Compare the2026 Subaru CrosstrekVS 2026 Mazda CX-30

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the Crosstrek’s standard Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The CX-30 doesn’t offer Hill Descent Control.

The Subaru Crosstrek’s rear backup camera has a standard washer for maintaining a clear view under various conditions. In contrast, the Mazda CX-30 does not offer a rear camera washer, meaning its effectiveness relies on manual cleaning by the user when necessary.

Both the Crosstrek and the CX-30 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear 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, around view monitors, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Subaru Crosstrek is safer than the Mazda CX-30:

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

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, results indicate that the Subaru Crosstrek is safer than the Mazda CX-30:

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

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

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Crosstrek’s reliability 11 points higher than the CX-30.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 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 38 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mazda is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Subaru vehicles are more reliable than Mazda vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Subaru first in overall reliability. Mazda is ranked 6th.

The Crosstrek Hybrid’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid produces 8 more horsepower (194 vs. 186) than the CX-30’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Subaru Crosstrek 4 cyl. is faster than the Mazda CX-30 4 cyl.:

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-30 doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.

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

Regenerative brakes improve the Crosstrek Hybrid’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The CX-30 doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Crosstrek’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 Crosstrek 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 Crosstrek has 3.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the CX-30 (16.6 vs. 12.7 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Subaru Crosstrek higher (6 out of 10) than the Mazda CX-30 (4 to 6). This means the Crosstrek produces up to 12.1 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the CX-30 every 15,000 miles.

The Crosstrek 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 Crosstrek’s brake rotors are larger than those on the CX-30:

The Crosstrek’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 Crosstrek stops shorter than the CX-30:

For better traction, the Crosstrek has larger tires than the CX-30 (225/60R17 vs. 215/65R16).

The Crosstrek’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 60 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the CX-30 2.5 S’ standard 65 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Crosstrek has standard 17-inch wheels. Smaller 16-inch wheels are standard on the CX-30 2.5 S.

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-30 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-30’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The Crosstrek’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (60% to 40%) than the CX-30’s (62% to 38%). This gives the Crosstrek more stable handling and braking.

The Crosstrek 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 Crosstrek Limited executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the CX-30 2.5 S Premium (27.3 seconds @ .61 average G’s vs. 27.9 seconds @ .6 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the Crosstrek has a greater minimum ground clearance than the CX-30 (8.7 vs. 8 inches), allowing the Crosstrek to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Crosstrek Wilderness’ minimum ground clearance is 1.3 inches higher than on the CX-30 (9.3 vs. 8 inches).

The front grille of the Crosstrek 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 Crosstrek has 6.4 cubic feet more passenger volume than the CX-30 (100.5 vs. 94.1).

The Crosstrek 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, 2 inches more rear hip room and 1.7 inches more rear shoulder room than the CX-30.

The Crosstrek has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the CX-30 with its rear seat folded (54.7 vs. 45.2 cubic feet).

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Crosstrek. The CX-30 doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

The Crosstrek has a 1500 lbs. towing capacity. The CX-30 has no towing capacity.

The engine in the Crosstrek 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 third in service department satisfaction. With a 20% lower rating, Mazda is ranked 10th.

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 exterior PIN entry system. The CX-30 doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system.

The Crosstrek’s standard Keyless Access and Start allow you to unlock the doors from either front door handle, unlock the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Pushbutton Start standard on the CX-30 only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the vehicle. Pushbutton Start is not available on the CX-30 Select/Preferred/Carbon/Aire/Premium.

The Crosstrek 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/Aire/Premium.

Compared to traditional radio, the Subaru Crosstrek’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio is only offered on the CX-30 Turbo Premium Plus.

According to iSeeCars.com the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek retains 66.41% of its original value after 5 years, more than the 60.49% resale value of the 2025 Mazda CX-30 after five years, which can save the Subaru’s owner up to $1033.408607 in depreciation.

Both are recommended, but Consumer Reports® chose the Subaru Crosstrek as its “Top Pick,” the highest scoring vehicle in its category, based on reliability, safety and performance.

Motor Trend performed a comparison test in its August 2024 issue and they ranked the Subaru Crosstrek Limited three places higher than the Mazda CX-30.

The Subaru Crosstrek outsold the Mazda CX-30 by 89% during 2024.