Matchup
Subaru Forester vs Mazda CX-50
The 2026 Forester Sport against the 2026 CX-50 2.5 S Meridian Edition, through ten physics labs and every official rating we could find.
Last checked Oct 24, 2026. Every figure links to its source.
The short answer
- The Forester stops from 70 mph in 172 ft, 9 ft shorter than the CX-50 (181 ft). TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
- Our packing test fits 6 large suitcases in the Forester and 4 in the CX-50. Simulatedfrom SubaruSimulatedfrom Mazda
- From the driver’s seat the Forester’s hood hides the first 21 ft of road; the CX-50’s hides 30 ft. Simulated
- On low beams, the fastest you can drive the Forester and still stop inside the lit road is 79 mph; in the CX-50 it’s 70 mph (dry road, 1.5-second reaction). Simulatedfrom IIHSSimulatedfrom IIHS
At a glance
| Forester | CX-50 | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price, this trim | $36,245PublishedSubaru | $34,745PublishedMazda |
| Powertrain | 2.5 L flat-four (boxer), naturally aspirated · Symmetrical AWD | 2.5 L four-cylinder, direct injection, cylinder deactivation · i-Activ AWD (electronically controlled rear coupling) |
| 0–60 mph, tested or claimed | 8.3 sTestedCar and Driver | 8.4 sTestedCar and Driver |
| Braking 70–0 mph, tested | 172 ft (52.4 m)TestedCar and Driver | 181 ft (55.2 m)TestedCar and Driver |
| EPA combined | 28 mpg (8.4 L/100 km)PublishedEPA | 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km)PublishedEPA |
| Cargo behind the second row | 27.5 cu ft (779 L)PublishedSubaru | 31.4 cu ft (889 L)PublishedMazda |
| Large suitcases, packed | 6Simulatedfrom Subaru | 4Simulatedfrom Mazda |
| Seats | 5PublishedSubaru | 5PublishedMazda |
| Crash ratings | NHTSA 5★ overall · IIHS Top Safety Pick+ | NHTSA 5★ overall · IIHS Top Safety Pick+ |
Acceleration
Passing from 50 to 70 mph takes 6.0 s in the CX-50 and 6.4 s in the Forester.
| Forester | CX-50 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 180 hp (134 kW)PublishedSubaru | 187 hp (139 kW)PublishedMazda |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft (241 Nm)PublishedSubaru | 185 lb-ft (251 Nm)PublishedMazda |
| 0–60 mph, tested or claimed | 8.3 sTestedCar and Driver | 8.4 sTestedCar and Driver |
| 0–60 mph, our simulation | 8.3 sSimulatedfrom Subaru | 8.4 sSimulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Passing, 50–70 mph | 6.4 sTestedCar and Driver | 6.0 sTestedCar and Driver |
| Quarter mile | 16.6 sTestedCar and Driver | 16.5 sTestedCar and Driver |
Braking and stopping distance
The Forester stops from 70 mph in 172 ft, 9 ft shorter than the CX-50 (181 ft).
| Forester | CX-50 | |
|---|---|---|
| Braking 70–0 mph, tested | 172 ft (52.4 m)TestedCar and Driver | 181 ft (55.2 m)TestedCar and Driver |
| Braking 60–0 mph, tested | 123 ft (37.5 m)TestedMotorTrend | 118 ft (36.0 m)TestedMotorTrend |
| Wet road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction | 357 ft (108.9 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 369 ft (112.5 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Dry road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction | 275 ft (83.7 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 284 ft (86.4 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Packed snow from 30 mph, 1 s reaction | 166 ft (50.5 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 145 ft (44.2 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
Rollover
It takes a 12 mph sideways slide into a curb to roll the CX-50; the Forester goes over at 11 mph.
