Choosing a compact 4x4 crossover: Mazda CX-30, Renault Duster, Subaru Crosstrek, Suzuki S-Cross
The idea for this comparison guide started with test drives this spring; we are talking about the Renault Duster and Subaru Crosstrek cars . What they had in common was that both were all-wheel drive. So, what else can you find in a similar compact crossover format, and that must have all-wheel drive? The answer is already indicated in the title: Mazda CX -30, Renault Duster, Subaru Crosstrek, Suzuki S - Cross. However, here is an important question - which of them is better and why?
Four cars for comparison
The criteria for selecting the first pair of cars have already been explained above: current tests of this spring. And where did the second pair come from? The Mazda CX-30 crossover was chosen as a competitor for the Subaru Crosstrek: a similar crossover-hatchback body format, also a 2-liter naturally aspirated engine, a similar price level. At the same time, the Suzuki S-Cross will play against the Renault Duster: targeting practical buyers, lower price. Although if you take the maximum configuration of the Suzuki S-Cross and Renault Duster (for the latter you also need to add options), they are very close to $30 thousand, where the price tags of the Mazda CX-30 and Subaru Crosstrek begin not far away. Here are four cars for comparison:
Mazda CX -30 – estimated price $28.9-37.5 thousand (test drive and review from Mezha)
Renault Duster – estimated price $23.7-28 thousand (test drive and review from Mezha)
Subaru Crosstrek – estimated price $32-38.4 thousand (test drive and review from Mezha)
Suzuki S - Cross - estimated price $23.3-29 thousand (test drive and review from Mezha)
Here are four competing cars: each offers sufficient space in the cabin, gasoline engines with a capacity of 129-165 hp, and also - in the model range there is definitely a version with all-wheel drive! You can also choose other competitors, but all with nuances; for example: Skoda Karoq and Nissan Qashqai cars please with the spacious cabin and the starting price tag; but the versions with all-wheel drive turn out to be unexpectedly expensive. The Hyundai Tucson crossover with a regular 2-liter engine will be cheaper, but it is inferior in some equipment items. If you want even cheaper, if possible, a simpler equipment, but to be sure to have all-wheel drive - then you should take a look at the Mitsubishi ASX; although it is already 15 years old. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross crossover will be somewhat fresher, but it also has a higher price tag. In addition, we can mention the Chinese cars HAVAL H 6 and MG HS (both quite large and powerful), the compact crossover Suzuki Vitara (an updated version is already arriving), etc. Finally, I would like to mention the Toyota C - HR crossover: it is interesting with its hybrids and design, but it also costs like a spaceship. So let's get back to our four cars...
Car prices are indicated as of the beginning of July 2025. Prices are listed for all versions of a particular car - from the most affordable to the maximum. When buying a Renault Duster on credit under the Renault Bonus program, the price will be additionally reduced by 100 thousand UAH or $ 2.4 thousand for all car trim levels. Prices are approximate and indicated in currency due to possible strong exchange rate fluctuations, however, price guidelines are outlined. Cars are evaluated in several key categories with a score from 1 to 5. Additionally, a photo of the car that is the winner of a particular block will be shown and brief explanations will be provided for each item.
Vehicle equipment and price
All cars offer their advantages, but they also all have their limitations. For example, the Renault Duster crossover: the widest choice of engines in the selection, presented with manual or automatic transmissions, there is a choice of several trim levels; but - a strange combination of engines and transmissions, for certain options you have to pay extra even in the maximum trim level, and in the case of the Renault Duster you will not find some equipment at all. Here is an example: heated front seats are ordered as an option even for the maximum trim level, adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning are not available in any trim level in Ukraine. To understand - all this is even in the base Subaru Crosstrek; as well as dual-zone climate control, LED headlights, all-wheel drive. But only one engine, two fixed trim levels, a rather high price. A pair of cars Suzuki S-Cross and Mazda CX-30 give better choices: front or all-wheel drive, several trim levels to choose from. In addition, Suzuki also offers manual transmission versions and a hybrid powertrain (although only a "mild" hybrid based on the unchanged 1.4-liter turbo engine), while Mazda responds with a complex of i - ACTIVSENSE safety systems already from the middle configuration.
In general:
Mazda CX -30 – 4 (one engine, but you can choose the type of drive and equipment)
Suzuki S - Cross – 4 (choice of drive type and gearbox, but Mazda loses in equipment)
Renault Duster – 3 (wide choice of engines, gearboxes, drive types, trim levels; but strange combinations of all this)
Subaru Crosstrek – 2 (only one engine and two trim levels, quite expensive; but everything is available right away)
The closest to victory were the Mazda CX-30 and Suzuki S-Cross, although each of the cars is not without its flaws. However, the new Renault Duster is breathing down their necks: it needs more engine-transmission-equipment combinations, as well as adding modern equipment to the list of options - and it could be a winner.
