Subaru Crosstrek VS Mazda CX 30 comparison

[@vincento1067]

I spent the last 6 months doing research, test driving and test driving. It came down to these two for my choice. I finally decided on the CX30 turbo. I was looking for an AWD commuter that would be fun to drive, comfortable and luxurious. These really are two different vehicles for people with 2 different tastes and needs. I hike and kayak but don't need the AWD system of the Subaru to do this with. Mazda has done an outstanding job on the interior, fit and finish of the CX30.

[@kamleshkhopkar5681]

How much Mazda is paying you ? I see same copy pasted comment on all the comparison videos..

[@rockydiggerdog3462]

+1

[@jp93309]

Bought the 2023 Crosstrek Limited for my daughter’s first car/college grad gift. She’s all of 5’ tall so her main concern was outward visibility. Only the Toyota Corolla rivals it in visibility but she really wanted the superior awd and taller ride height of the Crosstrek.

[@margotjanz3058]

Great comparison. Thanks so much. Only thing we found missing was a comment on the CVTransmission, which we've heard conflicting view about.

[@andrewgould3690]

Car reviewers should discuss each model's range. Range isn't just the distance you can travel on one tank of gas, it also determines how often you will have to make a trip to the gas station. I think the range for the CX30 can be estimated to be 330 miles. I got between 470-500 miles on one tank of gas on my 2020 Crosstrek with the 2.0 liter engine. I just traded that car in for a 2022 Crosstrek with the 2.5 liter engine, and hope to get the same range.

[@PH-md8xp]

Sorry but that doesn’t make much sense. Range IS exactly the distance you can expect to travel on one tank of gas.

[@A3A4Tom]

Thanks for using my suggestion as a comparison of both great cars. Mazda's luxury and athletic are appealing for sporty type. But Subaru's active lifestyle image is a killer in PNW.

[@Tonga2]

Love your reviews, ordered the 2024 Crosstrek Onyx, can’t wait. Think it’s a winner.

[@luisurbieta8924]

Hi Motormouth, my name is Luis Urbieta but no cars are perfect and I love this videos. Thanks!

[@Motormouth...]

Thanks for watching!

[@andreaspencer9813]

Thank you very much!

[@rivercitymetaldetecting9854]

One glaring omission about LEDs. Unlike traditional bulbs that can easily be detached from their fixtures, integrated LED bulbs are built into multiple electrical circuit boards. This means that it cannot easily be replaced if a bulb blows, especially not by the average person. Instead, the whole integrated fixture must be replaced. The OEM LEDs for the Crosstrek are $785 USD a piece here in the states. If you are out of warranty when things go bad you are looking at that, labor, and downtime with your vehicle in the shop. A halogen bulb is massively cheaper and can be done by the owner in minutes. Also halogens produce heat which in freezing rain or sleet will alleviate glazing issues from build up. Lastly, and I am tired of telling vehicle testers this. The rear vents on the Crosstrek are under the front seats. Subaru has been doing this since the 80s.

[@garystar2398]

In the province of Quebec (where Mazda CX-30 sells very well)you see the Crosstrek everywhere! I do agree however, that LED headlights should be standard (like the Corolla since 2014), and the 2.5 should be the engine on all CVT versions.

[@user-gj6oz9xp7p]

I have that exact Subaru with a moon roof. I love it.

[@stevenlang1188]

I have the Crosstrek Sport with the upgraded sound system, power moonroof, 8 inch touch screen, dual x-mode. I have found it very fun to drive and a very comfortable ride.

[@iamironman616]

Can you recommend? Any issues you've found so far...I'm thinking about buying it

[@ronavena]

@@iamironman616 my only issue with the Sport is that it lacks LED headlights. I'm still trying to decide if the Limited is worth the extra $.

[@441meatloaf]

@@ronavena it won't hurt to spend the extra for leds....you're gonna regret not doing that and you'll just end up buying junky aftermarket leds in a halogen reflector that's not effective. Or worse spend even more on retrofitting the entire headlight housing.

[@ronavena]

@@441meatloaf thanks for your thoughts. In light of that it appears spending more a Crosstrek Limited will yield greater value for the money for me.

[@441meatloaf]

@@ronavena good choice always worth the top end model. You won't look back abd regret not having the additional features

[@LMSVLIM23]

Hey! This is a great comparison! Thank you again for your hard work. I’m so glad I found your channel and have been following ever since. This is a great comparison because I have multiple friends that are stuck between the mazda and the Subaru!

