2022 Mazda MX-30 GT Video, Review, And Pricing

By: Krish Persaud
October 21, 2022

Mazda has been producing top-selling vehicles for many years. Mazda’s vehicle lineup has long consisted of non-electric models, owing to Mazda’s ability to achieve low fuel-economy numbers through its Skyactiv technology. Although Mazda is a little late to the electric vehicle game, we are excited to have the opportunity to put it to the test.

The 2022 Mazda MX-30 GT that we were able to test for a week thanks to Mazda Canada came equipped with regenerative braking, a 8.8-inch digital infotainment screen, 18-inch gunmetal alloy wheels, Multi-Tone Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint, a 12-speaker Bose Premium Audio System, and a total electric range of 161 kilometers.

The MX-30 is powered by a 35.5kWh battery, an 80.9kW electric motor, and a 1-speed automatic transmission that work together to produce a maximum power output of 143 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. Although the MX-30 GT lacks the mind-numbing acceleration of most of its rivals, it has no trouble accelerating to highway speeds and the power delivery is more than sufficient for commuting within the city.

The MX-30 has an electric range of up to 161 kilometers, making it ideal for short commutes and city drives. Level 1 charging can provide a 20–80% charge in less than 14 hours, but the majority of owners are likely to invest in a Level 2 charger, which can speed up the charge process from 20% to 80% in just under 3 hours. If Level 3 (DC Charging) is available, it takes less than 40 minutes to charge from 20% to 80%.

One of the reasons we see cork used throughout the interior is because Mazda began as a cork producer in the 1920s, which many people may not be aware of. Mazda has also made some of its door panels from recycled plastic bottles. The seats are made of breathable fabric and leatherette, and although they provide adequate support, they could certainly use a little more padding. The front passengers have plenty of legroom, but the rear passengers will find it’s a little cramped back there. When the back seats are upright, the trunk has a capacity of 431 liters; when they are folded down, the capacity increases to 1,053 liters.

An HMI commander on the MX-30 controls the 8.8-inch infotainment center display (a rotary dial located directly below the gear selector). Voice commands make using the system simple, and it can be quickly configured to work with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Bose Premium Audio Sound System’s 12 speakers excel in their representation of all audio frequencies, exceeding our expectations. Controlling the climate is done with a second, user-friendly 7.5-inch touchscreen.

When it comes to producing vehicles that are enjoyable to drive, Mazda excels, and the MX-30 is no exception. This car’s suspension is well-tuned to handle anything you throw at it, and Mazda’s engineering team did an excellent job of making it an engaging drive. It does a nice job of absorbing the numerous road imperfections and navigating corners with assurance. The steering is accurate and reacts quickly. The MX-30 would unquestionably benefit from tires with more grip, as the 215/55/R18 Bridgestone Turanza tires mounted on this tester didn’t seem to be happy when pushed in the corners.

The 2022 Mazda MX-30 has two trim levels, with the GS starting at $42,150 and the GT starting at $47,150. At the time of this review, the MX-30 is only sold in the Canadian provinces of Québec and British Columbia. With the GT trim package and the additional Multi-Tone Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint, our test vehicle’s price as-tested was $48,050.

During our testing week, we did a mix of highway and city driving. Since we planned our drives with DC charging stations along the way and allowed plenty of time between trips to account for the charging times, we experienced no real range anxiety on our end.

Buying an EV will force you to alter many aspects of your driving style, including how you use the throttle and regenerative braking to increase your electric range and how you plan your routes to allow time for charges. The MX-30 has a lower than average EV range (161km) compared to its competitors, but it still has a fun, sporty drive. According to our sources, a plug-in hybrid model with a rotary engine to complement the electric motor for a longer range is on the way.