| Forester | CX-50 | |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA rollover rating | 4★ · 17.4% riskTestedNHTSA | 4★TestedNHTSA |
| Sideways slide that trips it into a roll | 11 mph (18 km/h)Simulated, estimated inputsfrom NHTSA | 12 mph (19 km/h)Simulated, estimated inputsfrom NHTSA |
| Static stability factor (half-track ÷ CoG height) | 1.21Simulated, estimated inputsfrom NHTSA | 1.25Simulated, estimated inputsfrom NHTSA |
Efficiency and running costs
At 15,000 miles a year and national average prices, the Forester costs about $184 a year less to run: $2,399/yr against $2,583/yr.
| Forester | CX-50 | |
|---|---|---|
| EPA combined | 28 mpg (8.4 L/100 km)PublishedEPA | 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km)PublishedEPA |
| Fuel or charging, 15,000 mi a year | $2,399/yrDerivedEPA | $2,583/yrDerivedEPA |
| Steady 75 mph, our simulation | 31 mpg (7.6 L/100 km)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 30 mpg (7.8 L/100 km)Simulated, estimated inputsfrom Car and Driver |
| Drag coefficient | 0.35DerivedEPA | 0.39DerivedEPA |
Grip, snow and maneuvering
On packed snow the CX-50 can pull away at 0.32 g, against 0.27 g for the Forester.
| Forester | CX-50 | |
|---|---|---|
| Skidpad grip, tested | 0.82 gTestedCar and Driver | 0.80 gTestedCar and Driver |
| Cornering grip, our simulation | 0.82 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver | 0.80 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Pulling away on packed snow | 0.27 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver | 0.32 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Turning circle | 35.4 ft (10.8 m)PublishedSubaru | 36.0 ft (11.0 m)PublishedMazda |
| Ground clearance | 8.7 in (22 cm)PublishedSubaru | 8.5 in (22 cm)PublishedMazda Canada |
| Tires | Bridgestone Turanza EL450 235/50R19 99V M+S all-season · 235/50R19TestedCar and Driver | Falken WildPeak Trail 225/60R18 100H all-terrain (3PMS) · 225/60R18TestedCar and Driver |
Space, luggage and fit
Our packing test fits 6 large suitcases in the Forester and 4 in the CX-50.
| Forester | CX-50 | |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5PublishedSubaru | 5PublishedMazda |
| Large suitcases, packed | 6Simulatedfrom Subaru | 4Simulatedfrom Mazda |
| Carry-ons in the space left | 0Simulatedfrom Subaru | 2Simulatedfrom Mazda |
| Cargo behind the second row | 27.5 cu ft (779 L)PublishedSubaru | 31.4 cu ft (889 L)PublishedMazda |
| Cargo, seats folded | 69.1 cu ft (1,957 L)PublishedSubaru | 56.3 cu ft (1,594 L)PublishedMazda |
| Towing | 1,500 lb (680 kg)PublishedSubaru | 2,000 lb (907 kg)PublishedMazda |
| Driver head room, 6 ft 4 in driver | +1.4 in (4 cm)Simulatedfrom Subaru | +1.3 in (3 cm)Simulatedfrom Mazda |
| Driver head room, 5 ft 11 in driver | +3.7 in (9 cm)Simulatedfrom Subaru | +3.6 in (9 cm)Simulatedfrom Mazda |
| Driver head room, 5 ft 4 in driver | +6.5 in (16 cm)Simulatedfrom Subaru | +6.3 in (16 cm)Simulatedfrom Mazda |
| Rear head room, 5 ft 11 in passenger | +2.1 in (5 cm)Simulatedfrom Subaru | +3.8 in (10 cm)Simulatedfrom Mazda |
| Rear knee room, 5 ft 11 in behind 5 ft 11 in | +3.3 in (8 cm)Simulatedfrom Subaru | +3.3 in (8 cm)Simulatedfrom Mazda |
| Rear head and knee, 6 ft 4 in behind 6 ft 4 in | −0.5 in head · −1.0 in kneeSimulatedfrom Subaru | +1.2 in head · −1.0 in kneeSimulatedfrom Mazda |
| Front head room, published | 40.0 in (102 cm)PublishedSubaru | 38.6 in (98 cm)PublishedMazda |
| Rear head room, published | 37.7 in (96 cm)PublishedSubaru | 37.5 in (95 cm)PublishedMazda |
| Rear leg room, published | 39.4 in (100 cm)PublishedSubaru | 39.8 in (101 cm)PublishedMazda |
Cabin noise
At 70 mph the Forester is quieter inside: 68 dBA against 70 dBA for the CX-50, a noticeable difference.