[@Motormouth...]

Thanks for this, please share with them!

[@andreaspencer9813]

WOW, thank you so much, glad you found us too 👍

[@LMSVLIM23]

I’ve sent them the link haha they love your vids too. And thanks for taking time out of your day to reply! It’s much appreciated for sure (:

[@stankido9463]

I just bought my 2023 Crosstrek Limited 2.5L in November and I absolutely love it! It handles amazingly well after snowfalls, (Montreal)! I also find that the suspension and ride is great! I had just replaced my wife’s 2020 Honda CR-V, EXL , as it was stolen with a 2022 Honda CR-V Touring in October! Most dealers of different brands had no inventory to offer and most offered deliveries in May if I had ordered one. As the Touring was more expensive, it was still available! As for my Crosstrek I was fortunate that a customer that had ordered the car had just cancelled it! I bought the car as it was scheduled for delivery the following week!

[@ztekz]

The halogen headlights on the Subaru is getting tiring! Come on it’s 2021 and 2022s already coming out and mainstream brands’ entry levels are using LEDs even on base trims like Mazdas, Corollas, even 2022 Civics now come standard with LEDs! The brightness of LEDs add to better visibility…

[@garystar2398]

Exactly!

[@rivercitymetaldetecting9854]

They are $785 a piece to replace(OEM from Subaru/USD) if out of warranty. Unlike traditional bulbs that can easily be detached from their fixtures, integrated LED bulbs are built into multiple electrical circuit boards. This means that it cannot easily be replaced if a bulb blows, especially not by the average person. Instead, the whole integrated fixture must be replaced. You will eat this cost, plus labor, plus downtime as your vehicle will be in the shop. A halogen bulb can be replaced by the owner in minutes, and are massively cheaper. They also produces enough heat to melt any sleet or freezing rain that may build up on the lens.

[@TalismanPHX]

The Mazda... if only for that sexy Soul Red metallic paint! Excellent work as always, folks!

[@trev8426]

compared these two and bought the CX-30, the finish on the inside dash area finish was way above anything else in the similar class.

[@441meatloaf]

I could care less about the interior finish when it minuses everything else from comfort, rear space room, blind spots, better fuel economy, trunk and general practicality.

[@brocklanders6969]

@@441meatloaf I could care less a slight reduction in rear space room, visibility, fuel economy, and trunk space when it minuses interior quality, handling, performance, interior and exterior styling and general fun factor. For 2022, AWD is standard on the CX-30 and it is more affordable. The mid-tier Preferred trim CX-30 gets you everything in the LTD Crosstrek.

[@441meatloaf]

@@brocklanders6969 Ppl buy compact SUVs for it to be practical. There is a reason why Crosstrek outsells mazda till this day because you cannot beat the practicality that crosstrek offers no matter how you try to argue. Crosstrek is just better designed in many ways that offers much more room with compact suv spacing. If i want a "fun car" i would not buy an SUV........No one buys an compact SUV to be "fun factor", a sedan would be a better fun factor than any SUV. Interior styling is bland in a mazda. the new non-touch infotainment system mazda praises is fucking garbage. Why would anyone design a half assed knob wheel that comes with nav system and you have to scroll through every single letter? its 2021 and no touch function?? If i have to spend more time looking at the screen to see what im scrolling at, there would be no safety difference than a well designed touch screen like an audi that all the menus are one touch away. if you are going to copy the germans at least do it with more effort other than to look premium. The germans have a much better MMI that actually works. Preferred trim CX30 doesnt give you much, Crosstrek wins on pure engine specs vs the aneamic Skyactive G and Turbo CX30 is overpriced by market standard. Mazda can't even sell their Turbo CX30s well cause no one wants to pay for high price tag.

[@brocklanders6969]

We had a 2013 Crosstrek. Pros -- nice ride, good visibility, off-road capability and resale. Cons -- underpowered, unreliable, and expensive maintenance for Japanese vehicle. If I were to buy another, the 2.5L engine would be a must-have. We replaced the Crosstrek with a Mazda CX-3 Touring. Although smaller, it is nicer in every respect except off-road capability. I'm going to be replacing my 2017 Civic EX-T this year and will likely go with the CX-30. It is a better value and more driver's focused car.

[@pingpongballz5998]

I have the 2016 Crosstrek. One damn thing going wrong with it after another

[@mkmcdowell4648]

I drove both and ended up with the 2.5L Crosstrek Limited. It was a difficult decision, but in the end, it came down to better visibility in the Crosstrek and the fact the CX-30 didn't have heated side mirrors. Also, the black cladding on the Mazda really looks cheap.

[@tenreyes]

Subaru Crosstrek Sport trim in U.S. is available with moonroof but lacks the Canadian Outdoor versions front view camera, heated steering wheel, and better quality multi-function center display.

[@nickolastiguan]

Saw a CX-30 yesterday, and its black claddings are HUGE. I don’t usually mind claddings, but the CX-30’s make the car look very odd…

[@James-il3tq]

Trying too hard to look offroady with thar cladding when clearly it's not an off-roader with the ground clearance lacking and soft curvy feminine design.

[@wendypendlebury5796]

Totally agree with you

[@441meatloaf]

@@James-il3tq it lacks the suspension to even do offroad. Offroaders need independent suspension..Mazda has torsion beams which is one of the most rigid and worst suspension when you need to crawl

[@differencemaker242]

I agree. They over did it

[@BensleyDRAKE]

Easy choice CX-30

[@louisvilaros9066]

Just alittle help for u guys on the crosstrek theres a button on the right side of the steering wheel which has a S. on it this is sport mode so when in traffic it will allow u more zip I have a 2023 crosstrek 2.0 cvt and have plenty of zip just thought this might help every review I've watched before picking my new cross over never mentions the sport mode button otherwise great video thank u oh forgot my crosstrek is the base model so all crosstrek have the sport mode

[@hstaff3336]

I think the Mazda is a more emotional purchase. I am the kind of person who enjoys driving feel and overall design. If maintenance costs and snow capabilities are about the same as a Crosstrek (which they are according to most reviews), I’ll take the CX-30 please!

[@Doc1855]

We’ve found that Subaru is far superior both on and off the road. They simply feel more planted. The unfortunate thing about Subaru is that they are a high maintenance vehicle. There’s always something that needs to be replaced with every oil change. And our Outback has less than 20K miles on it.

[@ramonestrada8990]

Always great comparison....👍

[@richardmichael59]

All this talk about off-roading these two is odd. They are designed for tarmac with the ability to go of asphalt mildly. Just because a vehicle has AWD doesn’t mean it was designed to be an off-roader. And the complaints about the body cladding are ridiculous, don’t buy one if you don’t like it, there other options people. Impreza, Mazda 3, CX5 etc. But the Imprezas cladding is less appealing than the CX30 IMO. For those of you that find the infotainment system difficult on the Mazda, maybe you just need to take 10 minutes to “learn” how to operate it. Very intuitive, safer, a the screen stays clean.

[@aztronomy7457]

Got the Crosstrek Sport. The Cx-30 felt too cramped.

[@hollitodd7138]

I want all the "nice, luxury" amenities so I would be on board with the Mazda before the Cross Trek.

[@markt3440]

No luxury car has a cheap twist beam rear suspension.

[@Bartonovich52]

@ Mark Tepper Most luxury cars had solid rear axles until a few years ago.. until everyone wanted bone-jarring “European inspired” handling. Seriously… the type of suspension doesn’t matter. Just like Honda fanboys used to brag about double wishbone suspension and derided the MacPherson struts domestic manufacturers used…. Until Honda quietly started using MacPherson struts (and beam rear axles) as well.

[@vtv4373]

Mazda's ride quality is not luxury

[@441meatloaf]

@@Bartonovich52 wrong suspensions do matter once you taken the mazda offroad then you will see its not an offroader like how mazda makes it to be. Ride quality is awful on the cx30 offroading in gravel and dirt. It also lacks ride height. Crosstrek is a way better vehicle for it

[@genzigzag]

Another great comparison Zack and Andrea! Mazda seems to be in a class above the Crosstek when it comes to refinement and content. If you're looking to go onto rougher terrain and need more cargo room the Crosstek would be the better choice. I strongly doubt the majority of owners of either brand though are doing anything more than loose gravel roads if they aren't in town.

[@James-il3tq]

Zach I've had power lift gate in my last 2 cars and couldn't care less if next car didn't have it. Manual lift gates are also quicker 😉

[@louisvilaros9066]

That crosstrek does have sport mode on the steering wheel it's on the bottom right it has a s and I at the bottom ask the dealership they can show u or look in the owners manual

[@QueenFairy420]

the crosstrek has vents under the seats, and it has a power lift gate by holding the button on the key

[@zamfully]

Thank you for an in-depth review. You cover both, the superficial as well as all the technical features. Great review.

