Subaru Crosstrek vs Mazda CX 3 In-Depth Comparison Guide

subaru crosstrek vs mazda cx 3

The 2022 Mazda CX-3 makes good marks in the auto industry and there are many competitors of it. The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek is also a strong competitor. If you’re confused and can’t decide between the 2022 Subaru crosstrek vs Mazda cx 3 then you’ve come to the right place. 

Subaru knows how to make a quality crossover, and the Subaru Crosstrek is one of the best SUVs for camping. While it faces competition from the Mazda CX-3. 

The Subaru Crosstrek engine gives you excellent performance, but the Mazda CX-3 gives you more boost in power on your daily commute. Both SUVs offer their own version of a sleek, compact SUV, but either one is the right choice in terms of price, performance, and safety. 

Read our comparison of the Subaru crosstrek vs Mazda cx 3 and decide for yourself which one is better for you.

2022 Subaru Crosstrek Overview

The 2022 Crosstrek is updated this year, the most important upgrading is that it got a new 182-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine that is now standard on new Sport and Limited trim levels. 

The Crosstrek also has a redesigned front apron and grille, new wheel designs, a couple of new colors, and lane-centered adaptive cruise control added to the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology Suite. 

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The new 182 hp engine is a welcome change. It has an additional 30 horsepower plus increased torque over the 152 horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder used in last year’s limited trims and remains the engine that powers the base and Premium trims.

2022 Subaru Crosstrek Specifications

  • MSRP: $22,245 – $35,345
  • Engine: 2.5 L 4-cylinder
  • MPG: 28 City / 33 Hwy 
  • Horsepower: 182 hp
  • Capacity: 5 Seats
  • Drivetrain: Front Wheel Drive

2022 Mazda CX 3 Overview

Mazda hasn’t made any update to its existing smaller SUV for 2022 as the CX-3 is entering the new model year just like 2020. 

Mazda has announced that 2022 will be the last model year for the CX-3. It comes in three trim levels. 

The base GX comes front-wheel drive only, with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, and starts at $ 21,450 and making it one of the cheapest new vehicles. It’s automatic the rest of the way, starting with the mid-range GS front-wheel or all-wheel drive priced at $ 23,800. 

However, this small car crossover / SUV has a lot to recommend. For example, driving dynamics, impressive safety features, reasonable prices, fuel efficiency, and strong resale values.

2022 Mazda CX 3 Specifications

  • MSRP: $20,790 – $22,190
  • Engine: 2.5 L 4-cylinder
  • MPG: 29 City / 34 Hwy 
  • Horsepower: 148 hp
  • Capacity: 5 Seats
  • Drivetrain: Front Wheel Drive

Subaru Crosstrek vs Mazda CX 3- Top Differences

The ultimate goal of subcompact SUVs is to provide a particulate vehicle for those who want the space and utility of an SUV with the flexibility and fuel efficiency of a sedan. 

The Mazda CX-3 and Subaru Crosstrek are practical and flexible. Either fits well with the family or if you drive mostly alone but need a bit more space.

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Learn more about which of these SUVs have the performance and features you are looking for the next time you shop. We will discuss the interior of Subaru crosstrek vs Mazda cx 3, Subaru Crosstrek against Mazda CX-3 mpg, and more.

1. Price

The base MSRP for a Subaru Crosstrek is $23,295 for 2022. That includes AWD, an option on the CX-3, but the CVT will cost you an additional $1,350. 

The top variant is called Limited and costs $31,440. On the flip side, the CX-3 range starts at a flat price of $ 22,000 for an entry-level version of the S version, including the destination. 

The top-end GT, the northern equivalent of the Premium, costs $28,800. On paper, the CX-3 is the cheapest option in this particular finishing combination. 

The Crosstrek has a larger infotainment screen and the blind-spot monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert are tied to the sunroof add-on.

Making the Crosstrek $29,145 or $345 more than the Mazda. CX-3 has a cheaper price comparison between Subaru crosstrek vs Mazda cx 3.

Winner: Mazda CX-3

2. Performance

The Mazda CX-3 offers a 2.5-liter variable valve timing engine that develops up to 186 hp. With its 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, the Crosstrek is generate 152 horsepower and gives you 27 mpg city / 33 mpg highway according to the EPA. 

