2025 Mazda CX-30 vs 2025 Subaru Crosstrek

$25,195 · Crossover

$26,560 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mazda CX-30 attacks the pavement with verve, boasting 191 hp from its Skyactiv-G engine, immediately setting it apart from the ruggedly capable 2025 Subaru Crosstrek. While both crossovers target efficient, all-wheel-drive urban exploration, the Mazda delivers a punchier experience, offering 39 more horsepower than the Crosstrek’s 152 hp. Both achieve a respectable combined 29 MPG, utilizing regular unleaded fuel, demonstrating efficiency parity. However, the CX-30 is slightly more compact at 173.0 inches long compared to the Crosstrek's 176.4 inches. The Crosstrek nudges ahead slightly in fuel economy on the highway with 34 MPG versus the Mazda's 33 MPG. Though priced closely, with the CX-30 starting at $25,195 and the Crosstrek at $26,560, the power discrepancy makes the Mazda the driver’s choice, while the Subaru focuses on predictable, trail-ready competence.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 offers superior power (191 hp) and a more engaging 6-speed automatic transmission for navigating city streets efficiently.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Crosstrek

The slightly larger Subaru Crosstrek offers marginally better highway efficiency (34 MPG) and a slightly taller stance for easier entry/exit.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-30

The 39-horsepower advantage offered by the CX-30 results in significantly quicker acceleration and a more spirited driving feel.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-30

Starting at $25,195, the Mazda CX-30 provides substantially more horsepower (191 hp vs 152 hp) for a lower initial investment.

Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...

You prioritize dynamic driving performance, benefiting from the 191 hp engine.
You prefer the direct feel of a traditional 6-speed automatic transmission over a CVT.
You want the lowest entry price point at $25,195 while still receiving standard AWD.

Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if...

Maximizing every mile per gallon on long highway stretches is key, due to its 34 MPG rating.
You prefer a slightly larger and taller vehicle, measuring 176.4 inches in length and 62.8 inches in height.
You value tried-and-true off-road capability often associated with Subaru’s standard AWD system.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-30	Subaru Crosstrek
Length	173.0"	176.4"
Width	70.7"	70.9"
Height	61.7"	62.8"
Wheelbase	104.4"	105.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	—
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	191 hp @ 6000 rpm	152 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	145 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/33 MPG	27/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	330.2/419.1 mi.	448.2/564.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	12.7 gal.	16.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Push Button Start	✓	—
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Infotainment Display	8.8 in	7.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	4
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Front Head Room	38.1 in.	39.8 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	42.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	56.8 in.
Front Hip Room	54.6 in.	55.1 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Rear Head Room	38.3 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.3 in.	36.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	55.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.2 in.	53.2 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	16 x 6.5 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	215/65R16	P225/60R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Front Suspension Type	Independent	—
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	—	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-30 and 2025 Subaru Crosstrek.

How significant is the horsepower difference between the 2025 CX-30 and the 2025 Crosstrek?

The Mazda CX-30 holds a decisive advantage, producing 191 horsepower compared to the Subaru Crosstrek’s 152 horsepower. This difference of 39 hp means the CX-30 will feel noticeably quicker during merges and overtaking maneuvers.

Which vehicle is better for long-distance highway commuting?

Both vehicles return a similar combined 29 MPG, but the Subaru Crosstrek edges out the Mazda on the highway with 34 MPG versus the CX-30’s 33 MPG. Furthermore, the Crosstrek uses a CVT, which typically keeps engine RPMs lower at cruising speeds.

What is the impact of the different transmissions on driving dynamics?

The Mazda CX-30 utilizes a conventional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, which typically provides more immediate gear engagement. In contrast, the Subaru Crosstrek employs a continuously variable transmission (CVT), known for smooth, gearless acceleration.

How do the cargo capacities compare for weekend trips?

Cargo space is nearly identical, though the Mazda CX-30 offers slightly more room behind the rear seats at 20.2 cubic feet, compared to the Crosstrek’s 19.9 cubic feet. Both are relatively compact for the crossover segment.

Since both use regular unleaded fuel, is there a large cost saving difference?

No, both the 2025 CX-30 and 2025 Crosstrek specify regular unleaded fuel, meaning fuel costs for filling up should be comparable based on price per gallon.

If I frequently carry passengers, does one have a clear size advantage?

The Subaru Crosstrek is slightly larger in exterior dimensions, standing 62.8 inches tall and 176.4 inches long. While both are small crossovers, this minor increase might translate to marginally better passenger volume inside the Subaru.