2025 Mazda CX-30 vs 2025 Subaru Impreza

$25,195 · Crossover

$24,360 · Wagon

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical difference between the 2025 Mazda CX-30 and the 2025 Subaru Impreza is the power output, with the CX-30 boasting 191 hp compared to the Impreza's 152 hp—a 39 hp advantage. This power translates into better acceleration potential for the Mazda, despite the Subaru achieving marginally better fuel economy at 30 combined MPG versus the CX-30's 29 MPG. Pricewise, the Impreza holds a slight edge with an MSRP of $24,360 against the CX-30's $25,195. Dimensions show the Impreza is slightly longer at 176.2 inches and carries a minimally larger cargo capacity at 20.4 cu ft, compared to the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft. However, the CX-30 offers superior torque output at 186 lb-ft to the Impreza's 145 lb-ft, a crucial factor for on-demand performance.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Subaru Impreza

The Subaru Impreza is the better commuter due to its slightly superior combined fuel economy rating of 30 MPG and a lower starting MSRP.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Impreza

The Impreza offers 0.2 cubic feet more cargo space and a lower ride height (58.3 inches vs. 61.7 inches), which aids accessibility.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 provides substantially more power with 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque compared to the Impreza's 152 hp and 145 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru Impreza

The Subaru Impreza delivers slightly better efficiency and utility for a $835 lower entry price point.

Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...

You prioritize driving performance, leveraging the 191 hp engine and 186 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
You desire a taller vehicle stance, as the CX-30 is 3.4 inches taller than the Impreza.

Choose the Subaru Impreza if...

You want the best city/highway fuel efficiency, achieving 27/34 MPG.
Your budget requires the lowest initial outlay at $24,360 MSRP.
You need the absolute maximum cargo capacity, which is 20.4 cubic feet.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-30	Subaru Impreza
Length	173.0"	176.2"
Width	70.7"	70.1"
Height	61.7"	58.3"
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	2.0 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

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	30 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	—	✓
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	2
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	—
Wheel Size	16 x 6.5 in	16 x 6.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	215/65R16	205/55R16
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Steel
Wheel Cover Type	—	Full

Suspension

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

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 Impreza.

How does the difference in horsepower affect real-world driving between the two vehicles?

The Mazda CX-30 offers 39 more horsepower (191 hp vs. 152 hp) and significantly more torque (186 lb-ft vs. 145 lb-ft). This means the CX-30 will feel quicker during merging and overtaking maneuvers compared to the Impreza, which is optimized more for efficiency.

Which vehicle is physically larger, and how does this affect interior space?

The Subaru Impreza is slightly longer (176.2 inches vs. 173.0 inches) and provides 0.2 cubic feet more dedicated cargo space (20.4 cu ft vs. 20.2 cu ft). However, the CX-30 is notably taller at 61.7 inches compared to the Impreza’s 58.3 inches.

Is there a major fuel economy difference between the AWD rivals?

The efficiency gap is minimal; the Subaru Impreza edges out the CX-30 by 1 MPG in both combined (30 vs. 29) and highway ratings (34 vs. 33 MPG). Both utilize regular unleaded fuel.

What is the main mechanical distinction in the drivetrain?

The 2025 Mazda CX-30 uses a conventional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, while the 2025 Subaru Impreza utilizes a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Enthusiasts often prefer the geared feel of the Mazda's unit.

Comparing the MSRP, how much more expensive is the higher-powered Mazda?

The 2025 Mazda CX-30 starts at $25,195, making it $835 more expensive than the 2025 Subaru Impreza's starting price of $24,360. This price difference is substantial relative to the overall cost of either vehicle.

Since both offer AWD, which one is better suited for snowy conditions based on these specs?

Both come standard with All-Wheel Drive, so baseline capability is comparable. However, the CX-30's greater height (61.7 inches) might offer slightly better ground clearance over deep snow compared to the Impreza's 58.3-inch height.