2025 Mazda CX-30 vs 2025 Subaru Outback

$25,195 · Crossover

$29,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The primary divergence between the 2025 Mazda CX-30 and the 2025 Subaru Outback is the $4,800 MSRP gap, with the CX-30 starting at $25,195 versus the Outback's $29,995. Performance specs favor the smaller Mazda, delivering 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, slightly surpassing the Outback's 182 hp and 176 lb-ft. However, the Outback offers substantial utility advantages, boasting 32.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft. Fuel economy remains closely matched, with the CX-30 achieving a slightly better combined 29 MPG versus the Outback's 28 MPG, although both use regular unleaded fuel. Dimensionally, the Outback is significantly larger, extending 18.1 inches longer at 191.1 inches, while both offer standard all-wheel drive.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda CX-30

The CX-30 is the superior choice for commuters due to its slightly higher 29 MPG combined fuel economy and smaller footprint for easier urban maneuverability.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback decisively wins for families by offering substantially more usable space with 32.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-30

Enthusiasts will prefer the Mazda CX-30 for its marginally superior power output of 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-30

The CX-30 presents superior value by offering AWD and better fuel economy for an entry price that is $4,800 lower than the Outback.

Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...

Your primary concern is initial purchase price, as the MSRP is $25,195.
You prioritize slightly better fuel efficiency, achieving 29 combined MPG.
You prefer tangible shifting points provided by the 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

Maximum hauling capability is critical, as evidenced by its 32.6 cu ft cargo volume.
You need the added stability and interior volume provided by its larger exterior dimensions (191.1 inches long).
A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is preferred over a traditional geared automatic.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-30	Subaru Outback
Length	173.0"	191.1"
Width	70.7"	73.0"
Height	61.7"	66.1"
Wheelbase	104.4"	108.1"

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	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
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	182 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	176 lb-ft @ 4400 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	26/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	330.2/419.1 mi.	481.0/592.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	12.7 gal.	18.5 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	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

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.	40.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	42.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	58.1 in.
Front Hip Room	54.6 in.	55.5 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
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Rear Head Room	38.3 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.3 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.2 in.	54.8 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

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	225/65R 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 Outback.

How significant is the performance difference between the two crossovers?

The Mazda CX-30 leads slightly with 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Subaru Outback's 182 hp and 176 lb-ft. While both use regular unleaded fuel, the CX-30 offers a marginal advantage in output metrics.

Which vehicle is better suited for long road trips involving luggage?

The 2025 Subaru Outback is far better equipped for luggage, offering 32.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, which is nearly 12.4 cu ft more than the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft.

Is the higher price of the Subaru Outback justified by fuel economy?

No, the higher MSRP of $29,995 does not translate to better fuel economy; the Mazda CX-30 achieves 29 combined MPG versus the Outback's 28 combined MPG.

What is the key difference in transmission technology?

Car1 (CX-30) utilizes a conventional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas Car2 (Outback) employs a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).

Are both vehicles standard with All-Wheel Drive?

Yes, both the 2025 Mazda CX-30 and the 2025 Subaru Outback come standard with all-wheel drive capability for comparable traction in various conditions.

How much larger is the Subaru Outback physically than the Mazda CX-30?

The Outback is substantially larger, measuring 191.1 inches long compared to the CX-30's 173.0 inches, and also wider and taller, reflecting its utility-focused design.