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2026 Mazda CX-5 vs. Subaru Forester: Mazda or Subaru for New Hampshire Drivers?

The Mazda CX-5 compared to the Subaru Forester

Here at Seacoast Mazda in Portsmouth, NH, we serve drivers with all kinds of preferences when it comes to the cars they buy. Whether you’re torn between the 2026 Mazda CX-5 vs. Subaru Forester or have another SUV you want to compare, our team has you covered. We all know how wild the weather can get here in New Hampshire throughout the year, so the car, truck, or SUV you choose has to handle all four seasons. No worries, though, because we are the right sales crew for the job in and around Portsmouth, and our dealership is open daily for test drives. Stick around as we dive into the 2026 CX-5 and how it stacks up against the Subaru Forester.

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 vs. Subaru Forester: At a Glance

At nearly the same entry prices, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 vs. Subaru Forester are two great SUV options for people wanting a good blend of rugged and refined. The Mazda CX-5 is known for its sleek Kodo design and smooth handling, while the Forester offers top-rated all-wheel-drive capabilities. Both vehicles have solid ground clearance, available AWD, perky engines, and seating for up to five riders. However, the CX-5 feels higher-end inside and out, especially if materials, trim, and tech matter to you.

Comparing the 2026 Mazda CX-5 vs. Subaru Forester: Interior Design

Let’s start inside the 2026 Mazda CX-5 vs. Subaru Forester. Between them, you will have a luxury-leaning car with the CX-5, while the Subaru feels more adventure-ready and toned-down. Below, we can compare some of the features of both SUV models.

Here are some of the interior highlights of the 2026 Mazda CX-5:

  • Available 15.6-inch touchscreen (or 12.9-inch on lower trims)
  • Available with leather or leatherette seating materials
  • Available premium or soft-touch trim
  • 7-color ambient door panel lighting
  • Available 12-speaker Bose audio system
  • Wireless smartphone charging pad

Here are some of the interior specs of the 2026 Subaru Forester:

  • 11.6-inch high-resolution vertical touchscreen (dual 7-inch displays on the Base trim)
  • Available wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Wireless device charging pad (available on Premium and above)
  • Cloth, water-repellent StarTex (Wilderness/Onyx), or leather-trimmed seating

Comparing the Exteriors of the 2026 Mazda CX-5 vs. Subaru Forester

Much like their interiors, the exterior differences of the 2026 Mazda CX-5 vs. Subaru Forester are worth noting. The first thing to know about the CX-5's overall design is that it features a 4.5-inch longer wheelbase than previous releases, LED lighting, aerodynamic elements, 8.0+ inches of ground clearance, and smooth lines with a luxury-leaning profile. The Subaru Forester offers LED lights, 8.7 inches of standard ground clearance, rugged lower body cladding, and a more muscular design from front to rear.

What sets these SUVs apart is how they approach a family-friendly model. Subaru feels ready for the mountains, while the Mazda can handle them, but looks nice enough to go anywhere.

  • The Subaru Forester: leans heavily into utility, practicality, and an outdoorsy nature.
  • The Mazda CX-5: opts for sophisticated on-road driving dynamics and premium elements.

Which SUV Has Better Performance: 2026 Mazda CX-5 or the 2026 Subaru Forester?

If raw performance, dynamics, and power mean something to you, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 outperforms the Subaru Forester in most of these categories. With its 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G 4-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, the Mazda CX-5 can impress you on the road ahead. In comparison, the 2026 Subaru Forester has a standard 2.5-liter Boxer 4-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque.

Both vehicles have an automatic transmission, but the Mazda has a responsive 6-speed automatic, while the Forester has a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Performance in these SUVs is impressive regardless of which you choose, although the Mazda is known as the smoother of the group. Subaru does all-wheel-drive really well, but Mazda is hard to beat in handling and overall ride quality.

Comparing Safety: 2026 Mazda CX-5 vs. Subaru Forester

What’s nice about the 2026 Mazda CX-5 and 2026 Subaru Forester is that they both come with advanced safety suites. The Mazda SUV has the award-winning i-Activsense safety suite, while Subaru offers its EyeSight safety system. Below, we’ll share what each safety suite offers inside each SUV.

2026 Mazda CX-5

  • Blind Spot Monitoring and Blind Spot Assist
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Pedestrian Detection
  • Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go
  • Lane Departure Warning System and Lane-keep Assist
  • Smart Brake Support in Forward and Reverse
  • Turn-Across Traffic and Head-on Traffic Avoidance Assist
  • Rearview Monitor

2026 Subaru Forester

  • Automatic Pre-Collision Braking
  • Automatic Emergency Steering
  • Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
  • Blind-Spot Detection
  • Reverse Automatic Braking
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
  • DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System
  • 360-Degree Surround View Monitor

Another point: the 2026 Mazda CX-5 earns the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, its highest honor. The 2026 Subaru Forester earns the exact same Top Safety Pick+ award, so you’re in great hands with both brands. Our team at Seacoast Mazda in Portsmouth, NH, is here to walk you through Mazda's safety systems and help you take a test drive.

Which is the Better Value: 2026 Mazda CX-5 or the 2026 Subaru Forester?

Because the 2026 Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Forester have nearly identical MSRPs, value comes down to long-term ownership and maintenance costs, resale value, and everyday experience inside both cars. Both models come in at around $31,500, with the Mazda offering a more luxurious everyday feel and drive compared with the Forester. That said, Subaru’s hold value incredibly well and tend to not need much maintenance. With Mazda, you can expect low-maintenance ownership and decent resale for its SUVs. Both are truly great options.

Shop the 2026 Mazda CX-5 at Seacoast Mazda

Now that we’ve shared the differences (and similarities) of the 2026 Mazda CX-5 vs. Subaru Forester, it’s time to come test drive an SUV. Here at Seacoast Mazda, we help Portsmouth, NH, residents find the car of their dreams at the best price, every day of the week. Swing by, tell us what you’re interested in shopping for, and we will handle the rest!




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