How does the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek compare to the 2023 Mazda CX-30?

The Mazda CX-30 is one of the best subcompact crossovers in the world today. From efficiency and luxury to great drivability and a lot of tech – it ticks all the boxes. But which are the best Mazda CX-30 alternatives out there?

Well, the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek is one of the first names that come to mind. Like the CX-30, it is also an all-rounder, with one of its additional quirks being its off-roading and adventuring abilities. This is no surprise since Subaru has a legendary rallying lineage.

The following Subaru vs Mazda discussion looks at how good the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek is, with brief comparisons to the 2023 Mazda CX-30.

What is new?

The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek is a part of the second generation. It gets a new Special Edition trim level. It gets a unique paint scheme, custom accents, and larger wheels. The last major changes were in 2019 (addition of more safety features) and 2020 (lots of equipment added).

The all-new CX-30 sees some changes as well. It gets some new performance characteristics, so it is more powerful and efficient now.

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What trims does it come in?

The Subaru Crosstrek comes in six different trim levels (the Mazda comes in seven) and the two are priced pretty similarly, starting from around $24,000. As a result, they both have something for all types of budgets out there.

Like the CX-30, the 2023 Crosstrek has many standard amenities. The following gives you a good idea of them:

2023 Crosstrek Base

The entry-level model offers more than enough for its price tag. It seats up to five on its cloth seats, with the rear ones offering 60/40 split folding. You get power side mirrors, DRLs and multi-reflector halogen headlights, and 17-inch black machined finish aluminum alloy wheels.

There’s an automatic climate control system as well. The infotainment consists of a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Subaru’s STARLINK Multimedia system, paired with four speakers. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth are also included for easy smartphone integration.

2023 Crosstrek Premium

The Subaru Crosstrek Premium adds a lot more to the mix. You now also get heated side mirrors, fog lights, remote start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and heated front seats. Also included is an upgraded infotainment system – aka the SUBARU STARLINK Multimedia Plus.

Other than that, you get a six-speaker stereo, 4G LTE Wi-Fi capability, SiriusXM Satellite Radio with Travel Link, and dual front USB input ports. There’s also an optional power tilt/sliding moonroof available.

2023 Crosstrek Special Edition

We have the Special Edition trim package that’s exclusive for the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek. It features unique Desert Khaki paint, 17-inch Dark Gray alloy wheels, and black body trim on the door handles, front grille, and mirror caps. On the inside, you get a red-and-black interior.

2023 Crosstrek Sport

The Sport model makes upgrades to the powertrain along with some changes to the interior and exterior as well. For example, there’s keyless entry with push-button start and PIN code access, and high-tech water-repellent upholstery from StarTex.

On the outside, you get side mirrors with integrated turn signals, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels with Dark Gray finish, and Crystal Black Silica exterior details.

2023 Crosstrek Limited

The 2023 Crosstrek Limited ups the luxuriousness quite a bit. It adds leather-trimmed upholstery, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. The exterior adds LED steering-responsive headlights and fog lights, and 18-inch black alloys with machine finish aluminum.

In the cabin, you get a bigger, 8-inch touchscreen with voice activation, NFC wireless technology, HD Radio, and an optional Harman Kardon premium eight-speaker audio system.

2023 Crosstrek Hybrid

The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid rules the trim hierarchy. This highlight of this model is the hybrid powertrain, but there are some other add-ons as well. It comes with all the goodies available on the Limited plus 18-inch black machine finish aluminum alloys.

A heated steering wheel is optional.

Design

Exterior

Both these crossover vehicles look good but the Subaru Crosstrek looks bigger and more rugged. It got a redesign for the 2018 model year and the design still holds up. The same can be said for the Mazda CX-30, which has the same design from its launch in 2019.

The exterior colors available on the Crosstrek are the following: Pure Red, Cool-Gray Khaki, Magnetite Gray Metallic, Ice Silver Metallic, Plasma Yellow Pearl, Lagoon Blue Pearl, Horizon Blue Pearl, Crystal White Pearl, Crystal Black Silica, and Desert Khaki (Special Edition only).

Unlike most of its rivals, the Subaru also offers a tricked out version for the great outdoors – the Special Edition.

