2025 Mazda CX-30 vs 2026 Subaru Crosstrek

$25,195 · Crossover

$26,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mazda CX-30 bursts onto the scene with an engaging 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, immediately signaling a more driver-focused experience than the rugged 2026 Subaru Crosstrek, which offers 180 hp and 178 lb-ft. Both compact crossovers maintain an impressive efficiency benchmark, achieving a combined 29 MPG, utilizing regular unleaded fuel, and featuring standard All-Wheel Drive. However, the Mazda leans into premium feel with its slightly smaller footprint (173.0 inches long) and 6-speed automatic transmission, promising sharper handling. The Subaru, slightly larger at 176.4 inches long, compensates with potentially more upright headroom (62.8 inches high vs. the Mazda's 61.7 inches) and arguably a more traditional off-road aesthetic, though cargo space advantage is marginal (20.2 cu ft in the CX-30 vs. 19.9 cu ft in the Crosstrek). While the Crosstrek has a higher starting MSRP of $26,995, the CX-30 begins its lineup at $25,195, making the power difference feel even more pronounced for the dollar.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 offers marginally better maneuverability due to its shorter length (173.0 inches) and provides a more spirited feel through its 191 hp output.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Crosstrek

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek offers slightly superior exterior dimensions, being taller and longer, which often translates to a more spacious cabin feel for families.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-30

The 2025 Mazda CX-30 is the enthusiast choice thanks to its superior horsepower (191 hp) and torque (186 lb-ft) figures, paired with a traditional automatic transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 wins on value because it offers 11 more horsepower and 8 more lb-ft of torque while boasting a lower entry MSRP of $25,195 compared to $26,995.

Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...

You prioritize outright engine performance, leveraging the 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer the predictable feel and gear changes of a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
You want the lowest barrier to entry price, starting at $25,195.

Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if...

You prefer the smooth, often efficiency-tuned operation of a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.
You need the slightly more imposing physical presence, measuring 176.4 inches long and 62.8 inches high.
You value the inherent reputation of Subaru's AWD system paired with slightly more cargo flexibility (19.9 cu ft).

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	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
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
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

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	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
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	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

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 2026 Subaru Crosstrek.

Which crossover offers better fuel economy?

Both the 2025 Mazda CX-30 and the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek deliver identical fuel economy ratings, both achieving 29 MPG combined from their regular unleaded engines. Their City/Highway splits are also identical at 26/33 MPG.

Is the performance difference between the two models significant?

Yes, the performance figures are distinct; the Mazda CX-30 leads with 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, giving it an edge over the Crosstrek's 180 hp and 178 lb-ft. This 11 hp difference will be noticeable in spirited driving.

How do their MSRPs compare for the base AWD models?

The 2025 Mazda CX-30 has a more aggressive starting price at $25,195. Conversely, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek commands a slightly higher entry price of $26,995 for its base AWD configuration.

Which car has more usable cargo space?

The 2025 Mazda CX-30 technically offers a slight advantage in published cargo volume, measuring 20.2 cubic feet, compared to the Subaru Crosstrek's 19.9 cubic feet. Both are quite compact in this segment.

What is the main mechanical difference in their transmissions?

The Mazda utilizes a conventional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, often preferred for its traditional feel and responsive gear changes. The Subaru uses a Continuously Variable-Speed Automatic Transmission (CVT), which prioritizes seamless acceleration.

Are these vehicles similar in size and footprint?

They are very close, but the Subaru Crosstrek is slightly larger overall, measuring 176.4 inches in length compared to the CX-30's 173.0 inches, and it is also marginally wider and taller.