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.
Not only is the ID.4 a brand new nameplate for the Volkswagen brand, it's also the first in a series of all-electric model which will combine to create the ID subbrand.The ID.4 is a practical electric alternative to gas-powered SUVs but lacks the excitement you might expect from an EV.
PROS Roomy cabin, smooth ride, decent driving range.
CONS Lacks driving verve, fussy infotainment interface, anonymous styling.
The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 is all-new all-electric SUV,about as much interior space as VW's Tiguan, an estimated range for rear-wheel-drive models of 250 miles and Kicks off the first generation of the ID.4 for 2021.
Pros Lots of helpful safety and technology features come standard Spacious interior with lots of small-item storage Impressive real-world range and electrical efficiency
Cons Some controls can be difficult to operate Low-quality cabin plastics cheapen the experience
The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 gives families the right formula for saying farewell to tailpipe emissions, but the cabin tech could use some smoothing over.
PROS Good passenger and cargo space Quiet, smooth ride Lots of features for the money Free road-trip charging for three years
CONS Laggy infotainment Clumsy capacitive controls Grabby brakes