[@tinyjesus8820]

Had a 2021 crosstrek and not sure why but it was the least favorite vehicle I’ve ever owned. Maybe if all I did was drive off-road I’d enjoy it more. I love the cx-30 turbo in white I traded it for. The black cladding is large but I think it looks right on the white turbo with all the other black accents.

[@timothygibney159]

What was wrong with it? I am looking at buying a repos one

[@larryvillemaire]

I own a CX-30 and here's the problem with the power liftgate: it has no kick or proximity sensor to open it. So other than the cool factor, what's the point in having it motorized? You leave the grocery store with your hands full of bags, walk up to your car with the fob in your pocket and...you have to put the bags down to either dig out the fob or press the switch on the hatch. If I have to do that, I might as well have a less complicated and faster opening manual hatch - it's just a dumb design.

[@441meatloaf]

Mazda only wants to make the car look premium but forgo technically everything that is practical and defeats the purpose of a compact suv. Mazda premium isn't the same as lexus premium. If I truly want a premium suv I would just buy the lexus ux.

[@aileenchanncota752]

Thank you for bringing this up. I am wondering what I would be missing with absence of a power lift gate. Trying to choose between CX-30 and Crosstrek limited (no power lift gate).

[@brocklanders6969]

@@441meatloaf Disagree. With the exception of ground clearance and a little softer ride, the CX-30 is superior to the Crosstrek in virtually every other detail. Subcompact SUVs aren't that practical and if that is the main concern, then Honda HR-V would be the best choice. If you do a lot of off-road driving, then get the Crosstrek. The CX-30 is the better road vehicle.

[@441meatloaf]

@@brocklanders6969 That is false. mazda made the cx30 cladding for and design it to be semi-offroad. There is a reason why they design the cladding that way to make it look more off-roady than the car is capable. Mazda can't off road for shit even in gravel with its garbage torsion beam suspension system, which they did on purpose for the reason of cost cutting. This was poor choice by management considering everyone hates the rough ride at the cost of slight better handling.

[@441meatloaf]

@@brocklanders6969 And no Turbo CX30 is a waste of money, the car itself is already overpriced by a mile in the market. At that point you could get a much better fitted SUV from Hyundai and Kia for much less at for the top model at much nicer premium design than mazda in and out.

[@yesyesleung222]

I drove both cars. CX30 is like a pretty city girl who is attractive and sophisticated. Crosstrek (XV overseas) is like a farm girl who is endurance and relaxed. However its 2 lt NA engine is really underpowered.

[@johnreese3762]

Great review with all the important numbers! Thanks!

[@Motormouth...]

Glad it was helpful!

[@davidswadell8499]

We bought a CX30 Turbo as soon as they were available to complement our Outback and GTI. It will go most places the Outback will, performs nearly as well as the GTI, and it’s better looking and more polished than either of the others. Even with the 2.5 liter engine, the normally aspirated Crosstrek can’t begin to compete when it comes to pavement performance, and its sheetmetal and interior styling are not upmarket enough to please my wife. She likes the CX30 better than the Audi or BMW … and so do I. However, if we were limited to one smaller car able to handle most tasks including moderate off-pavement challenges, then the Crosstrek might be the one.

[@441meatloaf]

I highly doubt cx30 can go to most places that an outback can giving ground clearance on cx30s is only 6 inches vs 8.7inch on subies. Not to mention the new outback wilderness is designed for more off roading, cx30 won't be able to match that

[@jamesreed1969]

@@441meatloaf you're right, but actually cx30 turbo comes with 8 innch ground clearance. It is a good addition, but still can not be compared to outback. My main issues with mazda is small gas tank.

[@441meatloaf]

@@jamesreed1969 I have no idea why it has such a horrible tank size...even a corolla hatch has at least 40 litres and its a much smaller car than cx30.

[@aztronomy7457]

To be fair the CX-30 Turbo costs upwards of $6000 more than the Crosstrek sport 25. And I highly doubt it can do some of the more hardcore terrain. It is much more refined, however.

[@krysjay2345]

Can't wait!!!! 2024 Crosstrek Limited Sun Blaze Pearl (orange) on order. 2.5 is super quick. Loved my 2016 Forester 2.5. I feel resale is better with Subaru.

