Compare the2026 Subaru Crosstrek VS 2026 Mazda CX-5

The Crosstrek has standard Whiplash-Reducing Front Seats, which use a specially designed seat to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Whiplash-Reducing Front Seats system allows the backrest to travel backwards to cushion the occupants and the headrests move forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The CX-5 doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

The Subaru Crosstrek’s rear backup camera has a standard washer for maintaining a clear view under various conditions. In contrast, the Mazda CX-5 does not offer a rear camera washer, meaning its effectiveness relies on manual cleaning by the user when necessary.

Both the Crosstrek and the CX-5 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all-wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available blind spot warning systems, around view monitors, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

There are over 18 percent more Subaru dealers than there are Mazda dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Crosstrek’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Subaru vehicles are better in initial quality than Mazda vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Subaru above average in initial quality. With 38 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mazda is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2026 Auto Issue reports that Subaru vehicles are more reliable than Mazda vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Subaru second in overall reliability. Mazda is ranked 14th.

The Crosstrek Hybrid’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid produces 7 more horsepower (194 vs. 187) than the CX-5’s 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Subaru Crosstrek 4 cyl. is faster than the Mazda CX-5:

	Crosstrek	CX-5
Zero to 60 MPH	7.9 sec	8.8 sec
Quarter Mile	16.1 sec	16.7 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	88.6 MPH	83.1 MPH

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the Crosstrek lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability without compromising ground clearance. The CX-5 doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.

On the EPA test cycle the Crosstrek gets better mileage than the CX-5:

			MPG
Crosstrek
	AWD	2.5 flat-4 Hybrid	36 city/36 hwy
		Sport/Limited 2.5 DOHC flat-4	26 city/33 hwy
CX-5
	AWD	2.5 DOHC 4-cyl.	24 city/30 hwy

Regenerative brakes improve the Crosstrek Hybrid’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The CX-5 doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The Crosstrek has 1.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the CX-5 (16.6 vs. 15.3 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Crosstrek has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The CX-5 doesn’t offer a CVT.

The Crosstrek’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the CX-5 are solid, not vented.

The Crosstrek stops much shorter than the CX-5:

	Crosstrek	CX-5
70 to 0 MPH	172 feet	182 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	121 feet	125 feet	Motor Trend

The Crosstrek’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 60 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the CX-5’s standard 65 series tires.

The Crosstrek Limited handles at .81 G’s, while the CX-5 S Premium Plus pulls only .80 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Crosstrek Limited executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the CX-5 S Premium Plus (27.3 seconds @ .61 average G’s vs. 28.2 seconds @ .59 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the Crosstrek Wilderness’ turning circle is 2 feet tighter than the CX-5’s (34.8 feet vs. 36.8 feet). The Crosstrek’s turning circle is 1.4 feet tighter than the CX-5’s (35.4 feet vs. 36.8 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Crosstrek has a greater minimum ground clearance than the CX-5 S/Select (8.7 vs. 8 inches), allowing the Crosstrek to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Crosstrek Wilderness’ minimum ground clearance is 1.1 inches higher than on the CX-5 Preferred/Premium (9.3 vs. 8.2 inches).

The Subaru Crosstrek may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 200 to 550 pounds less than the Mazda CX-5.

The Crosstrek is 8.2 inches shorter than the CX-5, making the Crosstrek easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The front grille of the Crosstrek uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The CX-5 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Crosstrek has .1 inches more front headroom, 1.2 inches more front legroom and 2.8 inches more rear hip room than the CX-5.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Crosstrek. The CX-5 doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

Maximum trailer towing in the Mazda CX-5 is limited to 1500 pounds. The Crosstrek offers up to a 3500 lbs. towing capacity.

The engine in the Crosstrek is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the CX-5. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Subaru service is better than Mazda. J.D. Power ranks Subaru third in service department satisfaction. With a 20% lower rating, Mazda is ranked 10th.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the Crosstrek’s exterior PIN entry system. The CX-5 doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system.

The Crosstrek’s standard Keyless Access and Start allow you to unlock the doors from either front door handle, unlock the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from pocket or purse. Pushbutton Start standard on the CX-5 only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the vehicle.

The Crosstrek’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The CX-5’s power mirror switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The Crosstrek’s optional rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The CX-5 offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

Compared to traditional radio, the Subaru Crosstrek’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio is only offered on the CX-5 Premium.

According to iSeeCars.com the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek retains 66.41% of its original value after 5 years, significantly more than the 57.6% resale value of the 2026 Mazda CX-5 after five years, which can save the Subaru’s owner up to $3278 in depreciation.

Consumer Reports® chose the Subaru Crosstrek as its “Top Pick,” the highest scoring vehicle in its category, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Subaru Crosstrek outsold the Mazda CX-5 by 41% during 2025.