Now in its second year, the Mazda MX-30 is a stylish, yet expensive and inefficient, compact electric crossover available only in California. Competitors include the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Bolt.

What’s New for the 2023 Mazda MX-30

The Mazda MX-30 carries over unchanged in its second year following its 2022 introduction. Even in California, the land of compliance electric vehicles (EVs) that aren’t sold anywhere else in the country, there are much better buys than this Mazda. It’s much more expensive than its rivals despite its paltry range of just 100 miles, and though it boasts Mazda’s impressive styling, it doesn’t have the brand’s signature driving dynamics and performance.

Design

On the surface, the Mazda MX-30 offers up the elegant design typical of the brand, though there are some odd touches that make it stand out from the rest of the Mazda lineup, and not necessarily in a good way. The raked rear roofline compromises interior space, particularly for rear passengers and cargo, and the rear doors are small and can only be opened when the front doors are open, which makes it awkward and uncomfortable to access the rear seats. It’s like a typical subcompact crossover except less useful, even if it is cute.

Powertrain

Both versions of the 2023 Mazda MX-30 have the same powertrain, which combines an electric motor and a 35.5-kWh lithium-ion battery for 143 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. Acceleration isn’t particularly fast, and it’s not as much fun to drive as some other EVs its size are. The MX-30 is available only with front-wheel drive (FWD) and can travel just 100 miles on a full charge, which is about half the range of most other affordable EVs.

Interior

The front seats are spacious and comfortable, and if you’re a passenger, it’s worth avoiding the back row by any means necessary, since this Mazda seats five only in theory. Mazda fits the MX-30’s interior with stylish materials, like cork-lined storage cubbies and tweed-like fabrics. Heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel come standard, and a heated steering wheel is available. The cargo area can accommodate 21 cubic feet of gear.

Technology

The 2023 MX-30 gets an 8.8-inch display with the Mazda Connect infotainment system. Unlike most rivals, the MX-30 has no touch controls, and the system must be accessed via controls on the center console and steering wheel. The MX-30 also gets a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, an eight-speaker audio system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth.

Safety

At least the MX-30’s high price includes a generous list of safety equipment. Mazda’s i-ActiveSense package is standard fare and includes forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot warning. Other standard features include stop-and-go adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, and rear cross-traffic alert with automatic rear emergency braking. The Premium Plus trim adds a surround-view camera system, front parking sensors, and driver-alertness monitoring.

Pricing

The 2023 Mazda MX-30 is on sale now. The base trim starts at $34,110. The Premium Plus model starts at $37,120. That extra $3,000 has the same powertrain and adds a handful of driver-assist systems and creature comforts such as a heated steering wheel and premium audio system. There aren’t any other notable upgrades or option packages.