2025 Subaru Impreza vs 2026 Mazda CX-30

$24,360 · Wagon

$25,975 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant quantifiable difference between the 2025 Subaru Impreza and the 2026 Mazda CX-30 is the power output, where the CX-30 delivers a 186 hp versus the Impreza's 152 hp, a 34 hp advantage. The Mazda also boasts substantially higher torque at 186 lb-ft compared to the Subaru's 145 lb-ft. However, the Impreza counters with superior fuel economy, achieving 30 MPG combined versus the CX-30's 27 MPG combined, with its highway rating reaching 34 MPG. The Impreza has a slightly lower MSRP at $24,360 compared to the CX-30's $25,975. Dimensionally, the CX-30 is taller at 61.4 inches versus 58.3 inches, but both vehicles offer nearly identical cargo capacities, with the Impreza slightly ahead at 20.4 cu ft versus 20.2 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Subaru Impreza

The 2025 Subaru Impreza wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 30 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-30

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 is favored for families because its 61.4-inch height provides greater interior headroom and a more commanding crossover profile.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-30

The CX-30 offers significantly more power, with 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque compared to the Impreza's 152 hp and 145 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru Impreza

The 2025 Subaru Impreza holds a clear value advantage with a lower starting MSRP of $24,360.

Choose the Subaru Impreza if...

Your priority is maximizing fuel efficiency, demonstrated by its 30 MPG combined rating.
You require the lowest initial ownership cost, evidenced by the $24,360 MSRP.
You prefer the slightly larger cargo area, offering 20.4 cu ft versus the competitor's 20.2 cu ft.

Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...

You prioritize performance metrics, benefiting from 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque.
A taller ride height is desired, as the CX-30 measures 61.4 inches tall versus 58.3 inches.
You prefer a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru Impreza	Mazda CX-30
Length	176.2"	173.0"
Width	70.1"	70.7"
Height	58.3"	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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
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	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front 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	—

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)	30 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	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Push Button Start	—	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓
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	2	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 Material	Steel	—
Wheel Cover Type	Full	—
Wheel Size	16 x 6.5 in	16 x 6.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	205/55R16	215/65R16
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

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

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 Impreza and 2026 Mazda CX-30.

What is the primary functional difference between the transmissions in these two vehicles?

The 2025 Subaru Impreza utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT). In contrast, the 2026 Mazda CX-30 features a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, offering drivers more direct gear control than the CVT.

How much more powerful is the Mazda CX-30 than the Subaru Impreza?

The Mazda CX-30 produces 186 hp, exceeding the Subaru Impreza’s 152 hp by 34 horsepower. This results in a 41 lb-ft advantage in torque for the CX-30 (186 vs 145 lb-ft).

Does the lower price of the Impreza compromise cargo space compared to the CX-30?

No, the price difference does not translate to a significant cargo space disparity. The Impreza offers 20.4 cu ft, while the CX-30 provides 20.2 cu ft, making them nearly equivalent in utility space.

Which vehicle offers better fuel economy for long-distance driving?

The 2025 Subaru Impreza is superior for mileage, achieving 34 MPG on the highway compared to the CX-30's 31 MPG highway rating. Its overall combined efficiency is also higher at 30 MPG versus 27 MPG.

Are these vehicles dimensionally similar in overall footprint?

They share similar overall width (70.1 inches vs 70.7 inches) and length (176.2 inches vs 173.0 inches). The key dimensional divergence is height, where the CX-30 is 3.1 inches taller at 61.4 inches.