2025 Mazda CX-30 vs. Subaru Crosstrek

Stuck between the 2025 Mazda CX-30 and Subaru Crosstrek? It’s a tough call in today’s subcompact SUV market. Both bring fun driving, practical space, and reliable performance. Our team at Kiefer Mazda in Eugene, Oregon, created this Subaru Crosstrek vs. Mazda CX-30 comparison to help you decide which one fits your lifestyle and budget better.

Pricing and Trims

The 2025 Mazda CX-30 starts at $25,195, and the 2025 Crosstrek costs a bit more at $26,560. That difference makes the Mazda easier to approach from the start.

Mazda offers a wide variety of options, with eight CX-30 trims ranging from $25,195 to $37,150:

• 2.5 S: $25,195
• 2.5 S Select Sport: $26,850
• 2.5 S Preferred: $29,140
• 2.5 S Carbon Edition: $30,140
• 2.5 S Premium: $32,340
• 2.5 Carbon Turbo: $33,140
• 2.5 Turbo Premium: $35,340
• 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus: $37,150

Subaru keeps it simple with five Crosstrek trims starting from $26,560 to $33,360:

• Base: $26,560
• Premium: $27,810
• Sport: $30,360
• Limited: $32,260
• Wilderness: $33,360

Performance and Efficiency

The CX-30’s standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder produces 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque with a six-speed automatic. If you want more zip, the optional 2.5-liter turbo engine pumps out 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel. This turns the modest CX-30 into a quick little machine that’s fun to drive. The standard engine will get you from 0 to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds, and the turbo engine decreases that time to 5.8 seconds.

Subaru’s Base Crosstrek comes with a 2.0-liter BOXER engine that produces 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. All other trims have a 2.5-liter BOXER engine that generates 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. In testing, the Base goes from 0 to 60 mph in 9.5 seconds, and the other trims accomplish the same in 8.1 seconds.

Both have comparable fuel economy. The Base Crosstrek gets 27 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, with the 2.5-liter versions seeing a decrease in only highway efficiency to 33 mpg. The standard CX-30 does 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The turbo engines drop the fuel economy to 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

Interior Design and Features

The CX-30’s cabin features soft materials, optional leather seats, and a driver-focused layout. Mazda chose quality and created a cabin that feels fancy without a high price tag. Lower CX-30 trims get an 8.8-inch screen, and higher trims upgrade to a 10.25-inch display. All have Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Above the base trim, you also get Alexa Built-in. The audio options include a standard six-speaker system, an eight-speaker setup, or a premium 12-speaker Bose sound system.

The Crosstrek is more practical inside. It’s comfortable but lacks the details and unique features of the CX-30. Higher trims come with leather or StarTex upholstery. The Base trim has a 7-inch multimedia display, and the other trims come with an 11.6-inch screen. You can also upgrade to a Harman Kardon premium audio system.

Overall, the Crosstrek is roomier than the CX-30. The Crosstrek’s total passenger volume is 100.5 cubic feet compared to the CX-30’s 94.1 cubic feet. For storage, the CX-30 gives you slightly more space with all seats up, providing 20.2 cubic feet versus 19.9 cubic feet. With the seats down, the Crosstrek has 54.7 cubic feet, and the CX-30 has 45.2 cubic feet.

Safety Ratings and Technology

You’ll get the latest safety tech standard in both SUVs, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning. The CX-30 earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In comparison, the Crosstrek also received a five-star NHTSA rating. Both will protect you in a crash, but the CX-30 has a slight edge due to its award from the IIHS.

Warranty Coverage

With the CX-30, you’ll get a three-year or 36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Subaru offers the same terms on the Crosstrek’s warranty.

Which Subcompact SUV Wins?

The CX-30 is a great choice if you like zippy performance and premium interior features. You might prefer the CX-30 as a commuter vehicle for its powerful engines, and when it comes to cost, the CX-30 beats the Crosstrek’s entry price, giving you more room for upgrades.

Test Drive the Mazda CX-30 Today

If you believe the CX-30’s mix of performance, luxury feel, and value works for you, visit Kiefer Mazda in Eugene, Oregon, for a test drive. Nothing beats sitting in the driver’s seat. Our team can walk you through all eight trim options and help find your match without any pressure. We think you’ll be surprised how good this small SUV can feel. Contact us today to schedule your visit.

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Image courtesy of Mazda USA