2026 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2026 Subaru Forester

Both make all-wheel drive standard, but the redesigned CX-5 launches with one five-trim gas range while the Forester spans gas, hybrid and Wilderness configurations. This comparison weighs standard AWD, powertrains, trim structure, capability exception, using each vehicle's own verified manufacturer and EPA-sourced facts instead of a single averaged rating. The CX-5 carries 5 mapped trim positions and 3 linked sources; the Forester carries 6 and 4, so either side can be verified against its own primary record instead of taken on this page's summary alone. Configuration, not badge name, decides which one actually fits. Check the exact trim and powertrain before treating either vehicle's specification as settled.

Checked Aug. 17, 2026United States specifications7 linked sources

Decision fieldMazda CX-5Subaru Forester

Power187 hp180 / 194 hp

DrivetrainAWDStandard AWD

Trim map5 published positions6 published positions

Seating55

Powertrain contextEngine: 2.5L I-4 · Output: 187 hpEngine: 2.5L boxer (gas) / hybrid system · Gas output: 180 hp

Towing contextVerify exact configurationMost Forester trims are rated for 1,500 pounds; Forester Wilderness is rated for 3,500 pounds.

Ranges and maximums describe family-level possibilities. Open each vehicle record before treating a number or feature as applicable to a particular trim.

What separates them

Four decisions that change the answer.

This comparison does not force a universal winner. It identifies the configuration question that matters for each use case.

Standard AWD

Mazda i-ACTIV AWD and Subaru Symmetrical AWD are standard across the compared 2026 lineups.

Powertrains

CX-5 launches with a 187-hp 2.5-liter engine. Forester offers 180-hp gas and estimated 194-hp hybrid configurations.

Trim structure

CX-5 maps five progressive trims. Forester lists ten gas/hybrid trims including a capability-distinct Wilderness.

Capability exception

Forester Wilderness raises towing to 3,500 pounds while most Foresters are listed at 1,500; verify CX-5 towing separately before comparing.

Side-by-side matrix

The published fields that can change the decision.

Mazda CX-5: 1 records · Subaru Forester: 4 records.

Decision field	Mazda CX-5	Subaru Forester
Exact EPA records	1	4
Model / option labels	1	4
Drive layouts	4-Wheel Drive	All-Wheel Drive
Engines / propulsion	2.5L 4-cyl SIDI	2.5L 4-cyl SIDI, 2.5L 4-cyl SIDI; Hybrid
Transmissions	Automatic (S6)	Automatic (AV-S6), Automatic (AV-S8)
Fuel types	Regular	Regular
EPA classes	Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD	Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Combined efficiency	26 MPG/MPGe	26–35 MPG/MPGe
Electric range	Not listed	Not listed
Annual fuel / energy estimate	$2500 per year	$1850–2500 per year

Head to head

Mazda CX-5 vs. Subaru Forester: size, power, capability and price.

Measure	Mazda CX-5	Subaru Forester
Starting price (KBB base)	$31,485	$31,445
Top trim price (KBB base)	$40,485	$43,045
Horsepower	187 hp	180 hp
Torque	186 lb-ft	178 lb-ft
0 to 60 mph	9.6 sec	n/a
Curb weight	3,856 lb	3,510-3,675 lb
Length	184.6 in	182.9-183.3 in
Wheelbase	110.8 in	104.9-105.1 in
Cargo volume	66.5 cu ft	69.1-74.4 cu ft
Towing capacity	1,500 lb	3,500 lb
Seating	5 seats	5 seats
Basic warranty	3 years	3 years

Figures are ranges across each model’s trims from Kelley Blue Book records (2026 model year); prices are KBB base prices.

The Subaru Forester starts $40 lower: $31,445 against $31,485 before options and fees.
On peak horsepower, the Mazda CX-5 leads: 187 hp against 180 hp.
On peak torque, the Mazda CX-5 leads: 186 lb-ft against 178 lb-ft.
The Subaru Forester is lighter, comparing lightest trims: 3,510 lb against 3,856 lb.
On length, the Mazda CX-5 leads: 184.6 in against 183.3 in.
On wheelbase, the Mazda CX-5 leads: 110.8 in against 105.1 in.
On cargo volume, the Subaru Forester leads: 74.4 cu ft against 66.5 cu ft.
On maximum towing capacity, the Subaru Forester leads: 3,500 lb against 1,500 lb.
Both list the same seating capacity: 5 seats.
Both list the same basic warranty: 3 years.

