The 2024 Mazda CX-30 and the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek are top contenders in the highly competitive compact SUV market. Both vehicles offer a seductive combination of performance, style, and versatility, making them popular choices among consumers looking for a dependable and capable daily driver. In this head-to-head comparison, we’ll explore their key features and unique selling points to help you decide which suits your needs and lifestyle better.
Exterior Design
The Mazda CX-30 boasts a sleek and modern design and is bound to turn heads on the road. Its signature Kodo — Soul of Motion Design philosophy is evident in its flowing lines, sharp angles, and bold curves. The front grille features the brand’s distinct mesh and sleek LED headlights, giving it a sporty yet sophisticated look.
The Subaru Crosstrek has a more rugged and practical look. Its boxy shape and raised ground clearance are reminiscent of traditional SUVs, making it stand out from its competitors. Notable elements such as the hexagonal front grille and hawk-eye LED headlights add to the vehicle’s distinctive look. However, you may find the Crosstrek’s design less visually appealing than the CX-30. Mazda’s superior design philosophy gives it the edge in this category.
Performance
The 2024 Mazda CX-30 offers two engine options, depending on the trim level. Excluding the Turbo trims, the vehicle has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder SKYACTIV-G engine that generates 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. The Turbo trims have a turbocharged version of the engine, capable of delivering a whopping 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque.
In contrast, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek has a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in its Base and Premium trims, producing 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. However, the more expensive trims feature a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine capable of producing 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque.
While the Crosstrek performs admirably off-road, its performance within city limits might disappoint those who prize speed and agility. The CX-30’s powerful engine options, precise handling, and responsive steering make it a more engaging daily driver.
Interior and Features
The Mazda CX-30 and Subaru Crosstrek interior layouts are polished and contemporary, but the Mazda CX-30’s quality stands out. Attractive design details, the use of premium materials where available, and Mazda’s meticulous craftsmanship combine to elevate the cabin experience, offering a premium feel at a mainstream price.
The Mazda CX-30 boasts many desirable features at lower trim levels than the Crosstrek. These include leatherette or leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, and a sunroof. Moreover, the Mazda CX-30 offers several amenities unavailable in any of the Crosstrek trims, including a power liftgate, driver memory settings, and a top-tier 12-speaker Bose premium audio system. This further underscores Mazda’s commitment to delivering superior comfort and convenience to its drivers.
Safety
When it comes to safety, the Mazda CX-30 and Subaru Crosstrek include a range of advanced driver aids. Regardless of your chosen Mazda CX-30 trim, you’ll enjoy the bolstered confidence and convenience of Mazda’s i-ACTIVSENSE technologies, including features such as driver attention alert, automatic high beam control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist with lane departure warning, and automated emergency braking.
The Crosstrek offers standard features such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic features are only standard in Crosstrek’s Limited and Wilderness trims and are unavailable with the Base trim.
Furthermore, the Mazda CX-30 boasts a few available driver aids not found in any Crosstrek configuration. These include a head-up display, 360-degree view monitor, front and rear parking sensors, and traffic jam assist. This demonstrates Mazda’s commitment to prioritizing safety, strengthening its position as the superior compact SUV option.
Fuel Economy
Regarding fuel economy, the Mazda CX‑30 outperforms the Subaru Crosstrek significantly. The Mazda CX‑30 offers an impressive fuel efficiency of 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. In comparison, the Subaru Crosstrek lags somewhat behind, delivering 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
While seemingly subtle, this difference can lead to considerable fuel cost savings in the long run, particularly for drivers who spend a lot of time on the road. This highlights the Mazda CX-30’s superiority in balancing performance and efficiency in the compact SUV category.
Trims and Dimensions
The 2024 CX-30 offers eight trim options, catering to a broad spectrum of driver preferences, demonstrating its versatility in meeting diverse drivers’ needs. It stands 173 inches in length and 61 inches in height, creating a compact exterior while ensuring a spacious interior with approximately 94 cubic feet of passenger volume. Legroom for the front and rear rows measures 41.7 and 36.3 inches, respectively, contributing to the overall comfort of the occupants. Cargo space is flexible, ranging from 20 cubic feet (with the rear seats up) to as much as 45 cubic feet (with the rear seats folded down).
Conversely, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek has only five trims but is marginally larger, measuring 176.4 inches long and 63 inches tall. It provides a slightly larger passenger volume of 100.5 cubic feet and a maximum cargo volume of 54.7 cubic feet (with the rear seat folded), accompanied by comparable legroom to the CX-30.
While both SUVs deliver commendable interior space and versatility for their class, the Mazda CX-30’s marginally smaller dimensions make it more convenient to maneuver in tight city spaces, giving it an edge in this category.
Test-Drive the Mazda CX-30 for Sale at Bountiful Mazda
From the analysis above, it’s clear that the Mazda CX-30 wins the battle against the Subaru Crosstrek. While the Subaru Crosstrek offers competitive features and capabilities, it falls short in several key areas where the Mazda CX-30 excels. If you’re still on the fence, we’d like to point out that the Mazda lineup is not limited to the CX-30 alone. Other fantastic options include the 2023 Mazda CX-30 and the CX-50. Contact us today to schedule a test drive or inquire about our new specials.
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