The Mazda MX-30 is a rare sight on U.S. roads, and in the used market it’s even more unusual. That scarcity hasn’t helped values. Thanks to short range, limited availability and an early exit from American showrooms after the 2023 model year, the Mazda MX-30 depreciation rate is among the steepest of any recent SUV, electric or otherwise.
Quick background
Mazda MX-30 depreciation at a glance
Key Mazda MX-30 depreciation numbers
If you boil it down, a typical 2022 Mazda MX‑30 has shed around three‑fifths of its value in just three years, or roughly $6,000 a year. That’s well above the industry rule of thumb where many mainstream SUVs lose closer to 45–50% over the first three years.
Depreciation verdict
Why does the Mazda MX-30 depreciate so fast?
Six big forces pushing MX-30 values down
Most are baked into the product, not your specific car.
Very short range
California-only sales
Discontinued in 2023
Tight packaging
Modest performance
Unclear positioning
Depreciation is ultimately a story about supply and demand. Supply of the MX‑30 is tiny, but demand is even smaller because of the car’s compromises. That mismatch keeps prices soft, even though the model is rare.
How the MX-30’s depreciation compares to other EVs
3‑year depreciation: Mazda MX-30 vs popular EVs
Approximate 3‑year depreciation based on typical market behavior and third‑party value guides as of early 2026. Individual vehicles will vary.
| Model (approx. 3‑yr‑old) | Original MSRP* | Current resale | Value lost | Depreciation % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda MX-30 (2022) | $31,500 | $13,150 | $18,350 | 58% |
| Chevrolet Bolt EV | $32,000 | $17,000–$19,000 | ~$13,000 | ~40% |
| Hyundai Kona Electric | $38,000 | $22,000–$24,000 | ~$15,000 | ~39% |
| Nissan Leaf (62 kWh) | $38,000 | $19,000–$21,000 | ~$17,000 | ~45% |
| Tesla Model 3 RWD | $45,000 | $30,000–$32,000 | ~$14,000 | ~31% |
The MX‑30 loses value significantly faster than more capable mass‑market EVs.
What this means
If youre buying used
You can often buy an MX 130 for several thousand dollars less than a similar‑age Bolt EV, Kona Electric or Leaf, even when mileage is comparable. That discount effectively prices in the short range and discontinued status.
If you already own one
Expect your MX 130 to keep trailing the market. Depreciation should slow after the first few years, but it will likely remain below average for as long as the car is on the road.
Real-world used Mazda MX-30 prices in 2026
By early 2026, most used Mazda MX‑30 listings in the U.S. cluster in California, with asking prices that generally sit:
- Low teens (around $12,000–$14,000) for higher‑mileage 2022s.
- Mid‑teens for low‑mileage 2022–2023 examples with clean histories.
- Occasionally under $12,000 for vehicles with cosmetic issues or prior damage.
Because there are so few MX‑30s on the road, prices can swing a lot from one listing to another. Condition, mileage and seller motivation matter more here than with a high‑volume EV like the Bolt or Model 3.
Shopping tip
Factors that impact your MX-30’s resale value
- Mileage: With such short range, buyers pay a premium for MX‑30s under about 25,000 miles and discount anything above 50,000 miles more heavily than usual.
- Battery health: Because the pack is small, any loss of usable capacity is noticeable. A car that only delivers 80–90 real‑world miles instead of ~100 will be harder to sell.
- Condition and accident history: On a niche EV, shoppers are less forgiving of prior damage. Clean Carfax/AutoCheck reports support stronger pricing.
- Warranty coverage: Mazda’s EV battery warranty helps, but as cars age out of bumper‑to‑bumper coverage, private‑party values can soften.
- Geography: Values are strongest in California and certain urban West Coast markets; in regions with sparse public charging, demand is thin.
- Market timing: Seasonal EV swings (stronger in spring and early summer) and broader EV sentiment can nudge prices up or down a few percent.
Don’t skip a battery check
Should you buy a used Mazda MX-30 despite heavy depreciation?
