2026 Subaru Crosstrek vs. 2026 Mazda CX-30

Looking for a compact, capable SUV? You might want to consider the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek vs the Mazda CX-30. We’ve put together all the information to show you the latest updates and highlight the features so you can see how the Crosstrek comes out on top. Then you can come to Sport Subaru South to see the Subaru Crosstrek up close.

What’s New For Each 26 Model

The big news for the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is the new hybrid powertrain. When you want to save money on gas as you drive around Alamonte Springs or Winter Park, this is the SUV you need. Subaru discontinued the base 2.0-liter engine, making the 2.5-liter upgrade the standard powertrain for all gas-powered Crosstreks.

The Mazda CX-30 has some updates for 2026, too. A new Aire Edition joins the lineup, featuring black trim elements and a larger center display screen that works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, now available on select trims.

Powertrain, MPG & Drivability

The next-generation Crosstrek comes standard with a 2.5-liter Subaru Boxer engine with 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid also used the Boxer engine but added electric motors attached to the CVT to boost horsepower to 194, allowing you to easily merge onto I-4 on your morning commute. The hybrid comes standard with all-wheel drive to give you the traction needed when an Orlando summer storm pops up, making the roads wet and slippery.

The CX-30’s standard powertrain is also a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, but it delivers 191 horsepower. It works with a six-speed automatic transmission. A 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder is available if you want to add horsepower, but there is no hybrid in the Mazda CX-30 lineup.

Traction, Ground Clearance & Weekend Capability

If your idea of a good weekend is heading to uncharted terrain, then the latest Crosstrek is the SUV for you. It uses symmetrical all-wheel drive to distribute power to the wheels that need it to maximize traction, and the available dual-function X-MODE is a driving mode with hill descent control to help with challenging terrain.

The 8.7 inches of ground clearance for most trims is ample for most Florida off-road driving, but the Wilderness model has even higher ground clearance at 9.3 inches.

The CX-30 is more suited for on-road driving, although it comes with Mazda’s i-Active all-wheel drive system. This can predict wheel slippage on a wet Central Florida Greenway and adjust torque to keep you connected to the road. Every trim has eight inches of ground clearance, making it capable of handling some dirt or gravel roads, but not the off-road terrain you can take on in the Crosstrek.

Safety & Driver Assistance

As you make the drive in the stop-and-go traffic along the 408 East-West Expressway or make your way to one of the area theme parks, you can feel confident that you and your passengers are safe in the Crosstrek. It comes with Subaru’s EyeSight bundle of driver aids. This collection of systems includes:

• Advanced adaptive cruise control with lane centering
• Pre-collision throttle management
• Pre-collision braking
• Automatic emergency steering
• Lane departure and sway warning

In addition to these standard safety systems, the Crosstrek Limited adds a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert and evasive steering assist. It also has rear automatic braking to help make sure you stop before coming into contact with an obstacle, whether you’re backing out of your driveway or a parking spot in a downtown parking garage.

The CX-30 comes equipped with a comprehensive list of advanced driver-assist features. It includes similar systems, such as forward collision mitigation, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. If you bump up to the top-level trim, you can also get front and rear parking sensors and a 360-degree surround-view camera.

Interior Space, Tech & Everyday Usability

When it’s time to pack up your friends or family and their gear, the Crosstrek has more maximum cargo space than the CX-30. Keep the rear seats up for 19.9 cubic feet of storage space in the back, but if you need more, fold them down. It opens the back up to 55.3 cubic feet.

The CX-30 is slightly smaller, with 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 45.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

Need to make a call or check the time of a meeting on your way to work? The Crosstreks’ infotainment system comes with either a 7-inch screen or an 11.6-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available, so you can easily see all your apps and contacts.

The CX-30’s tech is similar to the Crosstrek’s, with a standard 8.8-inch central display and a larger 10.25-inch screen available. You won’t get a touchscreen in the Mazda, though. It uses a central dial instead.

Which Shoppers Should Pick the Crosstrek?

If you’re an active person, the Subaru Crosstrek is an excellent choice. Its versatility makes it ideal for city driving and weekend adventures. Young professionals and first-time car buyers should also consider the Crosstrek. Have a student at UCF? The Crosstrek will get them back and forth to school with all their gear.

FAQs

Some commonly asked questions about the Crosstrek include:

Is there a 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid?

Subaru announced a new hybrid model for the 2026 model year.

Did Subaru drop the 2.0-liter engine from the lineup?

The 2.0-liter engine is no longer in the 2026 lineup. The standard powertrain is now the 2.5-liter four-cylinder.

What is the Crosstrek’s ground clearance?

All trims except the Wilderness have 8.7 inches of ground clearance. The Wilderness raises it to 9.3 inches.

Which SUV Fits Your Needs?

Ready to come see why the Subaru Crosstrek is the right SUV for you? Come to Sport Subaru South and schedule a test drive. Our sales team is here to answer any questions you have and make sure you know about all the features and equipment you can get with this SUV.

Stop by the dealership today; you’ll find us at 9951 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32837, or give us a call at 407-439-2389.