2025 Mazda CX-5 vs 2026 Subaru Impreza
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 commands attention with its sharp styling and superior muscle, boasting 187 hp, making the drive decidedly more spirited than the efficiency-focused 2026 Subaru Impreza, which produces 152 hp. While the Mazda asks for a slightly higher initial investment at $28,770 compared to the Impreza's $26,595, it settles for 25 combined MPG, whereas the Impreza wagon excels here, achieving 29 combined MPG, giving it a 4 MPG advantage. The CX-5 offers more utility for hauling gear, with 30.8 cu ft of cargo space versus the Impreza's 20.4 cu ft. Both utilize standard All-Wheel Drive, yet the Mazda’s larger footprint (180.1 inches long) lends it a commanding presence. Enthusiasts will gravitate toward the Mazda's extra 35 horsepower, while budget-conscious buyers appreciate the Impreza’s lower entry price and better fuel economy for daily commutes.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Subaru Impreza
The 2026 Subaru Impreza wins for commuters due to its superior 29 combined MPG efficiency rating.
2025 Mazda CX-5
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 is better for families because it provides significantly more cargo capacity at 30.8 cu ft.
2025 Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 excites driving enthusiasts with its higher output of 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza offers better overall value with a lower MSRP of $26,595 and better fuel economy.
Choose the Mazda CX-5 if...
- You prioritize a more powerful driving experience, benefiting from 187 hp versus the Impreza's 152 hp.
- You need maximum utility, as the CX-5 offers 30.8 cu ft of cargo space.
- You prefer the feel of a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
Choose the Subaru Impreza if...
- Maximizing fuel range is critical, highlighted by the Impreza's 33 highway MPG.
- You are aiming for the lowest initial purchase price, starting at just $26,595.
- You prefer a smaller, more nimble vehicle, with the Impreza measuring 176.2 inches in length.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-5 | Subaru Impreza |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 180.1" | 176.2" |
| Width | 72.6" | 70.1" |
| Height | 66.1" | 58.3" |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| 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 |
Fuel
| Feature | Mazda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/29 MPG | 27/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.9/443.7 mi. | 448.2/547.8 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 | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mazda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.3 in | 11.6 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Memory Card Slot | ✓ | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mazda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| 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 |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
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 | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mazda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P225/65R17 | 225/40R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
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 Impreza.
How does the power difference impact real-world driving between the two models?
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 has a substantial 35 hp advantage, meaning it will accelerate more assertively, particularly when merging or passing. The 187 hp in the CX-5 contrasts sharply with the Impreza's 152 hp, which is tuned more conservatively for efficiency.
Is the fuel economy trade-off worth it for the Mazda CX-5?
The trade-off is notable: the Impreza achieves 29 combined MPG, while the CX-5 manages only 25 combined MPG. If saving money on gas is paramount, the Impreza's 4 MPG lead across city and highway driving makes it the superior choice.
Which vehicle provides more space for luggage or gear?
The Mazda CX-5 is the clear winner for cargo hauling, offering 30.8 cu ft behind the rear seats. The Subaru Impreza wagon provides 20.4 cu ft, making the CX-5 better equipped for larger gear hauls.
What is the main implication of the different transmissions?
The CX-5 uses a traditional 6-speed automatic, often favored by drivers who prefer distinct shift points and mechanical feedback. Conversely, the Impreza features a CVT, which is engineered to keep the engine operating at its most efficient RPM range, contributing to its better MPG figures.
Given both have AWD, does one offer superior traction in bad weather?
Both vehicles come standard with All-Wheel Drive, ensuring good capability. However, the CX-5 is slightly wider (72.6 inches vs 70.1 inches) and taller, potentially offering a more planted feel, while both use regular unleaded fuel.
If I want the most affordable entry point, which crossover/wagon should I consider?
The 2026 Subaru Impreza is the more budget-friendly option, starting at $26,595 compared to the Mazda CX-5's MSRP of $28,770. This $2,175 difference upfront is significant for entry-level buyers.
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