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, however, are designed to do even more and appeal to the 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, and the other is a relative newcomer with something to prove.
Here’s how they compare.
2026 Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester is the veteran here, with a nameplate that stretches back to around the turn of the millennium. Yet it was all new for 2025 and carries that freshness forward into 2026. 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 (AWD) standard and ample ground clearance. Subaru also offers a hybrid version.
Subaru Forester Highlights
Standard AWD: 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, AWD grants better handling and assurance.
EyeSight safety suite: Standard on every 2026 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 2026 Subaru Forester models for sale near you.
2026 Mazda CX-50
The Mazda CX-50 debuted just a few years ago, and you might think of it as the more outdoorsy sibling to the CX-5. Like the Forester, the CX-50 has AWD 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.
Mazda CX-50 Highlights
Powertrain options: While the Subaru Forester offers only one engine with a hybrid option, the CX-50 offers three possible powertrains. 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 twisty mountain roads.
Available Traffic Jam Assist: Mazda’s Traffic Jam Assist can take some of the stress out 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 2026 Mazda CX-50 models for sale near you.
New 2026 Subaru Forester Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$31,445 |
$29,200 |
|||
$34,835 |
$32,000 |
|||
$37,555 |
$34,900 |
|||
$37,945 |
$35,300 |
|||
$39,145 |
$36,400 |
|||
$39,835 |
$36,800 |
|||
$43,045 |
$40,000 |
New 2026 MAZDA CX-50 Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$31,395 |
$29,100 |
|||
$33,895 |
$31,400 |
|||
$34,645 |
$33,000 |
|||
$36,395 |
$34,200 |
|||
$39,395 |
$37,400 |
|||
$41,895 |
$39,400 |
|||
$44,395 |
$41,800 |
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 2026 Subaru Forester vehicles and New 2026 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.
| 2026 Subaru Forester | 2026 MAZDA CX-50 | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Towing Capacity | N/A | 2,000 pounds |
| 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 | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic | automatic, 6-speed skyactiv-drive sport w/manual mode |
| Fuel Economy | 26 city/33 highway/29 combined mpg | 24 city/30 highway/26 combined mpg |
| 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 | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 105.1 inches | 110.8 inches |
| Overall Length | 183.3 inches | 185.8 inches |
| Width | 81.2 inches | 80.8 inches |
| Height | 68.1 inches | 63.5 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 35.4 feet | 39.0 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 41.2 inches | 39.1 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.6 inches | 38.6 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 43.3 inches | 41.7 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 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 Behind Second Seat | N/A | 31.4 feet |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | N/A | 56.3 feet |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
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 on 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.
