Mazda CX-3 vs. Subaru Forester
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Mazda CX-3 and Subaru Forester contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Mazda CX-3 and the Subaru Forester.
When comparing the Mazda CX-3's and the Subaru Forester's specifications and ratings, the Mazda CX-3 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency. The Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of resale value, interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Mazda CX-3's and the Subaru Forester's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Forester is a better car than the Mazda CX-3.
Pricing: A used 2021 Mazda CX-3 ranges from $14,987 to $22,008 while a used 2021 Subaru Forester is priced between $19,189 to $29,945.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Mazda CX-3 loses 38.1 percent of its value and the Subaru Forester loses 37.2 percent of its value. This means the Subaru Forester retains 0.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Mazda CX-3.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Mazda CX-3’s base engine makes 148 horsepower, and the Subaru Forester base engine makes 182 horsepower. The CX-3 is rated to deliver an average of 31 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 432 miles. The Forester is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 548 miles.This gives the Mazda CX-3 the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Subaru Forester the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Subaru Forester, a crossover/compact SUV, 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, rear leg room, and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Mazda CX-3 and the Subaru Forester have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
20790
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Subcompact SUVs)
22058
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
18750 - 29100
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
24795
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
25515
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
23700 - 27890
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
18871
Price Range:
14987 - 22008
Category Avg Price:
(Subcompact SUVs)
19173
Category Avg Price Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
16252 - 24096
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
19
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
47080
# Good or Great Deals:
7
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
24770
Price Range:
19189 - 29945
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
22412
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
18721 - 26231
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
768
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
59252
# Good or Great Deals:
377
Mazda CX-3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
8.6 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Subaru Forester Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.0 / 10
Retained Value:
8.7 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mazda CX-3
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Subcompact SUVs)
7.2
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
5.1 - 9.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru Forester
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
10.2
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
7.3
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
5.6 - 11.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.208
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.3644645872992993
Typical Category Recalls:
(Subcompact SUVs)
2.8
Category Range for Recalls:
(Subcompact SUVs)
1.1 - 9.8
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.9974702687448644
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
4.0
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.4 - 16.9
Mazda CX-3 Rankings
Ranking
4 out of / 21Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 21Ranking
15 out of / 21Ranking
17 out of / 21Ranking
19 out of / 21Ranking
20 out of / 21Ranking
37 out of / 67Ranking
59 out of / 67Ranking
61 out of / 67Ranking
62 out of / 67Ranking
63 out of / 67Ranking
63 out of / 67Subaru Forester Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 20Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 20Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 18Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 9Ranking
7 out of / 56Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 67Ranking
14 out of / 67Ranking
14 out of / 18Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 56Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
47 out of / 67Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Mazda CX-3 Trim Levels
Sport
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
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
148 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
146 foot-lbs @ 2800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.052 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
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 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
29 / 34 / 31
Range (city/hwy):
368 / 432 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
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Satellite radio:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
53.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
50.4 inches
Cargo Space:
17.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
42.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
105.4 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:
31.1 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
76.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
143 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2851 lbs
Width:
69.6 inches
Height:
60.7 inches
Length:
168.3 inches
Wheelbase:
101.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.1 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3453 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:
16.0 x 6.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P215/60R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
225/60R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Jet Black Mica
Blue
Deep Crystal Blue Mica / Eternal Blue Mica
Gray
Ceramic Metallic / Machine Gray Metallic
Red
Soul Red Crystal Metallic
White
Snowflake White Pearl Mica
Green
Not available
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Horizon Blue Pearl
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Red
Not available
White
Crystal White Pearl
Green
Jasper Green Metallic
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Gray
