Dude, I’m LOVING the interior of the Mazda. That’s Gorgeous !

I just bought a CX-30 and it is THE BEST car ever. Love driving it, so fun and enjoyable all around.

Best thing about the CX30...NO CVT! If the trans goes bad it can be fixed the CVT has to be replaced. Also, many are assembled in Mexico BUT the engine and transmission are MADE IN JAPAN by people who care and have a culturally strong work ethic.

I love the comparison videos. Great job here

I went with the cx 30. The awd is forward biased until you use the trail mode, which actually makes it fantastic off road. It does have issues with deep gullies because of the approach angle, but the grip is crazy good for a compact crossover

I really appreciated your covering visibility l. I assumed Crosstrek and all Subarus would be better. You are the first reviewer I've seen to make an a tual point by point comparison. Thanks very helpful te iew.

I own a 2022 CX-30 Carbon edition and I love it!

I owned a Crosstrek for about 8 years and loved it, but just bought a CX-30. I was never completely satisfied with the CVT transmission and lack of power in the Subaru. The Mazda is more powerful, has more luxury appointments, and gets amazing highway fuel economy (45 mpg hwy). The CX-30 is definitely smaller, with less cargo space and back seat room. I am 6’4” and fit comfortably in the driver’s seat. The reduced visibility is definitely something to get used to.

One of the biggest selling points for me on Mazda is their modernized "SKYACTIV" design-take of a traditional 6-speed automatic transmission that they use across pretty much all their various vehicles, which a very popular & knowledgeable KZfaq Toyota mechanic has called "Brilliant" & what every automaker including Toyota should be using instead of belt/chain design CVT's, DCT's, etc. I compared all the small Crossovers in 2022 & went with a CX-30 Carbon Edition as my choice. No regrets after 1 year thus far & zero issues/problems. I did have to black-out additional portions of the vehicle, however, to get the thicker black cladding & bumper to look like a more natural & integrated part of the vehicle design.

I would contend the two vehicles are for completely different buyers. One for people to daily in and occasionally find themselves on a dirt road. The other is for people who drive dirt and gravel roads and occasionally find themselves on a highway. I would freak out if one got dirty. I would not feel right if the other was clean.

this is nice review

On my 2nd CX-30, 2020 Preferred , put 85k highway miles with only a set of breaks and new tires, regular oil changes, worry free and one of the best sound systems on the market across all classes. Picking up a '23 Carbon Edition tomorrow in fact. Word of suggestion, buy a new year certified preowned with less than 5k miles, your warranty alone will be worth it(7 yr/100k) along with the existing 3yr/36k standard warranty. You save $2-3k vs buying new. I am just sold on these cx-30's after my first experience and recommend them to anyone as either a solo driver or daily driver. The 2023 Carbon edition does not come equipped with the Bose sound system due to chip availability issues with Mazda, so I'll definitely be getting a subwoofer to sit in the spare tire housing. Go with the cx-30, best advice I can give. And unless you are into "speed" there is no need for the $3-4 k extra turbo version imo, 191 hp is best in class and more than enough Ponies.

I like Mazda CX 30 for its more premium feel, but Crosstrek has much better visibility for the driver because you sit higher like in the proper small SUV. In CX 30 it feels like you sit in the sedan or hatchback.

I considered both vehicles; however, I went ahead and purchased a Mazda CX-30 in February. I considered just about everything. The Mazda is just far more premium than the Subaru. It rides better/quieter and has more power (and NO CVT thankfully). I also prefer the Mazda engine and safety features that are nearly identical across all trims. I do think that Subaru has a more robust AWD; however, Mazda's AWD is actually very good and comes standard. I've already taken my Mazda up a few mountains; and, I'm headed to the sierra again for a camping/hiking trip this week. Apart from the AWD, the only other think that I prefer on the Subaru is the look of the wheels (more sporty) and the cladding. Mazda's cladding is more aerodynamic and Subaru's sticks out more from the body; however, Subaru's looks more utilitarian -- like it was there for that purpose. Mazda's vehicle feels just too premium/luxury for its cladding. However, it's grown on me. Moreover, I wouldn't mind Mazda's to somehow texturize their cladding in the future for the CX-30.

