Not only is the MX-30 an all-new model for Mazda, it marks the first time the Japanese automaker has experimented with an all-electric powertrain. It's similarly sized to the current CX-3 and the upcoming CX-30 crossovers, but borrows the MX nomenclature of the MX-5 Miata, giving us hope that it will be a performance-oriented option in the electric-SUV marketplace.
Another day, another electric vehicle. This time around it's from Mazda, and it blends all the hallmarks of a sporty city SUV with a fully-electric heart. The MX-30 debuts Mazda's pure-electric e-SkyActiv platform, along with a number of new interior technologies likely to filter through the rest of the Japanese brand's line-up in due course. The all-electric MX-30 is part of Mazda's plan to offer an e-SkyActiv (hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or fully-electric) vehicle in each of its model lines by 2030. That includes everything from the Mazda 2 through to the dual-cab BT-50 replacement.
Mazda could have played it safe with this one but it didn't. Instead, it went bold. Rugged, in fact. All the more impressive is the fact that the all-new 2021 Mazda MX-30 is the Japanese automaker's first-ever all-electric vehicle. Going bold is something GM, for example, never would have done. Just look at the Chevrolet Bolt. The new MX-30, by contrast, has unique styling inside and out that may not be to everyone's liking. Mazda has been repositioning itself over the past few years as a more premium brand overall, and the MX-30's slightly more rugged look is not what everyone expected. But it also serves as the ideal gateway model for the brand as it takes its first step towards all-out electrification. The question is whether the MX-30 can successfully challenge the likes of the popular Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia Niro EV, and even the upcoming BMW iX3.
If you want a vehicle with a good value proposition, the Hyundai lineup is a great place to look. A prime example is the 2019 Hyundai Tucson, which is spacious, stylish and feature-packed, even at base trim levels.Updated styling and feature availability.Collision avoidance and lane keeping assist are now standard.Turbocharged 1.6-liter engine has been discontinued.
Pros A wealth of features for the money Top safety scores Comfortable ride on rough roads
Cons Slow acceleration with the base engine Less cargo space than top rivals Some disappointing interior pieces Fuel economy falls behind class leaders
The 2019 Hyundai Tucson hot-swaps one of its 4-cylinder engines, and ups its safety game.
Pros A simple but appealing look Refined ride A quiet cockpit Reasonable fuel economy Excellent warranty coverage
Cons Basic SE trim Smaller cargo area than in rivals Limited’s the only model for top tech
The 2019 Hyundai Tucson ranked #6 in Compact SUVs. Currently the Hyundai Tucson has a score of 8.4 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 32 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros User-friendly tech features Quiet interior Smooth ride
Cons Below-average cargo capacity Uninspiring engines Lower fuel economy estimates than rivals
