2025 Subaru Forester vs. 2025 Mazda CX-50 Comparison

Compact SUVs are known for their practicality, value, and efficiency. They’re among the most popular vehicles on dealer lots, and with over a dozen mainstream models to choose from, they’ve obviously struck a chord with drivers. Some models, though, are designed to do even more, and appeal to that cool segment of buyers known for their active lifestyle. Two that hit that bull’s-eye are the Subaru Forester and Mazda CX-50. One is an established name that’s all new this year, and the other is a newcomer with something to prove.

Here’s how they compare.

2025 Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester is the veteran here, with a nameplate that stretches back to around the turn of the millennium. Yet it’s all new for 2025. That means it retains all of its outdoorsy and adventure-minded attitude that Subaru loyalists love, while bringing the latest tech and safety features. Win-win. Like all Subaru SUVs, the Forester has all-wheel drive standard and ample ground clearance. Pricing starts at $31,115, including destination fee.

Subaru Forester Highlights

Standard all-wheel drive: Having power go to all four wheels instead of just the front like most SUVs means enhanced traction. This extra traction and capability isn’t just handy for off-roading. If you regularly deal with snow or slick roads, all-wheel drive grants better handling and assurance.

EyeSight safety suite: Standard on every 2025 Forester, this safety and driver assistance suite includes features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control with lane centering, and a rear-seat reminder. 

Adventurous attitude: A Subaru Forester is more than a practical commuter. The Subaru brand and adventure are intertwined. These vehicles are built to get you beyond the reach of the hustle and bustle, and the Forester is an excellent means for doing so.

Read our Subaru Forester Expert Review or see 2025 Subaru Forester models for sale near you.

2025 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 debuted just a couple of years ago, and you might think of it as the more outdoorsy sibling to the CX-5. Like the Forester, the CX-50 has all-wheel drive standard, along with enhanced ground clearance and other off-pavement features. Yet the CX-50 still retains the athletic on-road manners for which Mazda vehicles are known. New this year, Mazda is introducing the CX-50 Hybrid. Pricing starts at $31,720

Mazda CX-50 Highlights

Powertrain options: Whereas the Subaru Forester offers only one engine choice, you get three in the CX-50. In addition to the standard 187-horsepower 4-cylinder, there’s a turbo variant good for up to 256 hp, as well as a hybrid variant that delivers up to 38 mpg combined.

On-road finesse: Making an SUV off-road-worthy is an achievement. Making one that performs just as admirably on-road is even harder. The Mazda CX-50 is one of the few mainstream compact SUVs that nails this dual nature. It’s capable of some off-roading, yet is also a pleasure to drive on those twist mountain roads.

Available Traffic Jam Assist: Mazda’s Traffic Jam Assist feature can take on some of the stress of driving in bumper-to-bumper traffic. You have to keep your hands on the steering wheel, but it will steer, brake, and accelerate to hold your place in traffic up to 40 mph.

Read our Mazda CX-50 Expert Review or see 2025 Mazda CX-50 models for sale near you.

Similarities

Both of these compact SUVs have off-road chops and standard all-wheel drive, along with a lot of inherent practicality. They start within a few hundred dollars of each other, too.

Conclusion

This one really could be a toss up, and the right model for you depends just as much on your priorities as it does brand appeal. If you’re more of the adventure-minded, outdoorsy type and appreciate extra cargo space for your gear, the Subaru Forester will likely appeal. If you appreciate a vehicle whose on-road manners are just as good as its off-road ones, then the Mazda may be your ticket. With a match this close, both definitely deserve a test-drive.

The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Subaru Forester vehicles and New 2025 MAZDA CX-50 vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.

	2025 Subaru Forester	2025 Mazda CX-50
Popular Powertrains
Engine	2.5-liter 4-cylinder	2.5-liter 4-cylinder
Horsepower	180 hp @ 5,800 rpm	187 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque	178 lb-ft @ 3,700 rpm	185 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Transmission	CVT	6-speed automatic
Fuel economy	26 mpg city/33 mpg highway/29 mpg combined	24 mpg city/30 mpg highway/27 mpg combined
Also Available		Turbo 2.5-liter 4-cylinder; hybrid
Specs
Basic Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles	3 years/36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	5 years/60,000 miles	5 years/60,000 miles
NHTSA Overall Safety	Not Rated	5 stars
Max Seating Capacity	5	5
Wheelbase	105.1 inches	110.8 inches
Overall Length	183.3 inches	185.8 inches
Width	72.0 inches	72.9 inches
Height	68.1 inches	63.9 inches
Turning Diameter	TBA	36.0 feet
Headroom, Front	41.2 inches	38.6 inches
Headroom, Rear	39.6 inches	37.5 inches
Legroom, Front	43.3 inches	41.7 inches
Legroom, Rear	39.4 inches	39.8 inches
Shoulder Room, Front	57.7 inches	55.9 inches
Shoulder Room, 2nd Row	56.7 inches	53.6 inches
Cargo Volume Rear Seat Up/Down	29.7/74.4 cubic feet	31.4/56.3 cubic feet