Mazda CX-5 vs Subaru Forester

Mazda CX-5

$26,700  

Pictured: Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo in Soul Red Crystal Metallic ($595).  MSRP starting from $36,850.

Subaru Forester

Base trim: $26,495.

Pictured: Forester Wilderness (2022 model). MSRP starting from $34,320.

Mazda CX-5

Mazda is known for its engaging driving dynamics, sophisticated style, and high-end interiors. The Mazda CX-5, the brand's best-selling vehicle in the U.S., delivers on all those fronts. The CX-5 lineup, however, is not the most updated in terms of tech; missing features such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, that are offered by many segment competitors.

Despite our wish for a multimedia update, it's certainly not hard to see the CX-5's appeal. Its contemporary style, near luxury interior and sporty driving signature are all attractive propositions.

Mazda's unique Soul Crystal Red Metallic paint is one of the most gorgeous reds you can find on a vehicle today.

If you're looking for a Mazda SUV with slightly more ground clearance and towing capability you'll want to check out the CX-50.

Subaru Forester

We love the Subaru Forester and The Car Pro Jerry Reynolds calls it one of his favorite SUVs for its life-saving EyeSight Driver Assist Technology as well as for its capability.

Forester's are great for off-roading and winter driving conditions since they're equipped with Subaru's amazing Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Add to that, all but the base trim also get Hill Descent Control and X-MODE  for increased capability in a wider range of conditions.

The Forester is a roomy SUV for passengers in both rows and offers impressive cargo space with the 2nd-row down. Upholstery options include leather-trimmed seats and water-repellent upholstery.

The Forester is always an excellent choice in terms of safety and capability, and it's also an outstanding value.

Mazda CX-5

For 2023, the CX-5 is available in eight different packages. All 2023 CX-5 models will retain standard i-Activ all-wheel drive in the U.S.

The Rhodium White exterior premium paint color is new for 2023.

For 2024, Mazda will offer a new Carbon Turbo trim for CX-5 models equipped with the 2.5 Turbo engine. It's a unique style package with Zircon Sand paint on the exterior and a brown Terracotta leather interior.

Subaru Forester

The Forester received a refresh in 2022, which included the debut of the Wilderness trim.

For  2023, the entry level Base trim gets an updated multimedia system.

The lineup also comes with the latest version of Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assistance technology as standard equipment.  

Mazda CX-5

• Near luxury best-in-segment interior
• Excellent handling and driving dynamics
• More powerful base engine plus an optional turbocharged engine
• Smoother ride  

Subaru Forester

• More geared for off-roading
• More towing capacity
• Better fuel economy
• Roomier with more passenger and cargo space

Mazda CX-5

• Not as off-road capable
• Not as much passenger or cargo space
• Less towing capability

Subaru Forester

• Interior lacks the CX-5's premium feel
• Not as powerful and doesn't offer a turbo option
• Multimedia screens are on the smaller side

Mazda CX-5

Subaru Forester

26/29 mpg

25-26 mpg

28/33 mpg

Mazda CX-5

Subaru Forester

• 10.25-inch multimedia touchscreen is standard with HD radio, Bluetooth, Pandora along with non-wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.   
  
• 7-inch LCD Display 
• Bose® 10-speaker audio sound system 
• Rear View Monitor
• Mazda Connected Services (complimentary for three years.  After trial period annual subscription fees apply.)

• SUBARU STARLINK^® 6.5-inch Multimedia or available 8.0-inch Multimedia Plus, or available
•  8.0-inch Multimedia Navigation, Multifunction display or color multifunction display
• Apple CarPlay®, Android™ Auto and Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio streaming connectivity as well as SiriusXM® and a CD player.  
• Standard 4- or 6- speaker audio system
• Available Harman Kardon 9-speaker premium audio system (standard on Touring trim)
• Standard Rear Vision Camera, optional 180-degree Front View Monitor

• Turbo models features standard wireless charging
• Four USB ports
• 12-volt power outlets

• Standard 4G LTE Wi-Fi capability on all but the base model
• 1 or 2 USB ports up front,  available rear 2 USB charging ports

Mazda CX-5

Subaru Forester

• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Rear Cross Traffic
• Lane Keep Assist
• Lane Departure Warning
• Advanced Smart City Brake Support with Day and Night-time Pedestrian Detection
• Mazda Radar Stop and Go Cruise Control
  
• Range-topping Signature trim adds 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, reverse brake support, Driver Attention Alert and Traffic Jam Assist.

• Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology: Pre-collision Braking System, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Lane departure and Sway Warning, Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering  (Standard across lineup)
• High Beam Assist (Standard across lineup)
• Brake Assist and Brake Override System
• Available Reverse Automatic Braking 
• DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System (Touring trim only)
• Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (Sport, Wilderness,Limited and Touring only.) 

• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Rear Cross Traffic
• Lane Keep Assist
• Lane Departure Warning
• Advanced Smart City Brake Support with Day and Night-time Pedestrian Detection
• Mazda Radar Stop and Go Cruise Control
  
• Range-topping Signature trim adds 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, reverse brake support, Driver Attention Alert and Traffic Jam Assist.

• SUBARU STARLINK Safety and Security
• Subaru advanced frontal airbag system (SRS)
• Side curtain airbags (SRS)
• Seat-mounted front side-impact airbags (SRS)
  
• Driver's knee airbag (SRS)
• Whiplash-reducing front seats with height- and tilt-adjustable head restraints
• Height-adjustable 3-point front seatbelts
• Rear child-safety door locks
• LATCH system: Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children
• Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC)
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System 

Mazda CX-5

Subaru Forester

182.7"

182-horsepower

176 lb.-ft

16.6 gallons

3,454 -3,620 pounds

1,500 pounds