Clarification - All 2023 Mazda CX-30 options have 8.0" of minimum ground clearance. The early models (2020?) the base model had 6.9ish", while the upper end models had an 8.0" ground clearance. Definitely like the comparison of two competing cars - definitely do more. They are handy - but viewers need to do their homework, in case the numbers aren't 100% accurate (see note above). We have this 2023 Carbon Edition CX-30, and I have zero issues taking this off pavement down dirt and gravel roads. The AWD is very solid in fairly snowy slippery conditions. This is a solid "off-road demo" of the CX-30. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ldR_f86Iz9DdpKc.html If I was doing excessive/extreme off-road driving, I wouldn't take the CrossTrek, nor the CX-30.

i have a 2013 crosstrek, its been a great car, but its getting up there in miles so im looking at getting either another crosstrek, a turbo CX-30, a turbo outback, or a Volvo XC 40 or XC-60... the crosstrek is really unbeatable in value, but i already have one that still runs great, and kinda lookng for something a bit sportier and classier to add to the stable..

Great review and I enjoyed that comparison review. Nice and detailed and very concise. If I was in the market, I would get the CX30 turbo hands down. My wife and I used to have an AWD Honda Element that was front biased (like the CX30) and would only put power to the rears if the fronts spun. Honestly it handled fine in the few snow and ice storms that we have had in Dallas with all season tires.

I grew up with mazda, my 2012 mazda 3 got destroyed this year, then I bought a crosstrek and drove it for a bit but then hail destroyed that. I went back to mazda cx30 because it's so much fun to drive. The crosstrek is better off road but I needed a commuting car more than something off road as I live in the city with smooth roads. The crosstrek was impressive but the cx30 was faster, which provides more confidence in passing highway situations but does have a smaller gastank. I have a bias mazda has always been more fun to drive. Also I like the smaller infotainment system. The subaru system is big and sluggish

Subaru for ruggedness and no fear of getting stuck anywhere. Mazda for elegance and comfort in city.

Great review! I test-drove the Subaru Limited today and just loved it. It was priced at $34k which I thought was a little high. I will have to test drive the Mazda CX-30 as most of the comments are recommending it over the Subaru. I will have to research the reliability of the CVT transmission as there are some negative comments about it. I do prefer the look of the Subaru over the Mazda, plus the rear legroom, cargo room, fold-flat rear seats, wider tires, large touch screen, and maybe a few things I don't even know to mention. It sounds like the choice comes down to personal preference. We will see, thanks!

We looked at all the crossovers and got a 2021 cx30 select awd due to it being the best bang for the buck. No regrets.

I test drove both and seriously considered both. I chose the Crosstrek and I’m SO glad I did! You sit way too low in the Mazda. My shoulder was below the window line (I’m 5’5”). You also can’t see well out of the Mazda and I hated the infotainment knob. I love everything about the Crosstrek!

Great review because this is exactly where I am in deciding which vehicle to buy. Leaning heavily toward the Mazda. I had the dealer remove the rear middle headrest for the test drive and it helped with visibility out the back. I still feel like I need to turn my head to look merging right and there is a giant pillar in the way, but if this old dog can learn a new trick and rely on the mirrors and the blind spot assist, I think it should be fine.

I’m sure the 2.0L in the Crosstrek is starving for power going over the passes to Seattle.

I've been driving buying and selling cars for a long time. Can't beat the cx30.

Nice review; thanks! I've owned a Crosstrek ('14), and traded it in in 4 years due to the poor seat comfort. I think the newer ones are better, but I'm still not a fan of the interior style and materials. The Mazda is much more stylish and upmarket feeling, although I hesitate to get one simply because the gas tank is so small.

Great video. My wife can’t decide between these two. We’re empty nesters, she loves loves the interior of the CX-30, not so much on the orange stitching in the Crosstrek. Why is orange the only choice? Don’t understand that. The CX-30 looks so good on the outside too. We’ve test driven both and still deciding.

I think people stopped comparing the CX-30 to the Subaru nowadays idk why but I feel like after renting the vehicle out for a week, I genuinely feel like it should compete with entry level luxury’s such as the Mercedes GLA or the Lexus UX

This was a good, straight to the point review. I'm trying to decide between the 2.0 NA Crosstrek (2024 update), the 2.5 NA CX-30 and the Kia Seltos 1.6 turbo (2023 update). So I would appreciate your review of the Seltos and comment on how you think it compares with the other two. Note that the 2.5 Crosstrek engine is not available in my country. All three cars I am comparing are similarly priced here.

Good value either way for an AWD vehicle.

Great review Bud ! Both are too small for us, but if I had to choose between the 2, it’d be the Subie. Subaru simply have the best AWD system on the planet.

