Compact SUVs are among the many hottest selections for automotive patrons, and for good purpose: they’re sensible, environment friendly, and infrequently supply nice worth. The 2026 Subaru Forester and 2026 Mazda CX-5 meet all these standards, and every gives distinctive options which may simply catch your eye.
Here’s how they evaluate.
2026 Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester has an extended historical past of rugged, outdoorsy design that appeals to adventurous drivers. It options issues that Subaru followers and adventure-seekers love, like customary all-wheel drive (AWD), excessive floor clearance, and ample house—each contained in the cabin and within the cargo areas.
For 2026, the Wilderness trim receives a mode replace that the remainder of the Forester fashions obtained in 2025, filled with elevated floor clearance, specialised drive modes, and trail-focused tools.
Subaru Forester Highlights

Hybrid Option: The 2026 Forester’s 2.5-liter Boxer engine delivers 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, which is ok for the common driver however on the decrease finish of the section. For these searching for a extra highly effective drive, the Forester gives a hybrid mannequin that produces 194hp. Mazda doesn’t at the moment supply a hybrid choice for the CX-5, however is in talks about releasing one for 2027.
EyeSight Driver Assist Technology: This Subaru-exclusive expertise acts as a “second set of eyes on the highway” to assist drivers over quick or lengthy distances. Features like pre-collision braking, lane-departure warnings, and adaptive cruise management with lane centering give drivers an extra sense of safety when navigating busy roads.
Adventurous Approach: The Forester does a variety of issues effectively— whereas it may be used for the on a regular basis commute, Subaru additionally champions the intersection of practicality and journey. With its optionally available elevated floor clearance and customary AWD, this automobile begs to be pushed outdoors the busy metropolis and into the outside.
Read our Subaru Forester Expert Review or see 2026 Subaru Forester fashions on the market close to you.
2026 Mazda CX-5

People admire Mazda for its elevated design selections that make their automobiles look upscale. The compact CX-5 wears its premium inside effectively. A glossy, curvy exterior retains the automobile trying elegant and distinctive. The CX-5’s 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine stays a favourite of ours as a consequence of its snappy nature that makes for a spirited drive.
For 2026, the Mazda CX-5 receives a mannequin makeover because it enters its third era. The new CX-5 boasts longer and wider proportions than its predecessor and options new expertise by no means earlier than seen for Mazda.
Mazda CX-5 Highlights
Roomy Cabin: The 2026 CX-5 feels extra spacious than ever, due to a 4.5-inch improve in general size and wheelbase. This now makes it barely longer than the Forester. Backseat passengers get pleasure from a extra snug experience with added legroom and headroom, and the cargo space will get a noteworthy improve in dimension.
Refined Design: The CX-5’s new design reveals a daring look that pulls inspiration from earlier iterations however retains the mannequin’s signature curves and athletic look. Premium inside supplies and finishes give off a cultured feel and look, making your entire automobile look costlier than it’s.
Sophisticated Technology: The CX-5 encompasses a new built-in Google system that features seamless integration with Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store. You can entry these through the optionally available up to date 15.6-inch infotainment display – that bests the Forester’s 11.6-inch upgraded fare.
Read our Mazda CX-5 Expert Review or see 2026 Mazda CX-5 fashions on the market close to you.
Pricing
New 2026 Subaru Forester Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Base Style
|
$31,445
|
$29,300
|
||
|
Premium
|
$34,835
|
$32,100
|
||
|
Sport
|
$37,555
|
$35,000
|
||
|
Sport Onyx Edition
|
$37,945
|
$35,400
|
||
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Limited
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$39,145
|
$36,400
|
||
|
Wilderness
|
$39,835
|
$36,800
|
||
|
Touring
|
$43,045
|
$40,100
|
New 2026 MAZDA CX-5 Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2.5 S
|
$31,485
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$29,500
|
||
|
2.5 S Select
|
$33,485
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$31,300
|
||
|
2.5 S Preferred
|
$35,745
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$33,400
|
||
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2.5 S Premium
|
$38,395
|
$36,400
|
||
|
2.5 S Premium Plus
|
$40,485
|
$38,500
|
The A-Z Eventz Fair Purchase Price for any particular person used automobile can fluctuate vastly in accordance with mileage, situation, location, and different elements.
The costs right here mirror what patrons are at the moment paying for New 2026 Subaru Forester automobiles and New 2026 MAZDA CX-5 automobiles in typical situation when buying from a dealership.
These costs are up to date weekly. The producer’s steered retail value (MSRP) quoted consists of the vacation spot price, however doesn’t embody tax, license, doc charges, and choices.
Specifications
| 2026 Subaru Forester | 2026 MAZDA CX-5 | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Towing Capacity | N/A | 1,500 kilos |
| Horsepower | 180 hp @ 5,800 rpm | 187 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft @ 3,700 rpm | 186 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic | computerized, 6-speed skyactiv-drive w/handbook & sport modes |
| Fuel Economy | 26 metropolis/33 freeway/29 mixed mpg | 24 metropolis/30 freeway/26 mixed 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 | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 105.1 inches | 110.8 inches |
| Overall Length | 183.3 inches | 184.6 inches |
| Width | 81.2 inches | 81.8 inches |
| Height | 68.1 inches | 66.7 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 35.4 toes | N/A |
| Headroom, Front | 41.2 inches | 39.7 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.6 inches | 40.2 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 43.3 inches | 41.7 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 39.4 inches | 39.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.7 inches | 57.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 56.7 inches | 55.6 inches |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | N/A | N/A |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | N/A | 66.5 toes |
Specification desk displays the standard configuration of automobiles proven.
Conclusion
Both automobiles are well-regarded choices on this section. Ultimately, the correct mannequin for you relies on what you’re in search of. If you desire a automobile with rugged appears and outdoorsy capabilities that come customary, the Forester could be the choice for you. However, if you happen to admire a extra subtle automotive with European-like styling and progressive expertise, the CX-5 may be the reply. Give each a take a look at drive to see which one matches your particular wants.
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