Mazda CX-30 vs Subaru Forester

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published record does not give the Mazda CX-30 a rating. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Feature Showdown

The Mazda CX-30 features a 8.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Subaru Forester gets a 11.6-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Mazda CX-30 stands out with Apple CarPlay and head-up display — features our data doesn't list for the Subaru Forester. The Subaru Forester counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and heated front seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Drivetrain

The Mazda CX-30 uses a Petrol producing 114kW and 200Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout.

The Subaru Forester responds with a Petrol making 136kW and 247Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels.

The Subaru Forester has the clear power advantage at 136kW vs 114kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Mazda CX-30 measures 4,395mm long on a 2,655mm wheelbase, 260mm shorter than the Subaru Forester at 4,655mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Forester generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 317L in the Mazda CX-30 and 496L in the Subaru Forester, giving the Subaru Forester a 179L advantage.

For towing, the Subaru Forester leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 600kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Mazda CX-30's turning circle is 0.2 m tighter, 10.6 m against 10.8 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Mazda CX-30 costs about $1,796 a year (6.3 L/100km) and fuel for the Subaru Forester about $2,252 a year (7.9 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $456 a year less for the Mazda CX-30.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Mazda CX-30) and 5 years / Unlimited (Subaru Forester). Capped-price servicing: no data (Mazda CX-30), 5 years (Subaru Forester).

Where each one leads

The Mazda CX-30: the lower starting price ($34,760 against $45,990) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,796 a year against $2,252).

The Subaru Forester: more power (136kW against 114kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (496L against 317L) and the higher braked towing limit (1,800kg against 1,200kg).

The Verdict

Subaru Forester scores higher, 76 vs 66

The Subaru Forester scores 76 to the Mazda CX-30's 66 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 5 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: technology (Subaru Forester ahead by 40 points), safety (Subaru Forester ahead by 35 points), practicality (Subaru Forester ahead by 15 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Mazda CX-30 costs about $456 less (6.3 L/100km against 7.9 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 317L in the Mazda CX-30, 496L in the Subaru Forester.

Common questions