2025 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2026 Mazda CX-50

$26,560 · Crossover

$29,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek brings rugged reliability with its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and superior efficiency, boasting a 29 MPG combined rating. Its compact footprint (176.4 inches long) makes city navigation a breeze. Contrast this with the spirited 2026 Mazda CX-50, which injects excitement with 187 horsepower, significantly outpacing the Crosstrek's 152 hp, backed by 185 lb-ft of torque. While the Mazda delivers superior grunt, it drinks slightly more fuel at 26 MPG combined. The CX-50 also offers massive utility, dwarfing the Crosstrek with 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Subaru's 19.9 cu ft. Though the Mazda commands a $3,340 higher starting price at $29,900 versus $26,560, its performance edge and utility might justify the premium for some drivers seeking more dynamic engagement.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Subaru Crosstrek

The Crosstrek wins for commuters due to its higher combined MPG of 29 and excellent city efficiency of 27 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-50

The CX-50 provides significantly more room, offering 31.4 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Crosstrek's 19.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 appeals more to enthusiasts with its powerful 187 hp engine and traditional 6-speed automatic transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru Crosstrek

The Crosstrek offers better pure value by delivering standard AWD and efficiency for $3,340 less than the competition.

Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if...

You prioritize saving on fuel costs, leveraging the Crosstrek's 34 MPG highway rating.
Your budget is tight, as the Crosstrek starts at a lower MSRP of $26,560.
You prefer navigating tight urban spaces, benefiting from the Crosstrek's smaller 176.4-inch length.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

You demand engaging performance, thanks to the CX-50's 187 horsepower output.
Maximum utility is crucial, where the CX-50 offers a massive 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space.
You prefer the controlled shifting feel of a 6-speed automatic transmission over a CVT.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru Crosstrek	Mazda CX-50
Length	176.4"	185.8"
Width	70.9"	75.6"
Height	62.8"	63.5"
Wheelbase	105.1"	110.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	flat 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	152 hp @ 6000 rpm	187 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	145 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	185 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	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

Drive Train

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

Fuel

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	27/34 MPG	24/30 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	448.2/564.4 mi.	381.6/477.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	16.6 gal.	15.9 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
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	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Push Button Start	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
Infotainment Display	7.0 in	10.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	4	8
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Length	4 months	—

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
Front Head Room	39.8 in.	39.1 in.
Front Leg Room	42.9 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.8 in.	55.9 in.
Front Hip Room	55.1 in.	53.6 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: Leatherette	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.5 in.	39.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.3 in.	53.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.2 in.	52.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
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	P225/60R17	P225/65R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
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 Subaru Crosstrek and 2026 Mazda CX-50.

How much more powerful is the Mazda CX-50 than the Subaru Crosstrek?

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 boasts 187 horsepower, which is a notable 35 hp advantage over the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek's 152 hp output. This extra power is also paired with substantially more torque, 185 lb-ft versus the Subaru's 145 lb-ft.

Is the fuel economy difference significant between these two AWD crossovers?

Yes, the Subaru Crosstrek is considerably more frugal, achieving 29 MPG combined from its regular unleaded engine. The Mazda CX-50 trails slightly at 26 MPG combined, reflecting the performance trade-off for its extra power.

Which vehicle is better equipped for hauling luggage or gear?

The Mazda CX-50 is the clear winner for cargo capacity, providing a generous 31.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The Crosstrek is much tighter, offering only 19.9 cubic feet of space in the rear.

What is the price difference at the entry level?

The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek has a lower entry price of $26,560, whereas the 2026 Mazda CX-50 starts at $29,900. This results in a $3,340 initial cost savings if choosing the Subaru.

Do both vehicles utilize the same type of automatic transmission?

No, they employ different systems: the Subaru Crosstrek uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), while the Mazda CX-50 features a more conventional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Are either of these vehicles large or difficult to park?

The Subaru Crosstrek is the physically smaller vehicle in nearly every dimension, measuring 176.4 inches long and 70.9 inches wide. The CX-50 is substantially larger, particularly in width at 75.6 inches.