| Forester | CX-50 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin sound at 70 mph | 68 dBATestedCar and Driver | 70 dBATestedCar and Driver |
Visibility
From the driver’s seat the Forester’s hood hides the first 21 ft of road; the CX-50’s hides 30 ft.
| Forester | CX-50 | |
|---|---|---|
| Road hidden in front of the bumper, 5 ft 9 in driver | 21 ft (6.4 m)Simulated | 30 ft (9.0 m)Simulated |
| Ground visible within 33 ft ahead | 43%Simulated | 28%Simulated |
Headlights and night stopping
On low beams, the fastest you can drive the Forester and still stop inside the lit road is 79 mph; in the CX-50 it’s 70 mph (dry road, 1.5-second reaction).
| Forester | CX-50 | |
|---|---|---|
| IIHS headlight rating | GoodTestedIIHS | AcceptableTestedIIHS |
| Low beams, straight road (right edge) | 395 ft (120.3 m)TestedIIHS | 335 ft (102.0 m)TestedIIHS |
| Fastest you can stop inside the low beams | 79 mph (128 km/h)Simulatedfrom IIHS | 70 mph (113 km/h)Simulatedfrom IIHS |
| High beams, straight road (right edge) | 449 ft (136.9 m)TestedIIHS | 422 ft (128.7 m)TestedIIHS |
Crash safety
No meaningful gap between the Forester and the CX-50 on what we can measure here.
| Forester | CX-50 | |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5★TestedNHTSA | 5★TestedNHTSA |
| IIHS small overlap front | GoodTestedIIHS | GoodTestedIIHS |
| IIHS moderate overlap front (updated) | GoodTestedIIHS | GoodTestedIIHS |
| IIHS side (updated) | GoodTestedIIHS | GoodTestedIIHS |
| IIHS award | 2026 Top Safety Pick+PublishedIIHS | 2026 Top Safety Pick+PublishedIIHS |
| Curb weight | 3,656 lb (1,658 kg)TestedCar and Driver | 3,751 lb (1,701 kg)TestedCar and Driver |
Where each one wins
Subaru Forester
- The Forester stops from 70 mph in 172 ft, 9 ft shorter than the CX-50 (181 ft). TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
- Our packing test fits 6 large suitcases in the Forester and 4 in the CX-50. Simulatedfrom SubaruSimulatedfrom Mazda
- From the driver’s seat the Forester’s hood hides the first 21 ft of road; the CX-50’s hides 30 ft. Simulated
- On low beams, the fastest you can drive the Forester and still stop inside the lit road is 79 mph; in the CX-50 it’s 70 mph (dry road, 1.5-second reaction). Simulatedfrom IIHSSimulatedfrom IIHS
- At 15,000 miles a year and national average prices, the Forester costs about $184 a year less to run: $2,399/yr against $2,583/yr. DerivedEPADerivedEPA
- IIHS measured the Forester’s low beams lighting the road 60 ft farther on a straightaway: 395 ft against 335 ft. TestedIIHSTestedIIHS
- The Forester is rated 28 mpg combined by the EPA, 2 mpg better than the CX-50 (26 mpg). PublishedEPAPublishedEPA
- Drivers see 43% of the ground within 33 ft of the Forester’s nose and 28% in the CX-50. Simulated
- IIHS rates the Forester’s headlights Good and the CX-50’s Acceptable. TestedIIHSTestedIIHS
- At 70 mph the Forester is quieter inside: 68 dBA against 70 dBA for the CX-50, a noticeable difference. TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
Mazda CX-50
- In the trims shown, the CX-50 costs $1,500 less: $34,745 against $36,245 for the Forester, destination included. PublishedSubaruPublishedMazda
- The CX-50 has 3.9 cu ft more cargo space behind its second row: 31.4 cu ft against 27.5 cu ft. PublishedSubaruPublishedMazda
