Compare the2023 Subaru CrosstrekVS 2021 Mazda CX-3

Safety
Warranty
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Transmission and Drivetrain
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the Crosstrek CVT are reminded to check the back seat if they opened the rear door before starting out. The CX-3 doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

The Subaru Crosstrek has a standard driver’s side knee airbag mounted low on the dashboard. The knee airbag helps prevent the driver from sliding under the seatbelts or the main frontal airbag; this keeps the driver better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. A knee airbag also helps keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The CX-3 doesn’t offer knee airbags.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The Crosstrek Limited has standard Reverse Automatic Braking that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The CX-3 doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the Crosstrek. But it costs extra on the CX-3.

The Crosstrek offers optional parking sensors to help warn the driver about vehicles, pedestrians or other obstacles behind or in front of their vehicle. The CX-3 doesn’t offer a front parking aid.

The Crosstrek CVT’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The CX-3 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the Crosstrek and the CX-3 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available crash mitigating brakes, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems and rear cross-path warning.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Subaru Crosstrek is safer than the Mazda CX-3:

	Crosstrek	CX-3
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	138	183
Chest Movement	.7 inches	.8 inches
Abdominal Force	196 lbs.	199 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Spine Acceleration	58 G’s	85 G’s
Hip Force	428 lbs.	487 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	13 inches	14 inches
HIC	201	287

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, with its optional front crash prevention system, and its headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Crosstrek its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2019, a rating granted to only 112 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The CX-3 is only a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2019.

Warranty

There are over 16 percent more Subaru dealers than there are Mazda dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Crosstrek’s warranty.

Engine

The Crosstrek’s standard 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 4 more horsepower (152 vs. 148) than the CX-3’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder. The Crosstrek Sport/Limited’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 34 more horsepower (182 vs. 148) and 30 lbs.-ft. more torque (176 vs. 146) than the CX-3’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Crosstrek Sport/Limited 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder is faster than the Mazda CX-3 (automatics tested):

	Crosstrek	CX-3
Zero to 60 MPH	7.8 sec	8.6 sec
Quarter Mile	16 sec	16.6 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	87.7 MPH	83 MPH

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the Crosstrek lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability without compromising ground clearance. The CX-3 doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the Crosstrek gets better mileage than the CX-3:

			MPG
Crosstrek
AWD	Auto	2.0 DOHC flat-4	28 city/33 hwy
		2.5 DOHC flat-4	27 city/34 hwy
CX-3
AWD	Auto	2.0 DOHC 4-cyl.	27 city/32 hwy

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Crosstrek CVT’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The CX-3 doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The Crosstrek has 4.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the CX-3 AWD’s standard fuel tank (16.6 vs. 11.9 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Crosstrek has 3.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the CX-3 FWD’s standard fuel tank (16.6 vs. 12.7 gallons).

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Subaru Crosstrek higher (7 out of 10) than the Mazda CX-3 (3 to 7). This means the Crosstrek produces up to 24.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the CX-3 every 15,000 miles.

Transmission and Drivetrain

The Crosstrek offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and sportiness. The CX-3 doesn’t offer a manual transmission.

The Crosstrek offers an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The CX-3 doesn’t offer a CVT.

The Crosstrek has X-Mode, a true all-wheel-drive system, which uses a four wheel traction control system to redirect engine power to the axle and wheel that still has traction to keep the Crosstrek moving if even only one wheel still has traction. The CX-3 doesn’t offer a true all-wheel drive system; it could get stuck while one or more wheels still have traction.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Crosstrek’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the CX-3:

	Crosstrek	CX-3
Front Rotors	11.6 inches	11 inches

The Crosstrek stops much shorter than the CX-3:

	Crosstrek	CX-3
70 to 0 MPH	169 feet	181 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	125 feet	135 feet	Consumer Reports
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	136 feet	148 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Crosstrek has larger tires than the CX-3 (225/60R17 vs. 215/60R16).

The Crosstrek Limited’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the CX-3’s 60 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Crosstrek has standard 17-inch wheels. Only 16-inch wheels are available on the CX-3. The Crosstrek Limited has standard 18-inch wheels.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Subaru Crosstrek has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Mazda CX-3 has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The Crosstrek has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the Crosstrek flat and controlled during cornering. The CX-3’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Crosstrek’s wheelbase is 3.7 inches longer than on the CX-3 (104.9 inches vs. 101.2 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Crosstrek is 1 inch wider in the front and 1.3 inches wider in the rear than on the CX-3.

For greater off-road capability the Crosstrek has a 2.6 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the CX-3 (8.7 vs. 6.1 inches), allowing the Crosstrek to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Passenger Space

The Crosstrek has 13.3 cubic feet more passenger volume than the CX-3 (100.9 vs. 87.6).

The Crosstrek has 1.4 inches more front headroom, 1.4 inches more front legroom, 2.8 inches more front hip room, 3.2 inches more front shoulder room, .8 inches more rear headroom, 1.5 inches more rear legroom, 6.2 inches more rear hip room and 5.2 inches more rear shoulder room than the CX-3.

Cargo Capacity

The Crosstrek has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the CX-3 with its rear seat up (20.8 vs. 17.8 cubic feet). The Crosstrek has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the CX-3 with its rear seat folded (55.3 vs. 42.7 cubic feet).

The Crosstrek’s cargo area is larger than the CX-3’s in every dimension:

	Crosstrek	CX-3
Length to seat (2nd/1st)	32.3”/64.2”	30.9”/58”
Max Width	53”	n/a
Min Width	43”	39.4”
Height	30”	26.6”

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Crosstrek. The CX-3 doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

Towing

The Crosstrek has a 1500 lbs. towing capacity. The CX-3 has no towing capacity.

Servicing Ease

The engine in the Crosstrek is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the CX-3. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

Ergonomics

The Crosstrek offers a remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The CX-3 doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The power windows standard on both the Crosstrek and the CX-3 have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Crosstrek is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The CX-3 prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The Crosstrek’s front power windows open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The CX-3’s passenger windows don’t open or close automatically.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the Crosstrek’s available exterior PIN entry system (not available on Crosstrek Base). The CX-3 doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system.

Keyless Access and Start optional on the Crosstrek (except Base) allows you to unlock the driver’s door, cargo door and start the engine all without removing a key from pocket or purse. This eliminates searching for keys before loading groceries, getting in the vehicle in bad weather or making a hurried start to your trip. The Mazda CX-3’s Pushbutton Start doesn’t unlock the doors or the cargo door.

The Crosstrek’s standard driver power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Crosstrek Premium/Sport/Limited’s standard power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The CX-3’s power mirror switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The Crosstrek’s available headlights were rated “Good” by the IIHS, while the CX-3’s headlights are rated “Acceptable.”

The Crosstrek Premium/Sport/Limited’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. The CX-3 doesn’t offer heated side mirrors.

The Crosstrek’s optional rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The CX-3 offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The Crosstrek Premium/Sport/Limited has standard heated front seats, which keep the driver and front passenger extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated seats aren’t available in the CX-3.

Economic Advantages

Insurance will cost less for the Crosstrek owner. The Car Book by Jack Gillis rates the Crosstrek with a number “5” insurance rate while the CX-3 is rated higher at a number “8” rate.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Crosstrek is less expensive to operate than the CX-3 because typical repairs cost much less on the Crosstrek than the CX-3, including $8 less for a muffler, $15 less for front brake pads, $135 less for fuel injection and $270 less for a power steering pump.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Subaru Crosstrek and the Mazda CX-3, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Subaru Crosstrek outsold the Mazda CX-3 by over 22 to one during the 2021 model year.

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