2025 Mazda CX-5 vs 2026 Subaru Forester

$28,770 · Crossover

$29,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and the 2026 Subaru Forester lies in fuel economy, where the Forester achieves a 4 MPG advantage with a combined rating of 29 MPG versus the CX-5's 25 MPG. Performance metrics show the CX-5 leading slightly in power, delivering 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque compared to the Forester's 180 hp and 178 lb-ft. However, the Forester offers a more accommodating cabin footprint, boasting greater height at 68.1 inches versus the CX-5's 66.1 inches, although the CX-5 retains a minor edge in usable storage with 30.8 cu ft of cargo space to the Forester's 29.6 cu ft. Priced at $28,770, the CX-5 undercuts the Forester’s $29,995 MSRP, creating a clear trade-off between initial cost and long-term efficiency for prospective owners.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Forester

The 2026 Subaru Forester 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 based on its slightly larger 30.8 cu ft cargo capacity compared to 29.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-5

Enthusiasts will favor the CX-5, which provides higher peak output with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 offers a lower entry point at $28,770 compared to the Forester's $29,995 MSRP.

Choose the Mazda CX-5 if...

You prioritize the lowest possible Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) at $28,770.
You prefer greater power figures, specifically 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque.
You need maximum utility from the cargo area, which totals 30.8 cubic feet.

Choose the Subaru Forester if...

Maximizing fuel efficiency is key, given the 29 MPG combined rating.
You require a slightly taller vehicle, as the Forester stands 68.1 inches high.
You prefer the operational characteristics of a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) over a 6-speed automatic.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-5	Subaru Forester
Length	180.1"	183.3"
Width	72.6"	72.0"
Height	66.1"	68.1"
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	✓	✓
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	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

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	✓	—
Dual 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	1
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	43.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.1 in.	57.7 in.
Front Hip Room	55.2 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	39.0 in.	39.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.6 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	56.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.3 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	17 x 7.0 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P225/65R17	225/60R H
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 Forester.

Which crossover has the superior fuel efficiency rating?

The 2026 Subaru Forester provides better mileage, achieving 29 MPG combined (26 City/33 Highway). The 2025 Mazda CX-5 is rated lower at 25 MPG combined (23 City/29 Highway).

How do the initial purchase prices compare between the two models?

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 has a lower starting MSRP of $28,770. The 2026 Subaru Forester is priced slightly higher at $29,995.

Which vehicle offers better space for hauling cargo?

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 holds a slight advantage in pure volume, offering 30.8 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Forester's 29.6 cu ft.

Is there a noticeable difference in horsepower output?

Yes, the 2025 Mazda CX-5 is the more powerful vehicle, generating 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. The 2026 Subaru Forester produces 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.

Do both crossovers come standard with All-Wheel Drive?

Both the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and the 2026 Subaru Forester are specified here with standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) capability.

What transmission type does each vehicle utilize?

The Mazda CX-5 uses a conventional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission. Conversely, the Subaru Forester is equipped with a Continuously Variable-Speed Automatic Transmission.