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2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid vs. 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid Comparison

See how the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid and 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid performed in our rigorous, independent road tests. Our experts evaluate hundreds of vehicles annually at our 327-acre testing facility, putting each model through over 50 data-driven assessments—including braking, emergency handling, fuel economy, and cabin noise. Review our side-by-side comparison of tested specifications, real-world fuel efficiency, and crash-test safety ratings to see which is the best for reliability, performance, and more.

Comparing 2 Models

CX-50 Hybrid 2026

$34,750 - $40,450

All Test Results

Forester Hybrid 2026

$34,730 - $41,545

All Test Results
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About
About
Mazda has expanded its CX-50 lineup with a hybrid variant, adapting the 219-hp powertrain from the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. This swap brings some added oomph over the regular CX-50, which feels underpowered. More importantly, it's much more fuel-efficient...
 
The Forester, a perennial high-scorer in CR's compact SUV ratings, is available for the first time in hybrid form. An electric motor backed by a lithium-ion battery augments its 2.5-liter flat-four engine. That hybrid powertrain increases horsepower ...
Highs
Highs
Green Checkmark Icon Excellent fuel economy
Green Checkmark Icon Long cruising range
Green Checkmark Icon Can drive on electric power at low speeds
Green Checkmark Icon Agile handling
Green Checkmark Icon Nicely finished interior
 
Green Checkmark Icon Excellent fuel economy
Green Checkmark Icon Comfortable ride
Green Checkmark Icon Roomy rear seat
Green Checkmark Icon Unobstructed visibility
Green Checkmark Icon Simple controls
Lows
Lows
Red 'X' Icon Unintuitive infotainment system
 
Red 'X' Icon Long stopping distances
Road Test Score
Road Test Score
/ 100
 
/ 100
Reliability
Reliability
/ 100
 
/ 100
Owner Satisfaction
Owner Satisfaction
/ 100
 
/ 100

Overview

Body Styles
Body Styles

4-door SUV

 

4-door SUV

Trim Lines
Trim Lines

Preferred, Premium, Premium Plus

 

Limited, Sport, Premium, Touring

Base Price Range
Base Price Range

$34,750 - $40,450

 

$34,730 - $41,545

Drive Wheels
Drive Wheels

AWD

 

AWD

Seating Capacity
Seating Capacity

2 Front, 3 Rear

 

2 Front, 3 Rear

Engines/Motors
Engines/Motors

2.5-liter 4 hybrid (219 hp)

 

2.5-liter 4 hybrid (194 hp)

Transmissions Available
Transmissions Available

CVT

 

CVT

Performance

Comfort & Convenience

Fuel Economy & Range

Vehicle Safety

Specification

Warranty

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Auto Test Center

Precision testing comes standard at our 327-acre auto test center.

TESTING LIKE NOBODY ELSE

50+

tests are conducted on every car we buy.

PERFORMANCE TESTING

6

miles of track for testing acceleration, ride, handling, braking, and advanced driver assist systems.

TIRE TESTING

400

tires tested a year for all-weather grip and rolling resistance.