2026 Mazda CX-5 vs Subaru Forester

New 2026 MAZDA CX-5 vs Subaru Forester in Dover, OH

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Forester are both compact SUVs built for everyday driving, but they take different approaches to performance, comfort, and design. With the CX-5 starting at $29,990 MSRP* and the Forester starting at $29,995 MSRP, both are competitively priced options for Ohio shoppers looking for a new SUV.

This comparison takes a closer look at the 2026 Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Forester, including their performance, interior, technology, safety features, cargo space, and more. If you’re shopping in Dover, Canton, New Philadelphia, or nearby areas, Dover Mazda can help you learn more about the CX-5 and see what it brings to the table.

Trims and Pricing: 2026 MAZDA CX-5 vs Subaru Forester Near Canton, OH

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 comes in five trims, while the Subaru Forester offers six. With starting prices just five dollars apart, the CX-5 starts at $29,990, and the Forester starts at $29,995.

The different trim lineups give you several options as you move up from the entry-level models. Below, you can see the available trims for the 2026 Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Forester, along with their starting MSRPs, giving you a quick look at how each lineup is priced.

2026 MAZDA CX-5 Trims

• 2026 MAZDA CX-5 2.5 S: Starting at $29,990*

• 2026 MAZDA CX-5 2.5 S Select: Starting at $31,990*

• 2026 MAZDA CX-5 2.5 S Preferred: Starting at $34,250*

• 2026 MAZDA CX-5 2.5 S Premium: Starting at $36,900*

• 2026 MAZDA CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus: Starting at $38,990*

2026 Subaru Forester Trims

• 2026 Subaru Forester Base: Starting at $29,995

• 2026 Subaru Forester Premium: Starting at $31,995

• 2026 Subaru Forester Sport: Starting at $34,795

• 2026 Subaru Forester Limited: Starting at $35,995

• 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness: Starting at $36,995

• 2026 Subaru Forester Touring: Starting at $39,995

Design and Style: 2026 MAZDA CX-5 vs Subaru Forester Near New Philadelphia, OH

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 has a redesigned cabin and a clean, upscale look inside and out. It seats up to five and offers 66.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seatbacks folded. The Forester also seats up to five and offers more maximum cargo room at 74.4 cubic feet, while both SUVs give you features that make everyday trips more comfortable and convenient.

2026 MAZDA CX-5 Design Highlights

• Redesigned cabin with a choice of premium materials, including durable two-tone or Sports Tan leather

• Ambient door panel lighting

• New Navy Blue Mica exterior color

• Power sliding-glass panoramic moonroof with tilt feature

• Hands-free rear power liftgate with programmable height adjustment

• Seats up to five

2026 Subaru Forester Design Highlights

• Up to 74.4 cubic feet of cargo space

• Seats up to five

• Panoramic power moonroof

• Hands-free power rear liftgate

• Bold grille and striking headlights

• Geometric trim accents

• Muscular design contours

The Forester has an advantage when it comes to maximum cargo space, but the CX-5 brings its own premium touches. Its redesigned cabin gives the CX-5 a polished feel that fits well whether you’re heading to work or taking a weekend trip.

Technology: 2026 MAZDA CX-5 vs Subaru Forester in Dover, OH

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 brings a large, easy-to-see display and connected features into the cabin. The Forester also offers a solid selection of technology, including smartphone integration and available premium audio.

2026 MAZDA CX-5 Technology Highlights

• 15.6-inch center touchscreen display

• Google Built-in®, complimentary for one year with your Mazda Connected Services trial

• MyMazda App and Mazda Connected Services

• 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster

• Bose® Sound System

• Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™

2026 Subaru Forester Highlights

• 11.6-inch touchscreen with Subaru Multimedia System

• Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™

• Available built-in Wi-Fi hotspot

• Harman Kardon® premium audio system

• MySubaru Connected Services

The CX-5 stands out with its 15.6-inch center touchscreen and 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, giving the cabin a modern, connected feel. Both SUVs offer wireless smartphone integration, while each has an available premium sound system for drivers who want more from their music.

Safety Features: 2026 MAZDA CX-5 vs Subaru Forester Near Canton, OH

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Forester both offer driver assistance technology designed to help you stay aware of what is happening around you. Mazda includes its i-ACTIVSENSE® Safety Technology, while Subaru uses its EyeSight Driver Assist Technology.

2026 MAZDA CX-5 Safety Features

• Blind Spot Monitoring

• Road Keep Assist

• Head-on Traffic Avoidance

• Vehicle Exit Warning

• Parking Sensors

• Smart Brake Support - Rear Crossing

2026 Subaru Forester Safety Features

• Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control

• Lane Departure and Sway Warning

• Pre-Collision Braking

• Automatic Emergency Steering

• Pre-Collision Throttle Management

• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

Both SUVs offer a range of features to assist with common driving situations. The CX-5 combines its driver assistance features with tools such as parking sensors and Vehicle Exit Warning, giving you added awareness both on the road and when getting in and out of the vehicle.

Power and Capability: 2026 MAZDA CX-5 vs Subaru Forester Near New Philadelphia, OH

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 uses a Skyactiv®-G 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. It comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard i-Activ AWD®, while Mi-Drive lets you choose between Normal, Sport, and Off-road drive modes.

