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Expert Rating

Mazda MX-30 R-EV

(2023 - present)

Expert Rating

New car score:

72
%
A

This model is still new so we don't have a Used Car Expert Rating score yet. Check back soon.

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

67
%
C

Safety Rating:

74
%
B

Eco Rating:

-

Reliability Rating:

-

Running Costs:

73
%
A

How are our Expert Rating scores calculated?

Expert Rating

New car score:

72
%
A

This model is still new so we don't have a Used Car Expert Rating score yet. Check back soon.

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

67
%
C

Safety Rating:

74
%
B

Eco Rating:

-

Reliability Rating:

-

Running Costs:

73
%
A

Summary


The Mazda MX-30 R-EV is a plug-in hybrid crossover which is a sister car to the purely electric MX-30.

The MX-30 R-EV (the ‘R’ stands for ‘range extender’) was designed to address the underwhelming battery range of the original MX-30 – only 124 miles, and that’s the official UK/EU lab test figure. In the real world, you’re looking at less than 100 miles most of the time.

Despite Mazda’s protestations that most people don’t really need huge batteries and long driving ranges, neither media reviewers nor paying customers were impressed. So Mazda has come up with the R-EV version, which uses a petrol engine to charge the (now even smaller) battery and provide a total driving range of up to 400 miles.

Being Mazda, though, it’s not just any old petrol engine. The company uses a rotary engine, which is smaller than a regular engine but highly efficient. It also harks back to the company’s famous rotary-engines sports cars like the RX-7 and RX-8.

Despite the presence of the petrol engine, the MX-30 R-EV is technically still an electric vehicle, since only the electric motor is used to drive the wheels. The petrol engine is purely a generator to charge the battery. However, to all intents and purposes, it’s a plug-in hybrid.

“The R-EV version is far more usable than its EV counterpart”, says What Car?’s Lawrence Cheung. “The petrol engine allows you to venture beyond town and city life without worrying about plugging in.”

Tom Barnard of Electrifying.com adds that this range-extender variant, while being more expensive, is still “decent value”, but adds that the car “has woeful efficiency when running on battery or petrol power.”

Eliis Hyde of Auto Express also points out that while the R-EV does alleviate issues with the MX-30’s range, the R-EV still has the same practicality flaws inside, including an “incredibly gloomy rear cabin.”

As of October 2024, the Mazda MX-30 R-EV holds a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 72%. It scores top marks for its low running costs and low CO2 emissions, while its safety rating is also strong.

MX-30 R-EV highlights

  • Range-extender engine removes any range anxiety
  • Looks sporty for an SUV
  • Build quality
  • Versatile options for charging and using electric power

MX-30 R-EV lowlights

  • Cramped rear space
  • Rear doors can’t be opened without fronts
  • Adding engine cuts electric-only range in half
  • Average battery and fuel efficiency

Key specifications


Body style: Medium SUV/crossover
Engines:
plug-in hybrid
Price:
From £34,750 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2023
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA


Media reviews


Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

+

Auto Express

+

Auto Trader

+

Car

+

Car Keys

+

Carbuyer

+

Carwow

+

Electrifying.com

+

Regit

+

The Sunday Times

+

The Telegraph

+

What Car?

+

Safety rating


Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: October 2020
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 91%
Child protection: 87%
Vulnerable road users: 68%
Safety assist: 73%

Notes on safety

The Mazda MX-30 R-EV shares its Euro NCAP safety rating with the electric MX-30 that was tested in 2020 and scored a five-star rating. In both side-impact tests it scored maximum points, and testers praised the standard-fit centre airbag that helps to prevent occupants from bouncing into each other in an accident.

Eco rating


Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of October 2024, the Mazda MX-30 R-EV has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.

Reliability rating

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Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of October 2024, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Mazda MX-30 R-EV to generate a reliability rating.

The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops. 

As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the MX-30 R-EV, we’ll publish the results here.

Running cost rating

Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumptionAverageScoreVariationScore
Plug-in hybrid models283 mpgA283 – 283 mpgA – A
CO₂ outputAverageScoreVariationScore
Plug-in hybrid models21 g/kmA21 – 21 g/kmA – A
Battery rangeAverageScoreVariationScore
Plug-in hybrid models53 milesC53 – 53 milesC – C
Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
All models22A22 – 23A – B
Service and maintenanceCostScore
Year 1£127A
Year 2£359A
Year 3£573A
Year 4£755A
Year 5£1,045A
Overall£2,859A

The MX-30 R-EV should be a very economical car to own and run, according to five-year ownership cost data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our technical partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

You can ignore the official fuel consumption figure of 283mpg, as that’s based on useless official EU/UK government lab tests. Your running costs will very much depend on how regularly you can keep the fairly small battery topped up, and where you’re charging from.

Servicing and insurance costs should be very competitive as well.

Awards


Trophies, prizes and awards that the Mazda MX-30 R-EV has received.

2024

  • What Car? Awards – Best Plug-In Hybrid
  • What Car? Electric Car Awards – Best Hybrid Small SUV

2023

  • Top Gear Awards – Innovation Award

Similar cars


If you’re looking at the Mazda MX-30 R-EV, you might also be interested in these alternatives.

Citroën C5 Aircross | Ford Kuga | Honda CR-V | Hyundai Tucson | Jeep Compass | Kia Sportage | MG HS | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross | Nissan Qashqai | Peugeot 3008 | Renault Kadjar | SEAT Ateca | Skoda Karoq | SsangYong Korando | Subaru XV | Suzuki S-Cross | Toyota C-HR | Vauxhall Grandland X | Volkswagen Tiguan


More news, reviews and information about the Mazda MX-30 range at The Car Expert

Mazda MX-30 R-EV test drive

Mazda MX-30 R-EV test drive

Government ends electric car subsidy

Government ends electric car subsidy

Mazda updates MX-30 for 2022

Mazda updates MX-30 for 2022

Five affordable electric car lease deals

Five affordable electric car lease deals

Mazda MX-30

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Mazda MX-30 review

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Mazda MX-30 pricing and specification announced

Mazda MX-30 pricing and specification announced

Mazda MX-30 pricing confirmed

Mazda MX-30 pricing confirmed

Mazda shows off its first electric car

Mazda shows off its first electric car

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The Mazda MX-30 R-EV is a plug-in hybrid that is certainly more usable than its EV twin, but it comes with the same practicality issues.Mazda MX-30 R-EV