With its athletic handling, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 is an enthusiast’s crossover SUV, while the 2021 Subaru Forester is admired for its ruggedness and off-road capability. Here’s how they compare. Show 2021 Mazda CX-52021 Mazda CX-5 starting price $25,370 | Price Yours or View listings near you. Above Average: Good looks and styling; plenty of standard equipment; available turbo engine and all-wheel drive; one of the sportiest SUVs. Below Average: Back seat could offer more space; infotainment system requires learning curve; smallish cargo area. Consensus: For those seeking the practicality of an SUV with a sporty flair, the Mazda CX-5 deserves your attention. It offers great handling and the choice of a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated or 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. 2021 Subaru Forester2021 Subaru Forester starting price $24,795 | Price Yours or View listings near you. Above Average: Standard all-wheel drive; ground clearance for off-road use; fuel economy. Below Average: Continuously variable transmission lacks responsiveness; styling not for everyone. Consensus: The Forester features a compact exterior with a surprisingly roomy interior. The 8.7 inches of ground clearance and all-wheel drive enable off-road capability. The Forester tops its category for KBB’s Best Resale Value Award and Lowest 5-Year Cost to Own. CX-5 vs. Forester: Style Meets AbilityMazda CX-5The Mazda CX-5 comes in seven trim levels, with two engine choices and either front- or all-wheel-drive. In other words, there’s plenty of choice for a variety of drivers. Power for the CX-5 comes from your choice of 2.5-liter engines. A naturally aspirated (non-turbo) 4-cylinder that makes 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque powers the Sport, Touring, Carbon, and Grand Touring trim levels. The Carbon Edition Turbo, Grand Touring Reserve, and Signature models all receive Mazda’s 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, which makes 227 horsepower on regular fuel (250 horses with 93 octane) and 320 lb-ft of torque. All powertrains mate to a 6-speed automatic transmission with Sport mode. The CX-5 can tow 2,000 pounds. All-wheel drive is available for an additional $1,400 or standard on the top model. The Mazda CX-5 boasts an elegant, upscale exterior design. That attention to detail extends to the CX-5’s interior as well, which has received an upgrade over the previous year’s version. There’s a new 10.3-inch display that is now standard, replacing the 7.0-inch screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, too. A new trim level, Carbon Edition, is available and includes Polymetal Gray paint with red upholstery. Mazda rounds out the packages with its top-of-the-line Signature trim that adds a hi-def 360-degree camera, rear automated emergency braking, and a driver-attention alert feature. Subaru ForesterThe 2021 Subaru Forester sports a large glass greenhouse with narrow pillars that helps with outward visibility. The exterior features lower-body cladding to protect the Forester, should you decide to seek some off-road adventure. Unlike the CX-5, the Forester offers only a single engine choice. In this case, it’s a 2.5-liter flat-4 that makes 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. Power is routed to all four wheels via the brand’s continuously variable transmission (CVT). The 2021 Subaru Forester is available in five trims: base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring. Standard features include an array of safety and driver aids like pre-collision braking and adaptive cruise control under the Subaru EyeSight banner. Other features include adaptive LED headlights, automatic climate control, a 6.5-inch infotainment display, satellite radio, two USB ports, selectable driving modes, active grille shutters (for better fuel efficiency), 60/40 split-folding rear seats, plus a washer for the rearview camera. SimilaritiesCompact dimensions; 4-cylinder power; NHTSA 5-Star safety. 2021 Mazda CX-5 AdvantagesHigh-powered turbo engine; good handling; upscale appearance. 2021 Subaru Forester AdvantagesStandard all-wheel drive; off-road capability; cargo room. Which One is Right for Me?The 2021 Mazda CX-5 boasts a well-thought-out interior and available turbocharged all-wheel-drive powertrain. Its upscale appearance and handling put the sport in “sport utility.” The 2021 Subaru Forester offers plenty of room, standard all-wheel drive, and enough ground clearance to take you off the beaten path. Ready to buy a 2021 Mazda CX-5 or 2021 Subaru Forester? Shop now for one on sale near you. 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Is Subaru Forester capable of offCan the Subaru Forester go off-road? You know it—the Subaru Forester is designed for off-road driving, ready for rough riding right off the factory floor. While the Subaru Forester might not be the experienced trailblazers' first choice, it is a great starting point.
Are Mazdas more reliable than Subaru?Subaru Makes Better Cars Than Mazda and BMW According to Consumer Reports. , and it regularly does well in comparison to other brands.
Is Mazda CXThe Mazda CX-5 SUV is 65.3 inches tall with a ground clearance of 7.6 inches.
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