2025 Mazda CX-30 vs 2026 Subaru Impreza

$25,195 · Crossover

$26,595 · Wagon

Comparison Overview

The most significant measurable difference between the 2025 Mazda CX-30 and the 2026 Subaru Impreza is power, with the CX-30 producing 191 hp compared to the Impreza's 152 hp, a 39 hp advantage. Both vehicles share an identical combined fuel economy rating of 29 MPG, though the Impreza edges out the CX-30 in city driving (27 MPG vs. 26 MPG). The CX-30 starts at a lower MSRP of $25,195 versus the Impreza’s $26,595. While the Impreza offers slightly more cargo space at 20.4 cu ft versus 20.2 cu ft, the CX-30 compensates with significantly higher torque at 186 lb-ft versus the Impreza's 145 lb-ft. Both models feature standard All-Wheel Drive, but the Mazda uses a 6-speed automatic transmission while the Subaru employs a CVT.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda CX-30

The 2025 Mazda CX-30 provides superior acceleration and power (191 hp) for merging and highway efficiency.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Impreza

The 2026 Subaru Impreza offers marginally greater cargo capacity at 20.4 cu ft and a slightly lower height of 58.3 inches.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-30

The CX-30's substantial 39 hp advantage and 186 lb-ft of torque create a more engaging driving experience than the Impreza's 152 hp setup.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-30

The CX-30 achieves the same 29 MPG combined rating while boasting 39 more horsepower for a $1,400 lower starting MSRP of $25,195.

Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...

Performance metrics are prioritized, given the 191 hp output and 186 lb-ft of torque.
The buyer seeks the lowest entry price point at $25,195 MSRP.
A traditional 6-speed automatic transmission is preferred over a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Choose the Subaru Impreza if...

Maximum available cargo volume is necessary, as it offers 20.4 cu ft versus the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft.
Slightly better city fuel economy (27 MPG) is desired over the CX-30's 26 MPG city rating.
A longer overall vehicle length (176.2 inches) is needed, potentially indicating more rear seat space.

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 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	2.0 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	27/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	330.2/419.1 mi.	448.2/547.8 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	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Infotainment Display	8.8 in	11.6 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
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	✓	✓
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
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	—	✓

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	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	16 x 6.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	215/65R16	225/40R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

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 Impreza.

How do the horsepower figures impact performance between the two models?

The 2025 Mazda CX-30 has 191 hp, significantly outperforming the 2026 Subaru Impreza’s 152 hp, which translates to quicker acceleration and better passing power for the Mazda.

Is the difference in MSRP meaningful given the shared MPG?

Yes, the CX-30 is priced $1,400 lower at $25,195 while delivering 39 more horsepower, suggesting a higher performance-to-price ratio.

Which vehicle provides better utility for hauling cargo?

The Subaru Impreza offers a negligible advantage in cargo capacity at 20.4 cu ft compared to the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft, but the Subaru is also 3.2 inches longer overall.

Do these AWD vehicles require premium fuel?

No, both the 2025 Mazda CX-30 and the 2026 Subaru Impreza are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, aiding running cost management.

What is the main difference in how they transmit power to the wheels?

The CX-30 utilizes a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas the Impreza features a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).

How do the exterior dimensions compare side-by-side?

The CX-30 is narrower (70.7 inches vs. 70.1 inches) but the Impreza is substantially taller and longer, measuring 176.2 inches in length compared to the CX-30's 173.0 inches.