Compare the2025 Subaru ImprezaVS 2025 Mazda CX-30

Both the Impreza and the CX-30 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available blind spot warning systems and rear cross-path warning.

There are over 18 percent more Subaru dealers than there are Mazda dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Impreza’s warranty.

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the Impreza has a 130-amp alternator. The CX-30’s standard 100-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Subaru vehicles are better in initial quality than Mazda vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Subaru above average in initial quality. With 49 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mazda is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Subaru vehicles are more reliable than Mazda vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Subaru 1 place higher in reliability than Mazda.

As tested in Motor Trend the Impreza RS 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder is faster than the Mazda CX-30 4 cyl.:

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the Impreza lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability (That’s why Porsche uses boxer engines.). The CX-30 doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.

On the EPA test cycle the Impreza gets better mileage than the CX-30:

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Impreza’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-30 doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Subaru Impreza uses regular unleaded gasoline. The CX-30 with the 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder engine requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

The Impreza has 3.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the CX-30 (16.6 vs. 12.7 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Impreza has a standard 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-30 doesn’t offer a CVT.

For better stopping power the Impreza Sport/RS’ brake rotors are larger than those on the CX-30:

The Impreza’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the CX-30 are solid, not vented.

The Impreza stops shorter than the CX-30:

For better traction, the Impreza Sport/RS’ tires are larger than the largest tires available on the CX-30 (225/40R18 vs. 215/65R16).

The Impreza’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the CX-30 2.5 S’ standard 65 series tires. The Impreza Sport/RS’ tires have a lower 40 series profile than the CX-30 Select/Preferred/Carbon/Premium’s 55 series tires.

For superior ride and handling, the Subaru Impreza 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-30 has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The Impreza has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the Impreza flat and controlled during cornering. The CX-30’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The Impreza RS handles at .81 G’s, while the CX-30 2.5 S Premium pulls only .79 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Subaru Impreza may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 200 to 250 pounds less than the Mazda CX-30.

The front grille of the Impreza uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The CX-30 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Impreza has 6.4 cubic feet more passenger volume than the CX-30 (100.5 vs. 94.1).

The Impreza has 1.7 inches more front headroom, 1.2 inches more front legroom, .5 inches more front hip room, 1.2 inches more front shoulder room, .2 inches more rear legroom and 1.7 inches more rear shoulder room than the CX-30.

The Impreza has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the CX-30 with its rear seat folded (56 vs. 45.2 cubic feet).

The engine in the Impreza is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the CX-30. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Subaru service is better than Mazda. J.D. Power ranks Subaru 7th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 16% lower rating, Mazda is ranked 14th.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Impreza has a standard rear fixed intermittent wiper with a full on position. The rear wiper standard on the CX-30 only has an intermittent setting, so in a hard rain visibility isn’t as good.

The Impreza has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning is only available on the CX-30 Select/Preferred/Carbon/Turbo/Premium.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Subaru Impreza and the Mazda CX-30, based on reliability, safety and performance.