2021 Subaru Ascent vs 2022 Mazda CX-30

When the 2021 Subaru Ascent was introduced, it filled a significant gap in Subaru's lineup, which had been missing a three-row SUV. The Ascent's design was reminiscent of Subaru's smaller models like the Forester and Outback but scaled up to accommodate three rows. The interior followed a similar theme, with a dash design that could easily be mistaken for other Subaru models, likely a strategic move to create a sense of familiarity among Subaru enthusiasts. The Ascent was available in four trims: Standard, Premium, Limited, and Touring, each offering progressively more features, from driver-assistance technologies to premium audio systems and ventilated front seats.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30, on the other hand, had the look of a downsized CX-5, with an upright grille and smooth fenders. Built on the same platform as the Mazda3, it was essentially a raised version of the Mazda3 hatchback. The CX-30's cabin was noted for its comfort and quietness, with a design that emphasized solid build quality and an artful blend of conventional and digital displays. However, the infotainment system, controlled by a rotary dial, was criticized for its steep learning curve. The CX-30 was available in multiple trims, including the 2.5 S, 2.5 S Select, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Premium, Turbo, Turbo Premium, and Turbo Premium Plus, each adding more features and luxury touches.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. The Ascent's ride was focused on comfort, with responsive handling and the ability to soak up road bumps, making it ideal for inclement weather and light off-roading. It also featured 8.7 inches of ground clearance and was rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it a versatile choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The upgraded turbocharged 2.5-liter engine delivered 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on 87 octane fuel, and 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93 octane fuel. Power was routed through a six-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. The turbocharged engine provided decent acceleration, especially in Sport mode, which altered throttle response and shift mapping. The CX-30's ride was sporty and refined, with well-weighted steering and quick turn-in, though it could be rough over potholes. The conventional shifter design and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters added to its performance credibility.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent offered 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, expanding to 47.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 86.5 cubic feet with all rear seats down. This was on the higher end for midsize three-row SUVs, though some rivals offered more. The Ascent could seat up to eight passengers, or seven with the optional second-row captain's chairs. The first two rows were spacious, while the third row was better suited for children on longer trips. The Ascent also featured 19 cupholders and numerous trays and cubbies for gear.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 provided up to 45.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 20.2 cubic feet with the rear seats in use, which was average for the subcompact SUV segment. The Turbo Premium Plus model included a power rear liftgate. The front seats had a sliding center console cover, which could get stuck under the rear seats when folded. The rear seats offered solid headroom for short-to-medium trips but lacked the headroom of larger models like the CX-5, making them less ideal for longer drives.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent featured Subaru's StarLink infotainment system with logical menu layouts and large, easy-to-read icons. Both available touchscreens were backed by hard buttons and dials, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ascent came with two front USB ports, two second-row USB ports, satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity. Additional tech features included third-row USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 had an elegant dash design with an infotainment screen nestled into the dash, controlled by a rotary dial and toggle buttons. This setup, inspired by luxury-car systems like BMW’s iDrive, lacked touch functionality, making it cumbersome to use, especially with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was criticized for its poor usability, with a steep learning curve and frustrating navigation between presets.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was an IIHS 2021 Top Safety Pick+ due to its crash test results and comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, called EyeSight. This included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. Optional safety features included reverse automatic emergency braking, rain-sensing windshield wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 came with standard driver-assistance features such as forward collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, rain-sensing wipers, and adaptive cruise control. The Turbo Premium Plus model added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic-sign recognition, front-and-rear parking sensors, and reverse automatic emergency braking. The CX-30 earned five stars from NHTSA and the highest Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS.