2025 Mazda CX-5 vs 2025 Subaru Forester

$28,770 · Crossover

$29,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and the 2025 Subaru Forester often comes down to prioritizing a refined driving experience versus long-term running costs. While both are excellent all-wheel-drive crossovers, the numbers tell a slight story of trade-offs. The Mazda CX-5 starts at a lower MSRP of $28,770 and offers slightly more pep with 187 hp compared to the Forester's 180 hp. However, the Forester pulls ahead significantly in efficiency, delivering a 29 MPG combined rating—a solid 4 MPG better than the CX-5's 25 MPG combined. This efficiency difference can save real money over the miles. Dimensionally, the Forester is taller at 68.1 inches, potentially offering better headroom, though the CX-5 boasts marginally more maximum cargo space at 30.8 cu ft versus the Forester's 29.6 cu ft. For those prioritizing better fuel economy on the daily commute, the Forester presents a compelling financial argument.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Subaru Forester

The 2025 Subaru Forester wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 29 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mazda CX-5

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 takes the family win as it offers slightly more maximum cargo space at 30.8 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-5

The CX-5 appeals slightly more to driving enthusiasts by offering 187 horsepower versus the Forester's 180 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru Forester

Despite a higher starting price, the Forester’s 4 MPG advantage means better overall running cost value.

Choose the Mazda CX-5 if...

You prefer a traditional 6-speed automatic transmission over a CVT.
You need the maximum available cargo space, topping out at 30.8 cu ft.
You want the slightly higher base horsepower rating of 187 hp.

Choose the Subaru Forester if...

Saving on gas is crucial, as the Forester delivers 29 MPG combined.
You frequently navigate snowy conditions and prefer a marginally taller stance (68.1 inches height).
You are looking for the most budget-friendly purchase price for fuel savings over time, despite the $29,995 MSRP.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-5	Subaru Forester
Length	180.1"	183.3"
Width	72.6"	72.0"
Height	66.1"	68.1"
Wheelbase	106.2"	105.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	—
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	187 hp @ 6000 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/29 MPG	26/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.9/443.7 mi.	431.6/547.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.3 gal.	16.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Push Button Start	✓	—
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Air Conditioning	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Infotainment Display	10.3 in	7.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	4	4
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Memory Card Slot	✓	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	4	1
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	43.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.1 in.	57.7 in.
Front Hip Room	55.2 in.	54.7 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Rear Head Room	39.0 in.	39.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.6 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	56.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.3 in.	53.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P225/65R17	225/60R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and 2025 Subaru Forester.

Which vehicle costs less to operate daily in terms of fuel?

The 2025 Subaru Forester is the winner here, offering 29 MPG combined versus the Mazda CX-5's 25 MPG combined. That 4 MPG difference translates directly into fewer stops at the pump over the long haul.

Is there a significant difference in acceleration between these two crossovers?

Performance is close, but the 2025 Mazda CX-5 holds a slight edge with 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Forester's 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. This minimal advantage might be felt during highway merging.

How do their cargo hauling capabilities compare?

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 provides marginally more overall capacity at 30.8 cubic feet. The 2025 Subaru Forester follows closely with 29.6 cubic feet, so the difference is negligible for most family packing needs.

What is the primary transmission difference between the CX-5 and Forester?

The Mazda CX-5 uses a conventional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission. Conversely, the Subaru Forester utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT), which prioritizes smoothness and efficiency.

Which vehicle has the higher starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)?

The 2025 Subaru Forester has a higher starting price at $29,995. The 2025 Mazda CX-5 is more affordable upfront, listed at $28,770.

Are both cars designed for regular unleaded gasoline?

Yes, both the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and the 2025 Subaru Forester are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, meaning neither requires premium gasoline for their base engine outputs.