The auto industry‘s shift towards electrification has brought more affordable EV options to market in recent years. Two compelling choices for budget-conscious buyers are the Mazda MX-30 and Chevrolet Bolt EV, both priced under $40,000. But significant differences in range, performance and availability set these electric crossovers apart.
This in-depth comparison of the MX-30 and Bolt will analyze all the key specs, reviews and ownership considerations to help you decide which affordable EV best fits your needs.
Introducing the Contenders: Mazda‘s First EV vs. Chevy‘s Refined Bolt
The Mazda MX-30 is the Japanese automaker‘s inaugural electric vehicle, bringing Mazda‘s trademark sleek styling and upscale interior into an urban-friendly crossover body style. First launched overseas in 2019 then stateside in 2021, the MX-30 aims to attract EV newcomers with an easy-to-operate package wrapped in eye-catching design.
Meanwhile the Chevy Bolt EV debuted back in 2017 and has continued to refine its formula for a practical, no-frills compact hatchback EV with up to 259 miles of range. Now entering its seventh model year, the Bolt remains America‘s most affordable longer-range electric vehicle. It lacks the flair of the Mazda but makes up for it with proven reliability and technology.
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2023 Mazda MX-30 First EV from the zoom-zoom brand adopts signature styling in a small crossover package. But extremely limited availability and low range handicap Mazda‘s inaugural effort. |
2023 Chevy Bolt EV The OG affordable EV keeps costs low but range and tech high, even as an extensive update looms for 2025. Bolt retains accessibility and reliability for first-time EV buyers. |
So while these two EVs occupy a similar price bracket at around $30,000 – $38,000, their priorities differ significantly. Let‘s delve into the specs and reviews to see how they compare.
Range and Charging: Bolt Eclipses the MX-30
Right off the bat, the biggest differentiator comes down to driving range. The Mazda MX-30 disappointingly only manages 100 miles on a full charge. That‘s less than half the 259 miles afforded by the Chevy Bolt EV. So while the MX-30 offers enough juice for daily commuting, frequent fast charging would be necessary for longer trips.
Recharging the 35.5 kWh lithium-ion battery from 20% to 80% takes about 36 minutes on a DC fast charger. The Bolt‘s 66 kWh battery recharges slightly slower, needing 30 minutes to add 100 miles of range. But with 259 miles range available, the Bolt is clearly the better choice for weekend road trips and reducing range anxiety.
Charge port accessibility also favors the Bolt, with a driver‘s side location that permits curbside public charging. The MX-30 awkwardly puts its port on the front passenger side fender.
Range and Charging
| Spec | Mazda MX-30 | Chevy Bolt
|-|-|-|
| Max Range (mi) | 100 | 259 |
| Onboard Charger | 6.6 kW | 7.2 kW |
| DC Fast Charge Rate | 50 kW | 55 kW |
| Charge Time: 20-80% | 36 min | 30 min (100 mi)
So while both EVs can fully recharge overnight on Level 2 home stations, the Bolt offers nearly triple the daily range. This allows far greater flexibility and convenience for owners.
Performance:peppy Bolt, Pokey MX-30
In terms of driving excitement, neither EV delivers sizzling performance but the Bolt EV certainly outpaces Mazda‘s offering. In fact the MX-30 feels downright pokey at times.
Its single electric motor powers the front wheels with 143 horsepower and 200 lb-ft torque. An 8.3 second 0-60 mph time fails to quicken the pulse. While handling feels reasonably agile thanks to the battery‘s low center of gravity, the MX-30 won‘t thrill sporting drivers.
The Bolt EV provides livelier motivation with 200 horsepower and 266 lb-ft torque routed through its front motor. Hitting 60 mph in under 7 seconds brings some valid zoom-zoom to this affordable EV. Handling skews more to comfort over agility but the Bolt feelseager enough for merging and passing.
