I drove the Subaru Forester and Mazda CX-5 for week — here's the $40K crossover SUV I recommend

For my latest head-to-head matchup, I’m putting the 2026 Subaru Forester and 2026 Mazda CX-5 to the test to uncover which of these compact crossover SUVs is better across all the metrics I judge. Now, as much as I’m constantly vouching for the long-term savings of comparable compact crossover EVs, like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and Ford Mustang Mach-E, these mainstream, gas-powered options still benefit from lower starting prices.

Both the Forester and CX-5 offer standard all-wheel drive, family-friendly versatility, and the effortless convenience of instant gas station fill-ups without the EV price premium. They come with as-tested prices of $40,465 and $41,080 for the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness and 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus, respectively.

They’re obviously priced higher than their entry-level trims, but still far less than comparable EVs. While they’re both crossovers at heart, they target completely different drivers. The Forester acts as a boxy Swiss Army knife built for maximum visibility, cargo capacity, and all-weather confidence — while the CX-5 trades some utility for style, delivering an upscale cabin that feels far richer than its price tag suggests.

Subaru Forester vs. Mazda CX-5: Specifications

Subaru Forester vs. Mazda CX-5: Design

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While both vehicles hit the mark for their target drivers, I prefer the Mazda CX-5’s pure aesthetic appeal that could easily be mistaken for a luxury vehicle. As with the CX-50 and CX-70 I’ve tested, Mazda’s signature design language paints a stylish outline featuring sculpted curves, a prominent front grille, and an athletic posture that wouldn't look out of place wearing a premium badge.

Inside, I’m completely surprised by the transformation — it looks dramatically different from the previous generation. It definitely reminds me of the minimalist styling of the Polestar 4 and Volvo EX30 with its streamlined dash layout, strategically placed switchgear, and upscale accents that make it feel far more premium.

In contrast, the Subaru Forester Wilderness prioritizes function over fashion — and rightfully so, seeing as that's the identity it's carved out for years now. Its boxy silhouette, chunky plastic body cladding, higher ride height, and rugged accents give it an adventure-ready look that outdoorsy drivers will appreciate.

However, it lacks the visual grace and high-end cabin refinement of the Mazda. If you want a crossover that turns heads in a suburban driveway or a restaurant valet line, the CX-5 is the clear choice.

Winner: Mazda CX05

Subaru Forester vs. Mazda CX-5: Fuel economy

While neither of these gas-powered crossovers can match the ultra-low operating costs of an EV, every mile per gallon counts when fueling up at the pump. Across my real-world testing, the Subaru Forester Wilderness edges out the Mazda CX-5 to take the win, proving slightly more efficient overall despite its rugged-focused setup.

Over 126 miles of driving, the Forester Wilderness averages 27.2 mpg, outperforming the CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus, which achieves 26.2 mpg over 102.2 miles. Where the Subaru really shines is during extended highway stints — recording a best long-distance fuel economy of 32.2 mpg compared to the Mazda’s 28.2 mpg.

Interestingly, the CX-5 took the lead on quick trips, delivering an impressive 34.3 mpg best short-distance run compared to the Subaru’s 28.2 mpg. However, for drivers looking for better efficiency on longer road trips and higher overall average mileage, the Forester takes the crown.

Winner: Subaru Forester

Subaru Forester vs. Mazda CX-5: Driving performance

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Out on the road, both crossovers deliver punchy power when I need it—but they go about it in very different ways. The Subaru Forester Wilderness pleasantly surprises me with how remarkably quiet it is even under heavy throttle, while supplying strong performance getting up to cruising speed. In fact, I think it makes daily commuting and highway overtaking feel effortless.

However, when it comes to pure driver engagement, the Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus takes the win. Where the Subaru prioritizes efficiency, Mazda relies on a traditional 6-speed automatic transmission that delivers immediate gear shifts. Paired with tighter body control and responsive steering, the CX-5 behaves more like a zippy hatchback than a high-riding SUV. If you value a quiet, comfortable cruiser, the Forester delivers — but if you’re like me and prefer an engaging drive, the CX-5 takes top honors.

Winner: Mazda CX-5

Subaru Forester vs. Mazda CX-5: Comfort

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When it comes to pure cabin comfort and everyday use, I much prefer the Subaru Forester over the Mazda CX-5.

The Forester Wilderness excels where it matters most on long drives, offering a noticeably roomier cabin with plenty of rear legroom that gives adult passengers room to stretch out. During a recent heatwave, its frigid AC system cooled the interior down in record time — while the heavy-duty all-weather floor mats are way better suited for extreme conditions.

The only real downside to the Subaru's cabin experience is its soundproofing, which at highway speeds, the wind and road noise penetrate the cabin far more than they should.

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Over in the Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus, I love the sportiness of the interior with its cleaner, more modern-looking layout that feels undeniably elevated. However, its driver-assistance tech holds it back because the adaptive cruise control has a habit of accelerating too aggressively to get back up to speed.

Winner: Subaru Forester

Subaru Forester vs. Mazda CX-5: Value

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While both vehicles sit around the $40,000 mark as tested, the Mazda CX-5 delivers a far superior return on investment when it comes to daily tech, convenience, and equipment.

That’s because the CX-5 packs features you typically expect from premium luxury brands. For example, I’m really thrilled by how its infotainment software looks and feels significantly more modern and responsive.

Meanwhile, the head-up display keeps key driving stats right in my line of sight, and dedicated physical buttons on the steering wheel let me quickly toggle the 360-degree camera and lane-centering system. And when driving late at night, I really appreciate how the adaptive headlights physically swivel as I turn the wheel.

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The Subaru Forester Wilderness does have its own practical charms — I love that it includes Tiptronic paddle shifters on the steering wheel for quick manual gear drops, along with a dedicated storage nook that keeps my phone secure.

However, its tech package falls short. The center display suffers from washed-out viewing angles in bright light, the backup camera feed looks low-quality, and the overall software layout feels antiquated compared to the slick Mazda setup.

Winner: Mazda CX-5

Subaru Forester vs. Mazda CX-5: Verdict

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It’s not a landslide, but the Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus takes the crown as the overall winner in this $40K crossover comparison. While its as-tested price tag sits slightly higher than the Subaru's, it more than justifies the cost through its upscale style, vastly superior infotainment software, responsive driving dynamics, and thoughtful daily conveniences like the head-up display and adaptive headlights. It looks, feels, and drives like a vehicle competing in a higher price bracket.

That said, the Subaru Forester Wilderness remains an exceptional choice for a specific type of buyer. If your daily routine demands maximum rear legroom, rugged all-weather readiness, superior visibility, and the peace of mind that comes with higher ground clearance for off-road trails, the Forester is tough to beat. But for drivers seeking an engaging, modern, and near-luxury daily driver without stepping up to EV prices, the Mazda CX-5 is the clear choice.

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