2025 Subaru Impreza vs 2026 Mazda CX-50

$24,360 · Wagon

$29,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Subaru Impreza wagon excites with its utilitarian approach, offering robust standard All-Wheel Drive paired with an excellent 30 MPG combined rating, making frugality a priority. Conversely, the 2026 Mazda CX-50 targets a more spirited drive, boasting 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque, a significant leap over the Impreza’s 152 hp output. While the Impreza keeps things tidy at 176.2 inches long, the CX-50 offers considerably more space, translating to 31.4 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Impreza’s 20.4 cu ft. The CX-50 commands a $5,540 premium over the Impreza’s $24,360 base MSRP. This dynamic pits efficiency and affordability against superior power and utility, forcing buyers to weigh the 4 MPG combined difference against the Mazda’s raw performance advantage.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Subaru Impreza

The Subaru Impreza wins for commuters due to its superior 30 MPG combined fuel economy and lower running costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 is better for families by providing substantially more usable space with 31.4 cu ft of cargo capacity.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-50

Enthusiasts will prefer the Mazda CX-50 for its robust 187 hp engine and 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru Impreza

The Subaru Impreza provides exceptional standard AWD capability at a $5,540 lower MSRP.

Choose the Subaru Impreza if...

You prioritize maximizing fuel stops by targeting the Impreza's 34 MPG highway rating.
Your budget is strictly limited, as the Impreza starts $5,540 cheaper than the CX-50.
You prefer a lower, wagon profile (58.3 inches high) for easier access and potentially lower drag.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

You require nearly 50% more storage, utilizing the CX-50's impressive 31.4 cu ft of cargo space.
You desire significantly better acceleration provided by the CX-50's 187 hp output.
You want a more engaging shift experience from the Mazda's 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru Impreza	Mazda CX-50
Length	176.2"	185.8"
Width	70.1"	75.6"
Height	58.3"	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	2.0 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	—

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)	30 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	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Push Button Start	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
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	2	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 Material	Steel	—
Wheel Cover Type	Full	—
Wheel Size	16 x 6.5 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	205/55R16	P225/65R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

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

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 Impreza and 2026 Mazda CX-50.

How much more powerful is the 2026 Mazda CX-50 compared to the 2025 Subaru Impreza?

The Mazda CX-50 holds a decisive advantage in power, generating 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque, which is 35 more horsepower than the Impreza’s 152 hp rating. This power difference will be immediately noticeable during highway merging or spirited acceleration.

Is the price difference between these two vehicles justified by the utility provided?

The CX-50 costs $5,540 more than the Impreza, but it counters with greater utility, offering 31.4 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Impreza's 20.4 cu ft. Whether the extra utility justifies the cost depends on individual packing needs.

Which vehicle is the clear choice for the daily city commuter focused on fuel economy?

The 2025 Subaru Impreza is the superior choice for efficiency, achieving 27 MPG in the city and a combined 30 MPG. The Mazda CX-50 trails significantly with only 24 city MPG and a combined 26 MPG.

Both vehicles have AWD; does the transmission type matter for on-road grip?

While both feature AWD, the driving dynamics differ; the Impreza uses a Continuously Variable Automatic Transmission (CVT), whereas the CX-50 utilizes a 6-speed shiftable automatic. The Mazda offers a more traditional, direct connection to the wheels for enthusiastic driving.

Are there significant dimensional differences that affect parking or garage storage?

Yes, the CX-50 is substantially larger, measuring 185.8 inches in length and 63.5 inches in height. The Impreza wagon is significantly more compact at 176.2 inches long and 58.3 inches high, potentially making it easier to maneuver and store.

Do either of these vehicles require premium gasoline?

Both the 2025 Subaru Impreza and the 2026 Mazda CX-50 are designed to run optimally on regular unleaded fuel, keeping long-term running costs predictable for both models.