- A 5-ft-11 rear passenger has +3.8 in of head room in the CX-50 and +2.1 in in the Forester. Simulatedfrom SubaruSimulatedfrom Mazda
- The CX-50 is rated to tow 500 lb more: 2,000 lb against 1,500 lb. PublishedSubaruPublishedMazda
- On packed snow the CX-50 can pull away at 0.32 g, against 0.27 g for the Forester. Simulatedfrom Car and DriverSimulatedfrom Car and Driver
- Passing from 50 to 70 mph takes 6.0 s in the CX-50 and 6.4 s in the Forester. TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
- It takes a 12 mph sideways slide into a curb to roll the CX-50; the Forester goes over at 11 mph. Simulated, estimated inputsfrom NHTSASimulated, estimated inputsfrom NHTSA
Other trims
- Forester Sport · on this page
- Forester Touring Hybrid
- CX-50 2.5 S Meridian Edition · on this page
- CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus
Keep comparing
Sources
- Car and Driver: Tested: 2025 Subaru Forester Sport (2024-05)
- Car and Driver: 2026 Mazda CX-50 Meridian Edition Tested: Mostly for Show with Adequate Go (2.5 S Meridian Edition) (2025-12)
- Subaru of America: 2026 Forester specifications (dimensions, weights, engines, brakes, interior, cargo) (2025-03)
- Mazda USA News: 2026 Mazda CX-50 Spec Deck (engines, gearing, dimensions, interior, cargo, weights, battery) (2025-09)
- IIHS: 2026 Subaru Forester ratings (moderate overlap applies to 2026 only; other crash tests to 2025–26) (2026-10)
- IIHS: 2026 Mazda CX-50 ratings (crash tests apply to 2023–26 models) (2026-10)
- Subaru of America: 2026 Forester pricing (Sport $34,795, Touring Hybrid $41,545; $1,450 destination) (2026-10)
- Mazda USA: 2026 CX-50 trims and starting MSRP (excludes $1,595 destination) (2026-10)
- US EPA (fueleconomy.gov): 2026 Subaru Forester AWD (id 49532) and Forester Hybrid AWD (id 50131) ratings (2026-10)
- US EPA (fueleconomy.gov): 2026 Mazda CX-50 4WD 2.5 L, Automatic (S6) ratings (2026-10)
- MotorTrend: 2025 Subaru Forester Sport first test (2024-07)
- MotorTrend: 2023 Mazda CX-50 SUV of the Year review (2.5 S AWD and Turbo test results) (2022-10)
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings: 2026 Subaru Forester SUV AWD (VehicleId 21696) (2026-10)
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings: 2026 Mazda CX-50 SUV N/A AWD (VehicleId 21114) (2026-10)
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings: 2023 Mazda CX-50 SUV AWD (VehicleId 17241): 15.5% rollover risk (2026-10)
- Car and Driver: 2026 Mazda CX-50 review (2024 Turbo Premium Plus test results, 75-mph highway test) (2026-10)
- US EPA: Data on cars used for testing fuel economy, MY2026 (Forester coastdown target coefficients) (2026-01)
- US EPA: Data on cars used for testing fuel economy, MY2026 (CX-50 coastdown target coefficients) (2026-01)
- Mazda Canada: 2025 Mazda CX-50 Specifications & Features (track and ground clearance by wheel size) (2024-09)
- Car and Driver: 2025 Subaru Forester Sport long-term test (new and 40,000-mile results) (2026-09)
- IIHS: IIHS pushes improvements in crash avoidance with 2026 awards (Mar 24, 2026) (2026-03)
Badges: Published figures come from the maker, a regulator or a rating agency; Tested from an independent instrumented test; Simulated are computed by our physics from those inputs (how); Estimate means no published value exists. Confirm figures with the maker or your dealer before you buy.