Subaru Crosstrek Vs. Mazda CX-5 Comparison | Interior, Specs, MPG

The Subaru Crosstrek vs. Mazda CX-5 matchup pits two popular small SUVs against each other, both offering standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and a versatile interior. Each model is at the forefront of versatility, maneuverability, and value-driven comforts. But which model comes out on top when put face-to-face?

The Tom Wood Subaru team has compiled a thorough comparison guide of the Subaru Crosstrek vs. Mazda CX-5 so you can decide which of these sporty crossovers is your preferred option when shopping for your next compact yet versatile vehicle. Let's get started by comparing the Subaru Crosstrek specs against the competition. Once you're done, we welcome you to talk to us for further details on how the Crosstrek stacks up against the Mazda CX-5 or any other vehicle.

Subaru Crosstrek vs. Mazda CX-5 Trim Levels

Are you already dreaming of driving a new Crosstrek? When you view all new Subaru inventory or shop by model online, you'll find this crossover SUV available in the following trim levels:

• 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base
• 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Premium
• 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Sport
• 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Limited
• 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness

The Sport and Limited trims also come in a hybrid version, if you want extra fuel economy on your drive. See the Subaru Crosstrek color options if you're ready to select your preferred trim level and secure your next crossover SUV.

Meanwhile, if you shop for a Mazda CX-5, you'll be presented with an array of opportunities, but they can become overwhelming quickly:

• 2.5 S
• 2.5 S SELECT
• 2.5 S PREFERRED
• 2.5 S PREMIUM
• 2.5 S PREMIUM PLUS

For now, the Mazda SUV lineup only features a single engine: a Skyactiv®-G 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. This is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard i-Activ AWD®.

Subaru Crosstrek Specs vs. Mazda CX-5 Specs

When comparing the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek vs. Mazda CX-5, let's first take a look at each model's balance of size, power, fuel economy, features, and versatility.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is a small crossover SUV that competes directly with the Mazda CX-5. At 176.4 inches long, 62.8 inches tall (without roof rails), and up to 71.7 inches wide, the 2026 Crosstrek is a small SUV that punches above its weight with excellent efficiency, the robust Symmetrical AWD system, and competitive pricing.

The larger Mazda CX-5 measures 184.6 inches long, up to 66.7 inches in height (without roof rails), and 73.2 inches in width, making it significantly larger on the outside. However, it's also much heavier than the small and agile Subaru Crosstrek.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base trim tips the scales at just 3,296 pounds and boasts a 35.4-foot turning diameter – or even less with the Wilderness trim. In contrast, the entry-level 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S model weighs a whopping 3,856 pounds and only gets heavier as you move up the trim lineup. The Mazda model isn't quite as nimble in tight areas either, with a turning diameter of more than 36 feet. Additionally, if you want extra ground clearance, the Mazda CX-5 offers a solid 8 inches, while the Crosstrek leads the competition at 8.7 inches.

A 25-liter four-cylinder engine powers the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek with 180 horsepower and puts out 178 pound-feet of torque through the advanced Symmetrical AWD system. An exceptionally efficient CVT (continuously variable transmission) ensures this adventurous Subaru crossover SUV can go the distance before needing to refuel.

The bigger and heavier Mazda CX-5 has more power, thanks to its larger engine. For now, the Mazda SUV lineup only features a single engine: a Skyactiv®-G 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. This difference in capability is hard to notice – you'll reach 60 mph marginally faster with the Mazda CX-5, but at a cost.

Mazda CX-5 MPG vs. Subaru Crosstrek MPG

That cost is MPG ratings, where the Mazda CX-5 reveals its rather wasteful engine. Let's set the Subaru Crosstrek as the bar: It's exceptionally efficient, reaching up to an EPA-estimated 26/33 MPG (City/Highway),¹ thanks to its 2.5-liter engine and CVT. That's not even mentioning the hybrid engine, which achieves an incredible 36/36 MPG rating (City/Highway).¹ The Subaru Crosstrek MPG ratings are one of the main selling points of this model over the less fuel-efficient Mazda CX-5.

