2020 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2020 Subaru Forester
When comparing the 2020 Mazda CX-5's and the 2020 Subaru Forester's specifications and ratings, the 2020 Mazda CX-5 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars and base engine power. The 2020 Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the 2020 Mazda CX-5's and the 2020 Subaru Forester's specifications and ratings, the 2020 Subaru Forester is a better car than the 2020 Mazda CX-5.
2020 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2020 Subaru Forester Pricing
A used 2020 Mazda CX-5 ranges from $21,300 to $29,699 while a used 2020 Subaru Forester is priced between $22,726 to $32,325.
2020 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2020 Subaru Forester Resale/Retained Value
Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2020 Mazda CX-5 loses 39.8 percent of its value and the 2020 Subaru Forester loses 38.4 percent of its value. This means the 2020 Subaru Forester retains 1.4 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2020 Mazda CX-5.
2020 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2020 Subaru Forester Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Mazda CX-5 is 8.1 out of 10 while the Subaru Forester's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Mazda CX-5 being ranked 12 out of 19 Best Small SUVs and the Subaru Forester being ranked 4 out of 19. Out of 55 Best 5-seater SUVs, the Mazda CX-5 is ranked 25 and the Subaru Forester is ranked 10. The Mazda CX-5 is also ranked 27 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs while the Subaru Forester is ranked 7 out of 66.
2020 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2020 Subaru Forester Reliability Rating
iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Mazda CX-5 is 7.2 out of 10. For the Subaru Forester the reliability rating is 8.6 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 2020 Mazda CX-5’s base engine makes 187 horsepower, and the 2020 Subaru Forester base engine makes 182 horsepower. The CX-5 is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 459 miles. The Forester is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 548 miles. This gives the 2020 Subaru Forester the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2020 Mazda CX-5. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison
While both models are crossover/compact SUVs, the 2020 Subaru Forester has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The 2020 Mazda CX-5 has the advantage in the area of rear leg room.
Safety Ratings Comparison
When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2020 Mazda CX-5 and the 2020 Subaru Forester have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
$21,300 - $29,699
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
39.8%
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
$22,726 - $32,325
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
38.4%
Mazda CX-5 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.1 / 10
Reliability:
7.2 / 10
Retained Value:
8.0 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Subaru Forester Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.6 / 10
Retained Value:
8.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Mazda CX-5 Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 10Ranking
9 out of / 21Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 27Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 66Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
16 out of / 19Ranking
17 out of / 55Ranking
23 out of / 55Ranking
25 out of / 55Ranking
26 out of / 55Ranking
27 out of / 66Ranking
29 out of / 66Ranking
29 out of / 55Ranking
30 out of / 66Ranking
30 out of / 55Ranking
30 out of / 53Ranking
31 out of / 66Ranking
31 out of / 66Ranking
31 out of / 62Ranking
34 out of / 66Ranking
34 out of / 55Ranking
39 out of / 66Ranking
40 out of / 66Ranking
41 out of / 55Ranking
43 out of / 66Ranking
52 out of / 66Subaru Forester Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 11Ranking
3 out of / 26Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 55Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 10Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 55Ranking
6 out of / 27Ranking
6 out of / 21Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 66Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 55Ranking
10 out of / 55Ranking
11 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 55Ranking
13 out of / 55Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
19 out of / 62Ranking
19 out of / 53Ranking
22 out of / 66Ranking
22 out of / 55Ranking
29 out of / 66Ranking
35 out of / 66Ranking
37 out of / 55Ranking
46 out of / 66Summary 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.
Summary 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.
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
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
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2020 Mazda CX-5 Trim Levels
Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve, Signature, Sport, Touring
2020 Subaru Forester Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Premium, 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:
187 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
186 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.053 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
182 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 3700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.053 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
25 / 31 / 28
Range (city/hwy):
370 / 459 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 33 / 29
Range (city/hwy):
432 / 548 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Android Auto:
Available
Apple Car Play:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
41 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.8 inches
Cargo Space:
30.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
59.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
134.5 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.2 inches
Cargo Space:
35.4 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
76.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
147.3 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3541 lbs
Width:
83.3 inches
Height:
66.2 inches
Length:
179.1 inches
Wheelbase:
106.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.5 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3449 lbs
Width:
80.9 inches
Height:
67.5 inches
Length:
182.1 inches
Wheelbase:
105.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P225/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
225/60R17
