If a friend asked me whether they should buy a Subaru Forester or a Mazda CX 5 in 2025, I’d say it depends on what kind of driver they are because these two SUVs approach everyday life from completely different angles. Both are incredibly popular among drivers who want a mix of practicality, safety, and comfort—but each one has its own strengths that make it stand out.
I’ve spent time behind the wheel of both, and it’s honestly one of the closest matchups in the compact SUV class. The Forester is the steady, dependable choice that’s always ready for bad weather or dirt trails, while the CX 5 feels more refined and athletic, appealing to drivers who want something a bit more upscale.
Let’s break them down section by section and see which one makes the better everyday companion in 2025.
Interior Comfort and Design
Step inside the Mazda CX 5, and it’s immediately clear that Mazda wants you to feel like you’re in something premium. The 2025 model carries forward that same luxury feel it’s become known for—soft-touch materials, rich stitching, and a cabin layout that feels driver-focused. The front seats are supportive, the steering wheel feels great in your hands, and the infotainment screen now supports full touch controls (a welcome change from older versions).
On the other hand, the Subaru Forester takes a different approach. It’s less flashy, more functional. The cabin is open and airy, with excellent visibility all around. Everything is where you expect it to be, and the driving position gives you a commanding view of the road. The materials aren’t as fancy as the Mazda’s, but they’re durable and easy to clean—perfect for families or outdoor enthusiasts.
When it comes to space, the Forester wins. It offers more rear legroom and noticeably more cargo capacity, making it ideal for road trips or weekend adventures. The CX 5 feels cozier, which some people prefer, but it’s not as roomy in the back.
Verdict: The Mazda CX 5 feels more luxurious, but the Subaru Forester is more spacious and practical.
Ride Quality and Handling
Here’s where these two SUVs really show their personalities.
The Mazda CX 5 has a sportier edge. The steering is sharp and communicative, and the suspension feels more tuned for driving enjoyment than comfort alone. Even in base trims, it feels well balanced and eager in corners. For 2025, Mazda refined the suspension to improve ride comfort without losing that engaging feel, and it shows.
The Subaru Forester, meanwhile, is tuned for comfort and confidence. It rides softly, absorbs bumps beautifully, and feels composed even on rough roads. Standard all-wheel drive and a higher ground clearance mean it’s perfectly at home on gravel, snow, or rain-soaked streets. It’s not as sporty, but it’s incredibly reassuring to drive, especially when the weather turns ugly.
Verdict: If you love spirited driving, the Mazda CX 5 will make you smile. If you want comfort and all-weather confidence, the Subaru Forester is the clear winner.
Safety and Technology
Both of these SUVs take safety seriously, and both have earned top marks from the IIHS and NHTSA.
The Subaru Forester comes with the latest version of Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and automatic emergency braking. Subaru also improved camera resolution for 2025, making the system smoother and more responsive.
The Mazda CX 5 counters with its i-Activsense suite, offering similar features like adaptive cruise, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Mazda’s tech feels more discreet—it quietly supports you without being intrusive, whereas Subaru’s system is a bit more assertive.
In terms of infotainment, Mazda’s newer interface looks cleaner and runs faster. It supports both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while Subaru’s STARLINK system is straightforward and functional, though its graphics aren’t quite as sleek.
Verdict: Both are safe and tech-loaded, but Mazda edges ahead slightly in infotainment polish, while Subaru offers more active driver assistance as standard.
MPG and Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is where the differences between the two start to narrow.
The 2025 Subaru Forester uses a 2.5-liter flat-four engine producing 182 horsepower. It gets about 28 MPG combined (26 city, 33 highway), which is solid for an AWD SUV. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) helps keep fuel use low, though it’s not the most engaging setup for spirited driving.
The Mazda CX 5, with its 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G engine, delivers similar numbers—26 MPG combined (24 city, 31 highway) with all-wheel drive. The available turbocharged version drops slightly to around 24 MPG combined but adds a big boost in power (up to 256 horsepower on premium fuel).
In daily driving, the Forester tends to be more consistent, especially in stop-and-go traffic or on long commutes. The Mazda’s extra power means it can burn more fuel if you have a heavy right foot.
Verdict: The Subaru Forester wins on fuel efficiency, though the Mazda’s turbo option offers far more power for those who don’t mind sacrificing a few MPG.
Reliability and Ownership Experience
Subaru has built its reputation on reliability, and the Forester is one of the most dependable models in its lineup. Maintenance costs are moderate, parts are widely available, and the powertrain has proven longevity. It’s also known for excellent resale value, which makes it a smart long-term buy.
Mazda has been quietly climbing the reliability charts in recent years. The CX 5 has earned praise for build quality and long-term durability, with few major issues reported. It’s also one of the quieter vehicles in its class, which adds to the feeling of refinement during highway drives.
Ownership experience differs mostly in vibe—Subaru feels like a brand built for practicality and outdoor reliability, while Mazda feels more urban, stylish, and driver-focused.
Verdict: Both are dependable, but Subaru holds a slight edge in resale and all-weather toughness.
Trim and Feature Comparison
| Trim Level | Subaru Forester (2025) | Mazda CX 5 (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Base Price (USD) | $29,000 | $30,000 |
| Engine | 2.5L Boxer 4 | 2.5L I-4 (Turbo optional) |
| Fuel Economy (Combined MPG) | 28 | 26 |
| Cargo Space (cu ft) | 74.2 | 59.3 |
| AWD Availability | Standard | Available on all trims |
| Horsepower Range | 182 hp | 187–256 hp |
| Transmission | CVT | 6-speed automatic |
| Ground Clearance (in) | 8.7 | 7.6 |
My Verdict
If you value reliability, visibility, and space above all else, the Subaru Forester remains one of the most practical compact SUVs you can buy in 2025. It’s easy to drive, easy to live with, and ready for whatever the day throws at you. Whether it’s rain, snow, or a last-minute camping trip, the Forester never feels out of place.
If you’re the kind of driver who enjoys a stylish cabin, precise handling, and a more refined ride, the Mazda CX 5 is hard to beat. It feels premium without the premium price tag, and its turbocharged engine makes it genuinely fun to drive.
In short:
- Forester = best for all-weather confidence and practicality
- CX 5 = best for style and driving enjoyment
Both are excellent everyday drivers, and you can’t go wrong with either—it just depends on what kind of driver you are.
Related Articles
- Best Compact SUVs with Great Gas Mileage in 2025
- Most Reliable Crossovers for Long Commutes
- Best Family SUVs for Road Trips and Comfort
Both the Subaru Forester and Mazda CX 5 represent the sweet spot of compact SUV ownership in 2025—dependable, comfortable, and versatile enough for everything from daily errands to weekend adventures. The only question left is whether you prefer a rugged explorer or a refined performer.
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