In-depth reviews

Mazda MX-30: boot space, seating & practicality

The Mazda MX-30’s rear-hinged doors are one of its biggest flaws, hampering practicality

Overall rating

3.0 out of 5

Boot space, seating & practicality rating

2.5 out of 5

Price
£31,250 - £36,000
Fuel Types:
Electric, Petrol

Length

Width

Height

Boot volume (seats up/down)

4,395mm

1,795mm

1,555mm

366 / 1,171 litres

Despite its status as an SUV, the Mazda MX-30 has more of a city-car-like electric range. This means it's most likely to be bought by those regularly making shorter journeys and with access to a denser network of chargers to stay topped up. This sort of use means largely urban driving, as opposed to longer trips with a full complement of luggage and passengers.

So, whether or not the MX-30 is practical enough for you will depend on how you plan to use it. If you’re used to a typical three-door supermini, the MX-30’s rear-hinged doors make getting into the second row a little easier – despite the fact you still have to open the front doors in order to open them. Most small electric cars, however, have four doors, and with this in mind the MX-30 is vastly less practical than its competitors.

Mazda MX-30 interior space, storage & comfort

Those sitting up front in the stylish, well built cabin will be perfectly comfortable, with plenty of space, interesting materials and clever hidden cupholders that act as a cork-lined tray for items when not in use – and there's another of these under the centre console, too. A well placed centre armrest joins two on each door and the overall result is a nicely considered design that puts its occupants first.

Things aren't quite as ideal in the rear, however: the same tiny, privacy-glass windows and large C-pillar that restrict rearward visibility make the back seats a fairly dark and claustrophobic place to sit. Access through the rear-hinged doors (which, as mentioned, only work after the fronts are opened) isn't as easy as you'd expect. It's not a problem for the average child who's most likely to occupy those seats, but adults may struggle, especially if they have mobility issues. Fitting child seats should be easy, however.

The result is a car that's larger than the average electric five-door supermini, yet not quite as easy to get in and out of – at least for rear-seat passengers. As a taller-riding alternative to something like a Fiat 500e, the MX-30 makes sense – but less so as a rival for some more sensible electric SUVs on the market right now.

Boot space

There's 366 litres of boot space, including the underfloor storage that's most likely to be used to carry charging cables, with a total of 1,171 litres available with the rear seats folded (with a 60:40 split). The MX-30 sits between sizes in the EV market and so can't match larger SUVs like the MG ZS EV (448 litres), but offers more flexibility than an electric supermini like the Vauxhall Corsa Electric (309 litres).

Hello there, I’m Tom Jervis and I have the pleasure of being the Content Editor here at DrivingElectric. Before joining the team in 2023, I spent my time reviewing cars and offering car buying tips and advice on DrivingElectric’s sister site, Carbuyer. I also continue to occasionally contribute to the AutoExpress magazine – another of DrivingElectric’s partner brands. In a past life, I worked for the BBC as a journalist and broadcast assistant for regional services in the east of England – constantly trying to find stories that related to cars!

Most Popular

Volkswagen ID.2 will be a VW Polo for the electric age and we’re buzzing
Volkswagen ID.2all - front
News

Volkswagen ID.2 will be a VW Polo for the electric age and we’re buzzing

Volkswagen has unveiled its latest concept car, previewing its future rival to the Vauxhall Corsa Electric
15 Dec 2023
New Kia Niro and EV6 ‘Horizon’ special editions bring value to brand’s EV line-up
Kia Horizon front
News

New Kia Niro and EV6 ‘Horizon’ special editions bring value to brand’s EV line-up

New trim level for Kia’s electric cars brings extra kit for around £700 more than the base cars
14 Dec 2023
Top 10 best electric cars 2023/2024
Best electric cars header
Best cars

Top 10 best electric cars 2023/2024

From SUVs to sports saloons, we run through the best electric cars you can buy right now
11 Dec 2023