Mazda CX-5 vs. Subaru Forester
When we compare the Mazda CX-5 to the Subaru Forester, the Mazda CX-5 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars and base engine power. The Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, fuel efficiency, interior volume and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Mazda CX-5 versus the Subaru Forester, the Subaru Forester is a better car than the Mazda CX-5.
Mazda CX-5 versus Subaru Forester Pricing
A one- to five-year-old used Mazda CX-5 ranges from $23,999 to $34,276 while a used Subaru Forester from the same model year range is priced between $26,279 to $37,409. For a new model, the Mazda CX-5's price is between $29,226 and $38,742, with the Subaru Forester priced between $27,341 and $37,623.
Mazda CX-5 versus Subaru Forester Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Mazda CX-5 is 8.3 out of 10 while the Subaru Forester's quality rating is 8.7 out of 10. This results in the Mazda CX-5 being ranked 8 out of 24 Best Small SUVs and the Subaru Forester being ranked 4 out of 24. Out of 61 Best Crossover SUVs, the Mazda CX-5 is ranked 61 and the Subaru Forester is ranked 4.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the Mazda CX-5’s base engine makes 187 horsepower, and the Subaru Forester base engine makes 182 horsepower. The CX-5 is rated to deliver an average of 26 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. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison
While both models are crossover/compact SUVs, the 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 and rear shoulder room. The Mazda CX-5 has the advantage in the areas of rear leg room trunk space.
Hauling, Towing, and Off-Road Capabilities Comparison
The Subaru Forester has the advantage of offering higher ground clearance and payload capacity than the Mazda CX-5.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$29,226 - $38,742
Used Asking Price:
$23,999 - $34,276
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
39.8%
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$27,341 - $37,623
Used Asking Price:
$26,279 - $37,409
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
38.4%
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
7.2 / 10
Retained Value:
8.0 / 10
Safety:
9.9 / 10
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.1 / 10
Retained Value:
8.1 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
8 out of / 24Ranking
12 out of / 61Ranking
14 out of / 24Ranking
15 out of / 24Ranking
26 out of / 61Ranking
27 out of / 61Ranking
29 out of / 61iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
4 out of / 61Ranking
4 out of / 61Ranking
4 out of / 24Ranking
4 out of / 24Ranking
8 out of / 24Ranking
11 out of / 61Ranking
16 out of / 61Summary 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
Trim Levels
2.5 Turbo Signature, 2.5 S, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 Turbo, 2.5 S Premium Plus, 2.5 S Premium, 2.5 S Carbon Edition, 2.5 S Select
Trim Levels
Touring, Sport, Wilderness, Base, Limited, Premium
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):
4.85 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK +
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK +
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
187 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
186 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.050 hp per pound
Towing Capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
182 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
176 foot-lbs @ 4400 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:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined MPG):
24 / 30 / 26
Range (city/hwy):
367 / 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
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Heated Seats:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Heated Seats:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
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:
30.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
59.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
134.4 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.2 inches
Cargo Space:
28.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
74.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
140.5 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3717 lbs
Width:
83.3 inches
Height:
66.1 inches
Length:
180.1 inches
Wheelbase:
106.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.6 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3454 lbs
Width:
80.9 inches
Height:
67.5 inches
Length:
182.7 inches
Wheelbase:
105.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
alloy
Tire Size:
P225/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
225/60R17