Your review was excellent. I've been reseaeching for about 6 months for my next vehicle purchase ...and my search seems to end up with EXACTLY these two//VERY similar vehicles.... PLUS I SEEM TO HAVE FALLEN IN LOVE WITH A MAZDA 3....B UT REALISTICALLY THE GROUND CLEARANCE OF THE MAZD-3 0F APPROX. 5.5" WOULD PRETTY MUCH RULE THE MAZDA-3 OUT FOR PRACTICAL USE IN MY SNOWYMY SNOWY STATE...... *****RELATED QUESTION???..... YOUR REVIEW DID SHOW THAT THE MAZDA CROSS-OVER IN THIS VIDEO WAS UNABLE TO PRIVIDE A FLAT STOREAGE AREA AS THE BACK SEAT HEADRESTS PREVENTED THE CARGO AREA FROM COMPLETELY FLATTENING OUT...... HOW-EVER: IS IT POSSIBLE TO REMOVE THE HEADRESTS TO ENABLE THE STOREAGE/CARGO AREA TO FLATTEN OUT BETTER??? (I HAD A JEEP CHEROKEE THAT I HAD TO DO THAT TO ENABLE THE BACK STOREAGE AREA TO COMPLETELY FLATTEN OUT.... SOLVED THE PROBLEM.... AND THE SURFACE THEN ALLOWED TWO ADULTS & A DOG TO BE ABLE TO SLEEP THERE COMFORTABLY WHILE CAMPING............ JUST A SUGGESTION!!!

This was a nice review. I like the Crosstrek exterior better. I like most of the interior of the Mazda better, except for the fact it has less room. I love the seats.

I looked at both, but the lack of power and the CVT transmission in the Crosstrek was a deal breaker for me. The CX30 has a much more luxurious interior as well as the exterior look of a high end car. But, I ended up buying Mazda CX5 the bigger brother of the CX30.

Point worth considering. Toyotas….Hondas….Nissans are obliged to offer cheaper looking interiors do that they dont cannibilize sales off their luxury equivalents….Lexus…Acura….Infinity Mazda n Subaru have no such issues and come across looking higher end (esp mazda)

I'm thinking Mazda. No issues with head gaskets, no oil consumption issues. The fact that the Crosstrek has a bigger tank is really concerning considering that's usually a sign that it doesn't actually doesn't get the advertised mpg, and they typically don't. No CVT issues, better interior.

Mazda makes Subaru look pixelated 😂 #MazdaFam

I have driven a CX-30 and own a Crosstrek 6MT, even though the CX-30 is handsome and faster, just can't understand how so many people buy one, based on how tiny its rear seats are. Of course, then the Crosstreks booth Is tiny as well, but I prefer to carry friends in a confortable manner

Crosstrek has better awd but its cvt ! I pick cx30 anytime

Girlfriend just bought the Premium Package. Absolutely Spectacular Car. You need to do a Video on it also. " Just Saying ". Mazda Knocked this One out of the Park.. It's black on black.. little Pricey - $35.500..Zoom Zoom 😎

Good comparison. I'm favoring the CX30 to replace a 2015 Camry. Looking for a taller yet smaller Crossover/SUV with Front or AWD for easy city parking, I still swap on snow tires in Winter months so FWD is fine in western NY. I need backseat for passengers maybe 2 times a year max. I'll test drive both along with Toyota CorollaCross. I'd test a Seltos, Soul or Kona but KiaBoyz video has left my small city Rochester still with occassional attempts to steal Hyundai/Kia models even if its New(er) vehicle with engine immobilizer or older models that have had software upgrade and marked with the window sticker. So skipping Hyundai/Kia for now. Look forward to future comparisons and reviews. Btw. I had minor mid-life car trading 91 Honda Civic hatchback for 96 Miata. Great car even commuting in Tampa and weekends to beachs. Took a job in San Diego. Shipped car out there. Job required travel back/forth to Los Angeles once a month. The Miata went and a 98 Acura Integra took her place. Miata is great car everywhere but in my opinion Southern CA Highways. Something about going 80mph to keep up with traffic including tractor trailer 18 wheelers, every type of large/heavy duty commerical trucks, and fullsize SUVs with nothing but a vinyl top and two feet of trunk to protect me in a rearend collision meant swapping out of Miata lease. LOL Enjoy your Miata and keep it away from LA type highways and enjoy.

Forgot to mention the "Trail" button on the CX-30 which changes the front-wheel drive bias in the All Wheel Drive Mazda.

What color is that CX-30? Polymetal or Machine Grey?

I just bought Mazda CX-30 Premium/non turbo. I had Subaru Baja and it was money pit.

Can we put Power Lift gate for this trim?

ROFL, listening to you review the Mazda was like you describing a bad date. These two are very different. The Subaru is a person in jeans, the Mazda a business casual suit.

