If you’re looking for blend of style and fun behind the wheel, the Mazda CX‑5 delivers luxury-like finesse.
But for raw space, visibility, and rugged family practicality, the Subaru Forester wins in flush—especially on practical daily driving.
I love comparing cars. I really do.
It gives me so much insights about these 2 cars built by different manufacturers. Their approach on safety, design, build quality, service network and more.
With today’s comparison blog, I got to know and learn about the Mazda and the Subaru!
And I have some interesting points to share with you. So let’s start!
The Feel Factor: Mazda Drives Like a Mini SUV Tourer
Walk into the CX‑5 cabin and you’re greeted by upscale materials—soft-touch finishes, a smooth rotary dial, and options like a heads-up display and Bose audio system.
Most trims let you feel like you’re in a pricier car.
On the road, its standard 2.5L engine with 187 hp offers composed cornering and a more engaging drive than most rivals.
Go higher, and you get the turbocharged version (up to 256 hp) for when extra punch feels good.
The Room Factor: Forester Owns the Family Space
Subaru engineers designed the Forester to feel open and roomy.
That greenhouse effect—thanks to tall windows, boxy roofline, and superior visibility—is a breath of fresh air .
You get more front headroom (41.2″ vs. CX‑5’s 39.7″) and a tad more cargo space (~29.6 vs 29.1 cubic ft).
If you’ve got car seats, bulkier groceries, or weekend gear, the Forester feels easier to load up.
Is visibility really that different between these two?
Yes. I’ve talked with owners who say Mazda feels “like a coffin” with thick pillars, while Forester offers near-panoramic views.
That extra awareness basically means the car gives confidence for parents and new drivers.
The Tech Factor: CX‑5 Offers that Luxury-Tuned Experience
Mazda leads on infotainment and driver-assist tech—larger 10.25″ screen, intuitive rotary controls, available Bose system.
Standard safety includes blind-spot, 360° camera, driver-attention alerts, and adaptive cruise.
The Forester gives you Subaru’s trusted EyeSight suite—AEB, lane-centering, eye-detect—but screen size tops out at 8″ unless upgraded.
The Grip & Tank Factor
Both SUVs come AWD, but their personalities are different:
- Forester delivers smooth CVT performance, real 33 mpg highway, and hill-descent control—ideal for ditching the metro for beach or mountain weekends.
- CX‑5 grips harder, corners flatter, and offers sport mode—but with slightly lower mileage (~30 mpg highway) .
Which SUV is more fun to drive on twisty roads?
That’s CX‑5 territory. Drivers love its nimble handling. Forester trades dynamics for comfort—it’s softer and better suited for relaxed cruising .
The Practicality Edge: Space, Service, Safety
The Forester takes a lead in day-to-day life: taller stature, wider windows, and bigger cargo capacity with seats folded.
Mazda offers more luxury touches but less versatility for hauling weekly needs or gear .
Which one’s cabin is easier to fit a car seat?
Forester. Its rear doors open wider, interior seating is more upright, and parents report it makes in-and-out a breeze .
The Ownership: Costs, Reliability & Resale
Both brands are highly rated for reliability, with Mazda earning praise for longevity and Subaru’s resale value strong due to practicality and rugged reputation.
Subaru wins KBB’s 5-Year Cost to Own award—making it a financially sound choice.
Mazda’s premium touches don’t harm its long-term standing either.
The Advantage: Noise and Comfort
On longer trips, CX‑5 shines with a noiseless cabin and refined suspension—fewer road and wind surprises.
Forester is functional but feels louder and rougher over rough roads.
Is the Forester too loud compared to the CX‑5?
Owners usually agree with this—the Forester is noticeably louder on highways, but that’s a fair trade for better space and visibility.
Which One Should You Park in Your Driveway?
Pick the Mazda CX‑5 if:
- You want upscale feel, sharper driving dynamics, quiet interior
- You don’t carry huge loads often
Choose the Subaru Forester if:
- You value space, visibility, and rugged practicality
- You haul kids, gear, and want confident AWD for year-round use
Your Compact SUV—Your Way
The hardest part of these comparisons are when I have to decided which is the better one.
I mean, I am baised towards certain companies and would buy their cars if given the choice. But not everyone is me and the use cases will always differ!
This is one of those rare cases, where I feel both are stellar choices in 2025.
It boils down to priorities: want premium, drive-focused experience? Go Mazda.
Want space, practicality, and flexibility? Subaru’s your match.
