VS
At a Glance
Power
219hp @ 5700
194hp @ 5600
Torque
163lb-ft @ 3600
154lb-ft @ 3600
Fuel
38 mpg est.
34 mpg est.
Towing
1500lbs
1500lbs
Engine
2.5 L/152ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the Mazda Cx 50 Hybrid and the Subaru Forester Hybrid is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Mazda Cx 50 Hybrid delivers 219hp @ 5700 while the Subaru Forester Hybrid produces 194hp @ 5600. On fuel, the Cx 50 Hybrid returns 38 mpg est. while the Forester Hybrid uses 34 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $34,750 for the Cx 50 Hybrid and $34,730 for the Forester Hybrid. 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 50 HybridPreferred AWD 2026 - From $34,750
Subaru Forester HybridTouring Hybrid AWD 2026 - From $34,730
Performance
Power Output (hp)
219hp @ 5700
194hp @ 5600
Torque (lb-ft)
163lb-ft @ 3600
154lb-ft @ 3600
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Hybrid
Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
38 mpg est.
34 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
39 (2025)mpg
35mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
37 (2025)mpg
34mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
14.5gal
16.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
186.1in
183.3in
Width (in)
75.6in
72in
Height (in)
64.8in
68.1in
Wheelbase (in)
110.8in
105.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4008lbs
3946lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
1500lbs
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
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mazda Cx 50 Hybrid
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Cx 50 Hybrid
Fuel Economy
Cx 50 Hybrid
Value
Tied
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Mazda Cx 50 Hybrid
Better fuel economy (38 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Subaru Forester Hybrid
Lower starting price ($34,730)
Higher fuel consumption (34 mpg est.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Cx 50 Hybrid or Forester Hybrid?
The Cx 50 Hybrid gets 38 mpg est. and the Forester Hybrid gets 34 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Cx 50 Hybrid 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 Hybrid or Forester Hybrid?
The Cx 50 Hybrid produces 219hp @ 5700 and 163lb-ft @ 3600 of torque while the Forester Hybrid delivers 194hp @ 5600 and 154lb-ft @ 3600 of torque. The Cx 50 Hybrid is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Cx 50 Hybrid and Forester Hybrid?
The Cx 50 Hybrid starts from $34,750 and the Forester Hybrid from $34,730, a difference of just $20, which is negligible. At this price point the two are essentially tied on starting price. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Cx 50 Hybrid or Forester Hybrid?
The Cx 50 Hybrid has a braked towing capacity of 1500lbs and the Forester Hybrid can tow 1500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Cx 50 Hybrid or the Forester Hybrid?
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.