2026 Mazda CX-30 vs 2026 Subaru Forester

$25,975 · Crossover

$29,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant initial divergence between the 2026 Mazda CX-30 and the 2026 Subaru Forester is the $4,020 difference in MSRP, positioning the CX-30 at $25,975 versus the Forester's $29,995. Performance metrics show the CX-30 delivering higher output with 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque compared to the Forester's 180 hp and 178 lb-ft. However, the Forester compensates with superior utility, offering 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity—a 9.4 cu ft advantage over the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft. Fuel economy also favors the Subaru, achieving a 29 MPG combined rating versus the Mazda's 27 MPG combined. In terms of footprint, the Forester is substantially larger across the board, being 10.3 inches longer at 183.3 inches and 6.7 inches taller at 68.1 inches, while both utilize standard all-wheel drive systems.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Forester

The 2026 Subaru Forester wins for commuters due to its superior 29 MPG combined fuel economy versus the CX-30's 27 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Forester

The Forester clearly caters to families with its significantly larger 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-30

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 appeals more to driving enthusiasts by producing higher output with 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 provides greater engine performance and a lower initial cost, making it the better overall value proposition at $25,975.

Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...

The initial purchase price must remain below $26,000, as the MSRP is $25,975.
Higher peak engine performance is desired, with 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque available.
A smaller external footprint is necessary, with a length of only 173.0 inches.

Choose the Subaru Forester if...

Maximum cargo volume is critical, given the Forester's class-leading 29.6 cu ft capacity.
Superior fuel efficiency is a priority, boasting 29 MPG combined versus 27 MPG.
A taller, more spacious cabin is needed, evidenced by its 68.1-inch height.

Key Dimensions

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

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	—
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear 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 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	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	186 hp @ 6000 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 3700 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

Fuel

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

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Infotainment Display	8.8 in	7.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	4
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	4	1
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Front Head Room	38.1 in.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	43.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	57.7 in.
Front Hip Room	54.6 in.	54.7 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	Mazda	Subaru
Rear Head Room	38.3 in.	39.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.3 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	56.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.2 in.	53.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	16 x 6.5 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	215/65R16	225/60R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Front Suspension Type	Independent	—
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
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 2026 Mazda CX-30 and 2026 Subaru Forester.

How much more cargo space does the Forester offer than the CX-30?

The 2026 Subaru Forester offers a substantial advantage in utility, providing 29.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. This is nearly 9.4 cu ft more than the 2026 Mazda CX-30's 20.2 cu ft measurement.

Which vehicle delivers superior fuel economy for daily driving?

The 2026 Subaru Forester is more economical, achieving a combined 29 MPG rating (26 city/33 highway). The CX-30 trails slightly with a combined rating of 27 MPG (24 city/31 highway).

Is there a significant performance difference between the two crossovers?

Yes, the Mazda CX-30 slightly edges out the Forester in raw output, generating 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque compared to the Forester's 180 hp and 178 lb-ft.

What is the MSRP gap between the base models?

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 is priced significantly lower at $25,975. The 2026 Subaru Forester carries an MSRP of $29,995, establishing a $4,020 price differential.

Are both crossovers equipped with AWD and what transmissions do they use?

Both models come standard with all-wheel drive. The CX-30 utilizes a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas the Forester employs a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.

How do the physical dimensions compare for parking and maneuvering?

The CX-30 is the more compact vehicle overall, measuring 173.0 inches long and 61.4 inches high. The Forester is longer at 183.3 inches and considerably taller at 68.1 inches.