[pablog]

Hello fellow forum members,

I had been looking at the Subaru Crosstrek because I'm looking for a car that I can pass on to my teen in 6-12 months. Today we saw the CX-30 and now we're torn between the two...The CX-30's interior seems a lot less overwhelming (fewer distractions), which is a good thing, but I'm worried about it being a first-generation car (I had a new generation Volvo XC90 that was in the shop for recalls monthly). Would love your thoughts on this. Thank you!

 

[Maznut]

Hello fellow forum members,

I had been looking at the Subaru Crosstrek because I'm looking for a car that I can pass on to my teen in 6-12 months. Today we saw the CX-30 and now we're torn between the two...The CX-30's interior seems a lot less overwhelming (fewer distractions), which is a good thing, but I'm worried about it being a first-generation car (I had a new generation Volvo XC90 that was in the shop for recalls monthly). Would love your thoughts on this. Thank you!

It is so similar to the new gen 3 mechanically that hopefully many (some?) of the teething problems have been solved with that product that has been out a while. Also when I bought my 2017 CX5, that new gen had only been out for a couple of months and I have no hiccups, not even a recall. Volvos are way down the reliability list compared to Mazdas, newly introduced or otherwise.
That's the best encouragement I can give, though as a perspective buyer myself I share your caution but not enough to stop me from buying an early production CX 30 or 3.

 

[conwelpic]

this might help

 

[carbonized]

I've been going back and forth between both of these models as well.

In my opinion, the Crosstrek has better cargo space, more rear seat room, and better visibility (less blind spots). The CX-30 has a more simplified and better looking dash, rides much better, is quieter, and more luxurious. They are both good cars but they have different strengths. I'm leaning towards getting the CX-30.

The CX-30 leaves out some technology that most other new cars have (in the US anyway): heated side mirrors, and the dynamic directional lines in the rearview camera. I don't understand why they omitted those. The Crosstrek and most other competitors have both.

I was also worried about the CX-30 being a brand new car, whereas the Crosstrek has been out for years... People always say don't buy a brand new model. But the Crosstrek has had its share of recalls lately, so it doesn't seem like all the bugs get worked out even the model has been around for several years.

 

[Maznut]

I've been going back and forth between both of these models as well.

In my opinion, the Crosstrek has better cargo space, more rear seat room, and better visibility (less blind spots). The CX-30 has a more simplified and better looking dash, rides much better, is quieter, and more luxurious. They are both good cars but they have different strengths. I'm leaning towards getting the CX-30.

The CX-30 leaves out some technology that most other new cars have (in the US anyway): heated side mirrors, and the dynamic directional lines in the rearview camera. I don't understand why they omitted those. The Crosstrek and most other competitors have both.

I was also worried about the CX-30 being a brand new car, whereas the Crosstrek has been out for years... People always say don't buy a brand new model. But the Crosstrek has had its share of recalls lately, so it doesn't seem like all the bugs get worked out even the model has been around for several years.

That's all true but major points not be overlooked are the CX 30's better handling and power. For me Subaru's packaging advantages are far less significant than the Mazda's considerable dynamic superiority. Guess its all in what you want to emphasize for your own individual wants/needs. Directional lines in the rear view camera? Yawn. The heated mirrors would be nice depending on how far north you are or if you have a garage. There is no wrong choice. Just a wrong choice for you.
Sorry, that is probably not the least bit helpful, but I love rambling.

 

[conwelpic]

the Skyactive G technology has been in Mazda's since 2011, and the 6-spd auto is nothing new. The dash, instrumentation and display have been lifted straight out of the Mazda 3 which has already had a year under it's belt.

So other than the body, most "under the skin" components are not really new.

The clean lines of the exterior and elegant dash of the CX-30 sell me over the Crosstrek. Every vehicle you purchase is always a compromise, just depends on what is your priority.

 

[R-Brown]

Welcome to the forum @pablog in terms of reliability it shares a lot of parts with the Mazda3 so from that perspective there aren't a lot of new parts. If you're focused on passing the vehicle to your kid, the better visibility in the Crosstrek is helpful. Does your teen have any preference? haha.

 

[Bengoshi Jack]

Hello fellow forum members,

I had been looking at the Subaru Crosstrek because I'm looking for a car that I can pass on to my teen in 6-12 months. Today we saw the CX-30 and now we're torn between the two...The CX-30's interior seems a lot less overwhelming (fewer distractions), which is a good thing, but I'm worried about it being a first-generation car (I had a new generation Volvo XC90 that was in the shop for recalls monthly). Would love your thoughts on this. Thank you!

