2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo vs 2026 Subaru Forester Touring
On paper, the 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo wins on $3,695 less, 47 more hp, 132 more lb-ft torque. The 2026 Subaru Forester Touring has to win you at the dealer. Key numbers: $3,695 price gap, 227 vs 180 hp, 25 vs 28 MPG.
The CX-50 2.5 Turbo leads on $3,695 less, 47 more hp. The Forester Touring leads on 3 MPG better. The spec table compares 6 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 6 specifications.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.
| Spec | 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo | 2026 Subaru Forester Touring |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $37,900 | $41,595 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 Turbo | 2.5L flat 4 |
| Horsepower | 227 hp | 180 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 23 | 25 |
| Highway MPG | 29 | 32 |
| Combined MPG | 25 | 28 |
| Fuel Tank | 15.9 gal | 16.6 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,915 lbs | 3,664 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 105.1" |
| Length | 185.8" | 183.3" |
| Width | 75.6" | 72.0" |
| Height | 63.9" | 68.1" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | TSP+ | TSP+ |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo and 2026 Subaru Forester Touring?
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo starts at $37,900, $3,695 less than the 2026 Subaru Forester Touring at $41,595. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $65/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo?
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo is the stronger pick when you want to keep $3,695 in your pocket and the 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo covers your needs; the extra 47 hp matters for your commute or driving style.
Who should choose the 2026 Subaru Forester Touring?
The 2026 Subaru Forester Touring is the stronger pick when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $180/year less on fuel.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo or 2026 Subaru Forester Touring?
The 2026 Subaru Forester Touring rates 28 combined MPG, 3 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo or 2026 Subaru Forester Touring?
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo produces 227 hp, 47 more than the 2026 Subaru Forester Touring at 180 hp. The 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo also leads in torque at 310 lb-ft vs 178 lb-ft. The 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo runs a 2.5L I4 Turbo; the 2026 Subaru Forester Touring uses a 2.5L flat 4.
Is the 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo bigger than the 2026 Subaru Forester Touring?
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo is 2.5″ longer at 185.8″ vs 183.3″. The 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo has a 5.7″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
How do the warranties compare?
Both offer similar warranty coverage: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain.
Explore more: Mazda trims, Mazda CX-50 trims, Subaru trims, Subaru Forester trims
The CX-50–Forester Decision
Cross-shopping compact SUVs means weighing interior space, ride quality, and ownership costs. Here is how the CX-50 and Forester compare. The $3,695 gap adds up to $65/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.
What Powers Each Vehicle
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo runs a 2.5L I4 Turbo; the 2026 Subaru Forester Touring uses a 2.5L flat 4. The 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo has 47 more hp (227 vs 180), enough to notice on highway on-ramps and when passing. The 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo adds 132 more lb-ft of torque (310 vs 178), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. Both use AWD.
The Ownership Math
The 2026 Subaru Forester Touring saves roughly $180/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $900.
Living With the CX-50 vs the Forester
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo has a 5.7″ longer wheelbase, typically meaning a smoother ride and more rear-seat legroom.
The Decision
Choose the 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo when you want to keep $3,695 in your pocket and the 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo covers your needs. Choose the 2026 Subaru Forester Touring when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $180/year less on fuel. At $65/month more, the 2026 Subaru Forester Touring needs to earn that gap with something you use weekly.
Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Mazda or Subaru or any dealership.