Electric compact crossover SUVs are gaining a lot of steam and are destined to become the most popular segment in the near future. While certain manufacturers are approaching this segment methodically, others are diving in completely with the production of all-electric vehicles and infrastructure for charging stations. And in the case of Mazda, the MX-30 is their chip to get into the game. With its entry into this segment from the 2022 model year, the Mazda MX-30 goes up against early entrants like the Hyundai Kona Electric. Let’s see what advantages pit the MX-30 above the Hyundai Kona Electric.
As mentioned earlier, the MX-30 is new for 2022 and is going to be Mazda’s first all-electric vehicle. In terms of dimensions, the MX-30 is similarly sized to the current CX-30 crossover. However, its “MX” nomenclature goes to show its affinity towards handling and fun-to-drive nature.
2022 Mazda MX-30 |
vs |
2022 Hyundai Kona Electric |
AC Synchronous e-SKYACTIV EV Motor powered by a Lithium-ion battery with 35.5 kWh capacity |
Powertrain |
Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) powered by a Lithium-ion Polymer battery with 64.0 kWh capacity |
143 hp / 200 lb.-ft. |
Horsepower / Torque |
201 hp / 291 lb.-ft. |
21.0 cu. ft. |
Cargo Space |
19.2 cu. ft. |
98 / 85 / 92 |
Range (City/Highway/Combined) |
132 / 108 / 120 |
Well, the 2022 Kona Electric has a distinctive advantage over the MX-30 in the performance aspect. Just as much power as it produces, the 2022 Kona Electric also offers a lot more range compared to the MX-30. This can be attributed to Kona Electric’s better electric motor. And with a battery capacity that is twice as high as the MX-30, the 2022 Kona Electric also manages to offer a better range. All that said, it is worth noting that the MX-30 is designed to be a subtle and user-friendly compact SUV that can take you from point A to point B without any hassles. Also, a plug-in hybrid version of the MX-30 will also join the lineup soon giving customers a wider range of options to choose from.
The cabin is where the MX-30 shines, with a thoughtful layout that induces a feeling of spaciousness. The MX-30 comes with leatherette trimmed sport seats with cloth inserts, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear selector, heated front seats, eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support and two-position memory, and adjustable headrests in all seating positions. The Premium Plus trim adds an extra heated steering wheel feature to the vehicle.
In terms of features, the MX-30 comes with an 8.8-inch touchscreen display, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, eight-speaker audio system, Multifunction Commander Control, Radio Broadcast Data System program information, and Infotainment System Voice Command, to name some of them. One can go on to say that the Kona Electric offers a lot more features and configurations such as leather-upholstered seats, a 10.25-inch touchscreen display, and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. But it is the fit and finish of the components in the MX-30 that makes a difference in its stand in the segment.
Also, what helps the MX-30 stand out is its unique selling point being the environment-friendly aspect of the vehicle. For instance, heritage cork harvested from the bark of trees without felling has been used extensively inside the cabin in places like the console tray and the certain part of the door trim to give it an earthy and natural feel. The door trim is made out of fibers made from recycled plastic bottles. Not to forget the freestyle doors that open outwards from the center that gives it a hint of coolness.
Taking everything into consideration, the MX-30 might not be able to compete with Kona Electric’s broad sense of feature offering. But it is the quality of materials used, the design philosophy, and the environment-friendly nature that makes the MX-30 a more interesting pick of the two.