Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.Small SUVs succeed by nailing the basics, and these two do it in opposite styles. Subaru's Forester wins on space, visibility, and all-weather value, while Mazda's CX-5 counters with a premium cabin and the sharpest drive in the class.2026 Mazda CX-5 GT AWDCole AttishaMatch the Forester against the CX-5, and each plays to a clear strength. Subaru maximizes room and outward vision with standard all-wheel drive, while Mazda delivers upscale materials and engaging handling. Here is how the two compact favorites compare.2026 Subaru Forester WildernessSubaruHow they compareHere is a quick side-by-side of how the two compact SUVs line up for 2026.SpecificationSubaru ForesterMazda CX-5Engines2.5L2.5L; 2.5L turboPower180 hp187 to 256 hpDriveStandard all-wheel driveStandard all-wheel driveMax cargoAbout 74 cu ftAbout 59 cu ftInteriorRoomy, great visibilityUpscale, driver-focusedIIHS 2026 awardTop Safety Pick+Top Safety Pick+Powertrains and capabilitySubaru gives the Forester a 180-horsepower boxer four, plus a new hybrid making around 194 horsepower and returning roughly 35 mpg in the city, a welcome efficiency boost. Every Forester comes with standard all-wheel drive, X-MODE traction control, and higher ground clearance, giving it genuine light off-road ability that suits camping and bad-weather duty.2026 Subaru Forester WildernessSubaruMazda's redesigned CX-5 pairs its refined gas engine with standard all-wheel drive of its own, and it drives with the poise Mazda is known for, quiet, composed, and more engaging than most rivals. It is not built for trails the way the Forester is, but for pavement and rough roads, it is the more polished companion.2026 Mazda CX-5 GT AWDCole AttishaAdvertisementAdvertisementInterior and technologyThis is where the new CX-5 leaps ahead. Its available 15.6-inch touchscreen is the largest Mazda has ever fit, it runs Google built-in software, and its cabin materials and craftsmanship feel genuinely upscale. The redesign also stretched the wheelbase for more rear-seat room, addressing an old CX-5 weakness.2026 Mazda CX-5 GT AWDCole AttishaSubaru's Forester counters with space and honesty rather than flash. Its boxy body yields excellent cargo room and outstanding outward visibility, and its cabin is practical and hard-wearing, if plainer and less teched-out than the Mazda's. Consumer reviewers have noted the Forester's no-frills feel and highway noise; the CX-5 is the quieter, richer place to sit.2026 Subaru Forester WildernessSubaruSafety, value, and ownershipSafety gives Subaru a concrete edge for now. The Forester holds a 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, the top honor, while the redesigned CX-5 has not yet been crash-tested, though Mazda's strong safety reputation suggests it should do well once evaluated. Both pack generous standard driver-assistance technology. On value, the two start within dollars of each other, with the CX-5 offering a lot of standard content and the Forester countering with proven capability, all-wheel-drive heritage, and Subaru's loyal ownership base.So which one wins?As an all-around daily driver, the Mazda CX-5 edges out the win. Its 2026 redesign delivers a more upscale interior, class-leading technology, more rear-seat space, and the quiet, refined driving manners that make it a nicer everyday companion, all at a price in line with the Forester. The Subaru Forester is the better pick for buyers who want genuine light off-road capability, maximum visibility and cargo room, a hybrid option, and a current Top Safety Pick+ credential the CX-5 has yet to earn. It is close, and safety-focused or adventure-minded buyers may lean toward Subaru, but in terms of overall polish, the redesigned CX-5 takes it.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Jul 20, 2026, where it first appeared in the Car Buying section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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