$30,000 challenge: which crossover SUV is best for the price?
Every large automaker builds a subcompact crossover SUV competing for your dollar. In many ways, these SUVs have replaced hatchbacks, small wagons, and daily commuters simultaneously. While not many of these vehicles have serious off-road capability, most are quite good at driving through adverse conditions like snow.
This group of three directly competes with each other, offering high value and usable all-wheel drive (AWD) systems. They are all four-cylinder, naturally aspirated vehicles, and offer plenty of standard features for the money.For this comparison, the pricing is based on their online MSRP, with our goal being an approximate $30,000 price tag. All have standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with second-tier options that can push the price just over $30,000.
Remember that these are manufacturer suggested retail prices, and they depend on a variety of conditions including your location, dealership and incentives.
Often lauded for its competent AWD capability, safety and rugged image, the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek is a bit of a bargain when you include its Premium trim. You get an 11.6-inch STARLINK Multimedia touchscreen, as opposed to the tiny 7-inch screen in the base model, and the usual standard EyeSight driver-assist system.
This trim includes a 182 horsepower 2.5-liter horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The EPA estimates the fuel economy at 27 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. I recommend the "Premium" trim because it has the 2.5-liter engine, as opposed to the 2.0-liter engine in the "Base" model, which is a bit anemic and not that much more efficient.
I recommend Option Package 14 for $2,245, which includes the All-Weather Package, with heated seats, heated exterior mirrors, and a heated windshield wiper de-icer. It also gives you a power driver's seat, power moonroof and blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert. With that package, your total MSRP will be approximately $31,000.
For the money, you will be hard pressed to find a more capable snow-country vehicle with this equipment. There's just enough grunt from the 2.5-liter to give the Crosstrek enough power to overcome the CVT, and Subaru's AWD and traction control systems work well on just about every surface. With 8.7-inches of ground clearance, mild-mannered commuting performance, and a maximum 54.7 cu. ft. cargo capacity, the Subaru Crosstrek is an excellent deal for an outstanding all-arounder.With a 191 horsepower 2.5-liter I4 bolted to a six-speed automatic transmission, the CX-30 is the athlete of the bunch, at least on tarmac. This powertrain has an EPA rating of 24 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.
Along with standard safety features like rear cross-traffic alert and blind spot monitoring, the "Select Sport" package gives you Alexa built-in, heated side mirrors, and dual-zone climate control.
If you opt for the "Preferred" trim, it will bump the total to about $31,000. For the extra cash, you get a power sliding-glass moonroof, a power driver's seat, and heated front seats. However, you still get the 8.8-inch screen, as the 10.25-inch screen is available on more expensive trims.
With 45.2 cubic feet of storage with the rear seats folded down, the Mazda CX-30 is by far the smallest of the bunch, and its 8-inches of ground clearance trails the Subaru, but it's on par for the rest of the competitors.
What makes the 2025 Mazda CX-30 compelling is its snappy performance and beautifully designed interior. The attention to detail and quality inside and out make it a class leader, and the overall driving feel is spot on.The HR-V comes with a 158 hp 2.0L four-cylinder engine mated to a standard CVT. The EPA has rated the HR-V at 25 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, which is all a bit less than the competition. Still, the HR-V makes up for it with a decent value, utility, and excellent commuting behavior.
I selected the "Sport" trim as it gives you heated cloth seats, heated mirrors, a 6-speaker, 180-watt audio system, nicer wheels, and an outstanding list of safety features. While the other competitors come standard with AWD, you can save some money and get an HR-V with front-wheel drive only.
The Honda HR-V holds the most cargo of the group, with a maximum cargo space of 55.1 cu. ft. and more usable space throughout. The Sport model has a slightly higher ground clearance than the other trims, at 7.3 inches.
The EX-L trim will net you more goodies, like a 9-inch touch screen rather than the standard 7-inch and an 8-speaker 180-watt sound system for approximately $32,000. The HR-V EX-L is a great little car for daily driving, but it falls a bit short of the overall capabilities of the Crosstrek and CX-30.No, these crossovers are not equal. They all have their positive points and their downsides, but the Mazda CX-30 and Subaru Crosstrek are the ones competing for first place.
I believe the Subaru will satisfy more consumers as it does many things well. Its off-road chops are the best of the bunch, it holds a lot, it's comfortable and affordable, and its economy is more than competitive. It looks adventurous, too.
On the other hand, for those who want to enjoy their daily drive and have some off-road capability, the Mazda CX-30 is hard to beat. It's a lot more engaging to drive and a nicer place to spend time in. I also think it looks pretty sleek, no?
The Honda will appeal to people who want something less flashy, with a lot of space. It's a very easy car to commute in, and the overall spaciousness makes it a nice place to get comfortable.
What do you think? Which of these would you pick for your driveway? Let us know in the comments below!
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