Verdict
At RM190,788, the Crosstrek saves RM18,100, brings all-wheel drive and a 63-litre petrol tank, and is 257 mm longer – useful for buyers wanting a C-segment SUV without home or public charging. The EX30 counters with a 268 hp/343 Nm rear motor against 154 hp/196 Nm, a 69 kWh battery rated for 476 km and 175 kW DC charging. Its 318-litre boot is only 3 litres ahead of the Subaru’s, so luggage space is not the decider. The Volvo is the sharper technology and performance choice; the Subaru is the more conventional all-weather package.
Pick the Subaru Crosstrek if you want all-wheel drive, a larger C-segment body and petrol refuelling for RM18,100 less.
Pick the Volvo EX30 if you can charge an EV and want 268 hp, a 476 km claimed range and stronger parking technology.
Key differences
- Price: Subaru Crosstrek RM190,788; Volvo EX30 RM208,888.
- Power and torque: Crosstrek 154 hp and 196 Nm; EX30 268 hp and 343 Nm.
- Driveline: Crosstrek all-wheel drive; EX30 rear-wheel drive.
- Length and wheelbase: Crosstrek 4,480 mm and 2,670 mm; EX30 4,223 mm and 2,650 mm.
- Energy storage: Crosstrek 63-litre fuel tank; EX30 69 kWh battery with 476 km EV range.
- Parking assistance: Crosstrek has four rear sensors and a 360-degree monitor; EX30 has six front and six rear sensors, a 360-degree camera and auto parking.
Crosstrek
- All-wheel drive.
- 257 mm longer C-segment body.
- Driver's seat memory, front foglamps and a space-saver spare tyre.
- 154 hp and 196 Nm trail the EX30's 268 hp and 343 Nm.
- RM438 annual road tax versus RM260.
- No front parking sensors or auto parking.
EX30
- 268 hp, 343 Nm and a 5.3-second 0-100 km/h time.
- 69 kWh battery, 476 km range and up to 175 kW DC charging.
- Auto parking, powered hands-free boot and built-in navigation.
- Rear-wheel drive rather than all-wheel drive.
- No spare tyre; it gets a tyre repair kit.
- No front foglamps.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM190,788✓ | RM208,888 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM438 | RM260✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-Valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with direct injection and variable valve timing | 400V architecture |
| Capacity | 1,995 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 154 hp | — |
| Torque | 196 Nm | — |
| Fuel | Petrol | Electric |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 268 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 343 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | — | 69 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 476 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 11 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 175 kW |
| V2L | — | 3.6 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Lineartronic | — |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | — | 5.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | — | 180 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,480 mm | 4,223 mm |
| Width | 1,800 mm | 1,837 mm |
| Height | 1,575 mm | 1,555 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,670 mm | 2,650 mm |
| Fuel Tank | 63 litres | — |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 315 litres | 318 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 225/55R18 | 24545R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/55R18 | 245/45R19 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Falken Ziex ZE001A A/S | Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance SUV |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | China (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Double Wishbones | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloys | 19" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloys | 19" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Front Passenger Seat Cushion | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Electric for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for two rear passenger seats | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Reflector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Side Memory | Power Adjustable Front Seats |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Sunroof | Front, Tilt and Slide | Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear | 1 Front, 2 USB-C Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Sunroof Shade | — |
| Audio | 11.6" HD Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | 12.3" Touchscreen with Google Services Built-in, Harman Kardon Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver and Front Passenger Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless (Depress Brake to Start) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go and Steering Assist |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Powered Boot, Contactless Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes, 360-degree Camera |
| Auto Parking | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Electroluminescent Analogue | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used Crosstrek & EX30 for sale
Crosstrek vs EX30 FAQ
Is the Subaru Crosstrek or Volvo EX30 better?
The EX30 is better for EV performance, charging and parking assistance, with 268 hp, 476 km range and auto parking. Choose the Crosstrek instead if all-wheel drive, a longer body and petrol refuelling suit your use better.
What is the price difference?
The Volvo EX30 costs RM18,100 more than the Subaru Crosstrek. The extra outlay brings an EV powertrain, 175 kW DC charging, stronger motor output, auto parking and a powered hands-free boot.
Which is better for long-distance travel away from chargers?
The Crosstrek is the simpler choice for routes without reliable charging because it uses petrol and has a 63-litre tank. The EX30 has a 476 km claimed EV range and 175 kW DC charging, but needs charging access.