[@10OF9OFBORG]

To me Crosstrek is a all round vehicle while CX-30 is a luxury vehicle. I would pick Crosstrek! Cheer! Thanks for sharing Andrea! 👍🏻👊🏻

[@KenCheng]

I'm also from Vancouver, I see used 2021 Crosstreks going for more than the price of a new 2023... It's because of the supply chain issue. If you want a 2023, the wait is 6-7 months, dealerships are telling people that if you get on the waiting list now, there's a chance you'll end up with a 2024 model (which has been redesigned)

[@Beer20001]

Awesome video and comparison of both vehicles!

[@KervsBin]

I want to know the safety aspect of it. I heard the eyesight from subaru offers a better package then mazda. Please share your thoughts.

[@RobSinox]

Mazda..quality and quiet interior hard to beat..

[@markt3440]

It’s actually easy to beat. Theirs no utility and you trade the nice interior for an inferior twist beam rear suspension. Consumer Reports btw says it’s not quiet.

[@RobSinox]

@@markt3440 I drove few weeks ago as test drive and its very quiet lol... I got mazda 3 for over year and thinking to swap to cx30.. I don't really care about utility space. At work got Mercedes A class, Audi and BMW and is definitely quieter than Mercedes and about same as bmw and Audi..

[@nycp1969]

The Crosstrek is nice but it doesn't compare to the Mazda CX-30. Mazda does everything so much more beautiful than everyone in its class and almost equals the luxury segment. Give me the CX-30!

[@danielfair4675]

Take one off-road, even thru someone's uneven yard and come back and we'll talk more. Torsion Beam rear is the roughest ride you can get.

[@nycp1969]

@@danielfair4675 That is possibly true but I wouldn't know, and if that's how you drive, definitely don't get the CX-30. I live in urban South Florida and have little to no occasion to drive off road.

[@danmiedema1927]

I wish that they would get rid of or limit all plastic on the side of vehicles because when it fades it'll look like crap

[@malcolmt960]

I own the CX-30 Turbo. Overall I mostly like it. But, not great on New England rough roads. Terrible on bumps and potholes. The best gas milage I have seen on mostly highway is about 26 per gallon. Not great but not awful either for a Turbo.

[@dg7438]

Nice review. I didn't like the Mazda. The suspension was too harsh and too confining. The Subaru for me was better

[@PhillipHenry-b9x]

Is it accurate that you can't get a 2" tow hitch for the Mazda CX30? Having a bike rack is a critical decision for me in choosing vehicle given I use hitch for several items including my bike rack that I use regularly.

[@guyrandom6151]

would prefer crosstrek if it wasnt for the cvt . IM here driving a WRX waiting for the Baja otherwise probably end up going for the CX-50 instead

[@WRXinthe410]

Put a turbo and A/T tires on the 2.5 Crosstrek and it would be perfect.

[@aprilt1695]

Love my Mazda CX-30, I don't mind the Crosstrek but the design is kinda like a golf cart, don't like it. For the price I choose Mazda.

[@feliperguez7846]

Me gusta más la Subaru. Saludos desde Mexico.

[@JungleEddie]

When I checked the Mazda and Subaru websites your prices on the Subaru were right on but on the Mazda they were low. The Mazda CX-30 GX with the 2 liter engine starts at $26,923 and that's with fwd. Between the two I would choose the Subaru. I am a few years off in replacing my Mazda 3. Which is more likely to get a hybrid engine first? I am in Nova Scotia.

[@stuntmonkey00]

Not seeing a lot of overlap between Canadian Trek and CX-30 buyers. The Mazda seems solidly in the lifestyle/near-luxury Acura Integra bracket and the Treks are either going to young families or older people. It's either the better interior space of the Trek or the upscale trim of the CX-30, those seem to be the two breaking factors.

[@441meatloaf]

Mazda is not a luxury. People buying it to feel luxury are wasting potential on just buying an actual luxury like lexus ux or an avura rdx. Mazda cannot compete against anyone in the luxury market

[@djcoronel]

I feel for you guys with the heatwave affecting the PNW. Here in Southern California, we had a major heatwave about a week and a half ago and it was brutal, but some of the temperatures I'm seeing up there are Arizona temperatures. Stay indoors and hydrated! PS I shortened my name for privacy, but it's still me, David Sant Jordi Coronel! Also, my assistant just purchased a Crosstrek, but I would have purchased a CX30 if I were working with her budget.

