2021 Subaru XV vs Mazda CX-30 Comparison: Spec Sheet Battle

By virtue of being popular, the local crossover market segment is pretty varied. Apart from the more affordable models that are common in the Philippines right now, there are also premium models like the Mazda CX-30 and the recently updated Subaru XV.  

So, which of these two models are better on paper? To find out, let’s compare the CX-30 Sport 2.0 SkyActiv-G AWD AT and the Subaru XV 2.0i-S EyeSight CVT. Both fall within the Php 1.9 million price point, and both are competing in the premium subcompact crossover segment.

Which of these two premium AWD crossovers provide the better specs? Let's find out

In terms of size, the facelifted Subaru has a length of 4,485mm, a width of 1,800mm, and a height of 1,615mm. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,665mm, and a ground clearance of 220mm. 

Compare the updated Subaru XV (left) with the Mazda CX-30 (right) using this slider

In comparison, the Mazda CX-30 Sport measures 4,395mm long, is 1795mm wide, and 1,540 mm in height. Its wheelbase has a length of 2,655mm, and it has a ground clearance of 180mm. 

To sum it up, the new XV is larger than the Mazda model. It also has a slightly longer wheelbase, and significantly more in the way of ground clearance. Apart from size, the Subaru-made crossover has a curb weight of 1,473 kg, while the Mazda model clocks in at 1,479 kg. Suffice to say, the difference in weight is marginal. 

The side of a Subaru XV equipped with an aftermarket carry box

For exterior equipment, both crossovers come equipped with automatic LED headlamps, LED daytime running lamps, turn signal side repeaters, a power liftgate, and rain-sensing wipers. The Mazda model however lacks front foglamps, whereas the new XV comes equipped with LED front fog lamps. The Subaru model also comes with auto-tilt door/side mirrors for improved rear visibility. Both however do come with power folding, and power-adjustable side mirrors.  

The Mazda CX-30 from the side

Inside, both the Subaru XV and the Mazda CX-30 Sport can comfortably seat five occupants. Both also come standard with an automatic air-conditioning system with rear vents, leather-clad seats, 12-volt accessory outlets, and USB charging ports.  

Both cars also provide their drivers with an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a push to start button, adaptive cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt and telescopic adjustability, a digital gauge cluster, and electronically adjustable driver’s seats.  

Which interior floats your boat? Is it the Subaru XV (left)? Or the Mazda CX-30 (right)?

As for what’s different, the front passenger seat on the Mazda model is power-adjustable, while the Subaru’s is not. Moreover, it also has a heads-up-display that’s projected on the windshield in front of the driver. The Subaru in turn, lacks the said feature. 

As for on-board entertainment, the Subaru XV 2.0i S EyeSight is fitted with an 8-inch touchscreen headunit that’s capable of connecting via Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. It also provides offline navigation, and it is linked to a six-piece speaker system. 

In comparison, the Mazda CX-30 Sport comes with an 8.8-inch LCD monitor linked to a 12-piece BOSE speaker system. It can also connect via Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth, and it has offline navigation as well. 

Lastly, the Subaru crossover comes with a sunroof, while the Mazda lacks this feature. 

Under the hood, the Subaru XV uses a 2.0-liter Boxer-four DOHC engine that’s capable of producing up to 154 horsepower and 196 Nm of torque. Power is sent to all of its wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT). 

In comparison, the Mazda CX-30 uses a 2.0-liter inline-4 gasoline mill that’s capable of making up to 152 horsepower and 200 Nm of torque. Instead of a CVT, it uses a six-speed torque converter, but it also utilizes an all-wheel-drive layout. 

In summary, the difference in power between the XV and CX-30 is marginal. The CVT on the Subie and the torque converter tranny on the CX-30 might provide different driving feels. 

For suspension systems, both models use a MacPherson strut front suspension. The Subaru model however, uses a torsion beam rear suspension, whereas the Mazda model comes standard with a double-wishbone rear suspension.  

Both models use disc brakes all around, and both also use an electronic parking brake with an auto-hold function. 

In terms of safety, the Subaru XV 2.0i EyeSight and the Mazda CX-30 Sport both come standard with seven airbags, anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, reverse camera, stability and traction control, ISOFIX, parking sensors, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, a 360-degree view camera, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. 

Those aforementioned driver-assist features on the XV collectively form the Subaru EyeSight driver assist safety suite. The Mazda CX-30 in turn has the i-Activsense driver assist safety suite.

The Subaru model however, does come with speed-sensing door locks which the Mazda model lacks.  
 

As we’ve pointed out above, the Subaru XV and the Mazda CX-30 are pretty much on-par with each other in terms of power, on-board features, and safety. Indeed, there are some slight differences, but both provide their drivers and occupants a lot of comfort. 

Do you like how the rear of the Subaru XV looks?

So, is one necessarily better than the other? Well, it's not actually a direct comparison. The Subaru model for instance has a sunroof, while the Mazda might have a better sound system. In addition, some might prefer the Subaru’s CVT, but some might like the Mazda CX-30's tranny a bit better. 

The CX-30 however, definitely has more variants with a much wider price range. The Subaru model in turn only has one variant. Then again, if you care about all-wheel-drive and a feature-rich interior, both variants that we’ve compared fall within the Php 1.9 million price range.  

Or do you prefer the Mazda CX-30's rear end?

For more car comparisons, car reviews, and car maintenance tips, keep it here on Philkotse.com.