Background on each vehicle

What public sources say about the Mazda CX-5 and the Subaru Forester.

2026 Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover SUV produced by Mazda since 2012, a successor to both the Tribute and the slightly larger CX-7. It is Mazda's first model to feature the "Kodo" design language and the first model to be fully developed with a range of technologies branded as Skyactiv, including a rigid, lightweight platform combined with a series of engines and transmissions to reduce emissions and fuel consumption.

Source: Mazda CX-5 (Wikipedia)

NHTSA rated the 2025 Mazda CX-5 overall 5 of 5 stars, front crash 5 of 5 stars, side crash 5 of 5 stars, rollover 4 of 5 stars.

Owners filed 14 complaints with NHTSA for the 2026 Mazda CX-5, most often about unknown or other (6), electrical system (5), visibility/wiper (3).

2026 Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester is a compact crossover SUV that has been manufactured by Subaru since 1997. The first generation was built on the platform of the Impreza in the style of a taller station wagon, a style that continued to the second generation, while the third-generation model onwards moved towards a crossover SUV design. A performance model was available for the second-generation Forester in Japan as the Forester STi.

Awards: Car and Driver's 5Best Trucks 2004, 2005, 2006 Winner of Wheels Gold star cars award for best compact SUV 2008 Winner of Motor Trend magazine's Sport/Utility of the Year Award in 2009 Best Small Utility in MotorWeek's 2009 Driver's Choice Awards Winner of Motor Trend Magazine's SUV of the Year Award in 2014 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick+ Subaru Forester Claims Top Honours as AJAC's 2017 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year Winner of New Zealand Motoring Writers Guild Car of the Year Award in 2018

Source: Subaru Forester (Wikipedia)

Safety. MY03-04 Models has a 4-Star ANCAP safety rating. MY05 Forester Model had a mid-life update, which increased its ANCAP safety rating to 5 Stars. In 2006, the turbocharged engine (powering the Forester XT) was awarded International Engine of the Year.

Engines. The fifth-generation Forester was presented on March 28, 2018, at the New York International Auto Show. Like contemporary Subaru models, the fifth-generation model moved the Forester to the Subaru Global Platform. The new platform is said to provide greater handling capability, agility, ride comfort and crash protection.

NHTSA rated the 2025 Subaru Forester overall 5 of 5 stars, front crash 5 of 5 stars, side crash 5 of 5 stars, rollover 4 of 5 stars.

Recent recalls (7 campaigns across the latest model years)

July 2026, Equipment:Other:Labels. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025-2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 2019-2026 Ascent vehicles. These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply… Consequence: An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
May 2026, Visibility:Sun/Moon Roof Assembly. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Forester and Forester Hybrid vehicles. The sliding glass panel of the power moonroof assembly may have been improperly bonded to the sliding frame, allowing the glass panel to detach from the vehicle. Consequence: A detached glass panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
December 2025, Structure:Body:Hatchback/Liftgate:Hinge And Attachments. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Forester vehicles. These vehicles may have been manufactured with an incorrect and/or incorrectly oriented rear hatch support bracket which can detach without prior warning. Consequence: A rear hatch support bracket that detaches can allow the rear hatch to fall unexpectedly during use and increase the risk of injury.

Owners filed 93 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 Subaru Forester, most often about unknown or other (19), fuel/propulsion system (13), visibility/wiper (13).

Comparison answer desk

12 answers for this exact pairing.

Q01Which is more efficient: the 2026 Mazda CX-5 or the 2026 Subaru Forester?

Efficiency

The 2026 Subaru Forester lists the higher combined-efficiency midpoint in this snapshot (30.5 vs. the 2026 Mazda CX-5's 26 MPG/MPGe).