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, fuel efficiency, safety and vehicle rankings. Subaru has the advantage in the areas of depreciation, towing capacity, overall quality, reliability 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 7 vehicle comparisons. Mazda also has a lower used vehicle starting price in 2 out of 2 comparisons. Subaru models depreciate at a lower (better) rate in 5 out of 7 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 7 model comparisons, with Subaru offering more horsepower in 2 comparisons. Mazda offers higher MPG for its vehicles in their base trim in 1 out of 2 comparisons. Both Mazda and Subaru vehicles have the same MPG in 1 comparisons. Subaru offers a greater towing capacity in 3 out of 5 comparisons. Mazda offers greater towing capacity in 1 out of 5 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 Subaru with higher quality ratings in 2 out of 3 model comparisons. In terms of reliability ratings, Subaru has the advantage in 2 out of 3 comparisons. Mazda has better safety ratings in 3 out of 7 comparisons. Mazda and Subaru tie for safety in 4 comparisons. Subaru shows higher ratings for retained value in 5 out of 7 comparisons.

Best Car Rankings: Mazda has better car rankings in 3 categories: Mazda CX-9 in Best Crossover SUVs, Mazda Mazda6 in Best Midsize Cars, and Mazda CX-3 in Best Subcompact SUVs. Subaru has better car rankings in 4 categories: Subaru Forester in Best 5-seater SUVs, Subaru Impreza in Best Compact Cars, Subaru Impreza in Best Small Cars, and Subaru Forester in Best Small SUVs.

Most Reliable Car Rankings: Mazda has better car rankings in 4 categories: Mazda CX-9 in Most Reliable Crossover SUVs, Mazda Mazda6 in Most Reliable Midsize Cars, Mazda Mazda3 Sedan in Most Reliable Small Cars, and Mazda CX-3 in Most Reliable Subcompact SUVs. Subaru has the better car ranking in 1 category: Outback (suv) in Most Reliable Small SUVs.

Safest Car Rankings: Mazda has better car rankings in 4 categories: Mazda CX-9 in Safest Crossover SUVs, Mazda Mazda6 in Safest Midsize Cars, Mazda CX-9 in Safest Midsize SUVs, and Mazda CX-9 in Safest SUVs with 3 Rows. Subaru has the better car ranking in 1 category: Impreza in Safest Small Cars.

Available Body Styles: Mazda offers 9 SUVs, 1 sedan, 2 convertibles, and 1 hatchback. In comparison, Subaru offers 6 SUVs, 1 wagon, 3 sedans, and 1 coupe.

Drivetrain Options: Mazda offers 10 gasoline vehicles, 2 plug-in hybrids, and 1 electric vehicle. Subaru offers 8 gasoline vehicles, 1 plug-in hybrid, and 1 electric vehicle.

Mazda offers 10 all-wheel-drive models, 3 front-wheel-drive models, and 2 rear-wheel-drive models. Subaru offers 8 all-wheel-drive models and 1 rear-wheel-drive model.