2025 Subaru Forester vs 2026 Mazda CX-50
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the rugged reliability of the 2025 Subaru Forester and the slightly more stylish punch of the 2026 Mazda CX-50 near the $30,000 mark can be tough. If fuel economy is king, the Forester pulls ahead with a combined 29 MPG versus the CX-50’s 26 MPG, offering better running costs for daily errands. However, the CX-50 delivers a bit more pep, boasting 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque compared to the Forester’s 180 hp and 178 lb-ft. Space is also a close call: the CX-50 offers slightly more cargo room at 31.4 cu ft, although the Forester is notably taller at 68.1 inches, suggesting better headroom. For shoppers prioritizing proven all-weather stability and efficiency, the Forester holds a slight edge, but those wanting marginally more power and a bit more cargo width (despite being lower) will lean toward the CX-50, which is priced identically at $29,900 vs $29,995.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Subaru Forester
The 2025 Forester wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 29 MPG.
2026 Mazda CX-50
The CX-50 takes the family edge by offering 31.4 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Forester's 29.6 cu ft.
2026 Mazda CX-50
Enthusiasts will prefer the CX-50 for its slightly higher output of 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Subaru Forester
The Forester offers better overall efficiency (29 MPG combined) for almost the exact same starting MSRP of $29,995.
Choose the Subaru Forester if...
- You prioritize stretching fuel budgets, as the Forester delivers 29 MPG combined.
- You prefer a taller driving position, given the Forester's height of 68.1 inches.
- You want the proven symmetrical all-wheel drive system paired with a slightly more efficient CVT setup.
Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...
- You frequently haul large items, benefitting from the CX-50's greater 31.4 cu ft of cargo space.
- You want marginally more power from the engine, evidenced by its 187 horsepower rating.
- You prefer a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Forester | Mazda CX-50 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.3" | 185.8" |
| Width | 72.0" | 75.6" |
| Height | 68.1" | 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 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 | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 187 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft @ 3700 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 | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Subaru | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/33 MPG | 24/30 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 29 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 431.6/547.8 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 1 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.2 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.3 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.7 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 | 39.6 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.4 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.7 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.7 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 | 225/60R H | 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 Forester and 2026 Mazda CX-50.
Which crossover is better on gas for the daily drive?
The 2025 Subaru Forester is the clear winner for fuel efficiency, achieving 29 MPG combined (26 city/33 highway). The 2026 Mazda CX-50 trails slightly with a combined rating of 26 MPG.
How do these crossovers compare in terms of raw power?
The Mazda CX-50 has a slight performance advantage, delivering 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. The Forester offers 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, making the power difference minor but present.
Which vehicle has more space for luggage and gear?
The Mazda CX-50 technically offers more maximum cargo volume at 31.4 cubic feet, beating the Forester's 29.6 cubic feet. However, the Forester is significantly taller, which might benefit vertical storage.
Is there a significant price difference between the two models?
No, the prices are nearly identical for the base models compared here. The Forester starts at $29,995, while the CX-50 is listed slightly lower at $29,900.
Are there any notable differences in exterior size?
Yes, the CX-50 is longer (185.8 inches vs. 183.3 inches) and significantly wider (75.6 inches vs. 72.0 inches), though the Forester stands much taller at 68.1 inches.
Which one uses a traditional automatic transmission?
If you prefer avoiding a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), the 2026 Mazda CX-50 is the choice, as it comes standard with a 6-speed shiftable automatic.
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