2025 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Review

Picture of the 2025 Mazda CX-5

2025 Mazda
CX-5

MSRP*: $28,570 to $40,600
See details & photos

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Picture of the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek

2024 Subaru
Crosstrek

MSRP*: $25,195 to $32,195
See details & photos

Find Your Best Price Today!

MPG - City 22 - 26 MPG 25 - 27 MPG
MPG - Hwy 27 - 30 MPG 29 - 34 MPG
Seating Capacity 5 seats 5 seats
Cargo Space 58.1 ft3 54.7 - 54.9 ft3
Engine
  • 187-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 227-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 152-hp, 2.0-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 182-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
Transmission Automatic Continuously Variable
Drivetrain All Wheel Drive All Wheel Drive
Horsepower 187 - 227 hp 152 - 182 hp
Towing Capacity 2,000 lbs 1,500 - 3,500 lbs
Exterior Length 180.1 in 176.4 in
Exterior Width 72.6 in 70.9 - 71.7 in
Leg Room Front 41.0 in
Rear 39.6 in
Front 42.9 in
Rear 36.5 in
Head Room Front 39.3 - 39.7 in
Rear 39.0 in
Front 39.8 in
Rear 38.0 in

*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.

Comparison Review

Comfort
Rear passengers will be able to stretch out a lot more in the Mazda CX-5 than in the Subaru Crosstrek. The Subaru Crosstrek will be a hit with tall drivers and their front seat passengers, since it has greater front head- and legroom than the Mazda CX-5.

Convenience
The Subaru Crosstrek requires fewer stops at the gas station than the Mazda CX-5, making it more convenient to drive.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The Mazda CX-5 is somewhat more expensive than the Subaru Crosstrek.

Dimensions
Since the Mazda CX-5 is much wider than the Subaru Crosstrek, finding a wide enough spot in a parking lot may be a bit more challenging. For some people, bigger is better. If that's the case for you, then you'll be happier with the Mazda CX-5, which is slightly longer than the Subaru Crosstrek.

Handling
The Mazda CX-5 has the same turning radius as the Subaru Crosstrek, so they both maneuver the same in and out of tight spots.

Performance
When considering towing capacity, the Mazda CX-5 is clearly the choice over the Subaru Crosstrek for pulling heavy loads. In terms of horsepower, it's a virtual tie between the Mazda CX-5 and the Subaru Crosstrek.

Powertrain
With somewhat higher torque, the Mazda CX-5 transmits power to its wheels a bit more effectively than the Subaru Crosstrek.

Utility
In terms of seating, you'll be able to fit about the same number of people in both the Mazda CX-5 and the Subaru Crosstrek. The Mazda CX-5 has a roomier cargo area for putting your bags or other items than the Subaru Crosstrek.