When looking for a small SUV, the Mazda CX-30 and the Subaru Crosstrek are two of the most popular small SUVs on the market today. The Mazda CX-30 is fun to drive, has impeccable styling, and provides a multitude of safety features. The Subaru Crosstrek has rugged looks, is off-road capable, and stays true to Subaru’s legacy of safety. Though the CX-30 and the Crosstrek are in the same class of vehicles, they have different ways of serving the small SUV marketplace. So let’s delve deeper into comparing the Mazda CX-30 vs Subaru Crosstrek and what makes these two small SUVs so different.
Mazda CX-30 vs Subaru Crosstrek Differences
Small SUVs are such as the Mazda CX-30 and Subaru Crosstrek have become some of the most popular vehicle options within the last decade and show no signs of slowing down. They provide a sporty driving experience without sacrificing efficiency, passenger space, or cargo space. For example, the Mazda CX-30 is one of the most notable vehicles in the small SUV class with a sleek exterior design, fun-to-drive characteristics, and impressive fuel economy. On the other hand, the Subaru Crosstrek has a more rugged exterior design, can take on challenging off-road terrain, and has good fuel efficiency.
As similar as these two vehicles may seem, the CX-30 and the Crosstrek couldn’t be more different if they tried. Here are a few of the most noteworthy differences between the CX-30 and the Crosstrek:
- Exterior design.
- Driving characteristics.
- Ride quality.
- Interior design.
- Engine.
- Performance.
Mazda CX-30 vs Subaru Crosstrek Price and Trim Level
The Mazda CX-30 and the Subaru Crosstrek have very similar starting price points, with the CX-30 starting at $22,050 and the Crosstrek starting at $22,245. After that, each vehicle climbs in price as you move up to the top trim levels. The Mazda CX-30 offers seven trim levels to choose from, including the CX-30 2.5 S, Select, Preferred, Premium, 2.5 Turbo, 2.5 Turbo Premium, and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. The Subaru Crosstrek offers five trim levels to choose from, including the Crosstrek, Crosstrek Premium, Crosstrek Sport, Crosstrek Limited, and Crosstrek Hybrid.
Mazda CX-30 vs Subaru Crosstrek Performance
Mazda is known for engineering fun-to-drive consumer vehicles, and the CX-30 is no different. It offers two different engine options; both are powerful and geared toward overall performance.
The first engine for the CX-30 is a 2.5-liter inline-four with 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The CX-30’s second engine is a 2.5-liter turbo-four with differing horsepower and torque specs depending on the octane level of the fuel you use. For example, with 87 octane fuel, the 2.5-liter turbo-four has 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. With 93 octane fuel, the same engine produces 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive is available across the lineup but is standard on Turbo models.
Handling and ride quality is not lacking in the CX-30 as it can stick to a curvy back road or track straight down the highway with ease. Its combination of front shocks and struts and rear torsion beam suspension blends perfectly to create a nimble driving experience that is truly unique in the CX-30’s class. In addition, its responsive steering is exceptionally accurate and light, eliminating the need to make tiresome corrections as you drive. There’s no doubt that the turbo model of the CX-30 provides an exhilarating driving experience that you won’t soon forget.
There are three engine options for the Subaru Crosstrek. The first is a 2.0-liter flat-four with 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. The second is a 2.5-liter flat-four with 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. The third is a plug-in hybrid that consists of a 2.0-liter flat-four with 137 horsepower and 134 pound-feet of torque and a permanent magnet AC synchronous motor with 118 horsepower and 149 pound-feet of torque.
All of the Crosstrek trim levels have an advanced all-wheel-drive system standard. The Crosstrek uses its all-wheel drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance to traverse rugged off-road terrain with ease, but it’s not as composed on the pavement as the CX-30 is. The Crosstrek uses an independent suspension system to provide a smooth ride and responsive handling.
Mazda CX-30 vs Subaru Crosstrek Exterior
The exterior design of the Mazda CX-30 showcases Mazda’s attention to detail with sleek lines, flowing curves, a sporty stance, and an overall elegant feel. The exterior design of the Subaru Crosstrek is more rugged but with good reason as it can take the path where the road ends and the great outdoors begins. The Crosstrek boasts crisp lines, plastic bumper panels, and classic Subaru styling.
Mazda CX-30 vs Subaru Crosstrek Interior
The interior of the Mazda CX-30 has a classy feel and is a place where you will enjoy spending a lot of time. The CX-30’s seats are supportive and comfortable and up to the job of keeping you in position as you take on the curviest roads. Add in available features such as a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel, and you may find yourself never wanting to leave the CX-30.
As with its exterior, the Subaru Crosstrek’s interior is a bit more rugged in design, more adapted to handling an off-the-beaten-path excursion. It’s a little less luxurious but still has supportive seats and available features, such as dual cup holders in the center console, a Harmon Kardon premium audio system, a lockable glovebox, automatic climate control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM.
Discover the Mazda CX-30 near Salt Lake City, Utah
If you live in Salt Lake City, Utah, or the surrounding area, you can discover the Mazda CX-30 and all of Mazda’s vehicle lineup at Bountiful Mazda. We are conveniently located in Bountiful, Utah. We proudly serve all of our customers’ automotive needs, whether purchasing a new or quality used vehicle or having vehicles serviced by our certified service technicians. If you have your eye on the CX-30, our professional sales team can provide you with more information and take you out for a test drive. So contact or visit Bountiful Mazda today for an enjoyable sales experience.
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