Mazda CX-3 vs Subaru Forester
What's the difference?

Mazda CX-3

$30,670 - $39,190

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Subaru Forester

$43,490 - $55,990

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Chery Tiggo 8 PRO MAX

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2026 Mazda CX-3

2026 Subaru Forester

By Chris Thompson

By Marcus Craft

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.0L

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Fuel Type

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Fuel Efficiency

6.3L/100km (combined)

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Seating

Likes

Build quality
Strong driving dynamics
Design aging well

Nice interior
Refined on-road
Suitably capable off-road

Dislikes

Lack of efficiency
Interior tech outdated
Could be cheaper?

Sluggish acceleration
Needs all-terrain tyres
Intrusive driver alert system

2026 Mazda CX-3 Summary

Mazda has updated one of its most popular, but rather old models.

Yes, the Mazda CX-3 is still around after more than a decade since its reveal, and it remains almost at the tippy-top of Mazda’s local sales charts.

With the brand having shifted 8221 CX-3s in the first half of 2025, it seems the light updates and modest price rise haven’t scared away any potential customers.

We’ve grabbed a CX-3 Evolve, the second-up of four available variants, to see if the popular light SUV still stacks up, or if you’re better off taking your money elsewhere.

View full pricing & specs

2026 Subaru Forester Summary

The sixth-generation of Subaru’s Forester has landed and while the new hybrid versions constitute the biggest news of this batch, the petrol-only variants should not be ignored.

The five-seat mid-size SUV has a 2.5-litre four-cylinder 'boxer' engine, Subaru’s well-regarded 'symmetrical all-wheel drive' system and some new changes inside and out.

So, does the top-spec Touring offer the best value-for-money in the petrol Forester line-up?

Read on.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Mazda CX-3 2026 Subaru Forester

Verdict

‘You get what you pay for’ comes to mind with the CX-3, which is interesting given it’s neither the newest nor most feature-packed SUV in its class.

The ageing light SUV does however offer one of the best-put-together experiences in a car of this size and its engine is powerful for the class. Build quality feels well above par and there aren’t any annoying inclusions that are becoming more common in new cars.

There aren’t many downsides unless you were hoping for a big screen and the ability to play around with software functions, but at this end of the new car spectrum, a car that drives this well and remains stylish a decade on should be applauded.

Put aside its relative (but forgivable) lack of efficiency and somewhat smaller boot than rivals, and the CX-3 nails everything it needs to.

Verdict

The MY26 Subaru Forester packs plenty of punch in terms of standard features, a roomy and functional interior and overall driveability. Sure, it’s not the most exciting vehicle to drive on- or off-road but to get stuck on that is to miss the point entirely. This is a decent all-rounder with a solid background and an AWD system that long ago set the gold standard for vehicles of this type.

In a tough mid-size SUV market segment aimed more at those intent on driving through car parks rather than adventuring through national parks, the Forester offers greater versatility than most and should not be ignored.

Mazda CX-3 vs Subaru Forester What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mazda CX-3 vs Subaru Forester
What's the difference?