2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid vs. Subaru Forester Hybrid

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid and Subaru Forester Hybrid both stand out in the competitive hybrid SUV market. Although each offers an excellent combination of fuel efficiency and practicality, they present distinct design differences. Our comprehensive 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid vs. Forester Hybrid car comparison review will help you decide between them.

Performance and Efficiency

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is equipped with a 2.5-liter hybrid engine and an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission, producing 219 horsepower. The Subaru Forester has a 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine that generates 194 horsepower. The CX-50 Hybrid accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 7.6 seconds, while the Forester Hybrid achieves this in 8.1 seconds. The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid offers a combined fuel efficiency of 38 mpg, compared to the Forester’s 35 mpg.

Subaru has its famous full-time Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system. The CX-50 Hybrid primarily uses front-wheel drive and uses the rear electric motor only when necessary. The Forester offers a ground clearance of 8.7 inches, compared to the Mazda’s 8.1 inches, while both can tow up to 1,500 pounds. The Forester Hybrid excels in range, achieving 581 miles on a single tank.

Interior, Comfort, and Technology

The Forester Hybrid boasts a larger passenger volume of 106.6 cubic feet, surpassing the CX-50 Hybrid’s 95 cubic feet. The Mazda offers more rear legroom, at 39.8 inches, compared to 39.4 inches in the Subaru. The CX-50 features 38.6 inches of headroom compared to the Forester’s 37.7 inches.

The Forester offers 69.1 cubic feet of maximum cargo space compared to the CX-50 Hybrid’s 56.3 cubic feet. The Mazda offers 29.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, while the Forester provides 27.5 cubic feet, which is perfect for grocery runs. The Mazda’s interior also feels noticeably more upscale. It has high-quality materials with more attention to detail and a design that leans toward elegance. The Forester takes a more practical approach. It prioritizes function over form.

The Forester Hybrid features an 11.6-inch infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The CX-50 Hybrid counters with a 10.25-inch setup, which is smaller but arguably more intuitive. The Mazda has a 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint audio system, while the Forester features an 11-speaker Harman Kardon setup. Both SUVs offer 10-way power-adjustable leather seats with heating and ventilation.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The CX-50 Hybrid offers the i-ACTIVSENSE. This suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance features is standard across their lineup. It includes lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control. These systems help keep you safe and reduce fatigue during daily driving. Subaru’s EyeSight system offers features like automatic emergency steering, automatic precollision braking, precollision throttle management, and advanced adaptive cruise control with lane centering. The DriverFocus distraction mitigation system uses facial recognition technology to monitor your alertness while driving. It’ll even alert you when it’s time to take a break.

The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid has earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, while the Forester Hybrid secured the 2025 Top Safety Pick award. Only the Forester includes a 360-degree camera system, as Mazda reserves this feature for its more expensive models. This gives the Subaru a distinct edge for parking in tight spaces and maneuvering around obstacles. Both SUVs include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, and automatic high-beam headlights.

Pricing, Warranty, and Value Consideration

Money talks, and the Mazda speaks your language with a pricing structure that’s hard to ignore. The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid starts at $33,970 and tops out at $40,050, depending on the specific trim and features. The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid is priced between $36,595 and $43,295.

Both brands offer the same three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain protection. Since neither manufacturer provides complimentary maintenance, you’ll be responsible for oil changes and routine service. Subaru significantly outperforms Mazda in terms of reliability and predicted five-year resale value. The Mazda’s lower initial price helps offset some of this resale difference.

Visit Capistrano Mazda Today

If you want the best mix of performance, efficiency, and value without the premium cost associated with brand reputation, the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is a great option. It has a lower price, superior fuel economy, and more powerful performance. If you’re in San Juan Capistrano, California, visit us to experience this exceptional vehicle firsthand. Contact us today to schedule a test-drive. We’ll help you find the perfect hybrid SUV that fits your lifestyle and budget.