2025 Subaru Forester vs 2026 Mazda CX-30

$29,995 · Crossover

$25,975 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Subaru Forester enters the fray promising rugged dependability and elevated visibility with its substantial 68.1-inch height and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, making the 180 hp Forester a trusted companion. Contrast that with the 2026 Mazda CX-30, which captivates with a tauter stance and spirited performance, boasting slightly more output with 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque from its Skyactiv powertrain. While the CX-30 sacrifices utility, offering only 20.2 cu ft of cargo space, the Forester provides a cavernous 29.6 cu ft. The CX-30 aims for agility with its smaller footprint (173.0 inches long) and a slick 6-speed automatic, whereas the Forester prioritizes efficiency, achieving 29 MPG combined versus the CX-30's 27 MPG combined. Crucially, the CX-30 starts $4,020 cheaper at $25,975, challenging the Forester’s established utility at the base MSRP of $29,995.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Subaru Forester

The 2025 Subaru Forester wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 29 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Forester

The Forester offers significantly more usable space with a cargo capacity of 29.6 cu ft compared to the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-30

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 delivers a more engaging drive with slightly higher output of 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 holds the value crown by offering comparable AWD capability at a $4,020 lower starting MSRP.

Choose the Subaru Forester if...

You prioritize maximizing cargo volume, as the Forester offers an impressive 29.6 cu ft.
All-weather confidence and superior ground clearance due to its taller 68.1-inch height are essential.
You need the best fuel economy, achieving a 29 MPG combined rating on regular unleaded.

Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...

Sticking to a tighter budget is paramount, as the CX-30 starts $4,020 less expensive.
You prefer a more dynamic transmission experience delivered by the 6-speed shiftable automatic.
A slightly more energetic performance punch with 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque appeals to you.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru Forester	Mazda CX-30
Length	183.3"	173.0"
Width	72.0"	70.7"
Height	68.1"	61.4"
Wheelbase	105.1"	104.4"

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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	flat 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	180 hp @ 5800 rpm	186 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	178 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm	186 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	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	—

Fuel

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/33 MPG	24/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	431.6/547.8 mi.	304.8/393.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	16.6 gal.	12.7 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	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Push Button Start	—	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
Infotainment Display	7.0 in	8.8 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	1	4
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
Front Head Room	41.2 in.	38.1 in.
Front Leg Room	43.3 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	55.6 in.
Front Hip Room	54.7 in.	54.6 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

Rearseats

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
Rear Head Room	39.6 in.	38.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.4 in.	36.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.7 in.	53.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.7 in.	53.2 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	16 x 6.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/60R H	215/65R16
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 Forester and 2026 Mazda CX-30.

How much bigger is the Subaru Forester's cargo area than the Mazda CX-30's?

The 2025 Subaru Forester boasts a substantial 29.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is significantly larger than the 2026 Mazda CX-30's 20.2 cubic feet.

Which vehicle is cheaper to purchase initially?

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 has a notable advantage in base pricing, starting at $25,975, making it $4,020 less expensive than the 2025 Subaru Forester's $29,995 MSRP.

Does the higher horsepower in the CX-30 translate to better efficiency?

No, despite the CX-30 having 186 hp compared to the Forester's 180 hp, the lighter Forester achieves a better combined MPG rating of 29 compared to the CX-30’s 27 MPG.

What are the key differences in the drivetrain specifications?

Both vehicles feature All-Wheel Drive, but the Forester uses a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission, whereas the CX-30 employs a 6-speed shiftable automatic.

Is the Forester noticeably larger or bulkier on the road?

Yes, the Forester is longer at 183.3 inches versus the CX-30's 173.0 inches, and it is considerably taller, measuring 68.1 inches high compared to the CX-30's 61.4 inches.