2026 Mazda CX-30 vs 2026 Subaru Crosstrek

$25,975 · Crossover

$26,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Stuck between the sporty feel of the 2026 Mazda CX-30 and the rugged efficiency of the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek? This crossover comparison boils down to horsepower versus fuel economy. The Mazda CX-30 offers a punchier driving experience, boasting 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, making it feel more responsive than the Crosstrek's 180 hp and 178 lb-ft. However, the Subaru counters with superior efficiency, achieving 29 MPG combined compared to the Mazda's 27 MPG combined. While both feature standard all-wheel drive, the Crosstrek is slightly larger overall at 176.4 inches long versus the CX-30's 173.0 inches. With MSRPs of $25,975 for the Mazda and $26,995 for the Subaru, the initial cost difference is narrow, pushing buyers to weigh dynamic performance against long-term fuel savings.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Crosstrek

The Subaru Crosstrek wins for commuters due to its better fuel economy, achieving 29 MPG combined versus the Mazda's 27 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 takes the slight edge for families because it offers marginally more cargo space at 20.2 cubic feet compared to the Crosstrek's 19.9 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-30

The CX-30 appeals more to enthusiasts with its higher output of 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Crosstrek's 180 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 provides better immediate performance metrics for $1,020 less than the Subaru Crosstrek.

Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...

You prioritize responsive acceleration, evidenced by the CX-30's 186 hp rating.
You prefer the traditional feel of a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
You want slightly more usable storage space, as the CX-30 has 20.2 cu ft of cargo volume.

Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if...

Saving on gas is paramount, thanks to the Crosstrek's superior 33 highway MPG rating.
You appreciate a slightly larger overall footprint, as the Crosstrek is 3.4 inches longer than the CX-30.
You prefer the predictable driving character associated with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-30	Subaru Crosstrek
Length	173.0"	176.4"
Width	70.7"	70.9"
Height	61.4"	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	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
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	186 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	✓	✓

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)	24/31 MPG	26/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	304.8/393.7 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	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in 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	8	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 2026 Mazda CX-30 and 2026 Subaru Crosstrek.

How much better is the fuel economy between these two AWD crossovers?

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is noticeably more efficient, offering a combined 29 MPG compared to the 2026 Mazda CX-30's 27 MPG combined. This difference means the Crosstrek will save you a bit more money on longer trips since both run on regular unleaded fuel.

Which vehicle has more power for passing on the highway?

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 holds the power advantage here, producing 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. This gives it a slight edge over the Subaru Crosstrek, which generates 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.

Is the size difference significant for city parking?

The size difference is minor, but the Mazda CX-30 is slightly more compact. The CX-30 measures 173.0 inches long, while the Crosstrek is 176.4 inches long; however, both are nimble crossovers well-suited for urban environments.

What is the main difference in how they shift gears?

The Mazda CX-30 utilizes a conventional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, which many drivers prefer for a more direct feel. Conversely, the Subaru Crosstrek uses a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT) designed to maximize efficiency.

Which car has a lower starting price?

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 starts at a more accessible MSRP of $25,975. The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is positioned slightly higher, starting at $26,995, making the Mazda the better initial budget choice.