Young crossovers with major differences
With just 12 years on the market, the Subaru Crosstrek is still relatively young. Since its introduction, the crossover has struck a chord with buyers who desire a confident daily driver that can head off-road on the weekend. The Crosstrek underwent a full redesign for the 2024 model year, so it arrives largely unchanged for 2025. The only notable change is that the more powerful engine is now standard on all but the base model.
Subaru
Mazda
While the Crosstrek is pretty young, the Mazda CX-30 is even younger, having entered the market for the 2020 model year. Since then, the CX-30 has provided pointed driving dynamics paired with a premium interior and sleek style. For 2025, the CX-30 comes with a few major changes, the most notable of which is a new navigation system capable of OTA updates. Don’t let the lack of major updates fool you, though. Read on to learn more about both crossovers and figure out which one best meets your needs.
Interior materials and quality differences
The Subaru Crosstrek is the roomier of the two crossovers, offering up to 100.5 cu ft. of passenger space without a moonroof. Cargo volume sits at 19.9 cu ft. with the rear seats in their upright position. Cloth seats come standard in most models, but upper Crosstrek trims include leather-trimmed upholstery. The Wilderness model takes another step up with StarTex water-repellent upholstery. The Crosstrek features either a seven- or 11.6-inch touchscreen display, depending on trim level. A four-speaker sound system comes standard in the base model, while all other trim levels feature six speakers or an optional 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
Subaru
Mazda
The Mazda CX-30 shares its interior with the CX-3 and comes equipped with a handful of premium amenities. While the base model features cloth upholstery, other CX-30 trim levels include leatherette and leather-trimmed material. An 8.8-inch touchscreen display comes standard, while upper trim levels boast a 10.25-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility come standard across the board, further complemented by six-, eight-, or Bose 12-speaker audio systems. The Mazda CX-30 offers up to 94.1 cu ft of passenger space without the moonroof and 20.2 cu ft. of cargo space with the rear seats upright.
Stark differences in performance
Subaru is known for offering standard all-wheel drive across its entire range of vehicles, including the Crosstrek. The Mazda CX-30 also comes equipped with standard AWD, but that’s where the similarities end. Both models are available with two engine options, but Mazda’s crossover delivers higher performance.
At the base level, the Subaru Crosstrek comes equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a CVT, producing 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. All other Crosstrek models are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Power is transmitted through a CVT with paddle shifters. Fuel economy ranges from 25 – 27 mpg in the city and 29 – 34 mpg on the highway.
The most affordable Mazda CX-30 model boasts a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, delivering 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. Higher trim levels feature a more powerful 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that pumps out up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy ranges from 22 – 26 mpg in the city and 30 – 33 mpg on the highway.
Styling designed to attract
When it comes to styling, the Subaru Crosstrek and Mazda CX-30 are easy to tell apart. The CX-30 features swept-back lines that give way to an athletic, yet premium aesthetic, thanks in part to a blunt nose, roof spoiler, and black side mirrors. Lower-tier CX-30 models feature 16-inch wheels, while higher trim levels get 18-inch wheels.
The Crosstrek offers a more adventurous style that fits well with its standard equipment. New wheel designs and a refreshed front grille only add to the rugged design. That’s not to mention 8.7 inches of ground clearance that allows the Crosstrek to best the CX-30, which offers a flat eight inches. The Crosstrek rides on either 17- or 18-inch wheels, depending on trim level.
Mazda
Safety is built into the crossovers themselves, with crumple zones designed to absorb crash energy and direct it away from passengers. Both the Subaru Crosstrek and Mazda CX-30 earned five-star overall safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and include long lists of safety features, but it’s the Mazda CX-30 that gets the better list at the base level, with standard blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning system, and more.
Final thoughts
There are some definitive differences between the Subaru Crosstrek and Mazda CX-30, both of which start at under $27,000. While both models come with AWD, the CX-30 gets the more powerful engines, as well as a more premium interior. The Crosstrek, on the other hand, is a little more efficient and is the better of the two at hitting trails. Both models also earned a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA. Whether you’re on a tight budget or need something better suited for your lifestyle, the Subaru Crosstrek and Mazda CX-30 are solid contenders in their own right.
About the author
Joseph Pudlewski
Contributing Writer, Autoblog