Performance
| Spec | Mazda MX-30 | Chevy Bolt |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 143 hp | 200 hp |
| Torque | 200 lb-ft | 266 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 8.3 seconds | 6.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | 87 mph | 93 mph |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Clearly the Bolt brings more spunk while the MX-30 fails to dial up much driving enjoyment. Chalk up another win for team Chevy.
Efficiency, Charging Tech and Safety Features
As a dedicated EV model rather than Mazda‘s first attempt, the Chevy Bolt unsurprisingly offers advantages in efficiency, charging tech and safety gear.
Its large 66 kWh battery squeezes out 2.9 mi/kWh efficiency, edging the MX-30‘s 2.8 rating. Significantly faster DC charging also keeps Bolt drivers moving with less downtime plugged in.
Both models provide the latest charging conveniences like locating stations via their infotainment screens. But only the Bolt EV offers home installation assistance via Chevy‘s Energy Assist service. Handy tools for EV owners help justify the Bolt‘s higher sticker over its rival.
When it comes to safety tech, the Bolt also nudges ahead. While both deliver essentials like automated emergency braking and lane keeping assist, the Bolt adds a surround view camera and front pedestrian braking. A rear seat reminder and teen driver mode further complete the Chevy‘s thoughtful features list.
So if you prioritize safety and the latest EV charging tools, the Bolt touts useful advantages over Mazda‘s fledgling model.
Interior Space and Tech: Surprising Split Decision
For a compact crossover, the MX-30 utilizes its dimensions relatively well. Passenger space meets class standards with quality seat padding and adjustment. Cabin materials skew more premium as well with leatherette and fabric choices. Unique touches like cork and recycled plastics show the Mazda‘s environmental consideration too.
Cargo flexibility lags competitors though. Rear volume measures a tight 21 cubic feet and the suicide-style back doors can impede loading bulky items. Still trim materials and workmanship aim more upmarket to match the Mazda‘s premium ambitions.
The Bolt EV interior impresses too with spacious front seats and quality materials on upper trims. Rear passengers enjoy good legroom but headroom gets pinched. Cabin storage is excellent thanks to the hatchback layout, although cargo space is still tighter than compact SUVs at 16.6 cubic feet.
Interior Space
| Spec | Mazda MX-30 | Chevy Bolt |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger Volume | 96.6 cu ft | 94.4 cu ft |
| Cargo Volume | 20.9 cu ft | 16.6 cu ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.3 in | 36.0 in |
Tech features favor the Bolt EV on paper but Mazda counters with a more modern interface. The Bolt‘s 10-inch touchscreen packs built-in apps and camera feeds absent on the Mazda‘s smaller display. Yet the MX-30‘s latest Mazda Connect software looks and functions slickly. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto provide smartphone connectivity too of course.
So the Bolt nudges ahead for interior space and features but the Mazda delivers unexpectedly upscale ambiance. For EV shoppers wanting a more premium environment, the MX-30 holds unique appeal.
Pricing and Availability: Major MX-30 Pitfalls
The Mazda MX-30 has faced an uphill battle since launching in the US market. Its high $33,470 starting price proved difficult to justify next to longer-range though spartan EVs like the Bolt and Nissan Leaf. Attractive styling and Mazda‘s reputation for quality couldn‘t outweigh range anxiety concerns either.
Limited availability further hamstrings the rare sighting of a MX-30. As of 2023 it only sells in California, hampering national distribution. And Mazda recently announced discontinuing this model next year after lackluster sales. So finding a new 2023 MX-30 requires calling around the few dealers with remaining inventory. Discounts or incentives generally don‘t apply either.
Meanwhile the Chevy Bolt EV holds strong with national supply and sales. Its sub-$27,000 starting sticker also beats the Mazda by over $5,000 before considering potential discounts or the $7,500 federal tax credit. Custom-ordering a Bolt EV can still take months but availability far outmatches the doomed MX-30. Chevrolet also continues supporting the Bolt with upgrades and investment in its lifecycle.
