Hello, welcome to this full comparison guide between two of the newest small electric SUV models – the 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge and 2022 Mazda MX-30 EV. As automakers continue expanding their electric vehicle lineups, these subcompact crossovers stand out with stylish designs and high-tech features.
But when directly comparing the Volvo XC40 and Mazda MX-30 specs, some key differences emerge that can directly impact your ownership experience. This article will analyze how these two EVs stack up across critical categories like battery range, performance, charging speed, pricing, and more to help you determine the better choice for your needs.
Quick Comparison Overview
Before jumping into the details, here is an at-a-glance view of how the key specifications of the Volvo XC40 Recharge and Mazda MX-30 EV compare:
As you can see above, Volvo equips the XC40 with a vastly larger battery for over twice the electric driving range compared to the MX-30. The Volvo also significantly outpaces the Mazda in horsepower and acceleration. However, Mazda offers strong value with a starting price under $35,000.
Now let’s explore how these electric SUV models match up across styling, interior space, range and charging, performance, tech features, safety ratings, and pricing in greater detail. Analyzing these key categories will help you determine if the XC40 or MX-30 better fits your EV ownership needs and budget.
Exterior Styling and Dimensions Comparison
The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge and Mazda MX-30 take distinctive approaches to exterior design that reflect their brands. As you can see in the dimension comparison below, the XC40 has a taller, boxier shape lending more interior room, while the MX-30 prioritizes overt style in its shaping.
Volvo XC40 Styling
The Volvo XC40 remains instantly recognizable as part of the XC family, with traditional SUV proportions. A large upright grille, Thor’s Hammer LED headlights, and familiar T-shaped lights out back emphasize its Volvo DNA. With its updated EV styling, the XC40 Recharge looks modern and appealing from every angle.
You can choose from nine vibrant color options for the XC40, ranging from Fjord Blue metallic to Fusion Red. Optional 19- or 20-inch wheels further boost curb appeal. Overall exterior dimensions stretch 174.2 inches long, 73.7 inches wide, and 64.8 inches tall including standard roof rails.
A higher ride height of over 8 inches also signals this Volvo’s off-road and foul-weather capabilities compared to lower-slung rivals. You’ll have an easier time spotting small obstacles or clearing deep snow with the XC40’s commanding view of the road.
Mazda MX-30 Styling
In contrast to the traditional Volvo, the Mazda MX-30 turns heads with a more daring, coupe-like design. Sleek dimensions of 173.3 inches long, 70.7 inches wide and just 61.5 inches tall give it both sports car panache and easier city parking and maneuvering potential.
Signature design elements like the large shield grille, slim headlights, and fastback roofline make the MX-30 instantly recognizable as a Mazda. Freestyle reverse-hinged half-doors at the rear also lend practicality by enabling easier loading in tight parking spaces.
The MX-30 projects an environmentally friendly image with its cork interior materials and available light gray metallic paint named “Ceramic.” But sportier drivers can opt for the darker Polymetal Gray. Overall, if you want an eye-catching EV that looks more like a sports coupe than an SUV, the distinctive MX-30 will turn more heads.
Passenger and Cargo Space Comparison
The Volvo XC40’s larger exterior dimensions translate into a roomier cabin, rear cargo area, and seating versatility than the Mazda MX-30. Look at the interior space comparison below:
You can carry more passengers or gear in the XC40 versus the MX-30 thanks to the 5 extra inches of length and 3 extra inches of height. The Volvo provides space for 5 passengers, while the Mazda seats 4. Legroom is tight in both models, but headroom and shoulder room are more ample in the XC40, especially in back.
Cargo room behind the second row is far greater in the XC40 at 25.6 cubic feet, expanding to 57.5 cubic feet with the 60/40 split folding rear seats dropped. That roomy cargo hold can readily fit large boxes, travel luggage, and home goods runs. The MX-30 offers just 20.2 cubic feet behind its fixed rear seat which may only handle a few grocery bags or backpacks.
So if you want to travel with multiple passengers or bulky gear, the extra interior room of the Volvo XC40 Recharge makes it the superior choice over the Mazda MX-30. But urban singles who rarely haul items bigger than groceries may find the Mazda’s truncated dimensions easier to park and pilot through congested cities.
Battery Range and Charging Comparison
Battery range and charging speeds are both crucial considerations when selecting an electric vehicle. The table below illustrates the sizable advantage the Volvo XC40 enjoys over the Mazda MX-30 in both driving distance per charge and charging rate capabilities:
Equipped with a 75 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the XC40 Recharge boasts an EPA-rated 223 miles of range. For comparison, the MX-30 travels around 100 miles per 35.5 kWh charge according to EPA estimates. Credit the Volvo’s vastly larger battery providing over twice the energy capacity, enabling you to drive longer distances without recharging.
Both SUVs offer three charging options: Level 1 AC charging via a household outlet, Level 2 AC charging using a 240-volt outlet common at home and public stations, and DC fast charging. The table above displays how long a 0-80% charge takes using both Level 2 and DC fast charging.
