The compact SUV class may be the most competitive of them all, but since you’re (probably) only shopping for one at the moment, it pays to see how different models match up against one another. Wellesley Mazda offers this comparison of the Mazda CX-5 vs Subaru Forester so you can find the sporty SUV that can take on your adventurous lifestyle.
Power
You’ll have two engines to choose from with the 2025 Mazda CX-5. The base engine is a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder that produces 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, and the available engine is a turbocharged 2.5-liter, four-cylinder that generates 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
The Subaru Forester also includes two engine options, but the most powerful one offers 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. When you need real power, the Mazda CX-5 simply delivers more.
Space and Comfort
Inside the 2025 Mazda CX-5, you will find a sizable yet cozy cabin. Both rows are roomy and it accommodates up to five people. Cloth upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob are standard.
The Subaru Forester also fits five people, but space can be tight for taller folks in the back. Cloth upholstery is the only notable standard comfort feature, and if you want a leather-wrapped steering wheel, it will cost you extra.
Tech Features
Technology is yet another standout area of the 2025 Mazda CX-5. Every model has a simple-to-use infotainment system operated with a 10.25-inch infotainment display and voice commands. Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, HD radio, keyless entry, and push-button start are all built-in as well.
The Subaru Forester has some of these same features, but push-button start isn’t standard. Plus, critics have noted that its infotainment system menus aren’t always so easy to navigate.
Explore the 2025 MAZDA CX-5 in Wellesley, MA
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 tops the Subaru Forester in all of these areas. Want to see for yourself everything it offers? Come down to Wellesley Mazda for a test drive — you won’t regret it!