Compact crossovers proceed to achieve traction with the general public attributable to their flexibility and functionality. Two of the very best examples are the 2025 Subaru Forester and the 2025 Mazda CX-5. These rivals additionally battle towards the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson, and Kia Sportage, to call only some, within the extremely aggressive compact SUV phase.
The Subaru Forester boasts a roomy inside, nice outward view, and spectacular off-road functionality. The Mazda CX-5 impresses with its sharp dealing with, upscale inside, and an obtainable turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Just like the Forester, all-wheel drive (AWD) is normal on each CX-5 trim. Whereas Subaru doesn’t have a potent turbocharged possibility like Mazda, it does have an ace up its sleeve for adventure-seeking SUV buyers.
Let’s take a more in-depth take a look at the 2025 Subaru Forester and the 2025 Mazda CX-5.
2025 Subaru Forester
The 2025 Subaru Forester obtained a whole makeover for the brand new mannequin 12 months. The sixth-gen Forester will get an up to date look on the surface. Along with its trusty 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that sends 180 horsepower to all 4 wheels by way of a constantly variable computerized transmission (CVT), a hybrid model of that engine is new for 2025. The hybrid powertrain is a barely juicier however much more environment friendly round city.
The Forester’s ample floor clearance — 8.7 inches — and upright design (with an excellent outward view) make it appropriate for traversing off-road trails and squeezing into cozy curbside parking spots.
Subaru Forester Highlights
EyeSight security options: Consistent with its extra left-brain nature, each Forester comes with Subaru’s EyeSight suite of driver aids. This contains computerized emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise management with lane centering, computerized high-beam headlights, and a rear-seat reminder.
Outdoorsy Wilderness mannequin: The Wilderness mannequin provides higher all-terrain functionality due to its 9.2 inches of floor clearance, off-road tires, underbody skid plate, upgraded all-wheel-drive system, and trim-specific entrance and rear bumpers.
Quick access: The brand new Forester SUV has an obtainable motion-activated rear liftgate — simply wave a foot below the again bumper.
Test this week’s Honest Buy Value or see the Forester fashions on the market close to you.
2025 Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 is obtainable in eight trims: 2.5 S, 2.5 S Choose, 2.5 S Most well-liked, 2.5 S Carbon Version, 2.5 S Premium, 2.5 S Premium Plus, Carbon Turbo, Turbo Premium, and Turbo Signature. The bottom engine is a 187-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that sends energy to all 4 wheels by way of a 6-speed computerized transmission. Nevertheless, a turbocharged model is obtainable, pumping up the facility to 227 hp on regular-grade gasoline. Utilizing premium nudges output to 256 hp.
On the within, the CX-5 encompasses a clear, well-designed cabin with an acceptable mixture of dials and buttons to regulate the infotainment system. Maybe the very best a part of the spacious cabin is the very comfy and supportive seats.
Mazda CX-5 Highlights
Customary all-wheel drive: The additional traction is nice, particularly at no extra value, when roads are slippery and even on sunny days. The CX-5’s all-wheel-drive {hardware} seamlessly sends energy to the wheels that want it most throughout spirited driving.
Elegant cabin: Mazda has crafted a high-quality inside for the CX-5 with easy-to-reach controls and upscale supplies. Customary touches embody a ten.25-inch infotainment display screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, artificial leather-based upholstery, heated entrance seats, dual-zone local weather management, and power-adjustable driver’s seat.
Sporty driving manners: The CX-5 relishes zipping round corners and tight bends. This can be a compact SUV you’ll need to drive for the fun of it.
Test this week’s Honest Buy Value or see the CX-5 fashions on the market close to you.
Similarities
The Subaru Forester and Mazda CX-5 are well-equipped, comfy, and protected compact SUVs with the additional benefit of all-wheel drive. Additionally they have similar warranties and rating effectively in crash assessments performed by the Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) and Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration (NHTSA).
Pricing
New 2025 Subaru Forester Costs
|
$31,415 |
$29,467 |
|||
|
$33,730 |
$31,399 |
|||
|
$36,230 |
$33,715 |
|||
|
$36,415 |
$35,803 |
|||
|
$37,830 |
$35,427 |
|||
|
$41,715 |
$38,815 |
New 2025 MAZDA CX-5 Costs
|
$30,190 |
$28,783 |
|||
|
$31,520 |
$29,748 |
|||
|
$32,870 |
$31,926 |
|||
|
$34,220 |
$32,745 |
|||
|
$36,820 |
$35,579 |
|||
|
$38,620 |
$37,194 |
|||
|
$39,420 |
$37,922 |
|||
|
$42,220 |
$41,008 |
The Kelley Blue E book Honest Buy Value for any particular person used car can range drastically in keeping with mileage, situation, location, and different elements.
The costs right here mirror what consumers are at the moment paying for New 2025 Subaru Forester autos and New 2025 MAZDA CX-5 autos in typical situation when buying from a dealership.
These costs are up to date weekly. The producer’s recommended retail worth (MSRP) quoted contains the vacation spot charge, however doesn’t embody tax, license, doc charges, and choices.
Specs
| 2025 Subaru Forester | 2025 Mazda CX-5 | |
| Widespread Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 180 hp @ 5,800 rpm | 187 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft @ 3,700 rpm | 186 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT | 6-speed computerized |
| Gas economic system | 26 mpg metropolis/33 mpg freeway/29 mpg mixed | 23 mpg metropolis/29 mpg freeway/25 mpg mixed |
| Additionally Obtainable | Hybrid | 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Specs | ||
| Primary Guarantee | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Guarantee | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Total Security Ranking | 5-Star | 5-Star |
| Max Seating Capability | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 105.1 inches | 106.2 inches |
| Total Size | 183.3 inches | 180.1 inches |
| Width | 72.0 inches | 72.6 inches |
| Top | 68.1 inches | 65.4 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 35.4 toes | 36.0 toes |
| Headroom, Entrance | 41.2 inches | 39.7 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 39.6 inches | 39.0 inches |
| Legroom, Entrance | 43.3 inches | 41.0 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 39.4 inches | 39.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Entrance | 57.7 inches | 57.1 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 56.7 inches | 54.8 inches |
| Cargo Quantity (rear seats up/down) | 29.6/74.4 cubic toes | 29.1/59.3 cubic toes |
Conclusion
These are very comparable autos, with the sting in energy going to the CX-5. Conversely, in the event you’re trying to go off-tarmac, the Forester is the higher possibility, particularly in Wilderness trim. And there’s your differentiator: Do you want your each day commuter to be an off-roader or not? If that’s the case, go together with the Subie; in any other case, the Mazda is the play.
