2025 Mazda CX-30 vs 2026 Subaru Forester

$25,195 · Crossover

$29,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Trying to decide between two excellent compact crossovers often boils down to price versus practicality, and the 2025 Mazda CX-30 versus the 2026 Subaru Forester presents a classic trade-off. The most immediate difference is the $4,800 MSRP gap, favoring the CX-30 at $25,195 versus the Forester's $29,995. While both crossovers achieve an identical 29 combined MPG, the CX-30 offers slightly better power with 191 hp compared to the Forester's 180 hp. However, size tells a different story; the Forester is significantly larger, measuring 183.3 inches long versus the CX-30's 173.0 inches, which directly translates to its superior hauling ability, boasting 29.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Mazda's smaller 20.2 cu ft. Both standard AWD setups are appealing, but your primary focus—budget and nimble handling versus maximizing utility—will easily dictate the better fit.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 is the better choice for solo commuters due to its lower entry price and slightly more engaging power delivery (191 hp vs 180 hp).

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Forester

The 2026 Subaru Forester wins easily for families needing space, offering substantially more cargo capacity at 29.6 cu ft compared to the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-30

The CX-30 is predicted to feel sportier, evidenced by its higher torque output of 186 lb-ft and its slightly smaller, more maneuverable dimensions (173.0 inches long).

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 presents better immediate value by saving buyers $4,800 on the initial purchase price while matching the Forester's 29 combined MPG rating.

Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...

You are prioritizing cost savings, as the $25,195 MSRP is $4,800 less than the Forester.
You prefer the feel of a traditional geared automatic, as the CX-30 uses a 6-speed unit instead of a CVT.
You value a slightly higher power output of 191 hp for zippier highway merging.

Choose the Subaru Forester if...

Maximum utility is essential, given the Forester provides a cavernous 29.6 cu ft of cargo room.
You want a taller, more commanding presence, as the Forester is notably taller at 68.1 inches.
You frequently carry passengers, as the longer 183.3-inch frame suggests a roomier back seat area.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-30	Subaru Forester
Length	173.0"	183.3"
Width	70.7"	72.0"
Height	61.7"	68.1"
Wheelbase	104.4"	105.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	—
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	191 hp @ 6000 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/33 MPG	26/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	330.2/419.1 mi.	431.6/547.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	12.7 gal.	16.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Push Button Start	✓	—
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Infotainment Display	8.8 in	7.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	4
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	4	1
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Front Head Room	38.1 in.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	43.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	57.7 in.
Front Hip Room	54.6 in.	54.7 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Rear Head Room	38.3 in.	39.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.3 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	56.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.2 in.	53.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	16 x 6.5 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	215/65R16	225/60R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Front Suspension Type	Independent	—
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	—	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-30 and 2026 Subaru Forester.

Is there a significant difference in fuel economy between the 2025 CX-30 and the 2026 Forester?

No, surprisingly, they are identical on paper for efficiency. Both vehicles list a combined MPG rating of 29, with the same 26 city/33 highway figures on regular unleaded fuel.

Which car is better if I need to haul gear frequently?

The 2026 Subaru Forester is the clear winner for cargo hauling. It offers 29.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is nearly 9.4 cu ft more space than the Mazda CX-30's 20.2 cu ft.

Does the difference in horsepower translate to a much faster drive?

The Mazda CX-30 has a small advantage with 191 hp versus the Forester's 180 hp, alongside slightly higher torque at 186 lb-ft versus 178 lb-ft. This suggests the lighter CX-30 will feel marginally quicker off the line.

How do these two AWD crossovers differ in price?

The price gap is substantial. The 2025 Mazda CX-30 starts at $25,195 MSRP, making it $4,800 cheaper than the starting MSRP of $29,995 for the 2026 Subaru Forester.

What is the difference in exterior size for parking and maneuvering?

The CX-30 is significantly more compact; it is about 10 inches shorter in length (173.0 inches vs. 183.3 inches) and narrower (70.7 inches vs. 72.0 inches), which often aids in tight city parking situations.

Are both vehicles using the same type of automatic transmission?

No, they employ different technology; the CX-30 utilizes a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic, whereas the Forester comes equipped with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).