Making the switch to an electric vehicle (EV) comes with many benefits—but also tough decisions. As automakers race to electrify their lineups, buyers faceeven more models to evaluate. Luxury and economy brands alike now produce compelling EV options like the 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge and 2022 Mazda MX-30. Let’s cut through the EV jargon and hype to see how these electric crossovers truly compare across all that matters most.
Why Compare the Volvo XC40 Recharge and Mazda MX-30?
As EV newcomers, the XC40 Recharge and MX-30 represent milestone models for each brand. Volvo built its first fully battery-powered vehicle off the flexibility of their Compact Modular Architecture platform shared across combustion models like the standard XC40. The initial reception saw great interest from loyal Volvo owners and sustainability-minded buyers alike.
Meanwhile, the MX-30 marked Mazda’s inaugural EV signaling the brand’s ambitious goal to electrify all models by 2030. Early reviews praise the vehicle’s sharp handling and exterior styling but criticize its paltry 100-mile range. How else do these plug-in models differ? Let’s explore that question across the key categories vehicle shoppers weigh.
At a Glance: How the Volvo and Mazda Electric SUVs Compare
| Specs | Volvo XC40 Recharge | Mazda MX-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Base MSRP | $53,550 | $33,470 |
| Electric Range | 223 miles | 100 miles |
| Energy Consumption | 30 kWh/100mi | 28 kWh/100mi |
| Battery Capacity | 75 kWh | 35.5 kWh |
| Charging Time (10%-80%) | 37 minutes | 36 minutes |
| Maximum Power | 402 hp | 143 hp |
| 0-60 mph Time | 4.7 seconds | 9.6 seconds |
| EPA Class | Small SUV | Small Hatchback |
Reviewing the table above, we clearly see Volvo optimized the XC40 Recharge for U.S. driving scenarios while the urban-focused MX-30 promises shorter ranges. Let’s analyze how these EVs differ across major categories.
Exterior Design and Dimensions
The XC40 Recharge and MX-30 both fall into the smallest SUV segments (subcompact and compact, respectively). Yet when examining dimensions, the Volvo XC40 claims a larger footprint:
XC40 Length: 174.2 in
XC40 Width: 73.3 in
XC40 Height: 64.8 in
XC40 Wheelbase: 106.4 in
MX-30 Length: 173.3 in
MX-30 Width: 70.7 in
MX-30 Height: 61.5 in
MX-30 Wheelbase: 104.5 in
With a longer wheelbase and overall greater size, the XC40 unsurprisingly offers more passenger room and cargo capacity than the scaled-down MX-30.
Visually, both electrics supply plenty of curb appeal thanks to flowing sculpted lines and high-tech lighting elements. The XC40’s taller ride height and familiar SUV silhouette will attract more traditional crossover buyers. Meanwhile, the MX-30 turns heads with its exotic freestyle doors allowing for easier rear seat access. For eco-minded buyers wanting to make a bolder visual statement, Mazda offers a standout shape.
Range, Charging and Performance
Critically important to any EV comparison rests the questions of how far it can travel between charging stops plus how quickly batteries rejuice. Once again, Volvo impressively beats Mazda.
Equipped with a 75 kWh battery back, the XC40 Recharge can accumulate up to 223 miles driving in ideal conditions. For owners charging every night and keeping trips under 150 miles, they’ll enjoy great range anxiety relief from the Volvo. Mazda clearly engineered the MX-30 for more modest urban duties, hence its 35.5 kWh battery limits realistic range to about 100 miles.
DC fast charging also replenishes the XC40’s battery more rapidly courtesy of its 400V electrical architecture and larger battery size. Owners can expect to accumulate 80% charges in around 30 minutes during pitstops. The MX-30 with its smaller battery size can also charge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes with compatible DC fast charging.
