I'm cross posting this same video from the thread on grill shutters. It also mentions an issue with tire replacements for subarus. apparently, due to the Subaru AWD system all tires need to retain similar tread depth. If one tire is damaged and needs to be replaced they may recommend replacing all 4 tires together so tread depths match more closely. Yikes.

 

Monroney sticker/label

 

That is true of all AWD systems. The tires should always be the same tread depth. Rotate every 5000 miles and replace all 4 at the same time. Now if you blow a tire and they all only have say 1000 miles on them... then it is ok to replace just one.

 

The sales guy in the video says replacing all 4 tires would not be required for the CX-30 though (section 4:00 - 4:30 in the video). Would that be correct?

 

I don't think there is a reason the AWD system of the CX-30 would be different from most others when it comes to tires.

 

 

2021 Subaru XV GT Edition vs. 2021 Mazda CX-30 AWD Sport AT

 

just viewed the video review on "Straightpipes" of the 2021 Crosstrek Sport Outdoor Edition and did this comparison photos against my model.
Just find it odd that a few CX-30 complain about the gap above the tires, yet when you compare it to this Crosstrek it doesn't seem any different to me, also which black body molding looks better, as some complain it's too wide?

 

Yes ... but the crosstrek looks clunky to begin with and lacks the Mazda's clean, beautiful lines. Both would look better without the excessive cladding and fender gaps, but in the Mazda's case they're as tragically out of place as prison tats on the face of a supermodel, whereas the Subaru's not much to look at in the first place.

 

My complaint with the excessive lift compared to the European models is that it is largely done to make the car look more like something it's not: a true off-road vehicle. Neither the CX-30 nor the Crosstrek are anything more than lifted hatchbacks, and while the extra ground clearance over a normally stanced sedan/hatch are welcome in winter weather, the overwhelming majority of owners are never leaving the pavement with them - except maybe onto a dirt road. But the image in North America that many SUV and CUV owners like to imagine is that these things are rugged, off-road vehicles like a Jeep Wrangler/Gladiator, Land Rover Defender, etc. So hence the plastic cladding, fake skid plates, and excessive lift found in lots of vehicles in this category.

To me though, I just wanted a Mazda 3 that was easier to climb in and out of but retained the excellent street handling and performance that Mazda is known for. Personally, I'd far prefer the springs from the European models as I think they're better balanced while not trying to look like something they're not. But hey, to each his own and aesthetics are all subjective anyway.

 

It would be great if they could apply the Euro ride height to at least the Turbo while the leaving the N.A. alone for those who really need suv type clearance. 6.9" would still leave it with a substantial advantage over the 3 for anything likely to be encountered on the street ,provide a boost over the 3 seating position and enhance the distinct high performance nature of the Turbo. They could kick up the tire size a notch while they are at it and it's road holding would equal the 3 on it's skinny tires.

I think I would buy that.

 

The subby is a little more usably shaped with a lower belt line and better interior space, but yeah, like most cars in this class ,it has way too many fussy lines and unnecessary details. The overhangs on the Subaru are also greater, a negative in both looks and approach/ departure angles.
I'll take Mazda's looks over Subaru's space. Both look perched too high on their wheels. It may be difficult to avoid that look in a small suv with 8" ground clearance. Cars which do avoid that look seem to sacrifice ground clearance ( Q3,, CX 3, T-roc, Euro CX 30) or are larger, making it easier to maintain proportion ( Most any large or midsize SUV)

I see various reports that the CX30 has only 6.9" of clearance. Mazda USA specs list it as 8.0. I think that the press is mistakenly reporting the Euro spec.
Does anybody here know the fact?

The French Mazda web site lists the ground clearance at 180mm (7"s) and overall height at 60.6
If the US version has the same 7 " ground clearance ( it clearly does not, look at the pictures) and is 61.7 inches tall then the French car's body must have gotten smushed some way.

 

8"
I measured before I bought. That ground clearance was the most significant factor in choosing the CX30 over the 3.
The approach angle on the CX30 is not good -- but it's not intended to be a rock crawler. Nor is the baby subbie.

 

always wondering where they actually measure the ground clearance figure to arrive at it?

 

I measured to the lowest point of the undercarriage, excluding a couple of suspension bits about 2 inches inboard of the tires. That was a tie, between the exhaust pipe and other suspension bits front and rear.

 

It's also less fun drive, noisier, has a relatively cheap looking interior and worst of all a CVT in place of a conventional automatic.
So isn't it less valuable than the Mazda?

