2025 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2026 Mazda CX-30

$26,560 · Crossover

$25,975 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and the 2026 Mazda CX-30 often comes down to balancing efficiency against engagement when both cost under $27,000. The Crosstrek starts at $26,560 and prioritizes fuel economy, achieving a solid 29 MPG combined, making it excellent for long-haul commuting. Conversely, the Mazda CX-30, priced slightly lower at $25,975, packs significantly more punch with 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Crosstrek’s 152 hp. While both offer standard All-Wheel Drive, the Subaru has a slightly taller stance (62.8 inches vs. 61.4 inches) and marginally more cargo room at 19.9 cu ft versus the Mazda's 20.2 cu ft (note: cargo specs often differ based on measurement standards, but the Mazda leads slightly here). Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether your priority is the Crosstrek's superior highway efficiency (34 MPG) or the CX-30’s 34 hp advantage.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Subaru Crosstrek

The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek wins for commuters due to its higher combined fuel economy rating of 29 MPG versus the CX-30's 27 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-30

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 offers a slight advantage in practicality with a marginally larger listed cargo capacity of 20.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-30

Enthusiasts will favor the 2026 Mazda CX-30 for its substantially greater output, boasting 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 presents slightly better immediate value with a lower MSRP of $25,975 compared to the Crosstrek's $26,560.

Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if...

You frequently drive on the highway and want the best efficiency, thanks to its 34 MPG highway rating.
You prefer the predictable operation of a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) for smooth acceleration.
You need the slightly greater ground clearance suggested by its 62.8-inch height, hinting at mild trail capability.

Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...

You enjoy more spirited driving thanks to its 186 horsepower output, which is 34 hp more than the competition.
You want maximum utility from a slightly shorter overall length (173.0 inches) while still getting AWD.
You prioritize immediate savings with the lower base price of $25,975.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru Crosstrek	Mazda CX-30
Length	176.4"	173.0"
Width	70.9"	70.7"
Height	62.8"	61.4"
Wheelbase	105.1"	104.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front 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 Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	flat 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	152 hp @ 6000 rpm	186 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	145 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	186 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	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	27/34 MPG	24/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	448.2/564.4 mi.	304.8/393.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	16.6 gal.	12.7 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
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	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	—
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Push Button Start	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
Infotainment Display	7.0 in	8.8 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	4	8
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Length	4 months	—

Power Feature

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
Front Head Room	39.8 in.	38.1 in.
Front Leg Room	42.9 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.8 in.	55.6 in.
Front Hip Room	55.1 in.	54.6 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	Subaru	Mazda
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	38.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.5 in.	36.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.3 in.	53.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.2 in.	53.2 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	16 x 6.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P225/60R17	215/65R16
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
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 Subaru Crosstrek and 2026 Mazda CX-30.

Which crossover is quicker off the line, the Crosstrek or the CX-30?

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 is noticeably quicker; it produces 186 lb-ft of torque and 186 hp. This is a significant 34 hp advantage over the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek's 152 hp, meaning the Mazda will feel much punchier during acceleration.

How big is the difference in fuel economy between these two AWD crossovers?

The Subaru Crosstrek holds the efficiency crown, achieving 29 MPG combined (27 city/34 highway). The Mazda CX-30 delivers 27 MPG combined (24 city/31 highway), meaning the Subaru offers a distinct 2 MPG combined edge.

Are both vehicles equipped with All-Wheel Drive?

Yes, both the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and the 2026 Mazda CX-30 come standard with All-Wheel Drive capability, making them comparable in slippery conditions.

Does the price difference significantly impact the starting MSRP?

The starting prices are very close, but the Mazda CX-30 wins on initial cost at $25,975, while the Subaru Crosstrek begins at $26,560, making the Mazda $585 cheaper upfront.

Which crossover has better capability for hauling gear?

Cargo capacity figures are nearly identical, with the Mazda CX-30 listing 20.2 cubic feet and the Subaru Crosstrek listing 19.9 cubic feet; however, both are tightly packaged within 177 inches in length.

What type of transmission setup should I expect in each crossover?

The Subaru Crosstrek uses a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT), which aids in its fuel economy numbers. In contrast, the Mazda CX-30 features a more traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, appealing to drivers who prefer set gear changes.