Clearly, the Volvo XC40 recharges must faster as well thanks to its advanced battery. Its support for 150 kW DC fast charging means you can add over 90 miles of drive range in just 10 minutes at compatible stations! So XC40 owners will spend less down time when topping up the battery on road trips.
For urban commuting and errands, the MX-30’s 100 mile range should easily suffice most days without needing a charge. But frequent regional travel or living in remote areas with few charging stations nearby favor the XC40 and its 200+ mile driving range between plug-ins.
Performance, Handling and Capability Comparison
The Volvo XC40 handily outperforms the Mazda MX-30 in acceleration, torque figures, and off-road talents. Let’s compare what’s happening under the sheet metal:
Dual electric motors (one powering each axle) in the AWD Volvo XC40 produce 402 horsepower and 488 lb-ft of torque. This muscle launches it to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds – much quicker pickup than the vast majority of SUVs. With AWD traction, you can also tackle slippery terrain in rain, mud, or snow where 2WD rivals might struggle.
By comparison, the front-wheel drive Mazda MX-30 delivers 143 horsepower and 200 lb-ft torque from its single electric motor mounted over the front axle. This results in a 0-60 mph time of 9.7 seconds – quite slow by modern standards. Its urban-friendly tires also lack all-weather credentials for slogging through the rough stuff.
Around town, both EVs handle well thanks to the low center of gravity provided by their floor-mounted battery packs. One-pedal driving capability via aggressive regenerative braking adds convenience in stop and go traffic too. But drivers wanting max acceleration punch and traction should only consider the high-performance XC40.
Technology and Driver Assistance Comparison
Modern vehicles rely on advanced technology for both infotainment and safety assurance. The Volvo XC40 Recharge provides superior driver assistance aids, while its Google-powered multimedia system offers cutting-edge features the Mazda lacks.
Driver Assistance and Safety Tech
The XC40 Recharge justifies its higher starting price by including more advanced safety systems than the MX-30 as standard equipment. These aid collision avoidance and reduce driver stress in tricky situations like highway driving or parking.
Key assistance features in the Volvo but unavailable on most Mazda MX-30 versions include:
- Blind spot information w/ steering support
- Cross traffic alert with auto brake
- Pilot Assist driver support (adaptive cruise control with lane centering tech)
- Low and high-speed collision mitigation braking
The extensive safety tech contributes to the XC40’s coveted Top Safety Pick + rating from the IIHS, which the Mazda lacks. So if you prioritize cutting-edge accident avoidance and luxury features, Volvo has your back.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Volvo forged an exclusive partnership with Google to jointly develop next-gen infotainment services embedded in the XC40 Recharge. The system leverages Google mapping, voice activation, and app integration for unmatched convenience.
Over-the-air software update capability also enables introducing new apps and functionality down the road. And with support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you can easily use your smartphone’s interfaces on the XC40’s big touchscreen.
The Mazda MX-30 takes a simpler route to its technology, with physical control knobs to reduce distraction potential. It still offers wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto to enable phone mirroring. But you won’t have access to any integrated apps or an AI assistant to simplify tasks behind the wheel.
Cost and Availability Comparison
Now for the final piece of this 2022 Volvo XC40 vs Mazda MX-30 analysis – how their pricing stacks up.
As luxury models from an upscale brand, Volvo vehicles command higher price tags, and the technologically advanced XC40 Recharge is no exception. With a starting MSRP of $53,550 before federal tax incentives, expect to spend around $60,000 for a nicely appointed model.
Mazda introduced its first EV as a relatively affordable niche model – not as roomy or quick as rivals but ideal for eco-conscious urbanites not requiring maximum utility or range. The 2022 MX-30 kicks off at $33,470 before tax credits or options. With available all-wheel drive pushing the base to $35,480, even fancy versions should stay under $40,000.
The Mazda also remains eligible for the full $7500 federal tax credit discount which Volvo has surpassed. So depending on your state’s added incentives, the actual price difference becomes closer to $20,000. That’s still a wide gap for many shoppers, but the appeal of saving thousands could sway lots of first time EV buyers towards the MX-30.
Just know that the 2022 Volvo XC40 justifies its higher MSRP by providing over 200 miles of electric range from a larger battery, two powerful motors for feisty performance, extra interior space, and more sophisticated tech and safety systems. For drivers who can afford it, the Volvo’s superiority across critical categories makes it worth the premium.
Verdict: XC40 Reigns Supreme for Range, Space, and Tech
In this head-to-head battle between the 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge and 2022 Mazda MX-30 EV, the Volvo is clearly the superior all-arounder. With over twice the electric driving range, a much faster and more capable AWD powertrain, extra passenger and cargo space, and leading-edge technology included, it outmatches the Mazda across most ownership measures.
I only recommend the Mazda MX-30 for urban dwellers wanting a stylish subcompact runabout suited for local errands more than long trips or hauling bulky cargo. Yes, its lower price tag enhances appeal among eco-minded commuters. But most buyers need the practical talents like range, grip, and versatility offered by the exceptional Volvo XC40 Recharge instead.
So while the unique Mazda holds niche appeal, I suggest you test drive and strongly consider stretching your budget for the Volvo XC40 EV if possible. Feel free to reach out with any other questions!
