2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid vs 2026 Subaru Forester
Choosing between two vehicles is easier when you can see them side by side and weigh what matters most to how you drive and live. At Oxnard Mazda in Oxnard, CA, we want you to feel confident about your decision, so we put the key points of each option in one place.
Comparison note: This page compares the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid with the gasoline-powered 2026 Subaru Forester, not the Forester Hybrid. Horsepower, fuel economy, and other specifications reflect the configurations identified in the table below. Features and capabilities may vary by trim.
2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid vs 2026 Subaru Forester
Key Takeaways
- The 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid delivers more horsepower than the 2026 Subaru Forester.
- The 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is more fuel-efficient on EPA-estimated city, combined, and highway cycles.
- The 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid offers more cargo space behind the second row and a longer wheelbase.
- The 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid comes with blind-spot monitoring as standard equipment, which is available only on the 2026 Subaru Forester.
- The 2026 Subaru Forester tows more and offers greater maximum cargo volume and ground clearance.
At a Glance
| 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid | 2026 Subaru Forester (Gas) | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $34,750 – $40,450 | $29,995 – $39,995 |
| Seating capacity | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Maximum towing capacity | 1,500 lb | 3,500 lb (Wilderness, 2.5L boxer gas) |
| Cargo volume behind the second row | 29.2 cu ft | 27.5 cu ft |
| Maximum cargo volume | 56.3 cu ft | Up to 74.4 cu ft (Base); 69.1 cu ft on other gas trims |
| Curb weight | 4,008 lb | 3,569 lb |
| Horsepower | 219 hp (Hybrid, combined system, e-AWD) | 180 hp (2.5L Boxer, all gas trims) |
| Standard engine | 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder hybrid with electric motors | 2.5-liter DOHC direct-injection horizontally opposed (Boxer) 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (e-CVT) | Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable) with low shift mode |
| Drivetrain | Electronic all-wheel drive (e-AWD), standard | Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard on all trims) |
| EPA city fuel economy | 39 mpg | 26 mpg |
| EPA combined fuel economy | 38 mpg | 29 mpg |
| EPA highway fuel economy | 37 mpg | 33 mpg |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 in | 105.1 in |
| Overall length | 186.1 in | 183.3 in |
| Ground clearance | 7.8 in (8.1 in on Hybrid Premium) | 8.7 in |
| Infotainment screen | 10.25 in | 11.6 in (Multimedia Plus / Multimedia with Navigation, gas trims) |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay | Standard | Standard |
| Wireless Android Auto | Standard | Standard |
| Wireless phone charging | Standard | Standard |
| Premium audio system | Bose 12-speaker premium audio (Hybrid Premium trim) | Harman Kardon, 11 speakers, 576-watt-equivalent amp (optional Sport/Wilderness/Limited; standard Touring – gas) |
| Standard driver-assist suite | i-ACTIVSENSE safety technology, including standard Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Departure Warning System | EyeSight Driver Assist Technology: Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, Pre-Collision Braking, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Automatic Emergency Steering |
| NHTSA overall rating | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Blind-spot monitoring | Standard | Available |
| Basic warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Powertrain warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Corrosion warranty | 5 years / unlimited miles | 5 years / unlimited mileage |
Cargo and size: Mazda CX-50 Hybrid
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid has more cargo volume behind the second row and a longer wheelbase and overall length than the 2026 Subaru Forester. Both seat five. The 2026 Subaru Forester does offer more maximum cargo volume with the seats folded, which matters if you regularly carry bulky loads.
Where the Subaru Forester leads
In fairness, the 2026 Subaru Forester has higher maximum towing capacity, higher ground clearance, and larger maximum cargo volume. Its towing figure is for the Wilderness gas configuration. Shoppers who tow regularly or drive on rougher surfaces should weigh these rows against the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid’s efficiency and power.
Warranty coverage
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid and the 2026 Subaru Forester share matching basic, powertrain, and corrosion warranty terms, so coverage isn’t a point of difference.
Why the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid pairs a stronger hybrid powertrain with notably better EPA-estimated fuel economy, while the 2026 Subaru Forester answers with more towing capability, maximum cargo space, and ground clearance.
- The 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid delivers more horsepower than the 2026 Subaru Forester.
- The 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is more fuel-efficient on EPA-estimated city, combined, and highway cycles.
- The 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid offers more cargo space behind the second row and a longer wheelbase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel-efficient, the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid or the 2026 Subaru Forester?
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid has higher EPA-estimated city, combined, and highway fuel economy than the 2026 Subaru Forester.
Which has more power, the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid or the 2026 Subaru Forester?
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid produces more horsepower than the 2026 Subaru Forester, with the hybrid system’s combined output compared to the Forester’s gas engine.
Which tows more, the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid or the 2026 Subaru Forester?
The 2026 Subaru Forester has the higher maximum towing capacity in its Wilderness gas configuration. The 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid has a lower maximum towing capacity.
How do the cargo areas of the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid and the 2026 Subaru Forester compare?
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid has more cargo volume behind the second row, while the 2026 Subaru Forester has more maximum cargo volume with the rear seats folded.
Is blind-spot monitoring standard on the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid?
Yes, the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid comes with blind-spot monitoring as standard, while the 2026 Subaru Forester lists it as available.
Do the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid and the 2026 Subaru Forester offer all-wheel drive?
Yes. The 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid has electronic all-wheel drive as standard, and the 2026 Subaru Forester has Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive standard on all trims.
Contact us through our website to confirm details and current availability, or visit us at 1601 Ventura Boulevard in Oxnard. You can start at oxnardmazda.com.
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