The Subaru Crosstrek vs. Mazda CX-5 matchup compares two popular small SUVs for sale, both offering standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and a versatile interior. But which model comes out on top when considering specs and features?
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.
We welcome you to contact us following our comparison review 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 offered in the following trim levels:
- 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Base
- 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Premium
- 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Sport
- 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Limited
- 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness
See the Subaru Crosstrek color options if you're ready to select your preferred trim level and secure your next crossover SUV.
If you're still thinking about a 2025 Mazda CX-5 while shopping for a stylish and sporty new Subaru Crosstrek, you'll have the following trim options in the Mazda model:
- 2.5 S
- 2.5 S SELECT
- 2.5 S PREFERRED
- 2.5 S CARBON EDITION
- 2.5 S PREMIUM PLUS
- 2.5 CARBON TURBO
- 2.5 TURBO PREMIUM
- 2.5 TURBO SIGNATURE
Subaru Crosstrek Specs vs. Mazda CX-5 Specs
When comparing the 2025 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 2025 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 2025 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 180.1 inches long, up to 65.6 inches in height (without roof rails), and 72.6 inches in width, making it significantly larger on the outside. However, it's also much heavier than the small and agile Subaru Crosstrek.
The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Base trim tips the scales at just 3,277 pounds and boasts a 35.4-foot turning diameter. In contrast, the entry-level 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S model weighs a hefty 3,679 pounds and only gets heavier as you move up the package (or trim) lineup. The Mazda model isn't quite as nimble in tight areas, either, with its 36-foot turning diameter.
A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine powers the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek with 152 horsepower and puts out 145 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 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It's rated at 187 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. It also gets standard i-Activ AWD® but pairs it with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Mazda CX-5 MPG vs. Subaru Crosstrek MPG
SUV shoppers looking for a fuel-efficient new automobile will love what the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek offers. It's exceptionally efficient, reaching up to an EPA-estimated 27/34 MPG (City/Highway),1 due to its 2.0-liter engine and CVT. 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 2025 Mazda CX-5 come with a drop in fuel economy compared to the Subaru Crosstrek. This SUV returns up to an EPA-estimated 23/29 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.
Specifications | 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Base | 2025 MAZDA CX-5 2.5 S SELECT |
Engine | 2.0L 4-cyl | 2.5L 4-cyl |
Transmission | CVT | 6-Speed Automatic |
Drivetrain | Symmetrical AWD | i-ACTIV AWD® |
Horsepower | 152 | 187 |
Torque | 145 lb-ft | 185 lb-ft |
EPA-Est. MPG (City / Hwy) | 27 / 341 | 23 / 292 |
Standard Features | SUBARU STARLINK multimedia system | Android Autoâ„¢ |
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 2025 Subaru Crosstrek features 100.5 cubic feet of passenger volume, with the larger Mazda SUV only providing marginally more cabin space, at 103.6 cubic feet of total passenger volume.
However, the sporty new Subaru Crosstrek boasts more space than the Mazda model in various areas, including front-row legroom (the Crosstrek offers 42.9 inches whereas the Mazda CX-5 falls short at 41 inches) and second-row shoulder room (the Subaru Crosstrek has 55.3 inches and the Mazda CX-5 falls at 54.8 inches).
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.
Mazda CX-5 vs. Subaru Crosstrek Cargo Space
The Subaru Crosstrek cargo space is impressive, given its smaller overall dimensions compared to the larger Mazda CX-5. When you shop new Subaru Crosstrek inventory at our dealership, you'll find these small crossovers hold up to 54.9 cubic feet of cargo in the Wilderness trim with the rear seatbacks lowered. All other trims come standard with 54.7 cubic feet of cargo.
Even with the split-folding second-row seating upright, the new Crosstrek offers up to 19.9 cubic feet of standard cargo space.
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 cargo space is only slightly more voluminous than the Crosstrek. It holds up to 59.3 cubic feet of gear with the back seat and floorboard lowered, or 29.1 cubic feet when all five seats are in use.
For a superb mix of size, agility, and cargo capacity, consider the Crosstrek over this Mazda rival.
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 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and 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 NTHSA and IIHS for previous model years, which is expected to carry into 2025 as new ratings come out.
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 offers some similar safety technologies to the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek, like Mazda Radar Cruise Control and Smart Brake Support. Still, it lacks similar innovative Subaru safety tech like a driver's knee airbag and whiplash-protection front seats.
Are you ready to get into a 2025 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 2025 Mazda CX-5 is bigger than the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek on the exterior, but these two crossover SUVs are similarly sized inside. 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 front-row headroom and legroom than the Mazda CX-5.
Is the Mazda CX-5 a small or large SUV?
Compared to the small, sporty, and agile Subaru Crosstrek, one might think the Mazda CX-5 is a large SUV, but it's 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 2025 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.
