2025 Mazda CX-5 vs 2026 Subaru Crosstrek

$28,770 · Crossover

$26,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant divergence between the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek (car2) and the 2025 Mazda CX-5 (car1) is fuel economy, with the Crosstrek achieving 29 MPG combined compared to the CX-5's 25 MPG combined—a 4 MPG advantage. Priced at $26,995 MSRP, the Crosstrek undercuts the CX-5's $28,770 starting price. Performance metrics are tight, though the CX-5 offers a 187 hp engine producing 186 lb-ft of torque, slightly exceeding the Crosstrek's 180 hp and 178 lb-ft. Dimensions reveal the CX-5 is substantially larger, measuring 180.1 inches long versus the Crosstrek's 176.4 inches. This size difference translates directly to cargo volume, where the CX-5 leads significantly with 30.8 cu ft available compared to the Crosstrek's 19.9 cu ft, despite both employing AWD systems.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Crosstrek

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 29 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mazda CX-5

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 is better for families because it offers substantially more cargo capacity at 30.8 cu ft versus 19.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-5

The CX-5 appeals more to enthusiasts by providing greater output with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Crosstrek

The Subaru Crosstrek delivers better immediate value by offering a lower MSRP of $26,995 compared to the Mazda's $28,770.

Choose the Mazda CX-5 if...

You require maximum storage space, benefiting from 30.8 cubic feet of cargo room.
You prefer the traditional feel and responsiveness of a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
You want slightly higher peak output from the engine, registering 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque.

Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if...

Minimizing fuel stops is critical, utilizing the 29 MPG combined rating.
Achieving the lowest initial purchase price is the priority, starting at $26,995 MSRP.
You prefer a smaller exterior footprint, with the Crosstrek being 176.4 inches long versus the CX-5's 180.1 inches.

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	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
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	187 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	✓	✓

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	26/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.9/443.7 mi.	431.6/547.8 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	✓	—
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
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	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

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 2026 Subaru Crosstrek.

How much difference is there in fuel efficiency between the two crossovers?

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek achieves a 29 MPG combined rating, outperforming the 2025 Mazda CX-5's 25 MPG combined rating. This 4 MPG difference means the Crosstrek saves on regular unleaded fuel over the long term.

Which vehicle offers superior interior utility for hauling gear?

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 is the clear leader in cargo utility, offering 30.8 cubic feet of capacity. The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek provides significantly less space at 19.9 cubic feet.

What is the exact price gap between the base models?

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek has a base MSRP of $26,995, which is $1,775 less than the 2025 Mazda CX-5's starting price of $28,770.

Does the difference in horsepower translate to a significant driving difference?

The CX-5 holds a 7 hp advantage with 187 hp versus the Crosstrek's 180 hp, alongside a 8 lb-ft torque lead (186 vs 178). Both come standard with All-Wheel Drive.

Which vehicle uses a traditional automatic transmission?

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 is equipped with a conventional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission. Conversely, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).

Are the physical sizes of the two crossovers comparable?

No, the CX-5 is notably larger in every dimension, measuring 180.1 inches long and 66.1 inches high. The Crosstrek is more compact at 176.4 inches long and 62.8 inches high.