2026 Mazda CX-50 vs 2026 Subaru Forester

$29,900 · Crossover

$29,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 ignites the senses with its sporty stance, boasting 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque, suggesting a more engaging drive than its rival. In contrast, the 2026 Subaru Forester emphasizes rugged utility, towering at 68.1 inches in height and offering superior fuel economy at 29 MPG combined. The CX-50 holds a slight performance edge with its 187 hp output versus the Forester's 180 hp, but the Forester claws back efficiency points, netting 3 MPG better overall. Size-wise, the CX-50 is wider at 75.6 inches, while the Forester provides marginally more vertical space. Priced almost identically at $29,900 (CX-50) and $29,995 (Forester), the choice boils down to whether one prioritizes Mazda's slick 6-speed automatic transmission and sharper design or Subaru's exceptional city mileage of 26 MPG and imposing height.

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 combined fuel economy rating of 29 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 offers more available cargo space at 31.4 cubic feet compared to the Forester's 29.6 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 delivers superior output with 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque, promising a more spirited performance feel.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 is $95 cheaper while offering higher peak horsepower figures.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

You prefer the tactile connection of a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
You desire the slight performance advantage provided by 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque.
You need the slightly larger cargo area, maximizing utility with 31.4 cubic feet of space.

Choose the Subaru Forester if...

Maximizing fuel efficiency is paramount, as the Forester achieves 33 MPG on the highway.
You value a taller stance for better visibility and easier entry/exit (68.1 inches high).
You prefer the inherent efficiency tuning of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) in stop-and-go driving.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-50	Subaru Forester
Length	185.8"	183.3"
Width	75.6"	72.0"
Height	63.5"	68.1"
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	✓	✓
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	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

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	✓	—

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	1
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Front Head Room	39.1 in.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	43.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	57.7 in.
Front Hip Room	53.6 in.	54.7 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.	39.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.8 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	56.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.1 in.	53.7 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	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-50 and 2026 Subaru Forester.

Which crossover is better for pure highway efficiency?

The 2026 Subaru Forester takes the efficiency crown, achieving 33 MPG on the highway compared to the CX-50's 30 MPG highway rating. This difference of 3 MPG over the long haul will add up significantly for frequent road trippers.

How do the transmissions compare between these two AWD models?

The CX-50 uses a conventional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, which many drivers prefer for predictable shifting feel. Conversely, the Forester employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), which is optimized for smooth transitions and fuel economy maximization.

Does the CX-50 offer significantly more utility than the Forester?

The Mazda CX-50 offers marginally more utility with 31.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Forester's 29.6 cubic feet. While both are practical, the CX-50 carries about 1.8 cubic feet more gear behind the second row.

Which vehicle has the more potent engine?

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 is the more powerful option, putting out 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. The 2026 Subaru Forester trails slightly with 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, suggesting the Mazda will feel quicker off the line.

Are these vehicles similarly sized for city parking?

The Subaru Forester is noticeably narrower (72.0 inches vs. 75.6 inches for the CX-50) and shorter in length (183.3 inches vs. 185.8 inches). However, the Forester is significantly taller at 68.1 inches, which might affect clearance in tight garages.

Is there a significant price difference between the two base trims?

No, the pricing is extremely close for these base models; the 2026 Mazda CX-50 starts at $29,900, while the 2026 Subaru Forester is listed at $29,995, resulting in a negligible $95 difference.