2026 Subaru Crosstrek Limited vs 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium
$5,285 less and 5 mpg better vs 47 more hp and 132 more lb-ft torque. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $5,285 price gap, 180 vs 227 hp, 29 vs 24 MPG.
The Crosstrek Limited leads on $5,285 less, 5 MPG better. The CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium leads on 47 more hp, 132 more lb-ft torque. 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 Subaru Crosstrek Limited | 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $32,995 | $38,280 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L flat 4 | 2.5L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 180 hp | 227 hp |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 26 | 22 |
| Highway MPG | 33 | 27 |
| Combined MPG | 29 | 24 |
| Fuel Tank | 16.6 gal | 15.3 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,349 lbs | 3,871 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 106.2" |
| Length | 176.4" | 180.1" |
| Width | 70.9" | 72.6" |
| Height | 63.0" | 66.3" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | No published data | 5/5 stars |
| 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 Subaru Crosstrek Limited and 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium?
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Limited starts at $32,995, $5,285 less than the 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium at $38,280. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $93/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Limited?
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Limited is the stronger pick when you want to keep $5,285 in your pocket and the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Limited covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $302/year less on fuel.
Who should choose the 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium?
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium is the stronger pick when the extra 47 hp matters for your commute or driving style.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Limited or 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium?
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Limited rates 29 combined MPG, 5 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Limited or 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium?
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium produces 227 hp, 47 more than the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Limited at 180 hp. The 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium also leads in torque at 310 lb-ft vs 178 lb-ft. The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Limited runs a 2.5L flat 4; the 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium uses a 2.5L I4 Turbo.
Is the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Limited bigger than the 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium?
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium is 3.7″ longer at 180.1″ vs 176.4″. The 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium has a 1.1″ 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: Subaru trims, Subaru Crosstrek trims, Mazda trims, Mazda CX-5 trims
How the Crosstrek and CX-5 Stack Up
Two compact SUVs, two different takes on daily versatility. The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Limited ($32,995) and 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium ($38,280) solve similar problems in different ways. The $5,285 gap adds up to $93/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.
Powertrain: Crosstrek vs CX-5
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Limited runs a 2.5L flat 4; the 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium uses a 2.5L I4 Turbo. The 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium has 47 more hp (227 vs 180), enough to notice on highway on-ramps and when passing. The 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium adds 132 more lb-ft of torque (310 vs 178), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. Both use AWD.
What It Actually Costs to Own
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Limited saves roughly $302/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $1,510. The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Limited wins on both sticker price and running costs, making it the stronger value on paper.
Size, Space, and Daily Reality
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium weighs 522 lbs more. Heavier vehicles tend to feel more planted at highway speed but use more fuel and are harder to stop quickly.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Limited when you want to keep $5,285 in your pocket and the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Limited covers your needs. Choose the 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium when the extra 47 hp matters for your commute or driving style. At $93/month more, the 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium 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 Subaru or Mazda or any dealership.