2025 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2025 Subaru Forester Review

Picture of the 2025 Mazda CX-5

2025 Mazda
CX-5

MSRP*: $28,570 to $40,600
See details & photos

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Picture of the 2025 Subaru Forester

2025 Subaru
Forester

MSRP*: $29,695 to $39,995
See details & photos

Find Your Best Price Today!

MPG - City 22 - 26 MPG 25 - 26 MPG
MPG - Hwy 27 - 30 MPG 32 - 33 MPG
Seating Capacity 5 seats 5 seats
Cargo Space 58.1 ft3 69.1 - 74.4 ft3
Engine
  • 187-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 227-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 180-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
Transmission Automatic Continuously Variable
Drivetrain All Wheel Drive All Wheel Drive
Horsepower 187 - 227 hp 180 hp
Towing Capacity 2,000 lbs 1,500 lbs
Exterior Length 180.1 in 183.3 in
Exterior Width 72.6 in 72.0 in
Leg Room Front 41.0 in
Rear 39.6 in
Front 43.3 in
Rear 39.4 in
Head Room Front 39.3 - 39.7 in
Rear 39.0 in
Front 40.0 - 41.2 in
Rear 37.7 - 39.6 in

*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.

Comparison Review

Comfort
The Mazda CX-5 offers a bit more room for passengers in the back seat than the Subaru Forester. The Subaru Forester will be a hit with tall drivers and their front seat passengers, since it has greater front head- and legroom than the Mazda CX-5.

Convenience
The Subaru Forester requires fewer stops at the gas station than the Mazda CX-5, making it more convenient to drive.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The Mazda CX-5 is somewhat more expensive than the Subaru Forester.

Dimensions
The Mazda CX-5 is about the same width as the Subaru Forester. When looking at overall length, the Mazda CX-5 takes up about the same amount of space in your garage as the Subaru Forester.

Handling
The Mazda CX-5 has the same turning radius as the Subaru Forester, so they both maneuver the same in and out of tight spots.

Performance
When considering towing capacity, the Mazda CX-5 is clearly the choice over the Subaru Forester for pulling heavy loads. The Mazda CX-5 has a little more horsepower than the Subaru Forester.

Powertrain
With somewhat higher torque, the Mazda CX-5 transmits power to its wheels a bit more effectively than the Subaru Forester.

Utility
In terms of seating, you'll be able to fit about the same number of people in both the Mazda CX-5 and the Subaru Forester. The Mazda CX-5 has less cargo space than the Subaru Forester, which is okay if you don't need to move a lot in one trip.