Subaru Outback vs. Mazda CX-30
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Subaru Outback and Mazda CX-30 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Subaru Outback and the Mazda CX-30.
In comparing the Subaru Outback's and the Mazda CX-30's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Outback has the advantage in the area of interior volume. The Mazda CX-30 has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, resale value and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Subaru Outback's and the Mazda CX-30's specifications and ratings, the Mazda CX-30 is a better car than the Subaru Outback.
Pricing: For a new model, the Subaru Outback's price is between $32,899 and $42,165, with the Mazda CX-30 priced between $26,445 and $36,779.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Subaru Outback loses 39.3 percent of its value and the Mazda CX-30 loses 34.1 percent of its value. This means the Mazda CX-30 retains 5.2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Subaru Outback.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Subaru Outback’s base engine makes 182 horsepower, and the Mazda CX-30 base engine makes 191 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Subaru Outback, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Subaru Outback and the Mazda CX-30 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Mazda CX-30 has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick+ award.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$32,899 - $42,165
Starting MSRP:
$28,895
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$29,563
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$28,895 - $30,100
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$26,445 - $36,779
Starting MSRP:
$24,995
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Subcompact SUVs)
$24,740
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
$19,900 - $32,650
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
N/A
Category Avg Price Range:
N/A
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$29,767
Price Range:
$24,990 - $36,663
Category Avg Price:
(Subcompact SUVs)
$29,059
Category Avg Price Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
$23,526 - $38,837
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,800
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
12,055
# Good or Great Deals:
143
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$11,628
Depreciation %:
40.2%
Resale Value $:
$17,267
Residual Value %:
59.8%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
34.7%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
31.9% - 40.2%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$8,793
Depreciation %:
35.2%
Resale Value $:
$16,202
Residual Value %:
64.8%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Subcompact SUVs)
36.7%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
28% - 42.9%
Subaru Outback Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.6 / 10
Retained Value:
8.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Mazda CX-30 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
8.4 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru Outback
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.9
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.1
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
10.9 - 13.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
22.1%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mazda CX-30
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Subcompact SUVs)
11.6
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
10.3 - 14
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.5
Typical Category Recalls:
(Subcompact SUVs)
3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Subcompact SUVs)
1.6 - 17.6
Subaru Outback Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 67Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 20Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 14Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 13Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 30Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
21 out of / 67Ranking
21 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 59Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 67Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
34 out of / 67Mazda CX-30 Rankings
Ranking
4 out of / 20Ranking
6 out of / 20Ranking
7 out of / 20Ranking
7 out of / 16Ranking
8 out of / 20Ranking
9 out of / 59Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 20Ranking
14 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 20Ranking
20 out of / 20Ranking
20 out of / 20Ranking
36 out of / 67Ranking
38 out of / 67Ranking
54 out of / 67Ranking
62 out of / 67Ranking
64 out of / 67Ranking
65 out of / 67Summary Review
The Subaru Outback has been a staple on American roads since its inception in 1994. Two different Subaru models, sold side-by-side, bore the Outback name: the wagon-style crossover-SUV we associate with the name today, and the Outback Sport, which eventually became the Crosstrek. The Outback is best known for its standard all-wheel drive, excellent utility, and all-weather capability. New models of the Outback average $36,354 and 3-year-old models average $25,939.
Summary Review
The Mazda CX-30 is a subcompact SUV with a sleek, upscale interior and engaging driving dynamics. The current CX-30 was an all-new vehicle introduced for the 2020 model year, with new models costing an average of $28,620.
Pros and Cons
- Utilitarian with easy entry and exit and highly function cargo space
- Comfortable ride quality with an upscale interior
- Excellent all-weather and light off-road capability
- Not always fast or inspirational for driving enthusiasts
- Similarly-sized SUVs often have more cargo and passenger room
- Fuel economy can be less than expected
Pros and Cons
- High quality interior materials
- Engaging driving dynamics
- Numerous standard safety features
- Snug rear seats
- Confusing infotainment controls
- Modest acceleration
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Subaru Outback Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Limited XT, Onyx Edition, Onyx Edition XT, Premium, Touring, Touring XT, Wilderness
Mazda CX-30 Trim Levels
2.5 Carbon Turbo, 2.5 S, 2.5 S Carbon Edition, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Premium, 2.5 S Select Sport, 2.5 Turbo Premium, 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK +
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
182 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
176 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.050 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
191 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
186 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.056 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 33 / 29
Range (city/hwy):
330 / 419 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.4 inches
Cargo Space:
32.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
75.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
141.6 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
53.6 inches
Cargo Space:
20.2 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
45.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
114.3 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3641 lbs
Width:
82 inches
Height:
66.4 inches
Length:
191.1 inches
Wheelbase:
108.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3419 lbs
Width:
70.7 inches
Height:
61.7 inches
Length:
173 inches
Wheelbase:
104.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P215/65R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Cosmic Blue Pearl
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Exterior Colors
Black
Jet Black Mica
Blue
Deep Crystal Blue Mica
Gray
Not available
Silver
Not available
White
Snowflake White Pearl Mica
Interior Colors
Black
Slate Black
Interior Colors
Black
Black