Interior

On the inside, the CX-30 has a very luxurious and refined interior that’s full of amenities. The Crosstrek is no slouch in this regard since it comes with a great-looking interior that’s built to be user-friendly and comfortable. The build quality is insanely high as you’d expect from Subaru.

There’s ample space for all the five occupants, no matter how tall they may be. It is quite commendable for the subcompact crossover category. The interior is also relatively easier to clean if you like to go overlanding.

Furthermore, the cargo space is somewhere where the CX-30 has been criticized by some of its reviewers. The Crosstrek does better in this regard and has average space for its class. You can increase this further by folding the rear seats down, and there are many cubbies in the interior.

Performance

Powertrain

There are three engine options offered on the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek – one more than the CX-30. The first one is a 2-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 152 horsepower and pairs with either a six-speed manual (rare offering in the segment) or a CVT. All-wheel drive is standard.

With the Sport model, you upgrade to the jumpier 2.5-liter engine that makes 182 horses and 172 torques. This one’s available with an upgraded CVT that also offers eight-speed manual mode and paddle shifters. You also get a terrain management system for deep snow and mud.

The Crosstrek also offers a plug-in hybrid option offered exclusively on the Hybrid trim. It is centered around a 2-liter engine that produces 148 hp and 149 lb-ft. It too comes with a CVT gearbox.

Numbers

The two vehicles are similar for most part when it comes to acceleration. The quickest Crosstrek has a 0-60 mph time of around 7.5 seconds, while the top CX-30 can do the same in around 6 seconds. But the Crosstrek’s other engines match the basic engine on the CX-30 in quickness.

Then you have the towing capacity where the CX-30 can do up to 2000 lbs. The Crosstrek isn’t bad either if you equip it properly – it can do up to 1500 lbs – enough for most small trailers and caravans. Both these cars offer great capacities for the class.

Fuel Economy

The Crosstrek is one of the leaders in the category as far as fuel economy is concerned. Its top dog is the hybrid which can do up to 35 mpg combined and 90MPGe. The latter means that it also has an all-electric range of 17 miles – to give you the feel of driving an EV.

But what about its other models then? Well, they’re great in this regard as well. The standard engine with the CVT gets you 28 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway. The 2.5-liter can do 27 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway. Even the manual is good for 22 mpg city; 29 highway.

In comparison, the most that a CX-30 can do is around 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. These are great numbers as well, but they get overshadowed by the Crosstrek’s excellent figures.

Driveability

While the CX-30 is described as a fun car to drive, it’s certainly not easy to beat a Subaru when it comes to drivability. This applies in this Subaru vs Mazda debate as well. The Crosstrek has been described as a crossover that “drives more like a car than an SUV” by Car and Driver.

Testers and consumers have described it as a vehicle that’s just lovely to drive, especially around corners. They’ve also praised how great it is for off-roading, with Kelly Blue Book calling it “one of the best off-roaders in its class”.

Another area in which it gets the better of the CX-30 is the comfort. It is quiet and has a noticeably softer ride than the Mazda, which is pretty respectable when it comes to ride quality. Hence, the Crosstrek’s driving prowess may just be unmatched in the class.

Safety Features

Both offer a wide variety of the latest safety features. The Subaru offers automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure and sway warning, and adaptive cruise control with lane centering. The Mazda gets the win here since it also offers these on the base model.

Why Subaru

Subaru is one of the biggest automakers in the world and one of Japan’s finest carmakers. This is due to a number of reasons, with the prime one being its value for money. The company offers it all and that too at a reasonable price. But what exactly does it offer?

Well, the company is known for offering vehicles that stand the test of time. Not only are they reliable and insusceptible to breakdowns, they’re also quite durable – which is why you’ll see so many Subarus on the road with hundreds of thousands of miles on them – with no overhauls.

Then comes the high efficiency, which is one of the biggest factors that attract consumers. We know how gasoline prices are increasing and also, the less the fuel consumption, the better the car is for the environment. As seen above, the 2023 Crosstrek is a very fuel-efficient car.

Then we have the technology and comfort, in which Subaru is also known to be a leader in the industry. You get all sorts of amenities that make your time spent driving the car more convenient, plus they make the overall driving experience safer.

It is also a known fact that Subarus are fun-to-drive and are very capable of handling all that you put them through. The company does have a spectacular racing heritage after all, and they know how to implement it in their road cars.

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