Pricing and Availability
| Spec | Mazda MX-30 | Chevy Bolt |
|---|---|---|
| Base MSRP | $33,470 | $26,595 |
| Tax Credit Available | No | Yes, $7,500 |
| 2023 US Availability | CA only, limited | Nationwide |
| 2024 Outlook | Discontinued | Active production |
So while the Mazda touts handsome looks and premium trimmings for its high price, vanishing inventory and lack of incentives outweigh any value argument. The Chevy Bolt may lack style but succeeds through substance like range, incentives and nationwide support.
The Verdict: Why the 2023 Bolt EV Beats the Doomed MX-30
For affordable electric transportation rather than the latest EV trends or tech, the reliable Chevy Bolt still shines as America‘s best value. Its balanced combination of 250+ mile range, hatchback practicality and proven operation keeps the Bolt winning for first-time EV adopters.
The incoming 2024 Bolt EUV crossover promises even more family-friendly packaging too. And Chevrolet‘s plans to invest in future Bolt models cement its accessibility and value leadership among cheaper EVs.
The Mazda MX-30 has its selling points too, mainly through elegant design and upmarket cabin materials that outclass the spartan Bolt. But with extremely limited availability moving forward and inferior performance and range, it‘s hard to recommend in America‘s competitive EV landscape.
So while both models effectively lower the barrier of entry to electric vehicle ownership, the Chevy Bolt simply offers the better overall package. Prospective owners should heavily weight real-world range over curb appeal too. Hopefully Mazda eventually translates the MX-30‘s strengths like premium materials into a longer-range crossover. But for now the Bolt EV easily wins this affordable EV battle as Mazda backs away from the overmatched MX-30.
5 Key Takeaways: Chevy Bolt vs Mazda MX-30
- Significantly less range (100 mi vs 259 mi) hampers MX-30‘s capabilities
- Bolt EV performs better with 57 extra horsepower and quicker acceleration
- Chevy‘s refined EV platform outclasses Mazda‘s first electric effort
- National availability and tax credits favor the high-value Bolt
- Mazda backs away from MX-30 while GM invests in future Bolt models
FAQ: Consumer Questions About the MX-30 and Bolt
Does the Mazda MX-30 qualify for EV tax credits?
Unfortunately no, the MX-30 is not eligible for federal or state electric vehicle incentives. Only the Chevy Bolt EV qualifies for the full $7,500 federal credit as of 2023.
Which has more cargo space, the Bolt or MX-30?
The Mazda MX-30 touts slightly more maximum cargo room at 21 cubic feet behind the rear seats. But its rear-hinged back doors can make loading bulkier items trickier. The Bolt provides 16 cubic feet in its hatchback layout.
Is the MX-30 being discontinued?
Yes, Mazda has announced it will stop US sales of the slow-selling MX-30 after the 2023 model year. Its limited range, high price and poor sales performance have sunk Mazda‘s first EV effort. Finding a remaining 2023 car requires contacting California dealers with inventory still.
Does the Bolt EV have AWD capability?
No. Unlike its upcoming crossover variant called the Bolt EUV, the Bolt EV hatchback remains front-wheel drive only without AWD capability. Winter snow belt drivers may prefer the upcoming dual-motor AWD Bolt EUV.
Which car is faster, the MX-30 or Bolt EV?
The Chevy Bolt EV reaches 60 mph nearly 2 seconds quicker than Mazda‘s crossover. Its 57 extra horsepower contribute to superior acceleration and responsiveness too. Performance better matches the Bolt‘s affordable zoom-zoom ambitions over the slow MX-30.
About the Author
As an automotive analyst and longtime EV expert, I‘ve researched the latest electric models hitting markets worldwide. I keep tabs on consumer reviews and ownership data to provide buyers trusted insights. Helping motorists navigate the rapidly expanding EV landscape towards smart purchases remains my passion. Please reach out for any other EV comparisons or market perspectives!
