Today, it seems like there are more and more electric vehicles for sale every day, and choosing the right one can be overwhelming. The electric powertrain is usually the shiny object and can be so distracting that shoppers forget to pay much attention to the other features they’ll be getting with a vehicle. But once the excitement about never having to visit a gas station again wears off, you will care about what else your model has to offer. That’s why the Mazda MX-30 is creating a lot of buzz. This stylish subcompact SUV is really representative of the direction vehicles are headed. Every corner of it is dripping with innovative and intuitive features that speak to the real obstacles drivers face every day.
For now, there are only two trims available for the 2023 Mazda MX-30: the GS and the GT. Put them side by side, and it may be difficult to determine many differences at first glance. However, the GT is the premium offering, containing everything the GS has and then some. The “then some” parts are pretty cool, too. If you like a touch of luxury and slipping into a vehicle that practically predicts your needs, you might want to check out the GT. Below are some of the most significant differences between the GT and the GS trims. They might seem small, but when you’re driving this vehicle, they’ll make a big impact on your behind-the-wheel experience.
The GT Has Memory Functions Galore
If you regularly let other people drive your vehicle, whether that be a spouse, a teen driver, or the valet at your favourite restaurant, then you know how frustrating it is to retrieve your car and find that someone has changed the settings. You want your vehicle the way you want it and don’t want to be punished for your generosity in letting somebody else enjoy it. That’s why the MX-30 GT is so great. It’s rich with memory functions, so your vehicle remains, well, yours.
First off, in order for there to be memory functions, there needs to be setting options––and there are. The GT gets a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support. The side mirrors can also be set to your preferred angles. They will sync up with your preferred seat settings and automatically return to your desired angles when you restore your settings. These features mean that you can make sure you are in the optimal driving position to reduce body fatigue, have a good grip on the steering wheel, and have the best view of the road. Once you’ve nailed those exact settings, you’re going to want a vehicle that remembers them.
Advanced Driver Assist Functions That Can Spare You a Headache
While the 2023 Mazda MX-30 GS has some solid driver assist features, like rear parking sensors and a rearview camera, the GT takes things to the next level. You will feel fully supported when tackling tricky maneuvers in the GT. It has the rear parking sensors of the GS but adds front parking sensors, too. Realistically, you can’t see with your naked eyes what’s happening right in front of your bumper. When you’re squeezing into a tight parallel parking spot, you need these sensors on the front and back of your vehicle.
The GS and GT both have a rearview camera. However, the guidelines on the GS are static (they do not move), while those on the GT are active. What this means is that the lines you see in the GS rearview camera are really just general guidelines while you’re reversing. But the GT camera has lines that will move when you move. These will adjust based on steering inputs to give you a real-time trajectory of your vehicle as you back up. This is another feature that’s really useful for trickier parking jobs or if you regularly have to back out of a driveway.
The GT additionally gets a 360-degree view monitor. This will give you a comprehensive view of what’s happening around your vehicle at all times. Having this type of monitor means that you don’t have to crane your neck to see what’s happening to either side of or behind your vehicle. Remember that the rearview camera only activates when you’re backing up. However, this 360-degree monitor can show you what’s behind your MX-30, even when you’re moving forward.
Intuitive Lighting Where It Counts
Lighting––inside the cabin and on the exterior of a vehicle––is essential to safe driving conditions. The right lighting also contributes to all-around pleasant driving conditions. The MX-30 GT offers intuitive and automatic lighting features that are (literally) easy on the eyes and can enhance safety.
One unique feature of the GT is the automatic headlight levelling. This system automatically adjusts the aim of the headlights depending on how the vehicle is loaded. It works to reduce the chances of blinding oncoming traffic and is a great feature for those who do a lot of night driving––particularly in country or suburban environments where street lamps are few and far between.
The GT trim also has an auto-dimming rearview mirror. When you are driving at night, and the vehicle behind you has its headlights on, the glare from these lights in your rearview mirror can be blinding. An auto-dimming rearview mirror has sensors that detect bright lights and automatically dim the mirror to improve visibility.
Finally, the 2023 MX-30 GT has an adaptive front-lighting system. This system considers the vehicle’s speed and steering inputs and steers the headlights in the direction the SUV is headed for optimal visibility in low-light settings.
The Fun and the Fancy
The GT also has some luxury touches that simply make it more enjoyable to drive. One such touch is the Bose sound system, which will deliver a rich, cabin-filling listening experience for your favourite music, podcasts, audiobooks and more. Stylistically speaking, the GT’s upholstery is also nicer. It has two-tone leatherette and cloth, while the GS trim just gets cloth upholstery. You’ll also notice cork accents across the interior of the GT trim for a slightly vintage look that is a tribute to Mazda‘s humble beginnings as a cork manufacturer.
The MX-30 Will Meet and Exceed Your Needs
Unless you work with a salesperson who is really willing to take their time with you, often, nobody will walk you through the specific differences between each trim of a vehicle. When there are only two trims, it can be easy to opt for the base model when the two appear so similar at first glance. However, the MX-30 GT is an entirely different animal than the MX-30 GS.
Both trims of the 2023 Mazda MX-30 are elegant and comfortable. However, the GT has several features that are made to not only solve problems but prevent them. It has many sensors and smart systems that detect the small but significant nuisances drivers face on a regular basis and make instant adjustments to fix the issue.
Having an electric subcompact SUV will be a lot of fun. With a gas-free powertrain and easy-to-handle dimensions, the possibilities are almost limitless. Just make sure you get the trim that will meet all of your needs. If you want a totally streamlined driving experience without any hiccups or annoyances, you’ll love the way the MX-30 GT adapts to your habits.
