2024 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2024 Mazda CX-30 | Comparison and Review

Summary

In this detailed comparison, Adam from Walser Automotive Group reviews two popular SUVs: the 2024 Mazda CX-30 and Subaru Crosstrek. Both vehicles offer impressive features, such as adaptive lighting, all-wheel drive, and high-tech infotainment systems. The Mazda shines with its premium interior and sporty design, while the Subaru offers more rugged appeal with added outdoor functionality like roof rack rails. Both vehicles have similar fuel efficiency, safety features, and pricing, making the decision come down to personal preferences in styling and usability. Ultimately, it’s about which SUV feels like the perfect fit for your lifestyle.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 2024 Mazda CX-30 offers a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, delivering 33 MPG on the highway and comes with a standard six-speed automatic transmission.
• 😀 The Mazda CX-30 features a premium package with adaptive LED headlights, LED tail lights, 18-inch wheels, and standard all-wheel drive across the entire lineup.
• 😀 The Mazda CX-30 provides a power liftgate and a 60/40 split rear seat configuration for added cargo versatility.
• 😀 The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, in the limited trim, also features a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine with 33 MPG on the highway, but it uses a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).
• 😀 The Subaru Crosstrek is equipped with symmetrical all-wheel drive and features like steering-responsive headlights and roof rack rails for more outdoor utility.
• 😀 The Subaru Crosstrek provides more cargo space, with a slightly larger trunk and rear seats that fold nearly flat for better utility, although it lacks a power liftgate.
• 😀 Both vehicles offer wireless charging and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, but the Mazda offers wired CarPlay and a more traditional infotainment system.
• 😀 The Mazda CX-30's interior features leather-appointed seats, dual climate control, and a premium feel with brown and black accents.
• 😀 The Subaru Crosstrek has StarTex material seats that are more durable and easier to clean, along with an upgraded Harman Kardon sound system for better audio quality.
• 😀 Both vehicles offer similar safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and emergency braking, ensuring a high level of protection for the driver and passengers.

Q & A

What are the main differences in engine types between the Mazda CX-30 and the Subaru Crosstrek?

The Mazda CX-30 features a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine that provides 33 MPG on the highway, with an option for a turbocharged engine for increased performance. The Subaru Crosstrek also comes with a 2.5L 4-cylinder Boxer engine, offering the same 33 MPG on the highway. Both vehicles come with all-wheel drive as standard, but the CX-30 uses a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the Crosstrek uses a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

How does the interior of the Mazda CX-30 compare to the Subaru Crosstrek?

The Mazda CX-30's interior features leather-appointed seats that are heated for both the driver and passenger, offering a more premium feel. It also includes a user-friendly infotainment system with wireless charging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. In contrast, the Subaru Crosstrek features StarTex material seats that are durable and easy to clean, as well as a Harman Kardon audio system. Both vehicles offer dual climate control, but the CX-30 has a more upscale interior design, while the Crosstrek has a more rugged, utilitarian aesthetic.

What are the key safety features in both the Mazda CX-30 and Subaru Crosstrek?

Both vehicles are equipped with similar safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and emergency braking. The Mazda CX-30 includes a digital gauge cluster and advanced safety technologies as standard. The Subaru Crosstrek also features Subaru's EyeSight technology, which provides adaptive cruise control and emergency braking. Both vehicles offer lane departure warning and forward collision warning, ensuring strong safety performance in both.

What are the main exterior design differences between the Mazda CX-30 and the Subaru Crosstrek?

The Mazda CX-30 boasts a sleek and elegant Kodo design with flowing lines and a premium appearance, including LED headlights, adaptive lighting, and 18-inch wheels. In comparison, the Subaru Crosstrek has a sportier and more rugged design, featuring silver accents, roof rails, and mirror caps. The Crosstrek's Limited trim includes orange stitching and sporty carbon fiber-like trims, enhancing its outdoor appeal.

Which vehicle has more cargo space, the Mazda CX-30 or the Subaru Crosstrek?

While both vehicles offer 60/40 split rear seats for added flexibility, the Subaru Crosstrek provides slightly more cargo space. The Crosstrek's rear seats fold nearly flat, offering easier access to a larger cargo area. Additionally, the Crosstrek comes with roof rack crossbars, making it more suitable for outdoor gear, whereas the Mazda CX-30 features a power liftgate for added convenience, but its cargo space is slightly smaller.

Does the Mazda CX-30 offer a turbocharged engine option?

Yes, the Mazda CX-30 offers a turbocharged engine option. While the base model comes with a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, those seeking more power can opt for the turbocharged version, which provides greater performance but may have a slight sacrifice in fuel economy.

What makes the Subaru Crosstrek ideal for outdoor enthusiasts?

The Subaru Crosstrek is designed with outdoor enthusiasts in mind. It comes with roof rack rails and crossbars, making it perfect for hauling gear like bikes or kayaks. Additionally, the Crosstrek has a rugged design, with features like a sporty trim, and its all-wheel drive system is ideal for rough terrains or snowy conditions, ensuring it’s a reliable vehicle for outdoor activities.

What kind of driving experience can I expect from both the Mazda CX-30 and the Subaru Crosstrek?

Both vehicles offer a smooth driving experience, but with some differences. The Mazda CX-30 uses a 6-speed automatic transmission, which provides a more traditional driving feel. The Subaru Crosstrek, on the other hand, features a CVT, offering a smooth and seamless driving experience. Both vehicles are equipped with adaptive cruise control for easy highway driving, and both have all-wheel drive, making them capable in various driving conditions.

How do the infotainment systems in the Mazda CX-30 and Subaru Crosstrek compare?

The Mazda CX-30 offers a more traditional infotainment setup with a user-friendly knob to control the system, as well as wireless charging and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The Subaru Crosstrek also offers wireless CarPlay, a slightly more complex infotainment screen, and a more advanced voice control system. Both systems are equipped with navigation options, but the Subaru's system provides more vehicle diagnostics and off-road modes in its interface.

How do the prices of the Mazda CX-30 and Subaru Crosstrek compare?

Both the Mazda CX-30 and Subaru Crosstrek are priced similarly, with both coming in just under $35,000 for their respective higher trims. The CX-30 2.5S Premium and the Subaru Crosstrek Limited are both well-equipped models, and the price difference between them is minimal, making either a great option depending on personal preference for styling, features, and driving experience.