The 2026 Mazda CX-30 and 2026 Subaru Crosstrek are two options for those in the market for a subcompact SUV. The CX-30 blends sleek aesthetics with two new trim levels, while the Subaru Crosstrek boasts an efficient hybrid powertrain option.
Let’s see how the CX-30 and Crosstrek compare.
2026 Mazda CX-30
The Mazda CX-30 is a plucky subcompact SUV that mimics sports car-like performance. If you don’t require the extra space of a midsize SUV, the CX-30 will serve you well.
Mazda CX-30 Highlights
Aire Trims: Mazda added the Aire trim for both the non-turbo and turbo lineups. The CX-30 looks even cooler with this cosmetic appearance package, which adds black wheels, badging, roof rails, outboard mirrors, and a nameplate. For the interior, the CX-30 non-turbo features a lighter color scheme, with white faux-leather seats and gray cloth inserts, while the Aire Turbo has gray faux-suede inserts.
Features: The CX-30 has the Mazda Connect system on an intuitive 8.8-inch display with integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, controlled by a multi-function knob. Additional amenities include an 8-speaker sound system with Mazda Harmonic Acoustics speakers, dual USB-C ports, and a 7-inch LCD multi-information display. A new feature for 2026 is the brake-actuated limited-slip differential, which improves overall traction and stability.
Safety: Every CX-30 is equipped with a suite of advanced safety and driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, high beam assist, and lane keeping assistance. It earns the coveted Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CX-30 models near you.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek
The Crosstrek is a reliable, functional, and comfortable subcompact SUV. In typical Subaru fashion, its off-road capabilities exceed most of the competition. It’s also one of the bestsellers in the subcompact SUV class.
Subaru Crosstrek Highlights
The Ride: While the Crosstrek Hybrid is new for 2026, the gas-only Crosstrek mostly carries over following its 2024 redesign. Subaru elected to make the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine standard on the non-hybrid Crosstrek, and it does not disappoint. In addition, the seats are well-padded, which complements the Crosstrek’s good ride quality. Another notable aspect is the hushed cabin noise, which is a welcome change compared to older Crosstrek models.
Tech and Features: The Crosstrek comes with smartphone integration, which is seamless with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Left your charging cable at home? No problem with the wireless charging pad option. An 11.6-inch touchscreen is available on all models except the base model, and we found it to be a worthwhile investment for the ease of use it provides. Another feature we appreciated is the steering-responsive LED headlights, which turn in relation to the wheels, giving you more light on dark roads.
X-Mode: X-Mode in the Subaru Crosstrek fine-tunes its all-wheel-drive system for optimal off-road performance. The available dual-mode X-Mode system has specialized modes for Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud, ensuring confidence on different types of terrain.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Crosstrek models near you.
Similarities
The Mazda CX-30 and Subaru Crosstrek offer multiple trim levels to meet each driver’s preferred needs and are well-priced. Both the CX-30 and Crosstrek achieve an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. On both models, all-wheel drive is standard equipment on every trim.
Pricing
New 2026 MAZDA CX-30 Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$27,470 |
$26,400 |
|||
$29,155 |
$28,100 |
|||
$30,785 |
$29,400 |
|||
$31,345 |
$30,000 |
|||
$32,525 |
$31,000 |
|||
$34,735 |
$33,000 |
|||
$35,905 |
$34,500 |
|||
$39,395 |
$37,800 |
New 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$28,415 |
$27,700 |
|||
$29,415 |
$28,700 |
|||
$32,045 |
$31,200 |
|||
$34,415 |
$33,500 |
|||
$35,215 |
$34,300 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2026 MAZDA CX-30 vehicles and New 2026 Subaru Crosstrek vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2026 MAZDA CX-30 | 2026 Subaru Crosstrek | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Towing Capacity | N/A | 1,500 pounds |
| Horsepower | 186 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 180 hp @ 5,800 rpm |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 178 lb-ft @ 3,700 rpm |
| Transmission | automatic, 6-speed skyactiv-drive sport w/manual mode | automatic, cvt w/lineartronic & 8-speed manual mode |
| Fuel Economy | 24 city/31 highway/27 combined mpg | N/A |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 104.4 inches | 105.1 inches |
| Overall Length | 173.0 inches | 176.4 inches |
| Width | N/A | 79.4 inches |
| Height | 61.4 inches | 62.8 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.4 feet | 35.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 38.1 inches | 39.8 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 38.3 inches | 38.0 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.7 inches | 42.9 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 36.3 inches | 36.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 55.6 inches | 56.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 53.6 inches | 55.3 inches |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | N/A | N/A |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | 45.2 feet | 54.7 feet |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
The Mazda CX-30 and Subaru Crosstrek may be in the same subcompact SUV class, but they will appeal to different drivers. For pure refinement and an upscale feel, we’d recommend the CX-30. However, if outdoorsy adventures are more your style, the Crosstrek would better fit your needs. The right SUV will depend on your priorities.
