2024 Mazda CX-30 vs 2025 Subaru Outback

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 was designed to stand out with its excessive charcoal-colored plastic cladding on the lower body, which some found overwhelming. Despite this, the crossover maintained an appealing aesthetic with its short overhangs, long hood, and sculpted sides. The interior of the CX-30 was a highlight, offering a level of style and refinement comparable to entry-level luxury SUVs. The gauges were clear, the infotainment screen was seamlessly integrated into the dashboard, and the dual-zone climate controls were elegantly designed.

In contrast, the 2025 Subaru Outback embraced its wagon roots while incorporating crossover elements like chunky wheel-arch flares and a robust roof rack. The exterior design communicated its off-road capabilities, and the Crimson Red Pearl paint paired well with the black leather interior. The Outback's interior was practical, with a focus on functionality for those venturing off the beaten path. Subaru's emphasis on catering to adventurous drivers paid off, as the Outback, along with its siblings, remained popular choices among buyers.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 offered a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. Despite these impressive numbers, the power delivery was smooth rather than immediate, creating a deceptive sense of sluggishness. The six-speed automatic transmission provided flawless shifting, and the standard AWD system ensured power was distributed to all four wheels. However, fuel economy was a downside, with an observed 21.3 mpg on a mountainous route, and the small fuel tank limited travel distance.

The 2025 Subaru Outback featured a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque, while the XT trims offered a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine producing 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. The CVT, known as Lineartronic, worked with the AWD system to provide smooth acceleration, though it wasn't a performance vehicle. The Outback excelled off-road with 8.7 inches of ground clearance and Subaru's X-Mode for enhanced traction. The Wilderness model increased ground clearance to 9.5 inches, making it ideal for serious adventurers.

Inside the 2024 Mazda CX-30, the design was marked by quality materials and logical controls. The interior was cramped, especially in the back seat, but the front seats were comfortable and heated. The cargo space was flexible, offering 20.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 45.2 cubic feet with them folded down, making it practical for a small SUV.

The 2025 Subaru Outback's wagon shape provided practicality with easy entry and exit, a low center of gravity, and quick direction changes. The cargo space was generous, with 32.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 75.6 cubic feet with them folded. The total passenger volume was larger than its crossover competitors, offering more front headroom and legroom. Buyers were advised to test different trims, as they varied significantly in driving experience and towing capacity.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30's turbocharged models featured a new 10.25-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the screen's distance from the driver and lack of natural voice recognition were drawbacks. All models included a three-year subscription to Mazda Connected Services, and higher trims offered additional features like a wireless smartphone charger and Bose audio system.

The 2025 Subaru Outback's technology package included an 11.6-inch touchscreen with large icons, though the Starlink infotainment system was slow to respond. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the Harman Kardon audio system performed well despite occasional interruptions. The dashboard featured a mix of physical controls and touchscreen functions, and the Touring trim even included a CD player for those with older music collections.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered additional features like adaptive headlights and a surround-view camera system. The CX-30 received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2025 Subaru Outback featured EyeSight driver-assist technology with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Outback earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.