Mazda CX-5 vs Subaru Forester off-road

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.

2021 Mazda CX-5

Mazda CX-5 vs Subaru Forester off-road

2021 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 Forester

Mazda CX-5 vs Subaru Forester off-road

2021 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 Ability

Mazda CX-5

The 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 Forester

The 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.

Similarities

Compact dimensions; 4-cylinder power; NHTSA 5-Star safety.

2021 Mazda CX-5 Advantages

High-powered turbo engine; good handling; upscale appearance.

2021 Subaru Forester Advantages

Standard 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.

2021 Mazda CX-52021 Subaru ForesterPopular PowertrainsEngine2.5-liter I42.5-liter Flat-4Horsepower187 hp @ 6,000 rpm182 hp @ 5,800 rpmTorque186 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm176 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpmTransmission6-speed automaticCVTFuel Economy28mpg (25 city/31 hwy)29 mpg (26 city/33 hwy)Also Available2.5-liter turbo I4; AWDn/aSpecsWarranty3 years/36,000 miles3 years/36,000 milesPowertrain Warranty4 years/50,000 miles5 years/60,000 milesNHTSA Safety Rating5 stars5 starsMax Seating Capacity55Wheelbase106.2 inches105.1 inchesOverall Length179.1 inches182.1 inchesWidth72.5 inches71.5 inchesHeight65.4 inches68.1 inchesTurning Diameter36.0 feet35.4 feetHeadroom, Front39.7 inches41.2 inchesHeadroom, Rear39 inches39.6 inchesLegroom, Front41 inches43.3 inchesLegroom, Rear39.6 inches39.4 inchesShoulder Room, Front57.1 inches58.2 inchesShoulder Room, Rear54.8 inches57.2 inchesEPA Passenger Volume103.6 cubic feet111.9 cubic feetCargo Volume30.9/59.6 cubic feet31.1/74.3 cubic feet.

Mazda CX-5 vs Subaru Forester off-road

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Can the Mazda CX

Can the 2022 Mazda CX-5 go off-road? off-road. The CX-5 has all-wheel drive functionality, creates sufficient horsepower and torque required for off-roading, and tires that can go the distance. Not to mention, it's just a fantastic car.

Is Subaru Forester capable of off

Can 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 CX

The Mazda CX-5 SUV is 65.3 inches tall with a ground clearance of 7.6 inches.