2025 Mazda CX-30 vs Subaru Crosstrek
The 2025 Mazda CX-30 and Subaru Crosstrek have become popular in the subcompact SUV market. Both have all-wheel-drive (AWD) capability, which today's buyers crave, but they appeal to different drivers. The CX-30 brings a touch of class with sportier handling, while the Crosstrek targets off-road fans who seek toughness and outdoor capability. Our Bountiful Mazda team has compiled this Mazda CX-30 vs. Subaru Crosstrek comparison to help you differentiate between them.
Performance and Engine Specifications
The 2025 Mazda CX-30 is available with two engines and features standard AWD. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder base engine delivers 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, while the turbo 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine on higher trims generates 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque.
Subaru's 2025 Crosstrek base trim features a 2.0-liter BOXER engine producing 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. The Premium, Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trims utilize a 2.5-liter BOXER engine that produces 182 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, but Subaru doesn't provide a turbo option for the Crosstrek.
The CX-30 speeds from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds with the turbocharged engine versus the Crosstrek's 8.1 seconds (depending on configuration). Mazda uses a six-speed automatic, while Subaru's continuously variable transmission prioritizes efficiency. Both SUVs can tow a minimum of 1,500 pounds.
Interior Comfort and Quality
The 2025 Mazda CX-30's interior rivals that of luxury cars costing thousands more. Premium materials and design touches create a cabin that feels upscale without the high cost.
The Crosstrek prioritizes function over luxury; the cabin materials are comparable to those of other Japanese cars at this price point. If you're tall, you may prefer Subaru's roomier accommodations — 42.9 inches of legroom and 39.8 inches of headroom vs. the CX-30’s 41.7 inches of legroom and 38.1 inches of headroom.
There's a similar amount of space available for rear passengers in both SUVs. The CX-30 offers 36.3 inches of legroom, while the Crosstrek provides 36.5 inches. Both can carry five passengers and feature wireless charging, dual-zone climate control, and heated leather seats on higher trim levels. Both include 60/40-split rear seats for cargo flexibility.
Technology and Infotainment
The 2025 Mazda CX-30 adds Alexa Built-in for voice control of temperature, music, and smart home devices, except on the base trim. It features an 8.8-inch display, a 7-inch digital dash, and an eight-speaker sound system as standard. The turbo models come with a larger 10.3-inch display.
Subaru's base Crosstrek uses dual 7-inch STARLINK screens. The higher trim levels get an 11.6-inch display and six speakers, with an optional 10-speaker Harman Kardon system on the Limited trim. Both Subaru and Mazda support smartphone integration via wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 2025 Mazda CX-30 scored five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for overall safety. While the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) hasn't tested the 2025 model yet, the nearly identical 2024 CX-30 earned its Top Safety Pick+ award in 2024. Technology extras such as a 360-degree camera and traffic sign detection help you stay aware of what's happening around you in Davis County.
Most 2025 Crosstrek models also received five stars from NHTSA. The IIHS also awarded the 2024 Crosstrek its Top Safety Pick, one notch below the CX-30’s Top Safety Pick+.
Both SUVs come standard with safety tech such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warnings, and emergency braking. Subaru's EyeSight system watches the road ahead and assists with lane-keeping, while Mazda's i-Activsense package adds smart braking, radar cruise control, and lane warnings. The Crosstrek also comes standard with hill-descent control, handy on Bountiful's varied terrain.
Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Impact
The EPA reports that the 2025 CX-30 achieves 29 mpg combined with the regular engine and 25 mpg combined with the turbo. You can expect 26 mpg/33 mpg city/highway for the base engine and 22 mpg/30 mpg city/highway for the turbo.
The EPA rates most Crosstrek models at 29 mpg combined. The base 2.0-liter engine gets 27 mpg/34 mpg city/highway, while the 2.5-liter drops slightly to 26 mpg/33 mpg city/highway. The rugged Wilderness trim achieves only 27 mpg combined, primarily due to its larger tires and off-road equipment.
Dimensions and Exterior Design
The Mazda CX-30 is 173 inches long, 3 inches shorter than the Crosstrek. This makes parking and city driving easier without making the cabin feel cramped. Off-roaders will appreciate the Crosstrek's ground clearance advantage. It sits 8.7 inches off the ground standard; the Wilderness trim's clearance is 9.3 inches.
Styling tells each SUV's story — the CX-30 features sleek, almost coupe-like lines that prioritize style and aerodynamic efficiency. The Crosstrek features chunky plastic cladding and rugged styling cues that'll appeal to you if you're into off-roading trips around the Bonneville Salt Flats.
Cargo Space and Practicality
The Mazda CX-30 offers slightly more cargo space: 20.2 cubic feet vs. the Crosstrek's 19.9 cubic feet. Folding the back seats down increases the cargo area to 45.2 cubic feet.
The Crosstrek has more cargo space with the seats folded: 54.7 cubic feet. The Crosstrek Limited and Wilderness trims feature roof rails and crossbars, ideal for skis on your next road trip to Powder Mountain or Snow Basin.
Both SUVs feature split-folding rear seats that allow for the fitting of longer items alongside passengers, but the CX-30’s Premium package includes a power liftgate. The loading height differs slightly — the Crosstrek's boxier shape makes it easier to load and unload bulky items.
Trim Levels and Customization Options
Mazda offers eight trims for the 2025 CX-30. The S, Select Sport, Preferred, Carbon Edition, and Premium trims are equipped with the standard engine, and the Carbon Turbo, Turbo Premium and Turbo Premium Plus trims utilize the turbocharged engine. Prices start at $25,195 MSRP for the basic S trim and climb to $37,150 MSRP for the Turbo Premium Plus. This wide range of options enables buyers to select the ideal mix of power and features.
Subaru keeps it simpler with five Crosstrek trims: the Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Wilderness. The Base starts at $26,560 MSRP, while the trail-ready Wilderness goes up from $33,360 MSRP. The Wilderness package offers genuine off-road advantages, including increased ground clearance and robust cladding.
Warranties and Reliability
Reliability ratings are mixed — RepairPal scores Mazda slightly better than Subaru, but Consumer Reports ranks Subaru first overall and Mazda sixth. J.D. Power rates Subaru slightly higher for predicted reliability: 83/100 vs. Mazda's 80/100.
Both offer identical warranties: a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Test-Drive the 2025 Mazda CX-30 at Bountiful Mazda Today
Our Subaru Crosstrek vs. Mazda CX-30 comparison demonstrates that both handle daily driving well. The CX-30 wins in terms of price, interior quality, features, acceleration, handling, and safety. The Crosstrek scores higher on reliability, seat comfort, cargo space, and fuel economy. Driving enthusiasts might prefer the CX-30’s quick acceleration and upscale cabin, while adventure seekers may value the Crosstrek's larger cargo space and higher ground clearance.
Test-drive the CX-30 to experience its premium feel and performance for yourself. Use our online contact form to schedule a test-drive or a visit to Bountiful Mazda.