Like its corporate cousin, the Kia Niro EV, the Kona Electric relies on a 201-hp front-mounted electric motor for motivation. Just about everything we appreciate about the gas-powered Hyundai Kona applies to its battery-electric counterpart, the Kona Electric. Nonetheless, if you're still interested in taking home an MX-30 of your own, then you better live in California, as it's the sole state where Mazda sells this electric SUV. Alas, it's not, as its starting sum of $35,385 is far higher than those of the Chevrolet Bolt and Bolt EUV, both of which travel more than 200 miles on a full charge. We might overlook these traits of Mazda's lone electric vehicle if it were priced affordably. We clocked an 8.7-second run to 60 mph from the front-drive MX-30. Though a little city-sized electric SUV such as the MX-30 may not need to be particularly powerful, its front-mounted electric motor's 143 horsepower still leaves something to be desired. Look past its attractive interior and exterior styling and there's little else that's endearing about this small SUV that packs a paltry EPA-rated driving range of 100 miles (blame its 30.0-kWh battery pack). There's a reason the Mazda MX-30 takes the last spot on this list: it's not a great electric SUV option. Jules: There’s good safety gear, including useful rear cross traffic alert and blind spot warning. Iain: And while servicing is good value, Nissan is now the only mainstream brand with a three-year warranty. Jules: Fuel economy isn’t very family friendly. Air vents to each seat row too, but no USB ports for the back two rows. Iain: Agreed, I’d be happy travelling back there. Jules: They’re proper adult-sized rear seats. The second row seats can slide forward for more legroom at the back, they recline and fold simply for even more cargo space. Iain: It’s called EZ Flex and is pretty smart. Jules: And it’s one of the easiest seat-folding mechanisms I’ve used to get access to the two rear seats. Iain: So easy to load them into their car seats too, due to the space. Jules: Loads of storage and it’s really light for the kids in the back with the panoramic glass roof. Iain: The V6 is quite good fun to punt along, and I agree, a highway road trip is the ideal thanks to all the equipment you can haul in the Pathfinder’s massive boot. And the ride comfort even on twisty roads isn’t bad. I’d happily travel a few hours in the sink-in leather seats. Iain: You’d need the AWD version but even then, there’s no low range on those. Jules: As it’s not a four-wheel drive, I suppose our fun trips wouldn’t be off-road. With only five seats deployed the Pathfinder has a cavernous boot. Anyway, with five seats in place you have a cavernous 1354L of space, which means the two kids’ bikes could fit in without any wheels removed. Jules: It’s a whopper but I’d have liked an automatic tailgate for the $56,000 price tag. To compare, a Toyota Kluger has 195L and Mazda CX-9 230L. Iain: With seven seats up you get an excellent 453L of boot space for the shopping. Jules: Big SUVs need a 360-degree camera and, thank goodness, the Pathfinder has one. Iain: Radar cruise control is great for the daily grind, too. It’s big but not intimidating to drive like a big Toyota LandCruiser. Jules: Yes, very comfy on the highway, and it didn’t feel as cumbersome as I’d anticipated. The continuously variable transmission isn’t that horrible, despite my preference for a normal auto. Iain: Being a front-drive - all-wheel drive adds $4000 - the 202kW got the front wheels spinning at times but once cruising it’s a serene big thing. Jules: It feels really quick off the mark really surprising considering its size. Iain: If you’re not into four-cylinder diesels or planet-saving hybrids, this meaty petrol V6 is a delight. The Pathfinder is let down by its below average connectivity.
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