Performance specifications reveal even more drastic differences as evident below:
| Performance Metric | Volvo XC40 | Mazda MX-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 402 hp | 143 hp |
| Torque | 486 lb-ft | 200 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph Time | 4.7 seconds | 9.6 seconds |
Simply put, Volvo gifting the XC40 Recharge with over 400 horsepower creates one seriously quick crossover. Step hard on the accelerator and 60 mph arrives less than five seconds later! Few gas-powered compact luxury SUVs can match such acceleration. Meanwhile, the Mazda MX-30’s modest output mirrors other urban EV hatchbacks targeting city driving.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Occupants seated inside either vehicle will enjoy upscale, minimalist-themed cabins. Natural wood and recycled materials make subtle appearances underscoring each automakers’ earth-friendly ambitions. Yet ride comfort and interior space does differ somewhat.
The Volvo’s larger exterior dimensions translate into greater head and legroom for passengers, especially in the rear seats. Taller riders over 6 feet may find the Mazda’s sloping rear roofline cramps space. Trunk volume and overall interior storage also tilt towards the Swedish crossover.
Features and technology offer buyers great standard equipment with either electric SUV. The XC40 does stand apart with Google built-in services, including Google Assistant voice controls, Google Maps navigation and OTA software update capability. Volvo also equips the XC40 with a pixel-perfect 12-inch digital instrument display and 9-inch touchscreen—a thoroughly high-tech user experience.
Mazda delivers its own crisp graphics and entertainment courtesy the standard 8-speaker sound system. Overall both EVs provide calming, upscale interiors for families, but the Volvo once again pulls ahead on storage practicality and interactive technology.
Safety Technology and Ratings
As auto brands focused on safety, Volvo and Mazda incorporate the latest accident prevention electronic systems into both plug-in models. However, there are some key differences in the standard equipment and performance ratings when comparing the XC40 and MX-30 directly:
XC40 Standard Safety Features
- Collision Avoidance & Auto Emergency Braking
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Rear Cross Traffic Alerts
- Lane Keeping Aid
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Driver Attention and Road Sign Assists
MX-30 Standard Safety Features
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Lane Departure Warning
- Forward Collision Warning
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Driver Attention Alert
The XC40 Recharge earns the maximum Top Safety Pick + designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The vehicle’s standard LED headlights which adapt their beam automatically to avoid blinding oncoming traffic make that possible. Both electrics build very safe vehicles, but Volvo continues pushing protection standards.
Cost to Own Considerations
When evaluating sticker prices only, Mazda wins handily with the MX-30 starting around $33,000 before federal tax incentives. Depending on your tax liability, Uncle Sam may cut up to $7,500 off your bill at purchase. The XC40 Recharge prices closer to $54,000 before any discounts or credits—a $20,000 difference! What value comes with that 65% higher asking price?
Greater electric driving range provides part of the answer. Another rests in Volvo’s longer 4-year, 50,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty compared to Mazda’s 3-years, 36,000-mile coverage. Hyundai and Tesla surpass both with respectively 5-year, 60,000-mile and 8-year, 100,000-mile battery warranties. Also consider insurance rates, cost of replacement tires, charging expenses, fees and expected reliability projections. Volvo bests Mazda, but not by a factor equal to the pricing gap.
Which Electric Crossover Is the Better Buy?
For shoppers focused purely on upfront transaction prices, urban commuting ranges or minimizing their automotive environmental impact, the Mazda MX-30 deserves a test ride. We commend Mazda for delivering lively driving dynamics wrapped in a head-turning, eco-cool shape. Just temper range expectations with real-world driving.
Overall our comparison review reveals the 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge as the superior electric SUV investment. You’ll enjoy significantly more practical battery range, greater long-term ownership value, and access to the latest advanced technologies. Volvo clearly optimized their first EV effort for U.S. roads drawing praise from consumer reviews.
Think you’re ready to join the EV revolution yourself? Experience your local Volvo retailer to take the 2023 XC40 Recharge for an eco-luxurious spin. Once behind the wheel, you may find electrification suits your lifestyle better than expected. Let us know if you have any other EV crossover questions in the comments below!