While the Mazda CX-3 versus Subaru Crosstrek is very similar, the Mazda CX-3 walks away with superior efficiency, higher torque, and transmission options compared to the performance of the Mazda cx 3 versus Subaru Crosstrek.

Winner: Mazda CX-3

3. Comfort

The Crosstrek Outdoor comes with an upgraded interior such as gray synthetic leather seats that are lit by yellow piping and stitching that match the exterior. 

It’s a funnier interior than before, and while you don’t necessarily buy a compact hatch for the back seat, it’s not bad in the rear of the Crosstrek and tidies up the Mazda watch in that department. 

If you want to transport longer items, the seats 60/40 are divided. Subaru crosstrek vs Mazda cx 3 comfort, crosstrek takes the lead.

Winner: Subaru Crosstrek

4. Handling

The CX-3 has engine speed-dependent power steering with variable mount for energy-saving parking, better control at highway speeds and in sharp corners, as well as a better driving experience. 

The Crosstrek does not have a variable-assist power steering. The CX-3 AWD drives at 0.85G, while the Crosstrek Premium only extracts 0.79G of force when cornering in a skidpad test. Subaru Crosstrek vs Mazda cx 3, CX-3 test drive outperforms Crosstrek.

Winner: Mazda CX 3

5. Exterior Design

The sportiness of the Mazda CX-3 begins on the outside. Just looking at it could mistake it for a sports sedan with a bit more space, but it’s definitely a crossover. 

Newer CX-3 models come with LED taillights, but on the front of each model, you’ll find a sleek grille with stylish exterior accents. 

The Crosstrek, on the other hand, features references to the same design elements as other popular Subarus. 

In addition, its easily drivable body makes it a practical vehicle for driving on uneven roads and makes it one of the best handling vehicles. Both share the same design overlap in Mazda cx 3 vs Subaru crosstrek.

Winner: Tied

6. Technology

The Crosstrek comes with the larger 8.0-inch StarLink infotainment screen. It fits perfectly with the mission statement of the Crosstrek: function without the flash. 

There are large and clear menu buttons and the screen reacts relatively quickly to inputs. Mazda has increased driver seat adjustability and extended its leadership in the comfort category. 

Seat and wheel warmers are helpful, but they can’t keep up with the intensity of the transverse stretch. It’s a pivotal victory for the Crosstrek in the Mazda cx 3 vs Subaru crosstrek tech Comparison with more user-friendly technology.

Winner: Subaru Crosstrek

7. Reliability

The Subaru XV Crosstrek’s reliability rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, ranking it 17th out of 26 for compact SUVs. 

The average annual repair cost is $ 631, which means you have an average cost of ownership. Mazda’s reliability rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, ranking fifth out of 32 for all car brands. Subaru Crosstrek vs. Mazda cx 3 reliability, Mazda cx 3 works fine.

Winner: Mazda CX 3

8. Safety

Both small family SUVs are equipped with an impressive amount of standard safety technology, in addition to the manual Crosstrek or the Canadian CX-3 GX. 

However, Mazda deserves the highest safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, which is why it wins this round.

Winner: Mazda CX 3

9. Fuel Efficiency

On the Mazda CX-3, fuel economy is a respectable 28 combined mpg on FWD models; Adding AWD costs an additional $ 1,400 but is available with all trim levels. 

On the flip side, CVT gives the Crosstrek the fuel economy benefit: it’s good for 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA. 

CX-3 is famous for proving great performance at a lower price and giving good fuel efficiency.

Winner: Mazda CX 3 

10. Final Verdict

The Subaru Crosstrek with its standard all-wheel-drive is aimed more at those who want to experience the great outdoors. 

However, if you are looking for an everyday driver that offers good handling and plenty of power, the Mazda CX-3 is the right choice here. 

Overall, there’s no question that when comparing the Mazda cx 3 vs Subaru crosstrek, the Mazda CX-3 is the most affordable and fuel-efficient option with many of the same competitive attributes.

Winner: Mazda CX 3 

Dylan Miller

I am a Chicago native and regular contributor to "Locar Deals". I have a master's degree in English, am an automobile content creation specialist, and have written professionally for a variety of automotive companies over the past few years. I write on a variety of vehicles, from high-end luxury cars to ten-year-old gas guzzlers and everything in between. And I love sharing valuable car buying tips with consumers from all walks of life.

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