AWD standard? Isn't it better to have a choice rather than no choice? Many do not need the extra weight and complexity.
Just because AWD is standard does not mean it is free. The vehicle has be decontented elsewhere to cover the added manufacturing cost while still being able to sell at a given price point.

 

Again it's about what exactly you are looking for, CVT does a good job for performance and mpg as well. to say it's less valuable will be a diff scene, as a lot of other factors should be looked at. I compared the cx30 and crosstrek online (2021 Subaru Crosstrek Vs 2021 Mazda CX-30), and yes there are a lot of insights which you might find interesting.

Standard awd is ok, as in Crosstrek is marketed for a good ground clearance, and awd which is somewhere a company strategy to give it a unique prospective. but yeah with fwd the price is reduced, which may allow more buyers to go for it.

 

Yes, to suggest the Subbie is less valuable is highly subjective and only a matter of perspective. My intention was to show how easily your suggestion, that it might be more valuable than the CX 30, could be flipped. Both cars have their advantages, each with more perceived value for one buyer vs another.

 

They both have their +/-.
Just like having two children that are somewhat different,
I have 2021's of each, and I love each of them for their own reasons.

 

Do you have the Crosstrek Sport? If that was offered in Australia I would have gotten very close to getting it for the extra ground clearance. I was still much happier with the Mazda overall though. The 2L Crosstrek engine is totally fine for driving around town but I wouldn't want to overtake in it.

 

This is a beauty and the beast comparison. The CX 30 makes the Suburu look like the ugly girl at the ball. I HATE SUBURUS! Especially the ones with the sun faded orange plastic kayaks mounted on the roof.

 

I kind of do like the rugged look in some ways, but I just find the crosstrek hideous from the back. Otherwise I think it looks pretty cool in light blue from the front and sides. I drove one though and if you floor it it doesn’t go anywhere. It also generally feels much heavier and less premium on the interior compared to the CX30. No 2.5L engine for the XV in Australia unfortunately.

 

Since I have one of each, I can endure the ridicule from both sides.
(I do have enjoyment specific to each)
It’s all good.
Godspeed!

 

I would honestly be very happy with an XV/Crosstrek too. The deal breakers were the lack of power in the 2L engine, which is the only one available in Australia and the less comfortable seats, although they certainly aren't terrible - it's just that the Mazda's were the most comfortable seats I've ever sat in. Since I switched to a car with electric lumbar adjustment I'm not sure I can go back. It really made a world of difference. The sportier ride and more premium interior in the Mazda were also big pluses.

 

My Crosstrek Limited has the 2.5,
and I swapped out the OEM Springs and Struts with (same height) Rallitek Overload Springs w/ Bilstein Struts and Strut Tower Braces front and rear.
The nice thing about Subie's is there is a ton of aftermarket crap available so you can tweak them to your own personal needs/ driving preferences.

 

Yeah nice! You have a lot more powertrain options in the US than we do down under. It is cool that you can tweak the Subarus more easily too. BTW I love the Crosstrek in that blue

 

The Crosstrek is still the best selling Crossover in this size segment for the USA.

The new/refreshed 2024 looks somewhat interesting & more zany/youthful than the CX-30, but still employs a belt/chain design CVT, & still loves its odd & exaggerated front/back black plastic styling accents & fat, pronounced LED fog-light housings. I hate how Subaru & some others still cheap-out on certain exterior lighting & even the 2024 still uses halogen turn-signals to a large extent (even though everything else is LED). It doesn't have cylinder-deactivation tech (a good thing IMO), but it does have a stop/start system that has to be disabled at every startup with a button if you don't want it active. The Sport trim has some really loud & obnoxious yellow accent trim that makes it a real turn-off IMO.

The Base & Premium trim (2.0L engine) are still manufactured in Japan. Everything higher (Sport & Limited 2.5L engine trims) are built in the USA.

This vehicle has a 16.6 gallon fuel tank - about 31% larger than the CX-30's 12.7 gallon tank.

If I was ever going to give a belt/chain CVT transmission Crossover a try, it would probably be a Magnetite (Dark) Grey or Offshore Blue Metallic Crosstrek in the top 2.5L Limited trim, or perhaps the 2.0L Premium trim).

Low/Mid-level Premium Trim:

A "Sewer Green" Limited Trim (which looks to have LED turn-signals instead of halogen & also added lower side cladding flair piece):