2024 Mazda CX-30 vs. 2024 Subaru Crosstrek: Which Mazda SUV Is Right for You?

Today, more drivers prefer SUVs over sedans than ever before. This rise in popularity results from the enhanced space, utility, and capability SUVs provide vs. sedans. Automakers today go to great lengths to develop SUVs to suit any driving style and taste.

If you’ve recently shopped for SUVs, you’ve probably encountered the Mazda CX-30 and the Subaru Crosstrek. Both vehicles have unique features and performance characteristics, but some buyers find it challenging to comparison shop. So, we asked our SUV experts here at Hiley Mazda of Fort Worth, Texas, to compare the two vehicles to help you decide which model suits your needs best. View our new inventory today, or If you have any questions give us a call at (817) 663-7404.

Exterior Design and Size

When you look at the Mazda CX-30, you see motion, even at a standstill. That’s because Mazda incorporates “kodo,” the Japanese art form that captures the sense of movement. Just staring at it makes you want to climb in and drive off. For instance, a sweeping S-curve along the side body allows light and shadow to dance together, shifting and reflecting the moving world around it. Soft curves, sleek lines, and modern style highlight the Mazda CX-30’s exterior.

The Mazda CX-30 measures 173 inches long, 70.7 inches wide, and 62.2 inches tall. And the CX-30 has 8 inches of ground clearance. The Mazda CX-30 SUVs roll on 18-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires and have roof rails. The CX-30 has impressive LED lighting with auto on/off headlights, LED daytime running lights, and LED combination taillights.

Subaru styled the Crosstrek with a rugged appearance. The Crosstrek has more sharp lines and boxy cladding, making it look practical, if not adventurous. The Subaru Crosstrek rolls on 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires.

You get LED headlights on every trim and fog lights on the top-tier model, but no daytime running lights. Subaru uses standard brake lights on the rear, and every model has roof rails. The Crosstrek measures 176.4 inches long, 70.9 inches wide, and 63 inches tall with the roof rails. And the Crosstrek has 8.7 inches of ground clearance. The rugged appearance makes you want to take that shortcut through the woods.

Interior Comfort and Space

The base CX-30 trims have leatherette upholstery, while the upper trims have genuine leather on the sport-bolstered seats. The seats on seven of the eight trims are power operated and heated for comfort. You get a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear selector, and the top trims have heated steering wheels.

The CX-30 seats up to five people with 94.1 cubic feet of passenger volume. You have 41.7 inches of legroom up front and 36.3 inches in the back. Cargo volume measures 20.2 cubic feet and expands to 45.2 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The Subaru Crosstrek’s front seats are manually operated on all trims except the Limited. The top three trims have leather-wrapped heated steering wheels and leather-wrapped shift knobs. Subaru uses cloth upholstery for the lower three models, leather-trimmed seats on the Limited trim, and StarTex synthetic upholstery on the Wilderness model.

The Crosstrek seats up to five people with 100.5 cubic feet of passenger volume. You have 42.9 inches of legroom in the front and 36.5 inches in the back seat. Cargo volume measures 19.9 cubic feet and expands to 54.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

Engine Performance and Fuel Efficiency

The Mazda CX-30 uses a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine in the lower trims that puts out 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque and gets up to 33 mpg. The top tiers have a 2.5-liter turbo-four that generates an impressive 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque and gets up to 30 mpg. Mazda’s SKYACTIV-G engine technology makes for a thrilling driving experience on and off the road.

Subaru uses its 2.0-liter boxer engine on the lower trims. This engine produces 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque and gets up to 34 mpg. The top models have a 2.5-liter boxer engine that puts out 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque and gets up to 33 mpg. The SUBARU BOXER engine has fans, but it’s hard to imagine it keeping pace with the Mazda CX-30.

Technology and Infotainment

Mazda installed an 8.8-inch touch screen in the lower trims that operates all your infotainment. Top models have a 10.25-inch touch screen. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice recognition software let you sync your smartphone for hands-free operations.

With the Mazda, you also have 10 driver-assist systems that use radar and optical sensors to monitor your CX-30’s surroundings and alert you to potential hazards. In some cases, these systems provide emergency brake support and steering input.

Subaru has a 7-inch touch screen for the bottom trim and an 11.6-inch touch screen for the rest. You also get Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth technology pre-installed. You get a smaller suite of driver-assist systems with the Crosstrek that use similar technology to help avoid collisions.

Handling and Ride Quality

Every CX-30 has Mazda’s i-ACTIV all-wheel-drive and SKYACTIV-VEHICLE DYNAMICS with G-Vectoring Control Plus systems. These systems work together to adjust power delivery and braking continuously. These adjustments subtly shift vehicle weight to deliver a smooth, uplifting drive.

Subaru’s Lineartronic continuously variable transmission works in concert with the symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. As a result of the linear design layout, the Crosstrek delivers exceptional traction and control.

Pricing and Trim Levels

Mazda’s naturally aspirated models range from $24,995 up to $31,990. Turbocharged trims start at $32,790 and peak at $36,800.

The Subaru Crosstrek’s base trim starts at $24,995. The top-of-the-range Wilderness reaches $31,995.

Identical starting prices make both vehicles financially approachable for most buyers. Even the top tiers have reasonable price points.

Ownership Costs and Resale Value

Ownership costs measure the total price you pay for a vehicle, including insurance, maintenance, and potential resale value. The Crosstrek holds its value better and requires less maintenance. With the top-tier CX-30’s elevated price point, you might pay more for insurance. Over time, the Subaru will cost you less, but the CX-30 will be more enjoyable daily.

The Mazda CX-30 Beats the Subaru Crosstrek

Superior exterior style, elevated comfort features inside, and robust performance features make the Mazda CX-30 a compelling choice. Of course, the decision requires a test drive to determine if it suits your particular taste. We invite you to shop our virtual inventory  to get started. Then, you can visit our West Freeway showroom in Fort Worth, Texas, for a personal demonstration and test drive.