[@Motormouth...]

Such a cool name!

[@djcoronel]

@@Motormouth... Thanks, it's from the Catalonia region of Spain. I'm sure you've been because they host a ton of automotive events there as the region is home to the regional capital city of Barcelona and borders the Pyrenees (where you drove the RS5 a few years back I believe on the French side?) and France to the north. SEAT's headquarters are also there.

[@Motormouth...]

@@djcoronel stunning part of the world!

[@YayoLife]

I would have loved the Mazda but as soon as you enter the CX-30, you'd feel how cramped it is inside. I'm not even a big person. I like all the pluses including memory seats, auto liftgate and all, but the interior room is such a basic need. I could live with it in a sports car. Just remember what you are buying is my advice. Are you buying a sports car?

[@_suki_]

Can’t agree more…

[@whatthe6532]

Yes. Yes I am.

[@binoykv]

Nice review .. i was looking for ..

[@kanela1672]

What kind of car are you guys sitting in to record this video? I love the sun roofs.

[@Motormouth...]

A Porsche Cayenne

[@hoser7706]

Power liftgates are terrible when over-stuffing cargo areas. Think large hockey bag that just needs a little trunk shove…

[@robertcurtis1112]

Not a fan of the Subaru’s screens. When off they have curvy lines up and down, and when on, the display is low grade quality. They need to work on the articulation as well. And at least add a turbo or make it a 2.8 or 3.0 engine.

[@vagabond1776]

CX-30. Better looks, better interior, and better performance…and I travel paved roads 99% of the time. If I’m going off the beaten path, I’d rather take a proper SUV for the extra space and capability. HOWEVER, if I lived in the Rockies or northern parts of Canada I’d probably chose the Crosstrek….thank goodness I don’t. 🤪

[@zamfully]

Subarus just don’t last long. Call me silly but cross back has no sunroof option which for me is a nonstarter

[@nwerdscissorhands7475]

I think I'll wait til Subaru makes the 2.5L engine and LED headlights standard on all trims

[@victorrodriguez8917]

CVT will kill the deal :(

[@timothygibney159]

Those are the 2 cars I want to buy ... But I need a house next year God darn it! ...2013 Kia soul I keep 😞

[@MrSBaker85]

Was this the base model for the Subaru?

[@DoolallyProductions]

My wife and I hate leather ( or leatherette) so I think we'll be going for the Crosstrek Sport. I like the CX 30 a little more, but the lack of availability of cloth seats except on the stripped down CX 30 is a killer for us.

[@vladtheinhailer1428]

What vehicle are the hosts sitting in during this review/comparison ?

[@whatthe6532]

Porsche Cayenne

[@anthony-barber]

Mazda cx30 more power, and no CVT which the cross trek has. The CVT transmission is not great. Slow and lazy transmission. Mazda is the way to go!!!👍

[@johnlong384]

Did I see a Submariner on the driver?

[@henryrestrepo8214]

I prefer the Mazda CX 30

[@Warbeaver]

in Canada they ALL have AWD

[@kf763]

No way could the crosstrek compare to the CX-30. Mazda did an amazing job with the CX-30. It's luxurious, with lots of advanced technology. The drive on the CX-30 is just so smooth and refined. Subaru can't come close to any of Mazda cars.

[@seruresto1386]

Hit a few potholes a with the harsh ride of the CX30 and then get back to us lol

[@db321g]

@@seruresto1386 I have a CX-30 and agree. However, on smooth roads which are few it seems, it's a wonderful ride.

[@cassiet5584]

I test drove a Mazda and a Crosstrek and bought the Crosstrek. I hated the interior and ride of the Mazda, Subaru was much more comfortable.

[@freddy2141]

❤CROSSTREK ❤100%

[@5610winston]

I ordered the Crosstrek Premium manual, delivery due in April 2023. I also looked at the Impreza, and there was little difference in most categories, but the Crosstrek was a lot easier egress. I didn't shop other brands because they didn't offer a manual. I just wish Subaru had offered the Eye Sight with the stick.

[@whatwhome6914]

Mazdas are nice. But Mazdas typically sacrifice interior space and fuel economy.

[@Rockrewls]

If you are a small person Mazda will work for you, but if you a large person all Mazda's are not a option as we just don't fit in any of them, very frustrating!!! Unless this changes I will never own one!

