Review - 2023 Mazda MX-30

While it’s difficult to stand out in the ever-populated compact SUV segment, the MX-30 offers buyers a healthy range of engine options and, of course, a slice of its wonderful interior designs.

Just how good is the latest Mazda MX-30 then, and how does it stack up as a value proposition in the world of small SUVs? Let’s find out.

Mazda MX-30 Competition

Starting Price: $36,610

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How Much Does It Cost?

Mazda’s entry-level MX-30 G20e Evolve is priced at $36,610, with prices rising up to $39,110 for the G20e Touring and up to $42,110 for the MX-30 G20e Astina.

Mazda’s all-electric MX-30 E35 Astina is priced at $66,410.

Keep in mind that these prices are subject to change and do not include on-road costs.

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Mazda MX-30 (G20E EVOLVE MHEV) Specifications

What Features Does the Mazda MX-30 Have?

Mazda’s entry-level MX-30 Evolve range comes riding on a set of 18-inch alloys, and receives LED head & tail lights, black cloth upholstery with a leather-wrapped steering wheel & gear lever, adaptive cruise control, a rear-view camera with parking sensors.

You’ll also find dual-zone climate control, a head-up display, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8.8-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto paired with an eight-speaker sound system.

Stepping up to the MX-30 Touring adds keyless entry, a pair of auto-dimming side mirrors, white Maztex leatherette upholstery with grey cloth and a powered driver’s seat.

Finally, the MX-30 Astina comes riding on a special set of 18-inch alloys, and receives adaptive LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, heated seats & steering wheel, a surround-view monitor with front parking sensors and brown Maztex leatherette upholstery.

Range Features:

• 18-inch alloys 

• LED head & tail lights 

• Black cloth upholstery with leather steering wheel & gear lever 

• Adaptive cruise control 

• Head-up display 

• 7.0-inch instrument cluster 

• 8.8-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto 

• Keyless entry (Touring) 

• Maztex leatherette upholstery with grey cloth (Touring) 

• Adaptive LED headlights (Astina) 

• Panoramic sunroof (Astina) 

• Surround-view monitor with front parking sensors (Astina) 

Is the Mazda MX-30 Comfortable to Drive?

Simplicity and driving comfort around town should be key priorities for any compact SUV, and in this respect, we can confirm that the MX-30 is a strong performer.

Power for the majority of the MX-30 range comes supplied by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 24V mild-hybrid tech pushing out 114kW of power and 200Nm of torque, which is thrown to the front wheels.

Opting for the all-electric MX-30 E35 adds a front-mounted electric motor producing slightly less power (107kW) though this comes with a torque premium up to the tune of 271Nm, giving it some more motivation off the line.

There’s nothing groundbreaking about how the MX-30 range performs on the road, though it’s an extremely solid option for those in the market for a smooth, comfortable and user-friendly urban runaround.

With its compact wheelbase and lightweight steering wheel, maneuvering the MX-30 around town is a simple task, with smooth acceleration and shifts on offer from the six-speed automatic making for an effortless daily driver.

Upgrading to the all-electric MX-30 E35 makes it even more refined thanks to the silent powertrain, though it lacks some of the poke you’ll find in other fully-electric vehicles.

The suspension package keeps the package stable while cornering without being overly stiff around town, though it loses some ride comfort at higher speeds on rough country roads, preferring to stay within the confines of the city.

All up, the MX-30 range ticks all the important boxes that a compact SUV should, though the converted battery-electric range-topper fails to keep up with a number of bespoke EVs at its price point.

Is it Fuel Efficient?

Fuel efficiency should be one area that Mazda’s hybrid range comprehensively covers, though it’s official rating of 6.4L/100km on a combined cycle is far from the best-in-class efficiency figures for a hybrid compact SUV.

Range figures for the all-electric MX-30 E35 stand at just 224km from its 35.5kWh battery pack, which is significantly less than its key rivals and something to keep in mind if you’re making the switch to an EV.

Is it Practical and Spacious?

The MX-30’s cabin blends all the things we’ve come to love from Mazda’s interior designs with a decent deal of space in the front of the cabin, though things aren’t quite as impressive in the rear of the cabin.

Kicking off with the pilot’s seat, the MX-30’s front cabin is simply gorgeous, with a fresh design that feels surprisingly premium, even in the base model.

The steering wheel and instrument cluster are familiar, while the centre console has been beefed up in a nod to Mazda’s more premium designs and picks up digital climate inputs in the Touring variant and above.

Step higher up into the range and Mazda’s designs get even more impressive, with the MX-30 offering one of the most unique layouts within the compact SUV segment that makes it feel more special than rivals.

 Headroom in the front of the cabin is fine, even for tall drivers, with the usual mix of storage options in the centre console including a storage tray, folding armrest and a pair of cupholders.

Move to the rear of the cabin and you’ll find a unique set of forward-opening ‘freestyle’ doors that make entering the second row super easy, though things get cramped when you’re inside.

Like many small SUVs, the MX-30 doesn’t offer much in the way of rear occupant leg or headroom, meaning that rear passenger sizes are limited to kids and smaller adults.

The rear bench seat features two ISOFIX anchors and top tether mounts behind the seats, while the MX-30’s boot is rated at 311L, which is pretty much on par for the compact SUV segment.

Is it Safe?

The Mazda MX-30 range has been awarded ANCAP’s maximum five-star safety rating, scoring 91% for adult protection, 87% for child protection, 68% for pedestrian protection and 74% for safety assist.

Standard safety equipment for all MX-30 variants includes autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition and tyre pressure monitoring.

Stepping up to the range-topping Astina variants adds front cross-traffic alerts and parking sensors, driver attention monitoring, a surround-view camera and Mazda’s Cruising & Traffic Support system.

Our Verdict: Is The Mazda MX-30 Worth it?

In a world overflowing with compact SUVs, the MX-30 stands out as a fresh and funky addition to the segment, though the fully-electric version fails to justify the sizey price premium over the rest of the range.

As a result, we can confidently recommend adding lesser hybrid variants to your small SUV shortlist, largely thanks to Mazda’s impressive interior designs, though the range-topper is a more difficult sell.

If you’re tossing up your best options within the world of compact SUVs, be sure to reach out to one of our car-buying specialists who can help you in your search, and find the best possible price.

Five Mazda MX-30 Specs You Need to Know

1. Five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty 

2. Four-cylinder mild-hybrid and all-electric versions available 

3. Six-speed automatic, front-wheel drive only 

4. 311L boot space 

5. Five-star ANCAP safety rating