Small-SUV comparison · Reviewed October 25, 2026
Crosstrek or CX-30: the short answer
Both are five-seat compact crossovers with standard all-wheel drive. The Crosstrek is the stronger fit when cargo flexibility, ground clearance, fuel economy and a choice of gas, hybrid or Wilderness configurations matter most. The CX-30 deserves a look when you favor stronger gas-engine output, an available turbo and Mazda's six-speed automatic.
Which one should you choose?
There is no honest one-size-fits-all answer. Start with the job your small SUV needs to do, then compare the exact trims available to you.
Choose the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek if…
- You expect to carry a folded stroller, pet crate, golf bags or beach gear and want the larger manufacturer-published maximum cargo figure.
- You value 8.7 inches of standard ground clearance, or the Wilderness trim's 9.3 inches and 3,500-pound maximum towing rating.
- You want gas, hybrid and adventure-oriented choices within one model line.
- You prefer the gas trims' published 26 city/33 highway MPG rating over the CX-30 2.5 S models' 24 city/31 highway MPG rating.
Choose the 2026 Mazda CX-30 if…
- You prefer the standard engine's 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque.
- You want a conventional six-speed automatic rather than a continuously variable transmission.
- You are considering an available turbo with up to 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet on 93-octane premium fuel.
- You prioritize available amenities such as leather seating, a 360-degree View Monitor, a power liftgate or a Bose 12-speaker audio system.
2026 Crosstrek and CX-30 specifications
This like-for-like table compares the Crosstrek gas lineup, excluding Wilderness where noted, with the naturally aspirated CX-30 2.5 S lineup. Hybrid, Wilderness and turbo figures are separated below so different powertrains are not presented as equivalent.
| Decision point | 2026 Crosstrek Base, Premium, Sport & Limited | 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S trims |
|---|---|---|
| Published starting MSRP | $26,995 for Crosstrek Base | $26,375 for CX-30 2.5 S |
| Drivetrain | Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, standard | Mazda i-Activ AWD, standard |
| Standard gas engine | 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder; 180 hp | SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter four-cylinder; 186 hp and 186 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Lineartronic CVT with adaptive control and eight-speed manual mode | SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic with manual shift and Sport modes |
| EPA-estimated fuel economy | 26 city/33 highway MPG | 24 city/31 highway/27 combined MPG |
| Ground clearance | 8.7 inches | 8.0 inches |
| Maximum cargo volume, rear seats folded | 54.7 cubic feet | 45.2 cubic feet |
Starting MSRP excludes destination and handling, taxes, title, registration, options and other charges; actual dealer prices vary. Cargo figures are each manufacturer's published measurements, and measurement methods can differ. EPA estimates are for comparison; actual mileage varies.
Compare the full lineups, not only the base models
2026 Subaru Crosstrek trims: Base, Premium, Sport, Sport Hybrid, Limited, Limited Hybrid and Wilderness. The gas models produce 180 horsepower. Sport Hybrid and Limited Hybrid have an estimated 194-horsepower total hybrid-system output and a published 36 city/36 highway MPG rating. Wilderness raises ground clearance to 9.3 inches and maximum towing capacity to 3,500 pounds.
2026 Mazda CX-30 trims: 2.5 S, 2.5 S Select Sport, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Aire Edition, 2.5 S Carbon Edition, 2.5 S Premium, 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. Mazda's turbo produces 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet on 93-octane premium fuel, or 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet on regular 87-octane fuel.
A useful Delray Beach test drive
For a Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach or Lake Worth commute, compare both vehicles on the same kinds of roads and with the same everyday items. A short drive should include stop-and-go traffic, an I-95 merge, a tight parking space and a rougher section of pavement.
- Bring what you carry: test a stroller, folded beach chairs, golf bags or a pet crate rather than relying only on cubic-foot figures.
- Check visibility and controls: compare sightlines, mirror coverage, screen controls and how quickly you can complete common tasks.
- Drive the exact trim: a Crosstrek Hybrid, Crosstrek Wilderness and CX-30 Turbo answer different questions than the standard gas versions.
- Use safe wet-weather judgment: both vehicles have standard AWD, but no drivetrain makes it safe to drive through standing or flooded water.
Visit Schumacher Subaru of Delray: 2102 South Federal Highway, Suite C, Delray Beach, FL 33483. Contact our team before traveling so we can confirm the Crosstrek trim and test-drive timing you want.
2026 Crosstrek vs. CX-30 questions
Which has more cargo room, the 2026 Crosstrek or CX-30?
Subaru publishes 54.7 cubic feet behind the front seats for Crosstrek gas trims, while Mazda publishes 45.2 cubic feet for the CX-30. Because manufacturers may measure cargo space differently, bring the items you expect to carry and test the opening, floor shape and folded-seat area in person.
Do both the 2026 Crosstrek and CX-30 have standard AWD?
Yes. Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard across the 2026 Crosstrek lineup, and Mazda i-Activ AWD is standard across the 2026 CX-30 lineup.
Which one has more power?
The standard CX-30 engine is rated at 186 horsepower versus 180 horsepower for Crosstrek gas trims. Mazda also offers a turbo with up to 250 horsepower on premium fuel. Crosstrek counters with a 194-horsepower estimated total hybrid-system output on Sport Hybrid and Limited Hybrid.
Which one costs less?
At this page's October 25, 2026 review, Mazda published a $26,375 starting MSRP for the CX-30 2.5 S and Subaru published $26,995 for Crosstrek Base, before destination and other charges. Compare actual in-stock vehicles and equipment because trims, options and dealer prices determine the real purchase comparison.
Is there a 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid or CX-30 Hybrid?
The 2026 Crosstrek lineup includes Sport Hybrid and Limited Hybrid. Mazda's official 2026 U.S. CX-30 lineup lists naturally aspirated and turbocharged gasoline engines, without a hybrid trim.
Compare the Crosstrek before you choose your next small SUV
Considering a Mazda CX-30, Toyota Corolla Cross, Kia Seltos, Hyundai Kona or another small SUV? We can help you identify the right Crosstrek alternative and compare manufacturer-published MSRP and equipment, seating, visibility, cargo fit and controls, then provide itemized pricing for the Crosstrek we sell. If you are replacing any current vehicle, you may also bring it for a practical fit check and optional appraisal.
