Close 2026 Subaru Forester vs Mazda CX-5
2026 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2026 Subaru Forester
If you are comparing compact SUVs, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 and the 2026 Subaru Forester are two strong contenders with different personalities. This page brings together pricing, performance, dimensions, cargo room, safety details, and other highlights so you can compare them side by side before deciding which SUV fits your lifestyle.
At McCarthy Subaru of Lawrence, we know many shoppers want an SUV that balances comfort, utility, efficiency, and confidence in changing road conditions. The 2026 Subaru Forester continues to appeal with standard all-wheel drive, roomy passenger space, strong visibility, and a Wilderness trim that adds more capability for drivers who want to go farther.
View our new Subaru Forester inventory, explore our finance department, schedule service, or contact our team when you are ready for the next step.
Quick Comparison
| Category | 2026 Mazda CX-5 | 2026 Subaru Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $31,485 | $31,445 |
| Car and Driver Expert Rating | 9.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Rank In Segment | #3 in Best Compact SUVs | #13 in Best Compact SUVs |
| Fuel Economy (EPA Est. MPG) | 26 mpg combined | 29 combined / 26 city / 33 highway |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs | 1,500 lbs standard / up to 3,500 lbs on Wilderness |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Blind Spot Monitor | Yes | Not listed on base comparison trim details provided |
Key Differences
Based on the comparison details you provided, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 carries a higher Car and Driver rating, slightly more power, and a traditional six-speed automatic transmission instead of the Forester's CVT. Mazda also gives the CX-5 a more premium-leaning feel in this matchup, and its base trim includes blind-spot monitoring in the comparison data shown here.
The 2026 Subaru Forester counters with more front leg room, more passenger volume, better fuel economy in the data you supplied, and more total cargo space with the rear seats folded. For shoppers who want added capability, the Forester Wilderness also opens the door to more ground clearance and up to 3,500 pounds of towing capacity, which the CX-5 does not match in this comparison.
What You Need to Know
2026 Mazda CX-5
The redesigned 2026 Mazda CX-5 is longer and wider than before, with a 4.5-inch wheelbase increase that helps improve rear-seat room and expand cargo capacity. According to the comparison information you shared, it uses a 187-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.
Mazda also gives the CX-5 modern infotainment hardware with a standard 12.0-inch touchscreen and an available 15.6-inch display. It is positioned as the more highly rated SUV in this comparison, and it will likely appeal to shoppers who prioritize on-road polish, design, and a stronger expert score.
2026 Subaru Forester
The 2026 Subaru Forester continues to focus on interior room, visibility, standard all-wheel drive, and day-to-day usability. In the comparison details you provided, the Forester offers 110.8 cubic feet of passenger volume, 43.3 inches of front leg room, and up to 74.4 cubic feet of cargo volume with the seats folded.
The Forester also remains the more adventure-ready choice, especially in Wilderness trim. Car and Driver testing notes the Forester Sport delivering 31 mpg on a 75-mph highway route, while the Wilderness managed 27 mpg and added 9.3 inches of ground clearance with up to 3,500 pounds of towing capacity. For shoppers who care about space, visibility, standard AWD confidence, and more rugged capability, the Forester stays highly relevant.
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | CX-5 | Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Capacity | 15.3 gallons | 16.6 gallons |
| Fuel Economy (EPA Est. MPG) | 26 mpg combined | 29 / 26 / 33 |
| Battery Range | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Warranty
| Coverage | CX-5 | Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Roadside Assistance | 3 years / 36,000 miles | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Drivetrain | 5 years / 60,000 miles | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Corrosion | 5 years / unlimited miles | 5 years / unlimited miles |
Interior & Storage Space
| Measurement | CX-5 | Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in | 43.3 in |
| Front Head Room | 39.7 in | 41.2 in |
| Second Leg Room | 39.9 in | 39.4 in |
| Passenger Volume | 106.5 cu ft | 110.8 cu ft |
| Cargo Volume Behind Second Row | 33.7 cu ft | 29.6 cu ft |
| Cargo Volume Behind First Row | 66.5 cu ft | 74.4 cu ft |
Specifications
| Specification | CX-5 | Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 187 @ 6000 | 180 @ 5800 |
| Torque | 185 @ 4000 | 178 @ 3700 |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | CVT |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive |
| Turning Diameter | 36.8 ft | 35.4 ft |
| Minimum Ground Clearance | 8.0 in | 8.7 in standard / 9.3 in Wilderness |
Safety Ratings & Features
| Feature | CX-5 | Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | Yes | Not listed on base comparison trim details provided |
| Rear Collision Mitigation | Yes | Not listed in the comparison details provided |
| Front Collision Mitigation | Yes | Yes |
| Lane Departure Warning | Yes | Yes |
| NHTSA Overall Safety Rating | Not listed in the comparison details provided | 5 stars |
Why McCarthy Subaru of Lawrence?
McCarthy Subaru of Lawrence offers a straightforward place to research, compare, and shop for the 2026 Subaru Forester. From new Subaru inventory and online finance tools to service support and trade-in resources, our dealership is built to help local and regional shoppers move from research to ownership with confidence.
Our Why McCarthy message emphasizes customer satisfaction and values such as teamwork, opportunity, integrity, adaptability, and community. If you decide the Forester is the better fit for your needs, our team can help you compare trims, review availability, value your trade, and explore financing options.
Learn more on our Why McCarthy page, shop new Forester inventory, or get started with our finance department.
Helpful Links
Continue your research with these helpful pages: Forester inventory | Finance | Service | Contact | Subaru showroom
External Sources
This comparison page was informed by the following sources: Car and Driver comparison tool | Mazda | Subaru
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2026 Subaru Forester have more passenger space than the 2026 Mazda CX-5?
Yes. Based on the comparison measurements, the Forester offers more front leg room and more total passenger volume than the CX-5, which can make a difference for shoppers who prioritize cabin openness and comfort.
Which SUV has more cargo room?
The answer depends on how you use the space. The Mazda CX-5 has more cargo space behind the second row, while the Subaru Forester has more total cargo volume with the rear seats folded down.
Is the Subaru Forester better for rugged driving?
The Subaru Forester is the more adventure-oriented choice, especially in Wilderness trim. With additional ground clearance and up to 3,500 pounds of towing capacity on the Wilderness model, it gives shoppers a more capability-focused option than the Mazda CX-5 in this comparison.
Do both SUVs come with all-wheel drive?
Yes. In this comparison, both the 2026 Mazda CX-5 and the 2026 Subaru Forester include standard all-wheel drive.
Can I shop 2026 Subaru Forester inventory online?
Yes. You can explore new 2026 Subaru Forester inventory online at McCarthy Subaru of Lawrence, then contact our team for trim availability, financing questions, and next-step help.
Where is McCarthy Subaru of Lawrence located?
McCarthy Subaru of Lawrence is located at 2101 W 29th Terrace, Lawrence, KS 66047. You can reach the dealership at (785) 503-3297 for sales, service, finance, and inventory support.