2025 Subaru Forester vs. Mazda CX‑50: 5 Important Differences
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A battle of Japan's best
The compact SUV segment has never been more crowded, but two names consistently stand out for buyers who want a mix of everyday usability and weekend-ready capability: the Subaru Forester and the Mazda CX‑50.
Both crossovers offer standard all-wheel drive, similar footprints, and broad trim ranges, but they serve different kinds of drivers. Subaru targets the adventure crowd with functional features and long-standing reliability. Mazda pitches itself as a more refined, driver-focused option that blurs the line between mainstream and luxury. If you're weighing these two top contenders, here are five major differences between the 2025 Subaru Forester and Mazda CX‑50 that might make your decision easier.
1. Starting price and value positioning
The 2025 Subaru Forester comes in slightly under the Mazda CX‑50 when comparing base models. Subaru's entry-level Forester starts at $29,995, including standard all-wheel drive and a robust suite of safety features. That makes it one of the more affordable ways to get into a compact SUV with real all-weather capability. Mazda's gas-powered CX‑50 starts a bit higher, around $30,500, but the price difference flips when it comes to the new hybrid version.
2025 Subaru Forester —
Source: Subaru
The 2025 CX‑50 Hybrid starts at $33,970. It comes standard with all-wheel drive and Toyota-sourced hybrid tech, all for thousands less than the base hybrid trim from Subaru. The 2025 Forester Hybrid starts at $36,595 and is fitted with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine and a single electric motor. The Subaru slightly edges out Mazda on total range, but that may not be worth the additional costs.
For shoppers focused on up-front affordability, the Mazda is your best bet. But for drivers hoping for some Subaru-specific features, the Forester may justify its price.
2. Powertrain choices and fuel economy
Subaru keeps it simple with the 2025 Forester's sole powertrain: a 2.5-liter flat-four making 180 horsepower, mated to a continuously variable transmission and standard symmetrical all-wheel drive. It's not quick, but it's proven and efficient. EPA estimates sit at 26 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, which is respectable given the all-wheel drive and high ground clearance.
Mazda CX-50 —
Source: Mazda
The CX‑50, in contrast, offers more variety. Base models come with a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine producing 187 horsepower, while upper trims get a turbocharged version of the same engine that makes up to 256 horsepower on premium fuel. All CX‑50s also come with standard all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission. The base model earns around 25 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, while the more powerful turbo drops to 23/29 mpg.
The new 2025 Mazda CX‑50 Hybrid is the efficiency winner, using a Toyota-supplied 2.5-liter engine and three-motor hybrid system to produce 219 horsepower while achieving 38 mpg combined—a major step up from either gas model. Subaru's Forester manages a less impressive 34 mpg on the highway and 35 in the city.
3. Cargo space and everyday practicality
For hauling gear, dogs, or just a big grocery run, both of these crossovers offer strong utility—but the Forester takes the edge in maximum cargo space. With the rear seats up, the Subaru provides 29.6 cubic feet, which is slightly behind the CX‑50's 31.4 cubic feet. But once you fold the seats down, the Forester's boxier shape and flat floor pay dividends: it opens up a generous 74.4 cubic feet of space, compared to the Mazda's 56.3 cubic feet.
2025 Subaru Forester
That makes the Forester a better choice for people who regularly carry bulky items or want the flexibility of a near-wagon-sized interior. It also includes thoughtful touches like wide rear doors, a low cargo floor, and an available hands-free power liftgate—something the CX‑50 lacks entirely.
Mazda, for its part, emphasizes lifestyle versatility more than raw volume. The CX‑50 is aimed at buyers with active hobbies, and its roof rails and reinforced body structure make it more accommodating to roof tents and gear racks. Still, for pure cargo capacity, the Subaru wins.
4. Driving feel and towing ability
Mazda has worked hard to differentiate the CX‑50 from the typical small SUV experience—and it shows. The chassis is stiffer, the steering quicker, and the suspension tuned for more dynamic driving. Especially in turbocharged trims, the CX‑50 has a surprising level of athleticism that feels closer to a sporty sedan than a utility vehicle. With Mazda's Mi-Drive system, drivers can switch between Normal, Sport, and Off-Road modes to adjust throttle and transmission response.
2025 Mazda CX-50
2025 Subaru Forester
The Forester isn't trying to be sporty—it's tuned for comfort, predictability, and light off-road use. It includes X-MODE, which adjusts traction and stability control for snow, dirt, or steep descents, and even includes hill descent control. Ground clearance stands at 8.7 inches across the lineup, giving it genuine off-pavement ability.
When it comes to towing, Mazda pulls ahead again. Turbocharged CX‑50s are rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds, a significant advantage over the Forester's modest 1,500-pound rating. That makes a difference if you plan to tow a small camper, boat, or trailer regularly.
5. Interior design and tech features
The 2025 Forester introduces a new interior layout designed around simplicity and visibility. The dashboard has been raised and flattened, making room for an 11.6-inch portrait-style touchscreen on all but the base trim. The system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Subaru's updated interface is cleaner and quicker than before. Subaru's EyeSight safety suite remains standard across the lineup, with adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and emergency steering assist now included.
2025 Mazda CX-50
2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid
Mazda's interior, however, still feels more premium. Materials are more upscale even in base trims, with available leather, contrast stitching, and soft-touch panels that rival entry-level luxury SUVs. Upper trims include a 10.25-inch widescreen display, a full-color head-up display, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The interface is less touch-centric and instead operated by a rotary controller, which some users find more distracting and dated, but others appreciate for reducing fingerprints and distractions.
Both models are safe, quiet, and well-equipped—but the CX‑50 leans toward luxury, while the Forester keeps the focus on function and clarity.
Final thoughts
The 2025 Subaru Forester and Mazda CX‑50 may target the same buyers on paper, but they're two very different crossovers in practice. Subaru's all-new Forester builds on a legacy of reliability and practicality, with big cargo space, strong safety tech, and standard all-wheel drive. It's a great choice for outdoor-oriented families or anyone looking for straightforward capability.
Mazda's CX‑50 is more of a curveball. It brings sleek styling, engaging driving dynamics, and now hybrid efficiency into a package that feels more refined than most in the segment. If you prioritize driving feel and interior quality, the CX‑50 is likely your better bet.
There's no bad pick here, but the right one depends on whether your weekends look more like a trailhead or a twisty road.
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