2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid vs 2026 Subaru Forester
Comparing two vehicles side by side is one of the most useful steps a shopper can take. Looking at each option together makes it easier to weigh what matters most for your daily routine, your priorities, and your budget. At South Bay Mazda in Torrance, CA, we encourage you to take your time.
2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid vs 2026 Subaru Forester
Powertrain comparison: The 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid comes standard with a full hybrid powertrain, while the 2026 Subaru Forester is available with gasoline or hybrid powertrains. Subaru specifications vary by trim and powertrain, so some figures below represent different Forester configurations.
Key Takeaways
- The 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid comes standard with a full hybrid powertrain, rather than being limited to select trims.
- The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid produces more total system horsepower than the Subaru Forester Hybrid.
- Blind-spot monitoring is standard on the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid.
- The 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and wireless phone charging.
- A longer wheelbase and overall length give the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid a more substantial footprint.
- Electronic all-wheel drive is standard on the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid. The Subaru Forester also comes standard with all-wheel drive.
At a Glance
| Specification | 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid | 2026 Subaru Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $34,750 – $40,450 | $29,995 – $41,545 |
| Seating capacity | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Maximum towing capacity | 1,500 lb | Up to 3,500 lb (Subaru Forester Wilderness); towing capacity varies by trim and powertrain |
| Cargo volume behind the second row | 29.2 cu ft | 29.6 cu ft |
| Maximum cargo volume | 56.3 cu ft | 74.4 cu ft |
| Curb weight | 4,008 lb | 3,510 lb |
| Horsepower | 219 hp (total system output) | 194 hp (Subaru Forester Hybrid total system output); gasoline Subaru Forester models have a different output |
| Torque | 163 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft |
| Standard engine | 2.5L naturally aspirated four-cylinder hybrid (with three electric motors and hybrid battery) | 2.5-liter DOHC direct-injection horizontally opposed 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER engine |
| Transmission | Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (e-CVT) | Lineartronic CVT with low shift mode |
| Drivetrain | Electronic all-wheel drive (e-AWD), standard | Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard on all trims) |
| Hybrid powertrain | Standard (full hybrid powertrain) | Optional (Subaru Forester Hybrid: Premium, Sport, Limited, Touring Hybrid trims) |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 in | 105.1 in |
| Overall length | 186.1 in | 183.3 in |
| Ground clearance | 7.8 in (8.1 in on Hybrid Premium) | 8.7 in |
| Infotainment screen | 10.25 in | 11.6 in |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay | Standard (wireless Apple CarPlay) | Standard on Premium and higher trims (11.6-inch Multimedia Plus); Base has wired |
| Wireless Android Auto | Standard (wireless Android Auto) | Standard on Premium and higher trims (11.6-inch Multimedia Plus); Base has wired |
| Wireless phone charging | Standard (wireless phone charging) | Standard on Premium, Sport, Wilderness and Limited, Touring (gas); not available on Base |
| Premium audio system | Bose 12-speaker premium audio (Premium and above) | Harman Kardon premium audio, 11 speakers, 576-watt-equivalent amplifier |
| Standard driver-assist suite | i-ACTIVSENSE® safety technology, standard (includes Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning) | EyeSight Driver Assist Technology: Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, Pre-Collision Braking, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Automatic Emergency Steering |
| NHTSA overall rating | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Blind-spot monitoring | Standard | Optional on Premium; standard on Sport, Wilderness, Limited, Touring and all Hybrid trims; not available on Base |
| Basic warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Powertrain warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Hybrid / EV battery warranty | 8 years / 100,000 miles | 8 years / 100,000 miles (Hybrid System Limited Warranty) |
Powertrain: Mazda CX-50 Hybrid output versus Subaru Forester torque
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid pairs a four-cylinder engine with three electric motors and delivers 219 horsepower of total system output, compared with 194 horsepower for the Subaru Forester Hybrid. The listed Subaru Forester gasoline-engine torque figure is 178 lb-ft, versus 163 lb-ft for the Mazda’s gasoline engine. These torque figures do not represent total hybrid-system torque. Both vehicles offer standard all-wheel drive, although their transmission and hybrid systems differ.
Hybrid availability
Every 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is a full hybrid, so the hybrid powertrain is standard. On the 2026 Subaru Forester, the hybrid is optional and offered only on certain trims, so shoppers there choose between hybrid and non-hybrid versions.
Towing, cargo and ground clearance favor certain Subaru Forester configurations
The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness offers a higher maximum towing capacity than the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid, while the Forester also offers more maximum cargo volume. Cargo space behind the second row is very similar in both. The Subaru Forester also has greater listed ground clearance. Shoppers should compare specific trims when evaluating towing capability, cargo space, and ground clearance.
Size and weight
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid has a longer wheelbase and overall length than the 2026 Subaru Forester and a heavier curb weight than the listed Forester configuration. Both seat five.
Safety and warranty
Both vehicles carry a five-star NHTSA overall rating in the comparison data. The 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid includes i-ACTIVSENSE® safety technology as standard, including blind-spot monitoring. The 2026 Subaru Forester includes EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, and blind-spot monitoring varies by trim. Basic and powertrain warranty terms match, while hybrid battery coverage applies to the respective hybrid vehicles.
Why the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid comes standard with a full hybrid powertrain and electronic all-wheel drive, delivering 219 horsepower. The 2026 Subaru Forester is available with gasoline or hybrid powertrains, with trim-dependent specifications. The Mazda offers a longer wheelbase, standard wireless smartphone connectivity and standard blind-spot monitoring. Certain Subaru Forester configurations offer greater maximum towing capacity, cargo space and ground clearance.
- The 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid comes standard with a full hybrid powertrain, rather than being limited to select trims.
- The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid produces more total system horsepower than the Subaru Forester Hybrid.
- Blind-spot monitoring is standard on the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid or the 2026 Subaru Forester tow more?
The Subaru Forester Wilderness has the higher listed maximum towing capacity at up to 3,500 pounds, compared with 1,500 pounds for the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid. Towing capability varies by Forester trim and powertrain.
Which has more cargo space, the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid or the 2026 Subaru Forester?
Cargo space behind the second row is nearly the same, but the 2026 Subaru Forester offers more maximum cargo volume with the seats folded.
Is the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid powertrain standard?
Yes. The 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is a full hybrid with standard electronic all-wheel drive. On the 2026 Subaru Forester, the hybrid powertrain is optional on select trims.
Which has more horsepower, the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid or the 2026 Subaru Forester?
The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid produces 219 horsepower of total system output, compared with 194 horsepower for the Subaru Forester Hybrid.
Do both vehicles have wireless smartphone connectivity?
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid has wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto as standard. The 2026 Subaru Forester has them as standard on Premium and higher trims, with wired connections on the base trim.
How do the warranties compare?
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid and the Subaru Forester Hybrid have matching listed basic, powertrain and hybrid battery warranty durations and mileage limits. Hybrid battery coverage applies to the hybrid models.
Which sits higher, the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid or the 2026 Subaru Forester?
The 2026 Subaru Forester has greater listed ground clearance than the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid.
Questions about either vehicle or what is currently available? Visit us at southbaymazda.com or stop by our Torrance showroom, and our team will help you confirm the details.
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