2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2025 Subaru Forester
2025 Mazda CX-50 vs. 2025 Subaru Forester
Whether you’re planning a beach run down the Garden State Parkway or a leaf-peeping weekend in the Pine Barrens, the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and 2025 Subaru Forester deliver the blend of all-weather traction, generous cargo space, and everyday comfort that makes compact SUVs so popular. Both are built around standard all-wheel drive, yet they approach capability, cabin tech, and safety from different angles—giving Chapman Mazda shoppers clear choices.
Performance & Power
Mazda offers a three-engine lineup to match how you travel. CX-50 2.5 S models use a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder that sends 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque through a quick-shifting six-speed automatic and standard i-Activ AWD. Need more punch? The 2.5 Turbo swaps in a twin-scroll turbocharger for 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93-octane fuel—enough to tow 3,500 lb when equipped with Mazda Genuine accessories. New for 2025, the CX-50 Hybrid mates a 2.5-liter engine with Toyota-derived electric motors for 219 combined hp and an EPA-estimated 38 mpg combined, while still powering all four wheels with a dedicated e-AWD system. Subaru keeps things simpler: every Forester relies on a 2.5-liter BOXER engine (182 hp/176 lb-ft) and a Lineartronic CVT. Wilderness trims reach 9.2 inches of clearance for more aggressive angles, but towing tops out at 3,000 lb.
Tech & Comfort
Mazda’s cabin puts the driver at center stage. A broad 10.25-inch display governed by a console commander knob pairs with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and an available 12-speaker Bose system. The CX-50 also introduces Mazda’s first panoramic moonroof—perfect for stargazing in Wharton State Forest—while upscale materials like available Terracotta leather and a low, wide cargo aperture add real luxury to the loading zone. Forester counters with a portrait-oriented 11.6-inch STARLINK touchscreen that integrates climate controls for a tidy dash. Wireless smartphone mirroring, a foot-activated power rear gate, and heated outboard rear seats join the option list, and Subaru’s nearly 74 cu-ft maximum cargo volume handily stows beach chairs or a week’s groceries from Somers Point.
Safety
Every CX-50 carries the i-Activsense suite: adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, Smart Brake Support, Blind-Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Lane-Keep Assist. Strong IIHS crash scores—including a TOP SAFETY PICK + designation—underscore Mazda’s commitment to passive protection as well. Subaru builds on its safety reputation with a wider-angle dual-camera EyeSight system that now adds Automatic Emergency Steering and Emergency Stop Assist. Standard DriverFocus™ distraction mitigation and eight airbags further reinforce Forester’s family-friendly image.
From the driver’s seat, the differences are clear. If you crave crisp steering, turbocharged muscle, and refined cabin craftsmanship, the Mazda CX-50 stands out—especially in turbo or hybrid form. Prefer exceptional outward visibility, the flat-four’s low center of gravity, and maximum cargo volume? The Forester remains a smart bet. Either way, South Jersey roads await. Ready to experience Mazda’s balance of athletic handling and real-world utility? Browse our CX-50 inventory online, then visit Chapman Mazda in Egg Harbor Township for a pressure-free test-drive and personalized financing options.