Salon, interior space, trunk size
The winner of this block is the Suzuki S-Cross crossover: it does not stand out with anything special, but tries not to lose any key discipline. I will explain in detail: large doors provide good access to the interior, the high roof works on the feeling of space, large windows provide visibility and a lot of light in the cabin, the front panel has a little soft plastic and decor and no longer seems budget, in front there is a separate climate control unit and numerous physical buttons, in the back there is an adjustment of the angle of inclination of the sofa backrest, and the trunk, although not a record in volume, is nevertheless sufficient and comfortable. The Renault Duster is also quite spacious inside, it could have an even larger trunk, and for the interesting decor and YouClip accessories I separately give it +1 point; however, the cabin is dominated by ordinary hard plastic, somewhere economy is noticeable (exposed metal and screws), little attention is paid to the rear passengers. As for the pair of Mazda CX-30 and Subaru Crosstrek, they are hostages of the chosen body type: there is no additional air supply above the head, there is no additional feeling of SUV space. The Mazda CX-30 crossover is distinguished by excellent materials for finishing the front panel, but it is frankly cramped in the back. In contrast, the Subaru Crosstrek crossover is more spacious overall, but loses in finishing materials and trunk.
In general:
Suzuki S - Cross – 5 (wheelbase 2.6 meters, trunk 430 liters)
Renault Duster – 4 (wheelbase 2.66 meters, trunk 411-542 liters)
Mazda CX -30 – 3 (wheelbase 2.66 meters, trunk 422-430 liters)
Subaru Crosstrek – 3 (wheelbase 2.67 meters, trunk 315 liters)
The case when it is not a leader in a single category, but is “good” in everything: a sense of space, ease of use, finishing materials, a normal trunk – that’s the victory. The new Renault Duster is somewhere close, but it needs better interior materials; it earned +1 point on YouClip.
Road behavior, comfort and handling
Surprisingly, the victory goes to the Suzuki S-Cross: the best dynamics in terms of numbers and sensations, easy and understandable handling, not too stiff suspension. It seems that the Mazda CX-30 should win in all road tests due to the traditional emotionality of Mazda; however, the frankly stiff rear suspension lets it down, and the more voluminous and nominally more powerful 2-liter engine really does not win in dynamics. A pair of cars Renault Duster and Subaru Crosstrek attract with energy-intensive suspensions, which are designed for bad roads. The Subaru Crosstrek crossover starts well, but then turns out to be frankly unhurried - we have an acceleration of 0-100 km/h in 11+ seconds. In contrast, the Renault Duster with a small turbo engine and manual transmission feels surprisingly dynamic; although according to real indicators-measurements this is far from the case. However, the Renault Duster still has a chance to improve its result thanks to the 1.3 TCE + EDC pair.
In general:
Suzuki S - Cross – 4 (balanced character, best dynamics in the selection)
Mazda CX -30 – 3 (there are emotions, but there is also stiffness of the suspension and loss in dynamics)
Subaru Crosstrek – 3 (energy-intensive suspension, smooth and leisurely acceleration)
Renault Duster – 2 (energy-intensive suspension, worst dynamics in the selection, the ability to get an “automatic” only in some versions)
The only thing that prevents the Suzuki S-Cross from getting the maximum score is the lack of emotions: it gives the impression that it doesn't drive for the driver's pleasure, but simply does the job of transporting the driver, passengers, and belongings. But it does this job skillfully.
All-wheel drive, off-road capabilities
It's simple here: there is the Subaru Crosstrek - and there are all the others. After all, in the case of the Subaru Crosstrek, we have the largest ground clearance and always four-wheel drive, and its energy-intensive suspension allows you to feel free off-road. It would be a bit shorter to shorten the front bumper or at least cut it at an angle. For example, as it was done on the Renault Duster - the closest pursuer, which also offers good suspension and considerable ground clearance. True, 4x4 all-wheel drive can only be obtained with "mechanics" and a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine; well... Another pair of cars in the form of the Suzuki S-Cross and Mazda CX-30 are far behind: much less ground clearance, a long "nose" and a frankly low front bumper. In general, the following opinion does not leave: the Subaru Crosstrek and Renault Duster cars are for traveling in the mountains and wading in the mud of the fields; Instead, the Suzuki S-Cross and Mazda CX-30 are for driving up a snowy hill and carefully driving along a washed-out dirt road to a summer cottage or fishing spot, that's all.