Considering the two and rented a CX-30. Main reason I wont get the CX30 is that I hate sitting that low in any car. My partner did not like it for that same reason as well. Also just recently rented the CX-5 that does not have this sitting low issue. The drive in the CX-5 just felt more memorable as well. For the 2024 Subaru crosstrek, the new 11 inch touchscreen multimedia display is just visually far superior to that small display in the Mazda.

Dealer is posting $29,995 with 19,985kmiles on the CX-30 Mazada. Is it a good price ? Or what should I negotiate the price down to ?

I had a Crosstrek with a CVT transmission. I will never buy a car with a CVT again.

What does CUV stand for? I know what SUV is, but not a CUV. So when are you selling your Miata? You keep your vehicles for about 2 years, so I’m curious.

What's the difference between halogen and LED headlights?

Trying to decide- 2024 crosstrek (no 2023s to be found!) vs 2023 CX 30. The lease on the Mazda is less. Getting it for my college student… I’m torn but I am leaning towards Mazda because of the Subaru 2.0 engine (2.5 so much more expensive). (Edited to add that the lease price- not yet negotiated- is a lot higher for the Subaru)

Personally don't recommend the Crosstrek it's way overpriced and the engine is gutless. Chassis is great though, also cvts are shit.

I narrowed my search for an affordable, reliable subcompact/crossover to these two. I ended up going with a 2023 Crosstrek Limited. The Subaru felt like a better fit for my needs-the Mazda felt almost too fancy for me! While neither brand has amazing tech compared to competitors, I couldn’t get past the console knob in the Mazda. I know some people love it, but it felt dated to me, and I plan on keeping this car for 10-15 years so I wanted something reasonably modern. The cx-30 is a beautiful car though, it was a tough choice.

I have a 2022 CX-30 Turbo Premium plus. It is good so far. Definelty probably the fastest in its class. Most likely. If anyone has questions I can try my best to answer.

Mazda all day over every car in its segment.

It's the suburu for me bro, thanks for this honest review, from all of my research i found that besides the tesla Y model, the suburu is the safest suv on the road, and as a new driver just learning, the suburu is definitely my pick

I live in North Atlanta around 1100 ft above sea level, and my new CX-30 standard engine will do 0-60 in 7.1 seconds using the bump shifter. Saying they are almost the same is far from the truth. My particular S series has leather (real leather), and the inside really looks more upscale than the Crosstrek. However, performance means more to me than a biased comparison.

The Crosstrek is more expensive. It will also be more expensive to maintain. I had a 2013 Crosstrek. It was one of the most unreliable vehicles I have owned -- ranking with VW/Audi. I'll pass.

Ground clearance is 8 inches not 6.9. Look it up. I have one.

6 speed auto over cvt any time

Subaru ruins their cars with CVTs. Definitely not a driver's car. And Subies have reliability issues.

Bought the same Mazda the other day. Only complaint, ride is kinda bumpy.

I can’t decide between a 2024 Crosstrek and this. Do Mazdas hold their value good? Subaru isn’t as good if a deal as they used to be either.

No cvt is the winner

Elegant CX30! But still pricey for the higher trim! Common Mazda!!

Mazda canada ! Bring back the cx3 😢😢😢😢😢😢

Mazda way more fun to drive. I have the Turbo CX-30. It would blow the doors off the Crosstrek.

The Mazda looks closer to an Audi , the Subaru looks cheap

I love the CX-30, but that back seat legroom is quite possibly a dealbreaker. You essentially have to treat it as a 2-seater. It’s OK if you only ever have one passenger, and NEVER use the back seats.

Imagine driving and then knowing you need to go down a dirt road. Cross Trek... cool.. Mazda ...oh man I hope I don't damage my beautiful vehicle.

Size really does matter, oh yea I mean ground clearance… I’d much rather have 8.7” over the 6” ish in the Mazda. The tires on the Subie has more girth, um width, yea, that’s what I meant 🤪 Just JOKING around. Overall, in my humble opinion, the Subie is a better choice

Mazda all the way

Crosstrek Limited is a lot better car than the Mazda CX-30 for the value.

THIS is one I've wanted to see--- not much of a comparison though- a QUALITY vehicle and a cheap piece of crap.. The Mazda just glows with QUALITY- in material- production and everything- the Subaru looks ok- but sounds and feels CHEAP- like it's ready to fly apart any minute.. especially when you have to get on a freeway.. (and being a boxer- could very well fly apart)... Sorry- i sold Subarus for a few years- and know the're GOOD-- I said it FEELS that way- and SOUNDS that way- not that it WOULD. I don't like a CHEAP sounding little pice of tin. I want Quality- anf for the money-- the MAZDA wins HANDS DOWN and the fact that more people are buying subaru- shows this country hs more IDIOTS than clear thinking people.