2026 MAZDA CX-5 Performance

• 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque

• Standard i-ACTIV AWD®

• 6-speed automatic transmission

• 24 city / 30 highway / 26 combined MPG EPA-estimated fuel economy

• Mi-Drive with Normal, Sport, and Off-road modes

2026 Subaru Forester Performance

• 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque

• Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive

• Dual-function X-MODE®

• 2.5-liter DOHC engine

• Up to 33 MPG gas mileage

The Forester has an edge in fuel economy, while the CX-5 delivers more horsepower and torque. Standard i-Activ AWD® and multiple Mi-Drive modes also give the CX-5 a balance of performance and control for different types of driving. 

Ready to See the 2026 MAZDA CX-5 for Yourself?

Numbers and feature lists can tell you a lot, but they don’t tell you how an SUV feels from the driver’s seat! Stop by Dover Mazda at 135 West Broadway Street, Dover, OH 44622, or call (330) 343-7781 to take the 2026 Mazda CX-5 for a test drive.

While you’re here, take a look at our new and pre-owned inventory, check out our new vehicle specials, or find out what your current vehicle is worth with a trade-in. You can also get pre-approved online to get a head start on your next vehicle purchase.

If you’re shopping from Dover, Canton, New Philadelphia, or the surrounding area, we’d be happy to help you take the next step toward a CX-5!

DISCLAIMERS:

*MSRP excludes taxes, title, license fees and $1,595 destination charge (Alaska $1,640). Vehicle shown may be priced higher. Actual dealer price will vary. See dealer for complete details. 

MSRP does not include destination and delivery charges, tax, title, and registration fees. Destination and delivery includes handling and inland freight fees and may vary in some states. Prices, specifications, options, features, and models subject to change without notice. Select colors may be subject to an additional charge. See your retailer for more information.

Please remember to properly secure all cargo.

Always check the area around the Rear Power Liftgate before opening and closing it. Please see your Owner’s Manual for further details.

Don’t drive while distracted. Some features may require cellular or Wi-Fi service; some features may be locked out while the vehicle is in motion. To use features with Google built-in, a data connection is required via Mazda Connected Services (MCS) or a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. Messages and data rates may apply. Certain Google actions and functionality may require account linking. Google, Google Play, Google Maps and Gemini are trademarks of Google LLC. 
Connected services are subject to change at any time without notice. Mazda Connected Services is provided during a 1-year trial period; monthly subscription fees apply thereafter. Use of MyMazda App and compatible phone are required. Connected services require cellular or Wi-Fi service. Data fees may apply. Never drive while distracted or while using a hand-held device. Please see your Owner’s Manual for important feature details and related privacy information. 

Connected services are subject to change at any time without notice. Mazda Connected Services is provided during a 1-year trial period; monthly subscription fees apply thereafter. Use of MyMazda App and compatible phone are required. Connected services require cellular or Wi-Fi service. Data fees may apply. Never drive while distracted or while using a hand-held device. Please see your Owner’s Manual for important feature details and related privacy information. 

Requires compatible phone and standard text and data rates apply. Third-party interface providers are solely responsible for their product functionality and third-party terms and privacy statements apply. Don’t drive while distracted or while using a hand-held device. Google and Android Auto are trademarks of Google LLC. Apple CarPlay, iPhone and Siri are trademarks of Apple Inc.

Internet access is purchased separately through AT&T with monthly, per gigabyte, and unlimited data options available. Existing AT&T customers have the option to add an additional line to their AT&T Mobile Share plan.

Activation with subscription required. Includes a five-year trial subscription to MySubaru Companion services and a one-year trial subscription to MySubaru Navigator. MySubaru Companion+ services can be purchased as a multi-year package with annual or monthly renewals after the package period. A credit card on file will be required for specific packages and for renewal purposes. Features and availability vary by vehicle and trim level. May not be available in all states. See your retailer for details.

Always check your mirrors. Be aware of the traffic around you. There are limitations to the range and detection of the system. Please see your Owner’s Manual for further details. 

Standard on all trims.    

Emergency Lane Keeping features are not a substitute for safe and attentive driving. There are limitations to the operation of the system. Please see your Owner's Manual for further details.  

Standard on all trims.

Always check your surroundings. Be aware of the traffic around you. There are limitations to the operation of the system. Please see your Owner’s Manual for further details. 

Standard on all trims.    

Always check your mirrors. Be aware of your surroundings. There are limitations to the range and detection of the system. Please see your Owner’s Manual for further details. 

Standard on all trims.   

Smart Brake Support features are not a substitute for safe and attentive driving. There are limitations to the operation of the system. Please see your Owner's Manual for further details. 

Standard on all trims.     

EyeSight is a driver-assist system that may not operate optimally under all driving conditions. The Pre-Collision Braking System is designed to provide automatic braking that either prevents a collision or reduces the severity of a frontal impact. The driver is always responsible for safe and attentive driving. System effectiveness depends on many factors, such as vehicle maintenance, weather, and road conditions. See Owner’s Manual for complete details on system operation and limitations.

Automatic Emergency Steering is a system designed to assist the driver. It is not a substitute for safe and attentive driving. Automatic Emergency Steering works in conjunction with and after Pre-Collision Braking has been activated by providing steering support at speeds lower than 50 mph to try and help avoid a collision. See Owner’s Manual for complete details, including important system limitations. Availability varies by trim level.

Blind-Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert are systems designed to assist the driver by monitoring the rear and side areas of the vehicle during a lane change or reversing and are not a substitute for safe and attentive driving.

MPG based on EPA estimates for 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S models, 24 city/30 highway/26 combined MPG. Actual results will vary.

EPA fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary with driving conditions and your vehicle’s condition.

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