In general:
Subaru Crosstrek – 4 (all-wheel drive, 220 mm ground clearance)
Renault Duster – 3 (front or all-wheel drive, ground clearance 209-217 mm)
Suzuki S - Cross – 2 (front or all-wheel drive, ground clearance 180 mm)
Mazda CX -30 – 2 (front or all-wheel drive, ground clearance 175-180 mm)
The Subaru Crosstrek crossover did not reach the maximum rating only because of its long front overhang; but in this selection and in the class as a whole, it is certainly one of the best cars for overcoming off-road. The Renault Duster crossover is the closest pursuer, but it at least needs to combine all-wheel drive with a 1.5-liter turbodiesel and a manual transmission, and maybe even with a 1.3-liter gasoline turbo engine and an automatic transmission.
Fuel consumption, warranty, liquidity
The Renault Duster crossover with all-wheel drive is currently equipped exclusively with a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder turbo engine, which is new for this car and still needs to be studied for long-term reliability - this issue does not allow it to score the maximum five points. After all, the Renault Duster crossover already has everything else to win: the engine range will include the well-known and very economical 1.5-liter diesel (and even the test car with a gasoline 1.2-liter engine turned out to be quite economical); a bunch of dealers throughout Ukraine and good recognition among buyers in the secondary market; a standard 3-year warranty and an additional extended 5-year warranty program; special service conditions (discounts and Value + spare parts) to reduce the cost of maintaining the car. In second place, but with a considerable lag, I will put the Suzuki S-Cross crossover: its 1.4-liter turbo engine can also drive around the city with a fuel consumption level of 8-8.5 liters, and on the highway it can be put into 5.5 liters; a 3-year warranty is offered; a traditional "automatic" and generally familiar design; plus the expectation of high reliability from a car of the Japanese brand. A similar description is suitable for the Mazda CX-30, only fuel consumption in this case is slightly higher: 9-10 liters in the city, as well as 6 liters on the highway. Finally, the last place is occupied by the Subaru Crosstrek: the highest fuel consumption (10-11 liters in the city and 6.5 liters on the highway); myths about specific maintenance can scare away some buyers in the secondary market; the smallest number of dealers (although the largest cities in Ukraine are still covered).
In general:
Renault Duster – 4 (economical petrol or diesel, 3- or 5-year warranty, many dealers; but the new 1.2-liter engine still needs to be studied)
Suzuki S - Cross – 3 (fairly economical, standard warranty, many dealers)
Mazda CX -30 – 2 (high fuel consumption, standard warranty)
Subaru Crosstrek – 1 (highest fuel economy, standard warranty)
The Renault Duster crossover has always focused on rationality and the new car continues to do so: there are enough advantages in the form of an economical turbodiesel, or advantages in the form of an extended warranty, or advantages in the form of economical service offers... But the Renault Duster has not one such advantage, but all of them.
Conclusions and Afterwords
We form the results in two categories at once. The “absolute” category is the best result in terms of points without taking into account the price, this is the best car in this comparison, period. The “bargain purchase” category is the ratio between the price and the number of points scored, this is the most logical and correct option for purchase.
Absolute score:
Suzuki S-Cross – 18 points
Renault Duster – 16 points
Mazda CX-30 – 14 points
Subaru Crosstrek – 13 points
"Bargain" credit:
Suzuki S-Cross – price $1.3-1.6 thousand for 1 point
Renault Duster – price $1.5-1.75 thousand for 1 point
Mazda CX-30 – price $2.05-2.7 thousand for 1 point
Subaru Crosstrek – price $2.5-2.9 thousand for 1 point
The winner here is clear - the Suzuki S-Cross crossover: the most practical and balanced car offered at a good price. The new Renault Duster is the closest pursuer, because it has many of its own advantages. However, now it looks like a "car for growth": it needs to expand the range of versions and the list of modern equipment - and then it will be able to compete for the title of winner, because there are all the opportunities for this! Finally, a pair of cars Mazda CX-30 and Subaru Crosstrek seem to play half a class higher in terms of equipment - although similarly in terms of price. The Mazda CX-30 crossover embodies the example of "balanced for everyone", plus adds an original design and excellent interior decoration. In turn, the Subaru Crosstrek crossover embodies the example of "for its own", emphasizing the mandatory all-wheel drive, off-road qualities, and a high level of equipment. And if you focus on such features, it will turn out that the price tag of the Subaru Crosstrek is not that high: in the mid-range trim levels, the price will be approximately at the level of the Mazda .
This is the "buyer's guide" to compact crossovers with all-wheel drive; I hope it was interesting. And further, dear visitors of the site, you can expect more and more materials - both detailed reviews of one car and duel tests of a couple of cars, blogs about the presentations of important automotive innovations, etc.