The more powerful engine and larger dimensions of the 2026 Mazda CX-5 come with a drop in fuel economy compared to the Subaru Crosstrek. This SUV returns up to an EPA-estimated 24/30 MPG (City/Highway)² rating. Check out more specs between the Subaru Crosstrek vs. Mazda CX-5 below, and how they compare in terms of standard features.

Subaru Crosstrek Interior vs. Mazda CX-5 Interior

As we've covered, the Subaru Crosstrek is smaller and more agile than the Mazda CX-5. However, the difference in cabin space between these two models might be less than you imagined. The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek features 100.5 cubic feet of passenger volume and a comfortable rear-row seat with 36.5 inches of legroom and 38 inches of headroom. Because of its extra size, it's only natural that the Mazda CX-5 has some advantages in cabin room.

However, even with the Mazda SUV's recent size increase, the sporty new Subaru Crosstrek boasts more space than the Mazda model in various areas. That includes front-row legroom (the Crosstrek offers 42.9 inches, whereas the Mazda CX-5 falls short at 41.7 inches), which is a critical comfort for commuters. It keeps up with the Mazda CX-5 in a surprising number of areas, too, such as with its rear-row shoulder room of 55.3 inches (compared to the 55.6 inches of the Mazda CX-5).

Both the Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Crosstrek interior cabins provide plenty of room for up to five passengers and ample cargo capacity. Get inside the commodious two-row interior of the new Crosstrek today at Tom Wood Subaru.

For a superb mix of size, agility, and cargo capacity, consider the Crosstrek over this Mazda rival. Be sure to contact us and schedule a test drive to experience this spacious interior yourself.

Subaru Crosstrek vs. Mazda CX-5 Safety Features

The Subaru brand is at the forefront of safety technologies, and the new Crosstrek comes standard with many of the driver assistance features the automaker has become known for in recent years.

EyeSight driver assist technology comes standard in the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek. It includes the following features:

• Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering
• Pre-Collision Braking
• Lane Departure and Sway Warning
• Lane Keep Assist
• Automatic Emergency Steering

A driver's knee airbag and whiplash-protection front seats with height- and tilt-adjustable head restraints are also standard in this small Subaru crossover SUV for sale.

When it comes to each vehicle's respective safety rating, both the Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Crosstrek have high safety scores from both the NHTSA and IIHS. In 2025, for instance, the Crosstrek received five out of five stars from the NHTSA,³ a score expected to continue into 2026.

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 offers some similar safety technologies to the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek, like Mazda Radar Cruise Control and Smart Brake Support. Still, it lacks the innovative Subaru safety tech touch, such as a driver's knee airbag and whiplash-protection front seats.

Are you ready to get behind the wheel of a 2026 Subaru Crosstrek? View our new vehicle specials to explore attractive offers and incentives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Mazda CX-5 bigger than the Subaru Crosstrek?

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is bigger than the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek on the exterior, but these two crossover SUVs are fairly close in cabin size, especially in the front row. The Mazda model is taller, wider, and longer than the Crosstrek but only offers slightly more passenger volume. While smaller overall, the new Subaru Crosstrek for sale boasts more headroom and legroom in the front.

Is the Mazda CX-5 a small or large SUV?

Compared to the small, sporty, and agile Subaru Crosstrek, drivers might think that the Mazda CX-5 is a large SUV, but it's actually similarly sized and classified as a compact SUV. Both the Subaru Crosstrek and Mazda CX-5 are five-passenger, two-row crossover SUVs for sale that feature over 100 cubic feet of passenger volume. Find out more today.

Why choose a Subaru Crosstrek?

The new Subaru Crosstrek for sale offers several significant advantages over other crossover SUVs like the Mazda CX-5. For instance, the 2026 Crosstrek is more fuel-efficient than the Mazda model. It's also lighter and more agile, with a tighter turning diameter than its competitor from the Mazda brand. Experience the Crosstrek for yourself with a test drive at Tom Wood Subaru.

Explore More Subaru Model Information

¹EPA fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary with driving conditions and your vehicle's condition.

²EPA-estimated mileage. Actual results will vary.

³Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2025/SUBARU/CROSSTREK/SW/AWD.