2026 Mazda CX-30 vs 2026 Subaru Crosstrek: Full Comparison
The 2026 Mazda CX-30 comes standard with i-Activ AWD on every trim, delivering 186 hp from its SKYACTIV-G 2.5L engine. The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek also includes AWD across its lineup and produces 180 hp through a Lineartronic CVT. This page compares key differences in powertrain, cargo, technology, and driver-assistance features to help you evaluate both models, with links to Mazda CX-30 inventory.
The Short Answer
The 2026 Mazda CX-30 may appeal to drivers who prioritize a traditional 6-speed automatic, standard AWD, and an available turbocharged engine producing up to 250 hp. The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek fits buyers who want slightly higher ground clearance, greater maximum cargo capacity, and the Wilderness variant for additional off-road-oriented equipment and capability. Both carry identical warranty coverage and standard AWD, so the decision comes down to how you want to drive and what you carry.
Specs Head-to-Head
| Spec | 2026 Mazda CX-30 | 2026 Subaru Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | SKYACTIV-G 2.5L 4-cyl | 2.5L SUBARU BOXER 4-cyl |
| Horsepower (base) | 186 hp | 180 hp |
| Torque (base) | 186 lb-ft | 154 lb-ft |
| Transmission | SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed automatic | Lineartronic CVT |
| Drivetrain | i-Activ AWD (all trims) | Symmetrical AWD (all trims) |
| EPA MPG (city/hwy/comb) | 24 / 31 / 27 | 26 / 33 / 29 |
| Ground Clearance | 8.0 in | 8.7 in |
| Length | 173.0 in | 176.4 in |
| Height | 61.4 in | 62.8 in |
| Cargo (seats up) | 20.2 cu ft | 19.9 cu ft |
| Max Cargo | 45.2 cu ft | 54.7 cu ft |
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Full 2026 CX-30 specs and trim details
Performance and Powertrain
The CX-30 produces 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, compared with 180 hp and 154 lb-ft from the Crosstrek. The CX-30 uses a SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed automatic with Sport mode and manual shift capability, while the Crosstrek uses a Lineartronic CVT.
Drivers looking for additional output can step up to the CX-30 2.5 Turbo trims, where the SKYACTIV-G 2.5L Dynamic Pressure Turbo engine produces 250 hp on premium fuel and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular unleaded. The Crosstrek has no turbocharged option in its non-hybrid lineup.
The Crosstrek has the higher EPA fuel-economy ratings in this comparison at 26 city / 33 hwy / 29 combined versus the CX-30's 24 city / 31 hwy / 27 combined. Both run on regular unleaded at their base configurations.
Interior, Space, and Cargo
With the rear seats up, the CX-30 offers 20.2 cu ft compared with the Crosstrek's 19.9 cu ft. With the rear seats folded, the Crosstrek provides greater maximum cargo capacity: 54.7 cu ft versus the CX-30's 45.2 cu ft.
For passenger space, the Crosstrek offers more headroom front and rear at 39.8 in / 38.0 in than the CX-30 at 38.1 in / 38.3 in on the base trim and 37.8 in / 38.3 in on higher trims. Shoulder room also favors the Crosstrek at 56.8 in front versus the CX-30's 55.6 in. The CX-30 offers 41.7 in of front legroom.
The CX-30 offers a broader range of interior materials as you move through the trim lineup. Leatherette seating arrives on the Select Sport trim, heated front seats follow on the Preferred trim, and the Carbon Edition brings red leather sport seats paired with a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Crosstrek's base and Premium trims use cloth upholstery, and leather-trimmed seating is reserved for the Limited trim.
Technology and Driver Assistance
Both vehicles come standard with forward automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and a rear-view camera. The CX-30 includes Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert as standard on every trim. The CX-30 also adds Vehicle Exit Warning and Rear Seat Alert as standard features across the lineup.
On infotainment, the CX-30 base trim uses an 8.8-inch Mazda Connect display, stepping up to a 10.25-inch display from the Preferred trim onward. The Crosstrek base uses a 7-inch screen, while Premium and above use an 11.6-inch display, compared with a maximum 10.25-inch display in the CX-30. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto arrive on the CX-30's Select Sport trim. On the Crosstrek, wireless smartphone integration comes standard on Premium and above.