[@digitaldoc100]

I am 6'2" and fit just fine in the Mazda CX-30. The dealbreakers for the Crosstrek are the CVT, and the uncomfortable seats with minimal lateral support and a shorter seat bottom. Unless you really love puppies, or just want to picture yourself putting a kayak on the roof of your Crosstrek, the CX-30 drives better, and handles really well- so much so that I bought one.

[@raylang339]

@@digitaldoc100 D U refereed to a large person not a tall one. I'm 5'10'' and 300 lbs and feel very cramped in the Mazda as opposed to feeling very confortable in the Crosstrek.

[@markt3440]

Agreed those seats are aweful.

[@digitaldoc100]

@@markt3440 I sat in my neighbors 2021 Crosstrek the first week he bought it. I felt like I was sitting on plywood as the seat bottoms are so flat and in need of padding.

[@digitaldoc100]

@@raylang339 The Mazda seats tend to have a lot of lateral support, so a heavier person may not fit as easily. I am about 180 pounds, so to me the Crosstrek seats needed more support.

[@CodMan951]

My deal breaker for Mazda is their fuel economy.

[@markt3440]

CX-30 is claustrophobic with its small windows, lacks utility, you feel every expansion joints on the road with its cheap twist beam rear suspension, no rear seat room, no touch screen but it can corner nicely. My choice the Crosstrek all day long.

[@James-il3tq]

Not to mention Crosstrek far better looking. CX-30 looks too feminine and dated (even though brand new...)

[@markt3440]

@@James-il3tq Totally agree. I’m surprised the CX-30 gets so much support. Not much of an suv.

[@mkmcdowell4648]

Yes. I drove both and I chose the Crosstrek in the Limited trim. I didn't like how closed in I felt in the CX-30. I felt it drove smoother too.

[@robtaylor4365]

Crosstrek is just too gutless, plus the CVT is lame. CX30 Turbo all the way! 🏁

[@brocklanders6969]

@@James-il3tq Yet, I never see anyone but women driving Subarus. The Crosstrek looks dated as there has been little change since 2013.

[@gobear83]

Both great vehicles ….

[@darrenmorrow5697]

With you cant give me led headlights this day in age im out were not back 20 years ago anymore

[@NEPatsFan]

I don't know if the Canadian versions are different but in the U.S. the CX-30 is way quieter and more comfortable. Last year I actually put a $500 deposit on a 2021 Crosstrek Sport but the road noise bothered me so much that I decided to test drive a CX-30 just to be sure. They were like night and day. The CX-30 was as quiet as the 2LT Camaro I was trading in and the Sport Crosstrek had the sound proofing of a 1983 Chevy Chevette. Seats are way more comfortable in the CX-30 and the stereo is much better. Needless to say I bought the CX-30 and have zero regrets. I also really disliked the yellow accent on the Sport's steering wheel. I had planned on covering that with vinyl.

[@westcoast708]

I choose the crosstrek as we own one lol .

[@441meatloaf]

I'd prefer the crosstrek. I have the CX30 and honestly it has so many dumb recalls within 4 months of purchase. So many stupid fixes that it spent more time at the dealer than my crosstrek. Not to mention my steering needs to be replaced on the CX30 after 6 months due to some stupid defect from their manufacturing. Mazda has cheap suspension on the rear instead of using independent suspension, mazda has no money to afford that and changed it to a torsion beam. Even corollas uses independent suspensions....small 48L gas tank even worse than most sedans on the road, its not the most fuel efficient compact SUV, in fact mazda has the worst fuel efficiency out of everyone. With so many manufacturer defects, there is at least 7 recalls for both 2020 and 2021 cx30. Awful reliability. About the vents in the rear, its kinda useless in the CX30. If you turn the a/c on max there isn't enough airflow in the rear vents. Mazda also turns off the a/c compressor when you are accelerating.

[@brocklanders6969]

We had the Crosstrek and it was the most unreliable vehicle we have ever owned. They had to rebuild the entire top end of the engine on a recall, replaced CV axles twice in less than 85k miles (rarely drove off road) just for starters.

[@bayardo]

I chose a subaru

[@0101-h4r]

No Turbo. Thank you. Another expensive part that can break. On to the Toyota Corolla Cross.

[@brocklanders6969]

? Both the CX-30 and Crosstrek 2.5L are non-turbo. Turbo is optional on CX-30.

