2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid vs 2020 Mazda CX-30

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid distinguished itself from its conventionally powered siblings with unique visual elements. It featured bright gray inserts along the sides and front lower bumper, as well as blue frames around the upgraded headlight clusters. The exclusive "Lagoon Blue" color added to its eye-catching appeal. Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid boasted blue inserts and two-tone leather seats with blue contrast stitching, all standard. Despite its well-equipped nature, the hybrid's design had to compensate for reduced rear cargo space due to the battery placement, offering only 41 cubic feet compared to the conventional model's 55 cubic feet.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30, while criticized for its excessive cladding, offered a luxurious interior feel above the midpoint of the cabin. The design was elegant, with soft padding on the center console and door armrests. The driving position was excellent, and the analog gauges were easy to read. However, the rear seat was cramped, and cargo space was limited to 20.2 cubic feet behind the back seat and 45.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. Despite these limitations, the CX-30's upscale interior and ease of entry and exit were notable advantages.

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured a 2.0-liter Boxer four-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 134 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT and two electric motors. Its 8.8-kilowatt-hour battery allowed for an electric-only range of 17 miles, with a full charge taking five hours on a 120-volt outlet or two hours on a 240-volt station. Despite its hybrid nature, the Crosstrek Hybrid maintained Subaru's capable AWD system, offering 8.7 inches of ground clearance and rugged suspension for light off-roading. However, its acceleration was underwhelming, and the added 500 pounds of weight affected handling. The EPA rated it at 90 MPGe, with a combined 35 mpg on gas.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 was powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine delivering 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. Despite its weight of 3,408 pounds, the 6-speed sport automatic transmission made the most of the available power. The CX-30 offered 8 inches of ground clearance and an optional AWD system with off-road traction assist. While it felt slower compared to the Mazda3, it ranked high among small SUVs for driving dynamics. The EPA estimated 27 mpg in combined driving for the AWD model, but real-world testing showed 23.9 mpg. The smaller 12.7-gallon gas tank limited its driving range to just over 300 miles.

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid's interior layout was similar to the conventional model, with an electronic emergency brake replacing the handbrake. This allowed for side-by-side cupholders and more space for controls. The upright seating position provided a commanding view, and rear seat space was adequate even for taller passengers. However, the cargo area was reduced to 41 cubic feet due to the battery pack.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 offered ease of entry and exit due to its higher ground clearance. Inside, the cabin felt upscale with soft padding and a comfortable driving position. Cloth seating was standard, with simulated leather in Select and Preferred trims, and genuine leather in Premium trim. The rear seat was cramped, and cargo space was limited to 20.2 cubic feet behind the seats and 45.2 cubic feet with them folded, less than many competitors.

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with Subaru’s premium Starlink infotainment system and an 8-inch touchscreen. It featured large icons, a sensible menu layout, and no lag, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The multi-information display atop the dash was controlled by a steering wheel button, providing information on fuel economy, battery life, and hybrid system status.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 featured an 8.8-inch static display integrated into the dashboard, avoiding a touchscreen to improve driver focus. However, the controls were not always intuitive. Standard features included Bluetooth, HD Radio, and Mazda Connected Services with a 3-year trial. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available from the Select trim, with satellite radio and a 12-speaker Bose system in higher trims. The Premium trim included a head-up display.

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid included front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, a reversing camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Subaru’s EyeSight suite offered forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features included adaptive high beams, blind-spot detection, and reverse automatic braking, providing semi-autonomous highway driving capabilities.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 boasted a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Select trim added blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warnings, while Premium trim offered adaptive front lights. The CX-30 received a 5-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS with Premium trim.