Mazda vs. Subaru

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of cars from Mazda and Subaru contrasts the two brands across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which one is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of vehicle models, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and projected lifetime recalls based on recall history. This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which brand represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both Mazda and Subaru cars.

When comparing the Mazda brand to the Subaru brand, Mazda has the advantage in the areas of new car pricing, used car pricing, horsepower, overall quality, reliability, safety and vehicle rankings. Subaru has the advantage in the areas of depreciation, towing capacity and retained value.

Mazda versus Subaru: Pricing and Value: Analyzing Mazda versus Subaru pricing we see a lower new vehicle starting price for Mazda in 5 out of 5 vehicle comparisons. Mazda also has a lower used vehicle starting price in 5 out of 5 comparisons. Subaru models depreciate at a lower (better) rate in 5 out of 6 comparisons.

Mazda versus Subaru: Horsepower, Fuel Efficiency and Towing Capacity: Mazda vehicles offer higher maximum horsepower numbers in their base trim in 5 out of 6 model comparisons, with Subaru offering more horsepower in 1 comparisons. Subaru offers higher MPG for its vehicles in their base trim in 1 out of 3 comparisons. Mazda vehicles have higher MPG in 1 comparisons, and both Mazda and Subaru vehicles have the same MPG in 1 comparisons. Subaru offers a greater towing capacity in 2 out of 4 comparisons. Mazda offers greater towing capacity in 1 out of 4 comparisons, and in 1 comparisons Mazda and Subaru have the same towing capacity.

Mazda versus Subaru: Quality, Reliability, Safety, and Value Retention Ratings: A comparison of Mazda versus Subaru overall quality ratings shows Mazda with higher quality ratings in 2 out of 3 model comparisons. In terms of reliability ratings, Mazda has the advantage in 3 out of 3 comparisons. Mazda has better safety ratings in 4 out of 6 comparisons. Mazda and Subaru tie for safety in 2 comparisons. Subaru shows higher ratings for retained value in 4 out of 6 comparisons. Mazda shows higher retained value ratings in 1 out of 6 comparisons, and Mazda and Subaru tie over 1 comparisons.

Best Car Rankings: Mazda has better car rankings in 2 categories: Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback in Best Compact Cars and Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback in Best Small Cars.Subaru has better car rankings in 4 categories: Subaru Crosstrek in Best 5-seater SUVs, Subaru Crosstrek in Best Crossover SUVs, Subaru Legacy in Best Midsize Cars, and Subaru Forester in Best Small SUVs.

Most Reliable Car Rankings: Mazda has better car rankings in 3 categories: Mazda CX-5 in Most Reliable Crossover SUVs, Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback in Most Reliable Small Cars, and Mazda CX-5 in Most Reliable Small SUVs. Subaru has the better car ranking in 1 category: Legacy in Most Reliable Midsize Cars.

Safest Car Rankings: Mazda has better car rankings in 4 categories: Mazda CX-30 in Safest Crossover SUVs, Mazda CX-90 in Safest Midsize SUVs, Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback in Safest Small Cars, and Mazda CX-90 in Safest SUVs with 3 Rows. Subaru has better car rankings in 2 categories: Subaru Forester (hybrid) in Safest Hybrid SUVs and Subaru Legacy in Safest Midsize Cars.

Best Cars for the Money Rankings: Mazda has better car rankings in 3 categories: Mazda CX-5 in Best Crossover SUVs for the Money, Mazda Mazda3 Sedan in Best Small Cars for the Money, and Mazda CX-5 in Best Small SUVs for the Money.

Available Body Styles: Mazda offers 8 SUVs, 1 sedan, 2 convertibles, and 1 hatchback. In comparison, Subaru offers 7 SUVs, 1 wagon, 2 sedans, and 1 coupe.

Drivetrain Options: Mazda offers 8 gasoline vehicles, 1 hybrid, and 2 plug-in hybrids. Subaru offers 8 gasoline vehicles, 2 hybrids, and 1 electric vehicle.

Mazda offers 9 all-wheel-drive models, 1 front-wheel-drive model, and 2 rear-wheel-drive models. Subaru offers 8 all-wheel-drive models and 1 rear-wheel-drive model.