2016 Subaru Forester vs. 2016 Mazda CX-5
When we compare the 2016 Subaru Forester's and the 2016 Mazda CX-5's specifications and ratings, the 2016 Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, reliability, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The 2016 Mazda CX-5 has the advantage in the area of fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the 2016 Subaru Forester's and the 2016 Mazda CX-5's specifications and ratings, the 2016 Subaru Forester is a better car than the 2016 Mazda CX-5.
2016 Subaru Forester vs. 2016 Mazda CX-5 Pricing
A used 2016 Subaru Forester ranges from $11,653 to $22,983 while a used 2016 Mazda CX-5 is priced between $12,495 to $22,013.
2016 Subaru Forester vs. 2016 Mazda CX-5 Resale/Retained Value
Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2016 Subaru Forester loses 38.4 percent of its value and the 2016 Mazda CX-5 loses 39.8 percent of its value. This means the 2016 Subaru Forester retains 1.4 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2016 Mazda CX-5.
2016 Subaru Forester vs. 2016 Mazda CX-5 Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Subaru Forester is 8.6 out of 10 while the Mazda CX-5's quality rating is 8.1 out of 10. This results in the Subaru Forester being ranked 3 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs and the Mazda CX-5 being ranked 18 out of 66. Out of 19 Best Small SUVs, the Subaru Forester is ranked 3 and the Mazda CX-5 is ranked 8. The Subaru Forester is also ranked 4 out of 56 Best 5-seater SUVs while the Mazda CX-5 is ranked 19 out of 56.
2016 Subaru Forester vs. 2016 Mazda CX-5 Reliability Rating
iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Subaru Forester is 8.6 out of 10. For the Mazda CX-5 the reliability rating is 7.2 out of 10. This gives the Subaru Forester an advantage in reliability compared to the Mazda CX-5.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the 2016 Subaru Forester’s base engine makes 170 horsepower, and the 2016 Mazda CX-5 base engine makes 155 horsepower. The Forester is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 461 miles. The CX-5 is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 518 miles. This gives the 2016 Mazda CX-5 the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2016 Subaru Forester. Both models use gasoline.
Passenger Space Comparison
While both models are crossover/compact SUVs, the 2016 Subaru Forester has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The 2016 Mazda CX-5 has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room and rear leg room.
Safety Ratings Comparison
When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2016 Subaru Forester and the 2016 Mazda CX-5 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
Overview
The fundamental difference between the Subaru Forester and the Mazda CX-5 is their targeted audience. The Forester aims towards an adventurous, outdoorsy buyer that needs the family utility of a small SUV, but still wants to hit the trail for some fun. The CX-5, on the other hand, aims for drivers who want a fun, dynamic, car-like road presence along with an upscale interior design. Consequently, the Mazda feels sportier and more entertaining when driven rapidly and the Subaru feels more capable and confident when the road (or weather) isn’t so friendly. The front-wheel drive Mazda CX- 5 starts at a lower price than the Forester, but the Forester comes standard with all- wheel drive. Both offer a wide range of advanced technology and feature content, even on the base models, but the Forester’s standard (and only) base engine is outgunned by the CX-5’s optional turbocharged engine that makes it much quicker and more entertaining no pave.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
11653 - 22983
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.383753
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
12495 - 22013
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.397908
Subaru Forester Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.563112 / 10
Reliability:
8.589335 / 10
Retained Value:
8.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Mazda CX-5 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.066667 / 10
Reliability:
7.2 / 10
Retained Value:
8.0 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Subaru Forester Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 11Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 27Ranking
3 out of / 26Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 56Ranking
4 out of / 56Ranking
4 out of / 21Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 56Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 56Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 56Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 56Ranking
17 out of / 58Ranking
17 out of / 49Ranking
24 out of / 66Ranking
24 out of / 56Ranking
32 out of / 66Ranking
38 out of / 56Ranking
46 out of / 66Mazda CX-5 Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 10Ranking
7 out of / 21Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 27Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
16 out of / 66Ranking
16 out of / 66Ranking
18 out of / 66Ranking
18 out of / 56Ranking
19 out of / 56Ranking
24 out of / 56Ranking
26 out of / 66Ranking
27 out of / 56Ranking
27 out of / 49Ranking
28 out of / 58Ranking
30 out of / 66Ranking
30 out of / 56Ranking
31 out of / 66Ranking
31 out of / 56Ranking
32 out of / 66Ranking
35 out of / 66Ranking
36 out of / 56Ranking
41 out of / 66Ranking
41 out of / 56Ranking
46 out of / 66Ranking
50 out of / 66Summary Review
The Subaru Forester is a five-seat, compact SUV that foregoes the station wagon styling of other Subaru models for a more utilitarian, square-bodied design. The Forester has earned a reputation as a reliable and capable all-weather SUV with a spacious cabin and versatile cargo space. New models of the Forester cost an average of $32,632 and 3-year-old models average $23,752.
Summary Review
The Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover with seating for five and a reputation as a favorite for drivers. The current Mazda CX-5 was redesigned for the 2017 model year, with new models costing an average of $32,211 and recent models averaging $23,771.
Pros and Cons
- All-wheel drive is standard
- Better-than-average ground clearance and off-road capability
- Large cargo area
- Engine power could be stronger
- Low tow rating may not match many buyers’ lifestyles
- Continuously variable transmission (CVT) not to everyone’s liking
Pros and Cons
- Dynamic driving experience
- Near-luxury interior design and materials
- Available 250-hp turbo engine on newer models
- No hybrid available
- Fuel economy lags class leaders
- Non-turbo models could use more power
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2016 Subaru Forester Trim Levels
2.0XT Premium, 2.0XT Touring, 2.5i, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Touring
2016 Mazda CX-5 Trim Levels
Grand Touring, Sport, Touring
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
170 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
174 foot-lbs @ 4100 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.052 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
155 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
150 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.048 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
22 / 29 / 25
Range (city/hwy):
350 / 461 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 35 / 29
Range (city/hwy):
385 / 518 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard/Optional Features
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple Car Play:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple Car Play:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Equipment
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Equipment
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
43 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.5 inches
Cargo Space:
34.4 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
74.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
142.7 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
41 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
39 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.5 inches
Cargo Space:
34.1 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
64.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
137.9 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3296 lbs
Width:
80 inches
Height:
66.4 inches
Length:
180.9 inches
Wheelbase:
103.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3212 lbs
Width:
72.4 inches
Height:
67.3 inches
Length:
179.3 inches
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.5 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P225/60R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P225/65R17