2026 Mazda CX-50 vs 2026 Subaru Impreza

$29,900 · Crossover

$26,595 · Wagon

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2026 Mazda CX-50 and the 2026 Subaru Impreza is the $3,305 difference in Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the Impreza starting at $26,595 compared to the CX-50's $29,900. This pricing hierarchy reflects performance disparities; the CX-50 delivers 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque, substantially outperforming the Impreza's 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. However, the Impreza claims efficiency superiority, achieving 29 MPG combined versus the CX-50's 26 MPG combined. Furthermore, dimensionally, the CX-50 is larger, measuring 185.8 inches in length and offering 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space, whereas the smaller Impreza wagon provides 20.4 cubic feet. Both vehicles utilize standard all-wheel drive systems, although the CX-50 employs a 6-speed automatic, differing from the Impreza's CVT.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Impreza

The 2026 Subaru Impreza wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy of 29 MPG combined.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-50

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 is preferred for families as it offers 31.4 cu ft of cargo capacity, exceeding the Impreza's 20.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-50

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 is the choice for driving enthusiasts, boasting 187 horsepower against the Impreza's 152 horsepower.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Impreza

The 2026 Subaru Impreza provides better overall value starting at a lower MSRP of $26,595 while still offering standard AWD.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

Maximum passenger and cargo volume is required, with 31.4 cu ft available.
The driver prioritizes power, benefiting from 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque.
A preference exists for a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.

Choose the Subaru Impreza if...

Achieving the highest fuel efficiency of 29 MPG combined is the primary goal.
The lowest initial purchase price, starting at $26,595, is critical.
A smaller exterior footprint (176.2 inches long) is advantageous for city parking.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-50	Subaru Impreza
Length	185.8"	176.2"
Width	75.6"	70.1"
Height	63.5"	58.3"
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	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	187 hp @ 6000 rpm	152 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	185 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	145 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	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	27/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	381.6/477.0 mi.	448.2/547.8 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	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Infotainment Display	10.3 in	11.6 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
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: Premium 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	—
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P225/65R17	225/40R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

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 Impreza.

What is the primary difference in powertrain between the 2026 CX-50 and the 2026 Impreza?

The CX-50 offers a significantly more potent powertrain, generating 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the Impreza produces 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 35 hp deficit.

How do the fuel economy ratings compare for routine driving?

The Subaru Impreza is the more economical choice, achieving 29 MPG combined (27 city/33 highway). The Mazda CX-50 registers slightly lower efficiency at 26 MPG combined (24 city/30 highway).

Is the higher price of the CX-50 justified by greater utility?

The CX-50 costs $3,305 more but offers substantially more utility, providing 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Impreza's 20.4 cubic feet.

Are both vehicles equipped with All-Wheel Drive as standard?

Yes, both the 2026 Mazda CX-50 and the 2026 Subaru Impreza come standard with an all-wheel drive system, making them comparable in light bad-weather capability.

Which vehicle has a physically larger exterior footprint?

The CX-50 crossover is the physically larger vehicle, measuring 185.8 inches long and 75.6 inches wide. The Impreza wagon is more compact at 176.2 inches long and 70.1 inches wide.

Does the transmission type differ between the two models?

Yes, the CX-50 utilizes a conventional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission. The Impreza employs a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).