What To Know
- The Crosstrek gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the Mazda 3 gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
- Both the Subaru Crosstrek and the Mazda 3 have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
- The Crosstrek is a better choice for those who want a vehicle with excellent off-road capability, while the Mazda 3 is a better choice for those who want a vehicle with a more powerful engine and a more luxurious interior.
The Subaru Crosstrek and Mazda 3 are two of the most popular compact crossovers on the market. Both vehicles offer a great combination of fuel efficiency, versatility, and style. However, there are some key differences between the two models that may make one a better choice for you than the other.
Performance: Power and Fuel Economy
The Subaru Crosstrek comes standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. The Mazda 3, on the other hand, comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque.
In terms of fuel economy, the Subaru Crosstrek has a slight edge over the Mazda 3. The Crosstrek gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the Mazda 3 gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
Handling: Agility and Off-Road Capability
The Subaru Crosstrek is known for its excellent handling, both on and off-road. The vehicle’s all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction in all conditions, and its suspension is tuned to provide a comfortable ride even on rough roads.
The Mazda 3 is also a very capable handler, but it is not as well-suited for off-road driving as the Crosstrek. The Mazda 3’s front-wheel-drive system can struggle in slippery conditions, and its suspension is not as well-suited for rough terrain.
Interior: Space and Comfort
The Subaru Crosstrek has a spacious interior with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The vehicle’s seats are comfortable and supportive, and the cabin is well-equipped with features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a sunroof.
The Mazda 3’s interior is also spacious and comfortable, but it is not as well-equipped as the Crosstrek’s. The Mazda 3’s infotainment system is not as user-friendly as the Crosstrek’s, and the vehicle does not come standard with a sunroof.
Safety: Features and Ratings
Both the Subaru Crosstrek and the Mazda 3 have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The Crosstrek received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a “Top Safety Pick” designation from the IIHS. The Mazda 3 also received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, but it did not receive a “Top Safety Pick” designation from the IIHS.
Price: Value for Your Money
The Subaru Crosstrek has a starting price of $22,995, while the Mazda 3 has a starting price of $23,650. Both vehicles are available in a variety of trim levels, so the price will vary depending on the features you choose.
Overall, the Subaru Crosstrek and the Mazda 3 are both excellent compact crossovers. The Crosstrek is a better choice for those who want a vehicle with excellent off-road capability, while the Mazda 3 is a better choice for those who want a vehicle with a more powerful engine and a more luxurious interior.
Which Model is Right for You?
Ultimately, the best way to decide which model is right for you is to test drive both vehicles. This will give you a chance to experience the performance, handling, and interior of each vehicle firsthand. Once you have test driven both vehicles, you can make an informed decision about which one is the best fit for your needs.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Which vehicle has a more powerful engine?
A: The Mazda 3 has a more powerful engine than the Subaru Crosstrek.
Q: Which vehicle has a better fuel economy?
A: The Subaru Crosstrek has a better fuel economy than the Mazda 3.
Q: Which vehicle is better for off-road driving?
A: The Subaru Crosstrek is better for off-road driving than the Mazda 3.
Q: Which vehicle has a more spacious interior?
A: The Subaru Crosstrek has a more spacious interior than the Mazda 3.
Q: Which vehicle has a better safety rating?
A: Both the Subaru Crosstrek and the Mazda 3 have received high safety ratings from the NHTSA and the IIHS.