MAZDA CX-50 VS. SUBARU FORESTER WILDERNESS: POWER, PRICING & PERFORMANCE

The next generation of all-terrain driving prowess has arrived; see how it goes above and beyond with our Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Forester Wilderness comparison guide. Spoiler alert: the Mazda CX-50 is more powerful, has more cargo room, more rear-seat spaciousness, offers better MPG, provides a comprehensive trim range, starts at a lower price, can tow more, and stands tall against the Forester Wilderness in many other areas.

Discover this latest chapter in Mazda SUV greatness below. Once you've compared it to the competition, visit us at Dyer Mazda to experience the Mazda CX-50 with a test drive or explore our value-packed pre-owned vehicle specials.

Mazda CX-50 vs Subaru Forester Wilderness
SKYACTIV®-G 2.5 DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder with Cylinder Deactivation Engine 2.5-liter 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER® engine
187 hp @ 6,000 rpm Horsepower 182 hp
8.0 sec 0-60 8.0 sec
186 lb-ft torque @ 4,000 rpm Torque 176 lb-ft torque
i-ACTIV AWD® Drivetrain Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
up to 3,500 pounds2 Towing Capacity up to 3,000 pounds
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Mazda CX-50 vs. the Subaru Forester Wilderness Performance

The Mazda CX-50 is a powerhouse designed with rugged thrills in mind. While the Subaru Forester Wilderness was built around the same priority, the Mazda CX-50 offers much more power.

When comparing the Mazda CX-50 vs. the Subaru Forester Wilderness, you'll find that the Forester puts out 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque from its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The Mazda CX-50 lays down 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque with its standard SKYACTIV®-G 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.

But, the Forester Wilderness performance levels end there. With a Mazda CX-50, you can opt for a SKYACTIV®-G 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a vigorous output of up to 256 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque.

According to third-party testing, the Subaru Forester Wilderness manages 0 to 60 mph in around eight seconds. The standard Mazda CX-50 will achieve a similar eight-second run, but with the turbocharged engine at your command, the Mazda CX-50 sprints from 0 to 60 mph in around 6.2 seconds.

Both SUVs offer standard all-wheel drive and off-road driving modes, but with Mazda G-Vectoring Control Plus coming standard in the Mazda CX-50 (and most of our new vehicles), agility is taken much, much further in the Mazda CX-50.

Is Subaru Forester good off-road?

The Subaru Forester is a well-known SUV for all-terrain capabilities; standard all-wheel drive is one of its key points. But, the all-new Mazda CX-50 is hot on its tail with standard all-wheel drive, powerful specs, and all-terrain-optimized features. With the new Mazda Intelligent Drive Select and off-road mode, the new Mazda CX-50 is your choice for premium off-road performance.

Mazda CX-50 vs. the Subaru Forester Wilderness MPG & Towing Capacity

Can more power be joined by more efficiency? In the Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Forester Wilderness comparison, you'll find that choosing the Mazda CX-50 can get you both.

That's because the Subaru Forester Wilderness delivers up to an EPA-estimated 28 MPG highway1, while the new Mazda CX-50 delivers up to an EPA-estimated 30 MPG highway1.

But back to power; the Mazda CX-50 wins the Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Forester Wilderness towing capacity battle. The Forester Wilderness doubles the "standard" Forester towing capabilities to achieve a maximum towing capacity of 3,000 pounds when properly equipped. Meanwhile, the Mazda CX-50 towing capacity comes in at up to 3,500 pounds2 when properly equipped.

Is Mazda CX-50 a hybrid?

The Mazda CX-50 offers exceptional fuel efficiency and fun-loving power in one rugged package. While it does not offer hybrid layouts, its SKYACTIV®-G 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivers hybrid-like MPG with up to an EPA-estimated 24 MPG city / 30 MPG highway1. With that said, a Mazda CX-50 hybrid may be coming soon to enhance the efficiency further; stay tuned for more details.

Mazda CX-50 vs. the Subaru Forester Wilderness Dimensions

The Mazda CX-50 and Subaru Forester Wilderness are agile crossover SUVs. However, if you stack up the Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Forester Wilderness dimensions, you'll find a more powerful approach in the Mazda CX-50.

The Forester Wilderness has a 105.1-inch wheelbase. It measures 182.7-inches long, 71.5-inches wide, and 68.1-inches tall.

The Mazda CX-50 has a more composed 110.8-inch wheelbase. It measures 185.8-inches long, 72.9-inches wide, and 63.5-inches tall.

With the rear seats upright, the Forester Wilderness will only fit 27 cubic feet of cargo; the Mazda CX-50 will hold 31 cubic feet of cargo with the rear seats in place.

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Meanwhile, when you explore the interior room of the Mazda CX-50 vs. the Subaru Forester Wilderness, you'll find delightful passenger accommodations in the Mazda CX-50.

For example, the Forester Wilderness offers 37.6-inches of headroom and 39.4-inches of legroom in the rear seats. The Mazda CX-50 provides up to 38.6-inches of headroom and 39.8-inches of legroom in its rear seats.

Mazda CX-50 vs. the Subaru Forester Wilderness Pricing & Trims

With all these advantages in mind, you'll be pleased to know that the Mazda CX-50 carries a lower starting price than the Subaru Forester Wilderness. As well, comparing Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Forester Wilderness trim levels isn't possible, as the Subaru Forester Wilderness is an off-road trim level for the "standard" Subaru Forester; the Mazda CX-50 offers a wide range of trim levels.

There's also a Mazda CX-50 Meridian Edition coming soon. It's expected to bring bumped-up ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and powerful ruggedized bodywork; these features are supposed to set the Subaru Forester Wilderness apart from the crossover-SUV crowd. When the Mazda CX-50 Meridian Edition arrives, it'll have even fiercer competition on its hand.

The available Mazda CX-50 trim levels follow a familiar pattern for current Mazda SUV drivers, and they include:

  • Mazda CX-50 2.5 S
  • Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select
  • Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Preferred
  • Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Preferred Plus
  • Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Premium
  • Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Premium Plus
  • Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo
  • Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium
  • Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus

Discover the All-New Mazda CX-50 Today

From more horsepower to more cargo space and equivalent calling cards, the Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Forester Wilderness comparison reveals the powerful nature of this new SUV. There's much more to discover, so swing by Dyer Mazda today for a test drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What colors does the Subaru Forester Wilderness come in?

The Subaru Forester Wilderness comes in Crystal Black Silica, Magnetite Gray Metallic, Ice Silver Metallic, Crystal White Pearl, Autumn Green Metallic, or Geyser Blue.

Who makes Mazda?

Mazda Motor Corporation is headquartered in Hiroshima, Japan. They make their vehicles in factories across Japan and America.

1EPA-estimated mileage. Actual results will vary.

2Towing capacities shown are maximums and must be reduced by the weight of any passenger, cargo hitch or optional equipment in the towing vehicle. Please refer to vehicle Owner's Manual for details regarding towing capacities and other valuable information. Towing a trailer will have an effect on vehicle’s handling, braking, durability, performance and driving economy. For specific information on recommended or required equipment, see your Mazda Dealer. Hitches are available through manufacturers other than Mazda.

 

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