Let’s take a close look at how the Mazda CX-5 vs. Subaru Forester stack up. Below, we review the performance, dimensions, and features that each SUV has to offer and how they compare against each other. If you see your vehicle as more than just a vessel to get you from Point A to Point B, the Mazda CX-5 will stand out. To experience this lively and well-appointed SUV firsthand, visit Gunther Mazda.
| 2025 MAZDA CX-5 | 2025 Subaru Forester | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine |
|
2.5L 4-cyl |
| Max Horsepower | 256 | 182 |
| Max Torque | 320 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | i-ACTIV AWD® | Symmetrical AWD |
| Max Towing Capacity | 2,000 lbs1 | 3,000 lbs2 |
| Max EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy) | 26 / 303 | 26 / 334 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Max Cargo Space | 59.3 cu ft | 74.4 cu ft |
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 is an SUV with ample power. The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 187 horsepower and up to 186 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, the available 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder unit increases horsepower to a maximum of 256 and torque to 320 pound-feet when using 93-octane premium unleaded fuel. These performance numbers make a strong impression, especially compared to the more modest output of the Subaru Forester. The Subaru SUV produces a maximum of just 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque.
Every available selection in the Mazda CX-5 lineup comes standard with i-Activ AWD®, delivering the poised, confident handling you’d expect from this driver-focused SUV. The Subaru Forester keeps up with its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
If you’re concerned with fuel efficiency, both models in our comparison are excellent choices. The Mazda SUV renders up to an EPA-estimated 26/30 MPG (City/Highway),3 while the Subaru Forester earns a maximum EPA-estimated 26/33 MPG (City/Highway).4 The close fuel economy numbers, combined with the higher horsepower and torque output from the Mazda CX-5, highlight the Mazda model’s performance edge.
Furthermore, the Mazda CX-5 towing capacity reaches a maximum of 2,000 pounds.1 The Subaru Forester can only tow a maximum of 1,500 pounds2 in its standard configurations; you would need to shell out for the higher-tier Wilderness trim to outpace the Mazda CX-5. This arguably makes the 2025 Mazda CX-5 the vehicle with the better standard value in our head-to-head Mazda CX-5 vs. Subaru Forester matchup.
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 is 180.1 inches long, 72.6 inches wide without the mirrors, and up to 65.6 inches tall without the shark fin antenna. These dimensions help the Mazda CX-5 provide 39.7 inches of headroom without a moonroof, 57.1 inches of shoulder room, and 41 inches of legroom in the front row.
Looking at the Subaru Forester, it checks in at 183.3 inches in length, 72 inches in width without the mirrors, and 68.1 inches in height without roof rails (the Wilderness trim has slightly different measurements: 182.7 inches in length, 72.2 inches in width, and 68.9 inches in height). Inside, there is 41.2 inches of headroom without a moonroof, up to 58.1 inches of shoulder room, and 43.3 inches of legroom in the front row. The Subaru Forester vs. Mazda CX-5 debate regarding size reveals the Forester is ever-so-slightly longer and taller than the Mazda model, with moderately larger interior dimensions.
However, the more compact footprint makes the Mazda CX-5 a confident companion in tight city spaces – perfect for slipping into narrow parking spots and navigating urban life with ease.
Seating for five is standard in the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and the 2025 Subaru Forester. Each vehicle also has foldable rear seats to increase storage capacity; the Mazda CX-5 even features a standard reclining function in the second row, an amenity available in the Forester. Behind the second row in the Mazda CX-5, there is 29.1 cubic feet of storage space. This figure jumps to a spacious 59.3 cubic feet when the rear seats and floorboard are folded.
The Subaru Forester has up to 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats upright and a greater available cargo area with them folded. We invite you to learn more about the Mazda CX-5 cargo space and how to configure your vehicle to maximize available room.
The interior of the 2025 Mazda CX-5 offers increased refinement thanks to the standard six-way manually adjustable driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear selector, pollen filter in its air conditioning system, and comfortable cloth upholstery.
In comparison, the Subaru Forester comes standard with a six-way manually adjustable driver seat and cloth upholstery. You have to upgrade trims to receive a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a leather-wrapped shifter handle; it also does not offer a designated pollen filter feature. Another amenity that the Subaru Forester lacks as standard is push-button start, which is equipped in every trim of the Mazda CX-5.
A 10.25-inch center display is standard in the Mazda CX-5, along with Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® integration for seamless connectivity. The Mazda CX-5 2.5 S has a four-speaker audio system, the Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select and 2.5 S Preferred have a six-speaker sound system, and the remaining trims upgrade to a Bose® 10-speaker surround sound system with Centerpoint® and AudioPilot®.
The Subaru Forester comes standard with a smaller 7-inch multimedia center display; it increases in size only in higher trims. Furthermore, the Forester has a four-speaker audio system as standard, with higher trims offering six, nine, or 11 speakers. Even with its optional upgrades, the Subaru SUV’s infotainment system doesn’t quite match the polished, high-tech experience inside the Mazda CX-5.
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 elevates peace of mind with advanced standard safety systems – many of which are only available in the Subaru Forester. For example, it equips Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane-Keep Assist, and Forward Smart Brake Support as standard. Meanwhile, the Subaru Forester includes Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert in higher trims.
However, both the Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Forester boast driver-attention systems in their top trims: the Driver Attention Alert and DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System, respectively. As we continue to compare the Mazda CX-5 vs. Subaru Forester features for safety, we see how the Mazda CX-5 provides more by way of standard Rear Seat Alert and Hill Launch Assist, two systems not offered in the Forester at all.
In more ways than one, the 2025 Mazda CX-5 confidently rises above in our Mazda CX-5 vs. Subaru Forester comparison. Learn more about the Mazda CX-5 configurations, performance, dimensions, and amenities at Gunther Mazda today.
The Subaru Forester is slightly larger than the Mazda CX-5 in most exterior dimensions. The Mazda CX-5 is 180.1 inches long and up to 65.6 inches tall. Meanwhile, the Forester measures 183.3 inches long and up to 68.9 inches tall. The Mazda CX-5 is wider at 72.6 inches vs. the 72 or 72.2 inches of the Subaru Forester.
The Mazda CX-5 is equipped with more standard features than the Subaru Forester. For example, the Mazda SUV boasts standard push-button start, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a leather-wrapped gear selector. The Subaru Forester only offers these amenities in higher trims. Talk to one of our Mazda sales representatives today to learn more.
While this can be more of a preference question, at face value, the Mazda CX-5 appears to be the better vehicle. It provides more overall power and more advanced technology as standard. If you’re debating between these two vehicles, the Mazda CX-5 arguably has more to offer than the Forester. See how else the 2025 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2025 Subaru Forester compare today.
| Mazda CX-5 vs. Kia Sportage | Mazda CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4 | Mazda CX-5 Trims |
| Mazda CX-30 vs. Mazda CX-5 | Mazda CX-5 Colors | Mazda CX-50 vs. Mazda CX-5 |
1Towing capacities shown are maximums and must be reduced by the weight of any passenger, cargo hitch or optional equipment in the towing vehicle. Please refer to vehicle Owner’s Manual for details regarding towing capacities and other valuable information. Towing a trailer may have an effect on vehicle’s handling, braking, durability, performance and driving economy. For specific information on recommended or required equipment, see your Mazda Dealer. Hitches are available through manufacturers other than Mazda.
2Maximum towing capacity varies by trim level. Trailer brakes may be needed. See your retailer for details.
3EPA-estimated mileage. Actual results will vary.
4EPA fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary with driving conditions and your vehicle’s condition.
