2024 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2024 Subaru Forester Review

Picture of the 2024 Mazda CX-5

2024 Mazda
CX-5

MSRP*: $29,300 to $40,600
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Picture of the 2024 Subaru Forester

2024 Subaru
Forester

MSRP*: $27,095 to $37,395
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MPG - City 22 - 23 MPG 25 - 26 MPG
MPG - Hwy 27 - 29 MPG 28 - 33 MPG
Seating Capacity 5 seats 5 seats
Cargo Space 59.3 ft3 69.1 - 74.2 ft3
Engine
  • 187-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 227-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 182-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
Transmission Automatic Continuously Variable
Drivetrain All Wheel Drive All Wheel Drive
Horsepower 187 - 227 hp 182 hp
Towing Capacity 2,000 lbs 1,500 - 3,000 lbs
Exterior Length 180.1 in 182.7 in
Exterior Width 72.6 in 71.5 - 72.2 in
Leg Room Front 41.0 in
Rear 39.6 in
Front 43.3 in
Rear 39.4 in
Head Room Front 39.3 - 39.7 in
Rear 39.0 in
Front 40.2 - 41.2 in
Rear 37.6 - 39.6 in

*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.

Comparison Review

Comfort
Rear passengers will be able to stretch out a lot more in the Mazda CX-5 than in the Subaru Forester. The Subaru Forester will be a hit with tall drivers and their front seat passengers, since it has greater front head- and legroom than the Mazda CX-5.

Convenience
With the Subaru Forester, you will definitely be making fewer stops at the gas station than with the Mazda CX-5, due to its tank size and fuel economy.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The Mazda CX-5 is somewhat more expensive than the Subaru Forester.

Dimensions
The Mazda CX-5 is a little wider than the Subaru Forester, so getting in and out of the car in a crowded parking lot may be a little more of a squeeze. When looking at overall length, the Mazda CX-5 takes up about the same amount of space in your garage as the Subaru Forester.

Handling
The Mazda CX-5 has the same turning radius as the Subaru Forester, so they both maneuver the same in and out of tight spots.

Performance
When considering towing capacity, the Mazda CX-5 is clearly the choice over the Subaru Forester for pulling heavy loads. In terms of horsepower, it's a virtual tie between the Mazda CX-5 and the Subaru Forester.

Powertrain
With somewhat higher torque, the Mazda CX-5 transmits power to its wheels a bit more effectively than the Subaru Forester.

Utility
In terms of seating, you'll be able to fit about the same number of people in both the Mazda CX-5 and the Subaru Forester. The Mazda CX-5 has less cargo space than the Subaru Forester, which is okay if you don't need to move a lot in one trip.