While this may be first generation of the 30, it's clearly almost identical to the new Mazda 3 which is in its second year. Also, the power train, 2.5 4 cyl. and 6 speed auto. have been around forever. My 14' Mazda 6 has the same powertrain and has been flawless for 6 1/2 years. So I think with the exception of a few changes relating to its CUV design it is not a totally new model. No guarantees but if problems were to arise I don't think they would be related to its first year model status.

 

[DanielleB]

Hi all, I have to agree with what has been said so far. I was dead set on the crosstrek until I came across the CX30. For me, I think the CX30 just seemed a little more luxurious and the prices were about the same for both top of the line models. I love the less cluttered dash and am already used to the commander button vs touch screens. The only thing I would caution on would be considering the dealers as well. Here where I am, we have three Mazda dealers in 50 miles. All are less than acceptable including the one where I purchased mine despite having good reviews. For the Subaru there are three as well but one is a really good family owned one that understands establishing and maintaining a great customer relationship and trust. It will always come down to the one that moves you the most.

 

[steve67]

Hi all, I have to agree with what has been said so far. I was dead set on the crosstrek until I came across the CX30. For me, I think the CX30 just seemed a little more luxurious and the prices were about the same for both top of the line models. I love the less cluttered dash and am already used to the commander button vs touch screens. The only thing I would caution on would be considering the dealers as well. Here where I am, we have three Mazda dealers in 50 miles. All are less than acceptable including the one where I purchased mine despite having good reviews. For the Subaru there are three as well but one is a really good family owned one that understands establishing and maintaining a great customer relationship and trust. It will always come down to the one that moves you the most.

If you are passing the car on to a new driver, the cx30 is the one to go for, according to crash tests its the safest out there..and its also all of the above?

 

[himanshu7988]

Hello fellow forum members,

I had been looking at the Subaru Crosstrek because I'm looking for a car that I can pass on to my teen in 6-12 months. Today we saw the CX-30 and now we're torn between the two...The CX-30's interior seems a lot less overwhelming (fewer distractions), which is a good thing, but I'm worried about it being a first-generation car (I had a new generation Volvo XC90 that was in the shop for recalls monthly). Would love your thoughts on this. Thank you!

I guess I can qualify to answer.
Drove crosstrek for 3 years.
Went to take a test drive to tradeup to crosstrek 2020. Same Subaru feeling.

a colleague mentioned cx-30 and insisted to take a test drive.

blown away by CX-30. It’s so much fun to drive. feels like driving a luxury car. we ended up buying the same day!

Also, it had some of the features which really makes you feel you really are driving a luxury car:

• memory seats (2 people drive the car)
• rear power tailgate
• app car start (crosstrek also has it I guess)
• adaptive lights, wiper, music
• speed display on front mirror

hope it helps!

 

[carbonized]

Hi himanshu7988,

Could you elaborate on these two features you mentioned?
I had not heard about them before.

• adaptive music
• speed display on front mirror

(or maybe you meant front windshield for the 2nd one?)

Thanks!

 

[himanshu7988]

1. More details here: CX-30
AudioPilot
Noise from the road can often interfere with your music. AudioPilot Noise compensation technology monitors any sustained background noise and adjusts the music so you can hear it better. It happens automatically, so there’s no need to adjust the controls or turn up the volume.

2. Yes. You are correct. Meant the windshield.

 

[carbonized]

Nice. I didn't know the mx-30 had automatic music adjustment. Cool feature.

 

[himanshu7988]

Yep. Even the dealer didn’t mention this. We experienced it first hand, after we started driving it and when to the city, last weekend.

 

[Maznut]

Nice. I didn't know the mx-30 had automatic music adjustment. Cool feature.

Curious thing though. In my three it overcompensates. That is it overcranks the volume when cruising speed is reached, and goes too low again as you go to idle. Its ok though if the road is rough textured and generates a lot of noise. Its more like it's speed dependent rather than ambient noise dependent.

 

[dpaCPA]

Curious thing though. In my three it overcompensates. That is it overcranks the volume when cruising speed is reached, and goes too low again as you go to idle. Its ok though if the road is rough textured and generates a lot of noise. Its more like it's speed dependent rather than ambient noise dependent.

Isn’t it adjustable in the menu system?

I set it once when I got mine and have not adjusted it or thought about the difference in volume at different speeds. It must be set perfectly. I agree that it is likely speed dependent.

 

[Rdrokit]

Don't worry about it being a first gen as it is built on a Mazda 3 chassis and running gear which has been around since 2014. Just think of it as a Mazda 3 with a different body.