The CX-30 adds Alexa Built-in from the Select Sport trim onward, a wireless phone charger from the Preferred trim, and a 360-degree View Monitor on Premium trims. The Crosstrek offers a 360-degree Surround View Monitor only as an optional add-on for the Limited Hybrid. Navigation is built in on the CX-30 Premium trim and above. The Crosstrek bundles navigation only with its Multimedia Navigation System on the Sport Hybrid.
The CX-30 Turbo trims add Adaptive Front-lighting System headlights, Traffic Sign Recognition, and standard rear parking sensors. The Crosstrek offers steering-responsive LED headlights across all trims.
Value and Ownership
Warranties are identical: both offer 3 years / 36,000 miles basic coverage and 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain protection.
The CX-30 includes several features as standard equipment at the entry level, including i-Activ AWD, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Smart Brake Support (front). Additional Smart Brake Support functions are available on higher trims as described above. Heated front seats arrive at the Preferred trim. A Bose 12-speaker audio system and wireless charging are available on selected CX-30 trims.
The Crosstrek's 29 MPG combined rating is higher than the CX-30's 27 MPG combined rating in the configurations compared here. Its larger maximum cargo volume may also appeal to buyers who regularly carry larger loads.
EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is standard across the Crosstrek lineup.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the 2026 Mazda CX-30 if:
You prefer a traditional 6-speed automatic, standard i-Activ AWD, an available 250-hp turbocharged engine, or the CX-30's available interior and technology features.
Choose the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek if:
You want slightly higher ground clearance, greater maximum cargo capacity, higher EPA fuel-economy ratings in the configurations compared here, a larger available infotainment display, or the Wilderness variant for additional off-road-oriented equipment.
Find Your 2026 Mazda CX-30 at Tuscaloosa Mazda
The 2026 Mazda CX-30 brings standard i-Activ AWD, 186 hp, and a range of standard driver-assistance features across the lineup, backed by a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Browse current CX-30 inventory at Tuscaloosa Mazda, compare available trims, or schedule a test drive for an available vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2026 Mazda CX-30 or the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek get better gas mileage?
The Crosstrek is rated at 26 city / 33 hwy / 29 combined versus the CX-30's 24 city / 31 hwy / 27 combined on their standard non-turbo configurations. Both run on regular unleaded.
Does the 2026 Mazda CX-30 come standard with AWD?
Yes. i-Activ AWD is standard on every 2026 CX-30 trim, from the base 2.5 S through the top-of-the-line 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus.
Which has more cargo space, the CX-30 or the Crosstrek?
With rear seats up, the CX-30 holds 20.2 cu ft versus the Crosstrek's 19.9 cu ft. With rear seats folded, the Crosstrek provides 54.7 cu ft compared with the CX-30's 45.2 cu ft.
Does the 2026 Mazda CX-30 have a turbo option?
Yes. The 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus trims use the SKYACTIV-G 2.5L Dynamic Pressure Turbo engine, producing 250 hp on premium fuel. The Crosstrek does not offer a turbocharged gasoline-only trim.
Is blind spot monitoring standard on both vehicles?
Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert is standard on every 2026 CX-30 trim. On the Crosstrek, Blind-Spot Detection is not standard on the base trim and arrives as standard equipment starting with the Limited trim, with an optional package available on the Premium.
How do the standard driver-assistance features compare at the entry level?
Both vehicles include standard driver-assistance technology. The CX-30 includes Blind Spot Monitoring, Vehicle Exit Warning, Rear Seat Alert, and Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go across the lineup. The Crosstrek includes EyeSight Driver Assist Technology across its lineup. Blind-Spot Detection availability differs by Crosstrek trim.
Can I see the 2026 Mazda CX-30 in person near Tuscaloosa?
Browse current 2026 Mazda CX-30 inventory at Tuscaloosa Mazda to see available vehicles, or contact the dealership to schedule a test drive for an available CX-30.
