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Mazda CX-30 vs Subaru Forester comparison

Compare performance (186 HP vs 136 HP), boot space and price (25,200 £ vs 34,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mazda CX-30 or Subaru Forester?

Mazda CX-30 vs Subaru Forester: Key differences

Mazda CX-30

4.6 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly cheaper
  • clearly more power
  • clearly more efficient
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • moderately lighter

Subaru Forester

4 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • moderately more trunk space

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

CX-30

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Mazda CX-30 is clearly cheaper – starting at 25,200 £ , while the Subaru Forester costs 34,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 9,471 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mazda CX-30 uses 5.7 L/100km and is clearly more efficient than the Subaru Forester with 8.1 L/100km. The difference is about 2.4 L/100km.

Forester

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Mazda CX-30 offers clearly more power – delivering 186 HP compared to 136 HP. That’s roughly 50 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mazda CX-30 is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 8.3 s, while the Subaru Forester takes 12.2 s. That’s about 3.9 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mazda CX-30 delivers visibly more torque with 240 Nm compared to 182 Nm. That’s about 58 Nm more.

CX-30

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Mazda CX-30 is moderately lighter – 1,455 kg compared to 1,693 kg. The difference is around 238 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Subaru Forester offers moderately more boot space – 508 L compared to 430 L. That’s a difference of about 78 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mazda CX-30 carries very slightly more – 496 kg compared to 492 kg. That’s a difference of about 4 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mazda CX-30 is far ahead overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £25,200
CX-30

Mazda CX-30

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 140 - 186 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 5.7 - 6.6 L/100km
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Frequently compared as well

Ford Puma
Mazda CX-30
VS
In the tussle between the cheeky Ford Puma and the stylish Mazda CX-30, the Puma serves up playful handling, clever practicality and sharper value, while the CX-30 rewards you with a more premium cabin and composed, grown-up refinement. Choose the Puma for everyday fun and sensible running costs; …
Mazda CX-30
Suzuki S-Cross
VS
If you want a small SUV that actually feels like a car, the Mazda CX‑30 wins hearts with taut handling, upscale interior materials and a sharper, more rewarding drive. The Suzuki S‑Cross is the sensible sibling — roomier, cheaper to run and easier on the wallet, making it the smarter pick for …
Mazda CX-30
Subaru Forester

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 blends sleek coupe-like lines with the practicality of a compact crossover, feeling more premium than its price tag suggests. It’s a joy to drive for anyone who likes a taut chassis and an interior that treats daily commutes like a small luxury escape.

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Reviews Mazda CX-30

4.6 (3 Reviews)
rate
Stefan Zapp
31 Jan 2026, 22:32:56

I drive a CX30 with 150 hp. I'm very satisfied with the car.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Leisure / Weekend driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester is a practical all-rounder that quietly does everything right, with roomy comfort, excellent visibility and a real fondness for weekend adventures off the beaten path. It won't set your pulse racing like a sports car, but for buyers who prize reliability, safety and sensible charm, it's a brilliantly steady companion with a cheeky streak.

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Reviews Subaru Forester

4 (1 Reviews)
rate
Dirk
8 Dec 2025, 17:00:06

It's indeed much more expensive, but it drives brilliantly. I have the automatic — fantastic. It's a bit noisy for such an expensive car, and servicing at a Subaru dealer isn't cheap. It's certainly not economical.

On the other hand, very little breaks and it will never leave you stranded. And that space... 500 litres more is really about a 40% increase.

Frequently compared as well

Mazda CX-30
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The Mazda CX-30 is the stylish, driver's compact SUV that blends near-premium looks and crisp handling, while the Škoda Kamiq plays the sensible card with clever packaging, a roomier boot and lower running costs. Pick the CX-30 if you want a more emotional, fun-to-drive compact with a nicer …
Mazda CX-30
Nissan Qashqai
VS
The Mazda CX‑30 feels like a premium compact with sharp handling, a beautifully finished interior and a focus on driver enjoyment, while the Nissan Qashqai answers with roomy practicality, comfort and sensible tech for everyday family life. Choose the CX‑30 if you want style and engagement; pick …
Mazda CX-30
Toyota Yaris Cross
VS
The Mazda CX-30 feels like a little premium driver’s car with sharper handling, a beautifully put-together interior and just the sort of polish that makes daily drives more enjoyable, while the Toyota Yaris Cross leans hard into practicality and hybrid efficiency for city life. Pick the CX-30 if …
Kia XCeed
Mazda CX-30
VS
In the competitive compact crossover segment, the Kia XCeed stands out with its sporty design and a rich set of standard features, providing a more youthful and contemporary driving experience. Meanwhile, the Mazda CX-30 delivers a premium feel with its upscale interior, engaging handling, and …
Mazda CX-30
Toyota C-HR
VS
In the battle of subcompact SUVs, the Mazda CX-30 showcases a sleek design and spirited driving dynamics that appeal to enthusiasts, while the Toyota C-HR offers a bold aesthetic and a reputation for reliability. The CX-30 impresses with its upscale interior and advanced infotainment features, …
Nissan X-Trail
Subaru Forester
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In the battle of compact SUVs, the Nissan X-Trail and Subaru Forester offer compelling choices for adventure enthusiasts and family travelers alike. The Nissan X-Trail boasts a suave design and innovative safety technologies, making it a favorite for style-conscious drivers. On the other hand, the …
Mazda CX-30
VW Golf
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In a competitive showdown between the Mazda CX-30 and the VW Golf, both vehicles showcase their unique strengths and characteristics. The CX-30 impresses with its sleek design and upscale interior, appealing to those seeking a blend of style and practicality, while the Golf offers a well-rounded …
Subaru Forester
Suzuki Vitara
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In a head-to-head comparison between the Subaru Forester and Suzuki Vitara, both vehicles present compelling features for the modern driver. The Forester, known for its robust all-wheel-drive system and spacious interior, appeals to those seeking adventure and versatility. Meanwhile, the Vitara …
Mazda CX-30
Subaru Forester

Costs and Consumption
Price
25,200 - 36,800 £
Price
34,700 - 42,200 £
Consumption L/100km
5.7 - 6.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
8.1 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
129 - 148 g/km
co2
183 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,455 - 1,587 kg
Curb weight
1,693 - 1,739 kg
Trunk capacity
422 - 430 L
Trunk capacity
508 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,795 mm
Width
1,830 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
458 - 496 kg
Payload
446 - 492 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
CVT
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
140 - 186 HP
Power HP
136 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.3 - 10.3 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
12.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
238 - 240 Nm
Torque
182 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
103 - 137 kW
Power kW
100 kW
Engine capacity
1,998 - 2,488 cm3
Engine capacity
1,995 cm3

General
Model Year
2,025
Model Year
2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
Mazda
Brand
Subaru
What drive types are available for the Mazda CX-30?

Available configurations include Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.