[@coldwolf7014]

You want sporty get the cross trek, you want class get the Mazda. You want speed get a Mazda, you want power for the snow, sleet, and muddy conditions get a cross trek. You want reliability how ever that’s the cross trek lol.

[@brocklanders6969]

The Mazda is more powerful -- quicker, handles better. Crosstrek isn't reliable -- we had one. More maintenance and recalls then any vehicle we have ever owned.

[@441meatloaf]

Subaru is smart to not use a power liftgate......Mazda has so many problems with the liftgate they had to have an entire production line completely recalled for defects cause the parts department in Mazda ordered the wrong hydraulic springs...... All in all Mazda sacrifices everything just to look more premium.....thinking its a lexus competitor when its not. Thats why they design it that way to have such bad blind spots especially the Mazda 3 hatch. Adults can't sit in the back, the door just doesn't open that wide and barely any leg room. You also can't have anyone in the middle sit vs the crosstrek. That huge AWD tunnel going down the middle is ridiculous, its like a mountain and there just isn't even enough space at all.

[@brocklanders6969]

Disagree. The Mazda is more premium and it's not just a look.

[@441meatloaf]

@@brocklanders6969 False, mazda is not a premium at all. Its false marketing. Its a regular japanese maker no different than the quality of a totota. No one associates mazda as being premium. If i want premium, i buy a low end model Audi or merc. Second Mazda is for looks purely only. The amount of changes it made in the new models is backwards. Mazda no longer concentrates its car as "driver focus" it concentrates more on marketability on how to sell it as a premium. They have failed miserably at doing it for the last few years and even their CEO admitted it was the completely wrong path to market their cars as premium when its not. It has 0 practicality, especially the new model Mazda 3 and CX30. Horrendous rear space even for a compact car, and one of the worst universally agreed on blind spots. Old mazda 3 already had bad blind spots but, all the new models made it even worse. Mazda makes cars that looks nice, but has no practicality. Barely any sales are done on mazda 3, and their only real vehicle that sells is CX5 because that vehicle is actually the most practical for its price point. Calling mazda premium is like saying Priuses are Teslas.

[@chrishuyler3580]

If only Mazda would offer a stick shift like Subaru, sigh.

[@youarerightboss]

MAZDA Mighty Asset Zooming Down Avenues

[@SFic87]

Mazda>Subaru

[@441meatloaf]

Mazda sales < subaru

[@SFic87]

@@441meatloaf Quality>Quantity

[@441meatloaf]

@@SFic87 as if mazda has good quality. They are made in Mexico look at the track record of mazda setting record high recalls over the last 5 yrs. Mazda thinks it's quality is lexus but no thinks mazda is lexus

[@brocklanders6969]

@@441meatloaf Mazda is quality even if your wasn't. Our Crosstrek was horrible.

[@youarerightboss]

SUBARU Stealth Universal Ballistic Asset Reaping Unity

[@youarerightboss]

SUBARU Silent Unassuming Boss Accumulating Respectful Understudies

[@paulhill7818]

Actually the Mazda 2.5 puts out 191hp not 186. Need to get Your information right before doing a video on a Vehicle..😎

[@db321g]

2021 has 186, 2024 has 191

[@khadimah]

Subaru

[@2007MXV]

“Athletic” and “sporty” are not two words I would use on the Crosstrek. “Effing ugly” would be my two words! Another thing of course is that CVTs are horrible. And then you have the Achilles Heal of any Subaru are the two prone to leak head gaskets.

[@markt3440]

CVT works perfectly and gets great gas mileage. Sub frame double wishbone rear suspension on the Crosstrek is outstanding vs the cheap twist beam on the CX-30. Throw in lack of utility and ugly side cladding and my choice is the Crosstrek.

[@2007MXV]

@@markt3440 The latest Crosstrek and RAV4 take ugly side cladding to a new level of wretched.

[@wendypendlebury5796]

@@2007MXV The CX-30 is worse!!!!!!!

[@ronthompson7961]

@@markt3440 have you had a Subaru CVT with over a 100k miles?

[@eldev4432]

@@ronthompson7961 Yes! I have and am eagerly awaiting this alleged cursed 100k lifeline of CVT on my 2014 Crosstrek with 115k miles on it.

[@aboumawiyah]

Awd and CVT is the worst idea in recent year. I will never buy a Subaru again

[@Pheakdey07]

Yes AWD CVT it's better off road than automatic AWD on Mazda .

[@KTMsteve]

CX30 is the shoo in