When a used MX-30 can make sense
- Short, predictable commutes: If you drive 30–50 miles a day and can charge at home, the 100‑mile range may be enough.
- Second-car duty: As a city runabout or errands car in a multi‑vehicle household, the MX‑30s limitations are less painful.
- Safety and comfort: Mazdas chassis tuning and interior design are strong points; you get a quiet, comfortable cabin at a used price that undercuts many economy cars.
- Bargain hunters: If you want a modern EV experience for the least money possible and understand the tradeoffs, the MX‑30 can be compelling.
When you should probably look elsewhere
- Frequent highway trips: Range and DC fast‑charging limitations make long‑distance travel tedious.
- One-car households: If this is your only vehicle, the MX‑30s short range will feel constraining quickly.
- Limited charging access: Apartment dwellers without reliable overnight charging are better served by longer‑range EVs or efficient hybrids.
- Resale‑sensitive buyers: If you plan to sell again in a few years, the MX‑30 is unlikely to surprise you on the upside.
Bottom line for buyers
Tips to protect yourself when buying a used MX-30
MX-30 used-buying checklist
1. Get an independent battery health report
Ask for documented battery diagnostics, not just the in‑car range estimate. A third‑party battery test, like the <strong>Recharged Score</strong>, quantifies remaining capacity so you know exactly what you’re buying.
2. Verify real-world range
On a test drive, reset the trip computer and observe energy use over at least 15–20 miles. Compare that to the indicated remaining range to make sure it lines up with your daily needs.
3. Review service and recall history
Confirm that software updates, recalls and routine maintenance have been completed. A well‑maintained MX‑30 is easier to resell later, even in a soft market.
4. Check DC fast-charging behavior
If possible, plug into a DC fast charger and watch how quickly the car ramps up and holds power. Any abnormal behavior or error messages are a red flag.
5. Cross-shop similar EVs
Compare asking prices and specs against alternatives like the Chevrolet Bolt, Nissan Leaf and Kona Electric. The MX‑30 should be <strong>noticeably cheaper</strong> to justify its short range.
6. Be realistic about exit strategy
Assume you may keep the car longer than planned, or that resale will be modest. Don’t stretch your budget on an MX‑30 assuming strong trade‑in value later.
Selling a Mazda MX-30: How to maximize value
If you own an MX‑30 today, you can’t change the market, but you can control how your specific car looks to buyers. The goal is to stand out in a very small, very niche segment.
Four ways to squeeze more value from your MX-30 sale
1. Detail and recondition
2. Organize documentation
3. Show battery proof
4. Market beyond your ZIP code
Consider multiple selling paths
How Recharged helps with depreciating EVs like the MX-30
Depreciation is unavoidable, but surprises are not. At Recharged, every used EV we buy or sell comes with a Recharged Score Report that verifies battery health, checks pricing against fair‑market data, and surfaces any red flags a typical listing might gloss over.
- Battery health diagnostics: We use specialized equipment to assess usable battery capacity, so an MX‑30 buyer knows whether they’re truly getting 100 miles of range, or something less.
- Transparent pricing: Our valuations factor in real‑world depreciation trends for discontinued models like the MX‑30, so you see how the price compares to similar EVs and gasoline crossovers.
- Flexible ways to sell: You can request an instant offer, consign your MX‑30, or use it as a trade‑in toward another EV on Recharged.
- Nationwide reach: Even though MX‑30s were sold only in California, Recharged can help connect your car with the right buyer across the country and coordinate delivery.
Why it matters for the MX-30
Mazda MX-30 depreciation FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Mazda MX-30 depreciation
The Mazda MX‑30 is a textbook case of how product decisions, range, pricing, availability, show up years later in the used‑car market. Its rapid depreciation makes it one of the cheaper ways into an EV today, but also one of the easier ways to lose money if you buy or sell without good information. Whether you’re eyeing an MX‑30 as a commuter or trying to move on from one you already own, lean on battery diagnostics, fair‑market pricing data and EV‑savvy partners like Recharged to make the numbers work in your favor.
