2022 Mazda CX-30 vs. 2022 Subaru Forester

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 and Subaru Forester are both small crossovers but offer very different experiences. The Mazda CX-30 is more fun to drive, while the Subaru Forester is more rugged and luxurious. So which one is right for you? Let's find out!

Design & Style

• Exterior Design

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 looks like it's got the goods to kick some mood, but the Forester is no slouch either. The Japanese crossover has a long hood and short rear deck, making for a more aggressive look than its Subaru counterpart. The Subaru's body is also longer than the Mazda's, taking away from its overall size advantage in passenger and cargo space.

The Subaru Forester also features an updated front end with a redesigned hood, grille, and headlight clusters. However, the high beams are positioned farther apart than on other Subaru models to make room for fog lights on the outer edges of each lamp assembly - an unusual move for this automaker.

• Interior Design

One of the most significant differences between these two vehicles is the interior design. The Mazda CX-30 has a much bolder, more unique looking than the Subaru Forester. It uses a lot of wood accents and has an overall sportier feel. Meanwhile, the Subaru Forester's interior feels very streamlined and straightforward-it's just black plastic everywhere with some fabric accents here and there.

The CX-30 also has heated front seats, which you don't find on many other cars in its class. The Subaru Forester has a cargo cover, LED headlights, and tail lights. It also has Apple CarPlay compatibility and available heated front seats.

Technology & Safety

Regarding technology, the CX-30 comes with a 7-inch touchscreen display that's fairly easy to navigate. It also has Apple CarPlay integration and Android Auto, both excellent features. Regarding safety, there are six airbags standards in the CX-30: front driver and passenger side airbags, driver knee airbags, front passenger seat cushion airbags with rollover sensor, and side curtain airbags for both rows-all of which should come in handy in an accident.

The Subaru Forester is equipped with a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. 

Performance

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 and the Subaru Forester both have turbocharged 2.0L engines but deliver different amounts of power. The Mazda CX-30's engine delivers 226 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque, while the Subaru Forester's engine delivers 250 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. The Mazda CX-30 can reach 60 mph in just 7 seconds, while it takes 8 seconds for the Subaru Forester to do so at a similar speed.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 gets an EPA-estimated 19 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. The 2022 Subaru Forester is also rated for 19 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway.

The Bottom Line

For these reasons and more, we recommend buying a 2022 Mazda CX-30 over a 2022 Subaru Forester!

Ready to Schedule a 2022 Mazda CX-30 Miata Test Drive Today?

Do you want to discover more about this Mazda car model can do on the road? Come and visit us at Riley Mazda today! Our dedicated team of customer service representatives will assist you in meeting all your car purchasing, financing, and servicing needs. Call us today and book an appointment for your 2022 Mazda CX-30 Miata test drive now!