2025 Mazda CX-50 vs. 2025 Subaru Forester Review

Picture of the 2025 Mazda CX-50

2025 Mazda
CX-50

MSRP*: $30,300 to $43,300
See details & photos

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Picture of the 2025 Subaru Forester

2025 Subaru
Forester

MSRP*: $29,810 to $39,995
See details & photos

Find Your Best Price Today!

MPG - City 23 - 25 MPG 25 - 26 MPG
MPG - Hwy 29 - 31 MPG 32 - 33 MPG
Seating Capacity 5 seats 5 seats
Cargo Space 56.3 ft3 69.1 - 74.4 ft3
Engine
  • 187-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 227-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 180-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
Transmission Automatic Continuously Variable
Drivetrain All Wheel Drive All Wheel Drive
Horsepower 187 - 227 hp 180 hp
Towing Capacity 2,000 - 3,500 lbs 1,500 - 3,000 lbs
Exterior Length 185.8 in 182.7 - 183.3 in
Exterior Width 75.6 in 72.0 - 72.2 in
Leg Room Front 41.7 in
Rear 39.8 in
Front 43.3 in
Rear 39.4 in
Head Room Front 38.6 - 39.1 in
Rear 37.5 - 38.6 in
Front 40.0 - 41.2 in
Rear 37.6 - 39.6 in

*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.

Comparison Review

Comfort
The Mazda CX-50 offers rear passengers about the same room to stretch out as the Subaru Forester, with comparable head- and legroom. The Subaru Forester will be a hit with tall drivers and their front seat passengers, since it has greater front head- and legroom than the Mazda CX-50.

Convenience
You'll be making about the same number of stops at the gas station with the Mazda CX-50 as you will with the Subaru Forester, as they are both able to travel similar distances on a tank of gas.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The Mazda CX-50 is somewhat more expensive than the Subaru Forester.

Dimensions
Since the Mazda CX-50 is much wider than the Subaru Forester, finding a wide enough spot in a parking lot may be a bit more challenging. When looking at overall length, the Mazda CX-50 takes up about the same amount of space in your garage as the Subaru Forester.

Handling
The Mazda CX-50 has the same turning radius as the Subaru Forester, so they both maneuver the same in and out of tight spots.

Performance
When considering towing capacity, the Mazda CX-50 is clearly the choice over the Subaru Forester for pulling heavy loads. The Mazda CX-50 has a little more horsepower than the Subaru Forester.

Powertrain
With somewhat higher torque, the Mazda CX-50 transmits power to its wheels a bit more effectively than the Subaru Forester.

Utility
In terms of seating, you'll be able to fit about the same number of people in both the Mazda CX-50 and the Subaru Forester. The Mazda CX-50 has significantly less cargo capacity than the Subaru Forester.