2025 Mazda CX-5 vs 2025 Subaru Crosstrek

$28,770 · Crossover

$26,560 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 model year comparison between the Mazda CX-5 and the Subaru Crosstrek reveals distinct priorities, starting with a significant 4 MPG combined fuel economy advantage held by the Crosstrek (29 MPG combined vs. the CX-5's 25 MPG). This efficiency gain is paired with a lower entry MSRP for the Subaru at $26,560, compared to the CX-5's $28,770. However, the CX-5 compensates with superior power metrics, delivering 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, noticeably outperforming the Crosstrek's 152 hp and 145 lb-ft. Size differences also favor the Mazda, which is 3.7 inches longer and offers 10.9 cubic feet more cargo volume (30.8 cu ft vs. 19.9 cu ft). Both vehicles utilize All-Wheel Drive, but the CX-5 features a 6-speed automatic transmission against the Crosstrek's CVT, illustrating a powertrain performance trade-off against efficiency.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Subaru Crosstrek

The Subaru Crosstrek wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 29 MPG, leading to lower operational costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 is better suited for families because it offers substantially more cargo capacity at 30.8 cubic feet compared to the Crosstrek's 19.9 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-5

Enthusiasts will prefer the CX-5, which produces 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, significantly exceeding the Crosstrek's power output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru Crosstrek

The Subaru Crosstrek offers better value by starting at a lower MSRP of $26,560 while providing higher fuel efficiency.

Choose the Mazda CX-5 if...

Maximum power output is critical, as the CX-5 delivers 187 hp.
You require substantial storage space, evidenced by the 30.8 cu ft cargo capacity.
A traditional 6-speed automatic transmission is preferred over a CVT setup.

Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if...

Achieving the highest possible mileage is a priority, noted by its 29 MPG combined rating.
Budget constraints favor a lower initial investment, starting at $26,560.
A slightly smaller exterior footprint (176.4 inches in length) is beneficial for urban parking.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-5	Subaru Crosstrek
Length	180.1"	176.4"
Width	72.6"	70.9"
Height	66.1"	62.8"
Wheelbase	106.2"	105.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	—
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front 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 Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	187 hp @ 6000 rpm	152 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	145 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

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	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/29 MPG	27/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.9/443.7 mi.	448.2/564.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.3 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	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Air Conditioning	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Infotainment Display	10.3 in	7.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	4	4
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Memory Card Slot	✓	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	39.8 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	42.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.1 in.	56.8 in.
Front Hip Room	55.2 in.	55.1 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	39.0 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.6 in.	36.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	55.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.3 in.	53.2 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P225/65R17	P225/60R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
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-5 and 2025 Subaru Crosstrek.

Which vehicle provides better fuel economy for long highway commutes?

The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek is the clear winner for highway efficiency, boasting an estimated 34 MPG highway, substantially outperforming the Mazda CX-5's 29 MPG highway rating. This 5 MPG highway difference means fewer stops at the fuel pump over the course of a year.

Is the power difference between the CX-5 and the Crosstrek noticeable in daily driving?

Yes, the 35 horsepower gap is substantial; the CX-5 produces 187 hp against the Crosstrek's 152 hp. This extra power in the Mazda will result in quicker acceleration and easier merging maneuvers compared to the efficiency-focused Crosstrek.

Which crossover has a higher starting price?

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 has the higher starting MSRP at $28,770. The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek is priced lower, beginning at $26,560, establishing a $2,210 difference between the base models.

If I frequently haul gear, which vehicle offers more storage space?

The Mazda CX-5 is superior for cargo needs, offering 30.8 cubic feet of storage space. This provides an extra 10.9 cubic feet over the Subaru Crosstrek’s maximum capacity of 19.9 cubic feet.

Do both vehicles come standard with All-Wheel Drive?

Yes, both the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek are equipped with All-Wheel Drive capability. However, they employ different mechanical setups: the CX-5 uses a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the Crosstrek utilizes a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

How do the physical exterior dimensions compare?

The Mazda CX-5 is larger overall, measuring 180.1 inches in length and 72.6 inches in width. The Subaru Crosstrek is more compact at 176.4 inches long and 70.9 inches wide, which may translate to easier maneuverability in tight spaces.