Compare New Mazda CX-30 Subcompact Crossovers to Subaru Forester
Why the Mazda CX-30 Is a Better Option Than the Subaru Forester
If you want a compact SUV that adds both charisma and capability to your daily Chicago drives, the 2025 Mazda CX-30 is the clear choice over the Subaru Forester. Both are compact, capable, and practical, but only one delivers that grin-inducing balance of style, sport, and substance. At Wilkins Mazda, you can see for yourself how the Mazda CX-30 goes beyond expectations and outshines Subaru's boxy all-rounder.
Vehicle Comparison
| Mazda CX-30 (2025) | Subaru Forester (2025) | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine configuration | Inline-4 (2.5 L) | Horizontally-opposed “flat” 4 (2.5 L) |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive (i-ACTIV AWD®) | Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard) |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with manual-shift mode |
| Horsepower (base engine) | 191 hp | 180 hp |
| Torque (base engine) | 186 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Fuel tank capacity | — | 16.6 gal. |
| EPA Combined MPG (base engine) | 29 mpg | 29 mpg |
Engines, Power, and Drivetrain
Mazda builds crossovers for people who still love to drive. The CX-30 brings that signature spirit with responsive handling and refined engine options that make every trip from Glen Ellyn to Streamwood a joy.
- 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G four-cylinder: 191 hp / 186 pound-feet torque
- 2.5-liter Turbo four-cylinder: 250 hp / 320 pound-feet torque (premium fuel)
- Standard i-Activ all-wheel drive® across all trims
The Forester offers just one engine: a 2.5-liter flat-four making 180 hp and 178 pound-feet of torque. It's capable but lacks the punch and polish of Mazda's powertrains. With standard all-wheel drive and available turbo torque, the CX-30 feels eager and refined, whereas the Forester feels flat-footed.
Performance and Efficiency
- 2.5-liter: up to 33 MPG highway
- 2.5-liter Turbo: 25 MPG combined
- Towing: up to 2,000 lbs
The CX-30 offers better highway mileage and stronger acceleration than the Forester. The six-speed automatic transmission is tuned for real-world driving, giving you predictable, linear power delivery. The Forester's CVT? It's fine, but it's also the oatmeal of transmissions. Reliable, but not exciting.
Interior Design and Infotainment
Inside, Mazda's craftsmanship shines. The CX-30's cabin feels sculpted and serene, combining ergonomic precision with luxury-grade materials. The Forester's interior, while roomy, leans utilitarian and feels more gear shed than gallery.
- 10.25-inch Mazda Connect™ display with wireless Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™
- Available Nappa leather seating and ambient cabin lighting
- 12-speaker Bose® premium audio system
- Head-up display with traffic sign recognition
The CX-30's minimalist layout and tactile controls make it feel like a boutique SUV. It's designed to please both your senses and your sense of adventure.
Safety and Ratings
Both crossovers excel in safety, but the CX-30 has earned top honors from the IIHS as a Top Safety Pick+, with its i-Activsense® suite of driver-assist features standard across the lineup. Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, and Smart Brake Support work seamlessly to enhance confidence without overstepping. The Forester's EyeSight system performs well, but Mazda's integration feels more intuitive and less intrusive, which is something you'll surely notice on long Chicago commutes.
Cargo and Versatility
- CX-30: 20.2 cubic-feet behind 2nd row / 45.2 cubic-feet max
- Forester: 26.9 cubic-feet behind 2nd row / 74.2 cubic-feet max
Yes, the Forester wins on sheer space, but the CX-30's lower center of gravity, smaller footprint, and smart cargo floor design make it more agile and practical for urban living. It's the right size for Elmhurst streets yet versatile enough for weekend getaways.
Pricing, Value, and Ownership
Starting around $26,500 and topping out near $37,000 for the Turbo Premium Plus, the CX-30 delivers a premium feel without the premium price tag. The Forester ranges from roughly $29,000 to $38,000 but doesn't offer the same interior sophistication or performance edge.
Mazda's Certified Pre-Owned models add another layer of value, often around $23,000 with a 12-month/12,000-mile warranty and a 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. With an estimated 3-year depreciation of just 31 percent, the CX-30 retains its value better than most competitors.
Explore the latest lease and finance offers on our Mazda incentives page, or check your vehicle's trade-in value with our Trade-In Advisor.
Programs and Perks at Our Chicago Mazda Dealership
Whether you're relocating, a recent grad, or a professional working abroad, Wilkins Mazda's Global Professionals Program helps make your new Mazda experience seamless. And with The Wilkins Way, you'll enjoy transparent pricing, expert guidance, and a dealership that treats you like family, because that's how we do things from Bloomingdale to Elmhurst.
Prefer to browse or speak en Español? Visit our dedicated page at Mazda en Español.
Experience the New Mazda CX-30 Near Chicago
The Subaru Forester might be the practical pick, but the Mazda CX-30 is the emotional one, make it the easy choice for drivers who want more than A-to-B transportation. It's elegant, responsive, and unmistakably Mazda, delivering joy in every turn and confidence in every mile. Visit Wilkins Mazda today and rediscover what driving should feel like.
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Wilkins Mazda
740 N. York St
Elmhurst, IL 60126
- Sales: 630-279-3000
