With gas prices hitting all-time highs and fears of global warming looming around, EVs - more specifically electric compact crossover SUVs - are quickly gaining ground in the US car market. It won't be surprising to see these becoming the most popular cars on the road in the near future. Mazda has entered the fiercely competitive EV race in the US with the first-ever 2022 Mazda MX-30 EV. Although the Mazda MX-30 EV is a little late to the game, the all-new electric crossover has several tricks up its sleeve when it goes up against established players like the Hyundai KONA Electric. At Frank Boucher Mazda of Racine in Racine, WI, we compare the 2022 Mazda MX-30 EV with the 2022 Hyundai KONA Electric to see how the MX-30 fares.

2022 Mazda MX-30 Ev	VS	2022 Hyundai kona electric
$33,470	Starting MSRP	$34,000
AC Synchronous e-SKYACTIV® Motor powered by a Lithium-ion battery with 35.5 kWh capacity	Electric Powertrain	Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) powered by a Lithium-ion Polymer battery with 64.0 kWh capacity
143 hp (107 kW) / 200 lb.-ft.	Horsepower / Torque	201 hp (150kW) / 291 lb.-ft.
21.0 cu.-ft.	Cargo Space	19.2 cu.-ft.
98/85/92 MPGe (City/Highway/Combined)	EPA-Estimated MPGe Ratings	132/108/120 MPGe (City/Highway/Combined)
100 miles	All-Electric Range	258 miles

Advantages of the 2022 Mazda MX-30 EV vs the 2022 Hyundai kona electric

While the Hyundai KONA Electric comes with a more powerful electric engine powered by a twice-as-big battery, resulting in better overall performance and all-electric range, the Mazda MX-30 EV makes for what it lacks with its sizeable dimensions and eco-friendly interiors.

The 2022 Mazda MX-30 EV is more significant than the 2022 Hyundai KONA Electric and offers a spacious cabin with 51.6 cubic feet of EPA passenger volume and 21.0 cubic feet of EPA cargo space. With its thoughtfully laid-out interior crafted out of sustainable materials, the cabin of the Mazda MX-30 EV gives a feeling of spaciousness and shines over the Hyundai KONA Electric's interior. The premium interior features leatherette trimmed sport seats with cloth inserts, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear selector, heated front seats, and an 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support and 2-position driver memory.

When it comes to technology, the MX-30 EV features a standard 8.8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, an eight-speaker audio system, Multifunction Commander Control, three years of Mazda Connected Services free trial, and an infotainment system voice command among other features. The Premium Plus trim offers a Bose® 12-speaker premium audio system and a heated steering wheel for those who want more.

Side view of a white 2022 Mazda MX-30 EV driving on road

A man charging a white 2022 Mazda MX-30 EV at home

Image showing the center console and gear shift knob inside the 2022 Mazda MX-30 EV

Aerial view of a man and a woman standing near a 2022 Mazda MX-30 EV with open doors

2022 Mazda MX-30 EV Unique Selling Points

Drivers in Racine, WI, will appreciate the futuristic design of the 2022 Mazda MX-30 EV and its premium user-friendly interior technology, which is the vehicle's unique selling point. Drivers who are worried about the environment will also appreciate the use of heritage cork harvested from the bark of trees without felling throughout the cabin of the Mazda MX-30 EV. You'll find it in places like the console tray and the door trim, giving it an earthy and natural feel. Also, the door trim is made of recycled plastic bottles. And yet another point in favor of the Mazda MX-30 EV are the unique freestyle doors, aka suicide doors, that open outward from the center.

That said, the 2022 Mazda MX-30 EV may not compete with KONA Electric in terms of performance and features. Still, the eco-friendly factor and material quality make the MX-30 an exciting and unique overall package. Additionally, a plug-in hybrid version of the MX-30 is also set to join the lineup soon, giving you one more option to choose from.