VS
At a Glance
Power
187hp @ 6000
180hp @ 5800
Torque
185lb-ft @ 4000
178lb-ft @ 3700
Fuel
27 mpg est.
28 mpg est.
Towing
2000lbs
1500lbs
Engine
2.5 L/152ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the Mazda Cx 50 and the Subaru Forester is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Mazda Cx 50 delivers 187hp @ 6000 while the Subaru Forester produces 180hp @ 5800. On fuel, the Cx 50 returns 27 mpg est. while the Forester uses 28 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $29,900 for the Cx 50 and $41,595 for the Forester. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Mazda Cx 502.5 S Select AWD 2026 - From $29,900
Subaru ForesterTouring AWD 2026 - From $41,595
Performance
Power Output (hp)
187hp @ 6000
180hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
185lb-ft @ 4000
178lb-ft @ 3700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic w/OD
Automatic
Number of Gears
6
—
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
27 mpg est.
28 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
24 (Est)mpg
25mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
30 (Est)mpg
32mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
15.9gal
16.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
185.8in
183.3in
Width (in)
75.6in
72in
Height (in)
63.5in
68.1in
Wheelbase (in)
110.8in
105.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3741lbs
3664lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
2000lbs
1500lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
—
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mazda Cx 50
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Cx 50
Fuel Economy
Forester
Value
Cx 50
Practicality
Cx 50
Pros & Cons
Mazda Cx 50
Lower starting price ($29,900)
Higher towing capacity (2000lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (27 mpg est.)
Subaru Forester
Better fuel economy (28 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Cx 50 or Forester?
The Cx 50 gets 27 mpg est. and the Forester gets 28 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Forester is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Cx 50 or Forester?
The Cx 50 produces 187hp @ 6000 and 185lb-ft @ 4000 of torque while the Forester delivers 180hp @ 5800 and 178lb-ft @ 3700 of torque. The Cx 50 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Cx 50 and Forester?
The Cx 50 starts from $29,900 and the Forester from $41,595. The Cx 50 is cheaper by $11,695 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Cx 50 or Forester?
The Cx 50 has a braked towing capacity of 2000lbs and the Forester can tow 1500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Cx 50 or the Forester?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.