Mazda has built a reputation for making expertly engineered entry-luxury vehicles with unique exteriors and playful chassis. Virtually every vehicle from this Japanese automaker has a satisfactory reliability and safety rating, making it a top choice for buyers in 2022.
Subaru, on the other hand, is Mazda’s next-door neighbor who makes some pretty good cars as well. Generally, Subaru’s cars are safe, reliable, affordable, and impressive on the road.
The latest Mazda CX-30 and Subaru Crosstrek depict the expertise of these two automakers, and choosing between both cars could be difficult.
In this article, we will compare both subcompact crossovers to highlight their strengths and weaknesses in order to help you make the right choice when leasing a small SUV in 2022.
What’s New
Mazda rolls out the stylish CX-30 for the 2022 model year with exciting changes. All-wheel drive is now standard across the CX-30’s lineup. Mazda has also introduced the Carbon edition model in the CX-30’s lineup. This new model is distinguished by red leather seats, black 18-inch wheels, and the automaker’s conventional Polymetal Greg exterior paint. Finally, roof rails are now standard in the Select model of the 2022 CX-30.
Meanwhile, for the 2022 model year, Subaru’s smallest crossover is unchanged. The Crosstrek carries over with no notable upgrades as we gear towards a ground-up redesign in 2023.
Power And Transmission
Beneath the hood, Mazda offers two engine options for the CX-30. The standard engine is a 2.5Liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that generates 186-hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. If you are not satisfied, you can opt for the more powerful 2.5Liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that puts out 250-hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired to a six-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is standard.
Subaru offers three powertrain options for the Crosstrek, including a plug-in hybrid.
The base setup is a 2.0Liter flat four-cylinder engine with 152-hp and 145 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed manual transmission. There’s an optional 2.5Liter four-cylinder engine available on the Sport model. This engine combines with a continuously variable automatic transmission and produces 182-hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. Finally, the plug-in hybrid model is powered by a 2.0Liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors. This powertrain utilizes the continuously variable automatic transmission and puts out a total of 148-hp and 149 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is standard across the Crosstrek’s lineup.
Handling And Performance
Typical of Mazda, the 2022 CX-30 is remarkably agile and fun to drive. It boasts a responsive steering and a composed behavior when executing sharp corners or cruising at high speeds. However, on some occasions, the CX-30’s six-speed automatic transmission tends to be a bit slow in executing shifts. In terms of acceleration, the 186-hp powered CX-30 runs from 0-60mph in 6.1seconds, while the turbocharged model accelerates faster at 5.8seconds.
The Crosstrek, on the other hand, isn’t less entertaining to drive either. It boasts a rapid steering response and an athletic chassis. Despite its size and status as a crossover, the Crosstrek still handles much like a smaller car and is well composed when cruising on the highway. The vehicle’s suspension is competent enough to deliver a smooth ride against potholes and larger bumps. However, the base 152-hp engine tends to be noisy and even makes the Crosstrek feel so underpowered when on the highway. Crosstrek models with the base engine accelerate from 0-60mph in 9.2seconds, while the 182-hp model does a lot better at 7.5seconds. The eco-friendly plug-in hybrid model runs from 0-60mph in 8.3seconds.
Fuel Economy
The entry-level subcompact crossover segment boasts vehicles with highly fuel-efficient powertrains, and these two crossovers can’t agree less.
The CX-30 with the base engine is rated 24-mpg in the city and 31-mpg on the highway. Opting for the optional turbocharged engine reduces this rating to 22-mpg in the city and 30-mpg on the highway.
Due to its less powerful engine, and electrified options, the Crosstrek stands as one of the most fuel-efficient subcompact crossovers.
The base Crosstrek with the manual transmission gets an EPA rating of 22-mpg in the city and 29-mpg on the highway. Opting for the CVT significantly boosts these EPA numbers as it now rates 28/33-mpg in the city and highway, respectively. The Sport model with the 182-hp engine is rated 27-mpg in the city and 34-mpg on the highway, while the plug-in hybrid Crosstrek tops out at 36/35-mpg in the city and highway, respectively. If you are searching for a very fuel-efficient subcompact crossover, leasing the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek is a great idea.
Interior
Just like every other vehicle in Mazda’s lineup, the CX-30 gets a stylish interior, one that befits its alluring exterior design. The build quality is commendable, as it resembles what you’d get in a luxury subcompact crossover. As an entry-level subcompact crossover, the CX-30’s upscale and practical interior accords you great value for your money. A standard 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display adorns the top of the CX-30’s dashboard. You’ll also find some useful cubby storage spaces, along with other essential convenience features. Android Auto and Apple Carplay integration, heated front seats, power-operated rear liftgate are some of the available features. Consider leasing the 2022 Mazda CX-30 for its superior build quality and performance.
The Crosstrek has a rather basic interior which tends to look a bit upscale on the range-topping trim. Being spacious and practical, the Crosstrek provides buyers with all the essential features they’d want in an entry-level subcompact crossover. The interior materials are more durable than luxurious, and there are lots of available options to further enhance the appearance of your Crosstrek’s cabin. A 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple Carplay and Android Auto smartphone integration is standard, but you can get a larger 8.0-inch touchscreen display with available navigation if you opt for the Limited or Hybrid models.
Whether you opt for 2022 CX-30 or Crosstrek, VIP Auto has got you covered.
We offer the best lease deals for the 2022 Mazda CX-30 and 2022 Subaru Crosstrek, along with many other new luxury and entry-luxury vehicles from the world’s best manufacturers. We are famous for our hassle-free lease process and remarkably low-priced lease deals. As America’s leading car-leasing company for the past decade, we’ve helped numerous Americans acquire their dream cars at budget-friendly prices and we are always ready to help you too.
Reach out to us now at 1201 Buck Rd Suite 1, Feasterville-Trevose, PA 19053 (215) 660 0300 https://www.vipautopa.com/ let’s bring your dream car to your garage.
