2025 Mazda CX-90 vs. 2025 Subaru Forester Review

Picture of the 2025 Mazda CX-90

2025 Mazda
CX-90

MSRP*: $37,845 to $56,450
See details & photos

Find Your Best Price Today!

Picture of the 2025 Subaru Forester

2025 Subaru
Forester

MSRP*: $29,810 to $39,995
See details & photos

Find Your Best Price Today!

MPG - City 23 - 24 MPG 25 - 26 MPG
MPG - Hwy 28 MPG 32 - 33 MPG
Seating Capacity 6 - 8 seats 5 seats
Cargo Space 74.2 - 75.2 ft3 69.1 - 74.4 ft3
Engine
  • 280-hp, 3.3-liter, Straight 6 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline/Mild Electric Hybrid)
  • 340-hp, 3.3-liter, Straight 6 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline/Mild Electric Hybrid)
  • 180-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 280 - 340 hp 180 - 182 hp
Towing Capacity 3,500 - 5,000 lbs 1,500 - 3,000 lbs
Exterior Length 201.6 in 182.7 - 183.3 in
Exterior Width 77.6 in 72.0 - 72.2 in
Leg Room Front 41.7 in
Rear 39.4 in
Front 43.3 in
Rear 39.4 in
Head Room Front 39.2 - 39.7 in
Rear 38.4 - 39.3 in
Front 40.0 - 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
The Mazda CX-90 offers rear passengers about the same room to stretch out as the Subaru Forester, with comparable head- and legroom. 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-90.

Convenience
You'll be making about the same number of stops at the gas station with the Mazda CX-90 as you will with the Subaru Forester, as they are both able to travel similar distances on a tank of gas.

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-90 will definitely make more of a dent in your wallet than the Subaru Forester, which has a much lower MSRP.

Dimensions
Since the Mazda CX-90 is much wider than the Subaru Forester, finding a wide enough spot in a parking lot may be a bit more challenging. If you go with the Mazda CX-90, you may be circling the block looking for a space large enough to park more often than with the Subaru Forester.

Handling
The Mazda CX-90 has a significantly larger turning radius than the Subaru Forester, making it much more difficult to maneuver in and out of tight spots.

Performance
When considering towing capacity, the Mazda CX-90 is clearly the choice over the Subaru Forester for pulling heavy loads. When it comes to horsepower, the Mazda CX-90 greatly out-muscles the Subaru Forester.

Powertrain
Due to its much higher torque, the Mazda CX-90 does a much better job of transmitting its engine's horsepower to its wheels than the Subaru Forester.

Utility
The Mazda CX-90 offers greater seating capacity than the Subaru Forester, making it a better choice for those who find themselves chauffeuring others around. The Mazda CX-90 has a roomier cargo area for putting your bags or other items than the Subaru Forester.