2026 Mazda CX-30 vs 2026 Subaru Impreza
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the sporty feel of the 2026 Mazda CX-30 and the pragmatic efficiency of the 2026 Subaru Impreza often comes down to prioritizing horsepower versus fuel economy in a compact AWD package. Buyers must weigh the CX-30's punchier 186 hp against the Impreza's better efficiency, boasting 29 combined MPG versus the Mazda's 27 combined MPG. Despite being slightly smaller (173.0 inches long vs. 176.2 inches), the CX-30 offers 186 lb-ft of torque, significantly more than the Impreza’s 145 lb-ft, giving it the edge in responsiveness. Both offer AWD and similar starting prices, with the Mazda at $25,975 and the Subaru at $25,595. The Impreza, technically a wagon, still offers marginally more cargo room at 20.4 cu ft, though both are tight for large families.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Subaru Impreza
The 2026 Subaru Impreza wins for commuting due to its superior fuel efficiency, achieving 33 highway MPG compared to the CX-30's 31 MPG.
2026 Subaru Impreza
The Impreza offers slightly more utility with 20.4 cu ft of cargo space and a slightly lower stance, which can aid loading children and gear.
2026 Mazda CX-30
The 2026 Mazda CX-30 is the clear choice for enthusiasts, delivering 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque—a notable 34 hp advantage over the Impreza.
2026 Mazda CX-30
The Mazda CX-30 offers superior performance metrics for a slightly lower starting MSRP of $25,975.
Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...
- You prioritize responsiveness, as the CX-30 provides 186 lb-ft of torque, making highway passing easier.
- You enjoy spirited driving, evidenced by its 186 hp engine and traditional 6-speed automatic transmission.
- You want the lower entry price point at $25,975 while still getting standard All-Wheel Drive.
Choose the Subaru Impreza if...
- Saving fuel is paramount, given its 29 combined MPG rating, beating the CX-30 by 2 MPG.
- You need slightly better usability in tight parking spots due to its narrower 70.1-inch width.
- You prefer the flexibility of a wagon shape, even if the cargo capacity (20.4 cu ft) is only marginally larger than the crossover.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-30 | Subaru Impreza |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.0" | 176.2" |
| Width | 70.7" | 70.1" |
| Height | 61.4" | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 186 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
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) | 24/31 MPG | 27/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 304.8/393.7 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mazda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.8 in | 11.6 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 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 2026 Mazda CX-30 and 2026 Subaru Impreza.
How much of a difference does the power gap between these two AWD vehicles make in real-world driving?
The CX-30 has 186 hp compared to the Impreza's 152 hp, a 34 hp difference. This means the Mazda will accelerate quicker and feel more lively when merging onto busy roads or climbing hills.
Which car is better if I mainly drive in the city versus on the highway?
For city driving, the Impreza is slightly better with 27 City MPG, while the CX-30 gets 24 City MPG. On the highway, the Impreza stretches further, achieving 33 MPG versus the Mazda's 31 MPG.
Are the dimensions significantly different for parking these vehicles?
They are very similar in footprint; the Impreza is slightly longer at 176.2 inches versus 173.0 inches for the CX-30. The CX-30 is marginally wider (70.7 inches vs. 70.1 inches).
Does the difference in MSRP reflect the value proposition of each vehicle?
The CX-30 starts at $25,975, making it $620 cheaper than the Impreza at $26,595. For that lower price, you get significantly more power, suggesting the CX-30 offers better performance value.
Since both have AWD, how does the transmission affect the driving experience?
The CX-30 uses a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic, offering a more direct driving feel, whereas the Impreza utilizes a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which prioritizes smooth, consistent efficiency.
Is the cargo capacity drastically different between the wagon and the crossover?
Not really; both offer very similar space. The Impreza wagon edges out the CX-30 crossover slightly, offering 20.4 cubic feet compared to the Mazda's 20.2 cubic feet.
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