. You can also have a black leatherette interior with brown trim at no additional cost.

How much power does the EV model offer?

The EV models sold in the United States have one electric motor that drives the front wheels. This electric motor generates 143 horsepower, which is enough to get this little SUV going. Although the MX-30 only offers 100 miles of driving range, it drives like a Mazda with sharp steering and a playful chassis that helps you enjoy the fun you want to enjoy when behind the wheel of a Mazda.

Why don’t you see any Mazda MX-30 models on most roads?

Not only is the MX-30 a slow-selling electric SUV because of its low driving range figure, but it was only offered in California. This is a good starting point for any alternative fuel vehicle that enters the market, but that also means you won’t see the MX-30 in many states other than California.

Will the R-EV model make it to America?

The new Mazda MX-30 with a rotary range extender could make its way to America in the future. Of course, the failure of the EV model will make it difficult for this new model to be successful.

If you’re shopping for the MX-30, you’ve got a limited market, but you could find it and enjoy driving an EV around town. Of course, if you want to enjoy a road trip in this Mazda, you’ll want the R-EV model, but it might not come to America.