2026 Mazda CX-50 vs 2026 Subaru Crosstrek

$29,900 · Crossover

$26,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2026 Mazda CX-50 and the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is size, with the CX-50 measuring 185.8 inches long compared to the Crosstrek’s 176.4 inches, offering substantially more interior volume. This larger footprint in the CX-50 correlates with a 11.5 cubic feet advantage in cargo capacity (31.4 cu ft vs. 19.9 cu ft). Performance metrics show the CX-50 holding a slight edge with 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque against the Crosstrek’s 180 hp and 178 lb-ft. However, the smaller Crosstrek redeems itself on efficiency, achieving a combined 29 MPG versus the CX-50’s 26 MPG. The price difference is also notable; the Crosstrek has an MSRP of $26,995, undercutting the CX-50's $29,900 entry price by nearly $3,000, demanding a trade-off between size/power and cost/fuel economy.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Crosstrek

The Subaru Crosstrek wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 29 MPG compared to the CX-50’s 26 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 is the preferred choice for families because its 31.4 cu ft cargo capacity vastly outpaces the Crosstrek's 19.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-50

Enthusiasts will favor the Mazda CX-50 as it delivers 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque, marginally better than the Crosstrek's 180 hp and 178 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Crosstrek

The Subaru Crosstrek offers better foundational value, starting at $26,995 while also providing better long-term savings via superior fuel efficiency.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

You frequently haul cargo, utilizing the CX-50's 31.4 cu ft capacity.
You prioritize marginally higher power output with 187 horsepower available.
The exterior footprint and presence of the larger 185.8-inch length are desirable.

Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if...

Maximizing fuel efficiency is key, leveraging the Crosstrek's 29 MPG combined rating.
A lower initial purchase price is paramount, as the MSRP is $2,905 less than the CX-50.
You prefer a slightly more maneuverable vehicle based on its smaller exterior dimensions (176.4 inches in length).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-50	Subaru Crosstrek
Length	185.8"	176.4"
Width	75.6"	70.9"
Height	63.5"	62.8"
Wheelbase	110.8"	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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
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	187 hp @ 6000 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	185 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	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

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
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/30 MPG	26/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	381.6/477.0 mi.	431.6/547.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Infotainment Display	10.3 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	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

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

Rearseats

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

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
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	P225/65R17	P225/60R17
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-50 and 2026 Subaru Crosstrek.

Which crossover is more fuel-efficient for highway driving?

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is significantly more efficient on the highway, achieving 33 MPG compared to the Mazda CX-50’s 30 MPG. This difference compounds over long-distance commuting.

How much larger is the cargo area in the CX-50?

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 offers substantially more storage, boasting 31.4 cubic feet of space, which is 11.5 cubic feet greater than the 19.9 cubic feet available in the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek.

Do both vehicles use premium fuel?

No, based on the specifications provided, both the Mazda CX-50 and the Subaru Crosstrek utilize regular unleaded fuel, simplifying long-term operating costs for owners of either vehicle.

Is there a performance advantage between the base models?

Yes, the CX-50 holds a slight measurable advantage, offering 7 more horsepower (187 hp vs. 180 hp) and 7 more lb-ft of torque (185 vs. 178) than the Crosstrek.

What is the main powertrain difference affecting the driving feel?

The CX-50 employs a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas the Crosstrek utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), which will result in a different power delivery characteristic under hard acceleration.

How do the sizes compare for parking and garage fitment?

The Subaru Crosstrek is the physically smaller vehicle overall; it is nearly 9.4 inches shorter in length and slightly narrower and shorter in height than the Mazda CX-50.