2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2021 Mazda CX-30

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek was a testament to Subaru's strategy of adapting its Impreza hatchback into a crossover, appealing to those seeking rugged aesthetics and all-wheel drive (AWD) capabilities. With its black body cladding, model-specific alloy wheels, and increased ride height, the Crosstrek offered a convincing SUV-like appearance. It shared the Subaru Global Platform with other models, ensuring a refined driving experience. The interior, while functional, was somewhat plain, with water-repellant upholstery and vibrant colour options like Plasma Yellow Pearl adding character.

In contrast, the 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo presented a bold design with its shiny black 18-inch wheels, grille, and body cladding, giving it a distinctive, agile appearance. Based on the Mazda3 hatchback, the CX-30 stood higher off the ground, offering a more SUV-like stance. Inside, the cabin mirrored the Mazda3's quality materials and upscale vibe, with chocolate brown surfaces and chrome accents. The CX-30 Turbo's interior was designed for comfort, with heated front seats and a driver-focused layout, though rear-seat space was limited.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre boxer-four producing 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, and a new 2.5-litre boxer-four with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The latter was standard on the Outdoor and Limited trims. The Crosstrek's AWD system was standard across all trims, with X-Mode enhancing off-road capabilities. Despite its SUV-like stance, the Crosstrek maintained predictable handling, though the higher centre of gravity resulted in noticeable body roll. The 2.5-litre engine provided adequate acceleration, but the CVT's droning was evident.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo featured a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering between 227 and 250 horsepower, depending on fuel octane. Torque ranged from 310 to 320 lb-ft, ensuring effortless acceleration. The CX-30 Turbo's AWD system actively distributed power, enhancing traction and response. Despite its impressive power, the CX-30 Turbo's added height and weight affected handling compared to the Mazda3. However, its Off-Road mode and increased ground clearance made it suitable for dirt and snow driving.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered competitive passenger space, with 588 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,565 litres with them folded. While it provided more cargo space than some rivals, it lagged behind others like the Honda HR-V. The interior featured a practical layout with a cubby hole for phones and minimal storage space. The driving position was higher than the Impreza's, but visibility was excellent due to the large side glass.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo provided a comfortable driver experience with eight-way manual seat adjustment and heated front seats. The cabin's minimalist design and quality materials created a spacious feel, though rear-seat space was cramped. Cargo space was 572 litres with the seats up and 1,280 litres with them folded, slightly less than the Mazda3 hatchback. The centre console's wireless phone charger location limited storage options.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek featured the Starlink infotainment system with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. Higher trims received an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation. The system was user-friendly, with large analog knobs and buttons for essential functions. EyeSight driver-assistance features were controlled via steering wheel buttons.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo boasted an 8.8-inch infotainment display, operated via physical controls and voice commands. While not a touchscreen, the system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GT trim added SiriusXM, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Active Driving Display projected useful data onto the windshield, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS. EyeSight driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning, were standard on CVT-equipped models. The system's cameras were well-protected but could be affected by sunlight and wipers.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for rollover resistance. It came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including an adaptive front lighting system and rear automatic emergency braking. The GT trim added parking sensors and enhanced lighting.