2025 Mazda CX-30 vs 2025 Subaru Forester

$25,195 · Crossover

$29,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mazda CX-30 brings refined agility and accessible premium feel, delivering 191 horsepower from its standard engine, perfectly paired with standard All-Wheel Drive and a responsive 6-speed automatic transmission. It is the enthusiast's choice for spirited driving in a compact footprint, measuring just 173.0 inches long. Conversely, the 2025 Subaru Forester stands as the utilitarian titan, prioritizing usable space with a cavernous 29.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the CX-30's 20.2 cubic feet. While the Forester offers a respectable 180 horsepower, its continuously variable transmission prioritizes utility over engagement. Both vehicles achieve an identical 29 MPG combined, using regular unleaded fuel. The $4,800 gap in MSRP highlights a clear trade-off: Mazda focuses on driving dynamics and style, while Subaru doubles down on robust, space-efficient practicality.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda CX-30

The CX-30's slightly more engaging 6-speed automatic transmission offers a superior daily driving feel compared to the Forester's CVT.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Forester

The Forester decisively wins for families, offering substantially more cargo capacity at 29.6 cu ft versus the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 provides more output with 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, promising a more spirited ride.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-30

The CX-30 is priced $4,800 lower than the Forester while delivering identical 29 MPG combined efficiency.

Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...

You prioritize a sportier connection to the road, aided by the engaging 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
You prefer a more compact vehicle measuring 173.0 inches in length for easier city maneuvering.
Saving money upfront is crucial, as the CX-30 starts $4,800 less than the Forester.

Choose the Subaru Forester if...

Maximum utility is mandatory, evidenced by its leading 29.6 cu ft of cargo volume.
You need a taller, more upright stance for better visibility, indicated by its 68.1-inch height.
You prefer the time-tested Subaru symmetrical all-wheel-drive philosophy, even with a CVT.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-30	Subaru Forester
Length	173.0"	183.3"
Width	70.7"	72.0"
Height	61.7"	68.1"
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	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	191 hp @ 6000 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 3700 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

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/33 MPG	26/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	330.2/419.1 mi.	431.6/547.8 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	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
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	1
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Front Head Room	38.1 in.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	43.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	57.7 in.
Front Hip Room	54.6 in.	54.7 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.	39.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.3 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	56.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.2 in.	53.7 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	225/60R H
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 Forester.

Is the 2025 Mazda CX-30 faster than the 2025 Subaru Forester?

Yes, the CX-30 technically has the performance edge, boasting 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque compared to the Forester's 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. While both are AWD and share 29 MPG, the Mazda's power figures suggest quicker acceleration.

How much more practical is the Subaru Forester for hauling gear?

The Forester offers significantly more usable space for cargo, providing 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats. This dwarfs the CX-30’s 20.2 cubic feet, making the Subaru the clear choice for larger gear hauls.

Do these crossovers have a major fuel economy advantage over each other?

No, both vehicles are surprisingly matched on efficiency, achieving an identical 29 MPG combined rating, utilizing regular unleaded fuel for both models.

Which vehicle offers a more engaging driving experience?

Enthusiasts should lean toward the CX-30, as it utilizes a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, which many drivers prefer over the Forester's continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).

What accounts for the nearly $5,000 price difference?

The $4,800 MSRP difference stems from the Forester's larger physical footprint (183.3 inches long) and significantly increased cargo volume, suggesting a difference in size and utility over baseline feature sets.

Are the dimensions similar enough to park them easily?

Not entirely; the Forester is longer by over 10 inches (183.3 vs 173.0 inches) and noticeably taller at 68.1 inches versus the Mazda’s 61.7 inches, requiring drivers to account for the Subaru's bulk.