2023 Mazda CX-5 vs Subaru Forester Comparison & 0-60 / Hard Call

While each of these has their own distinct pros and cons, the Forester and CX-5 are both reliable, straightforward, well-handling, affordable small suvs. Today I want to find out which one is the better equipped to take on the full segment with players like the Toyota Rav4, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Mitsubishi Outlander and more.

@carquestion Video on the CX-5’s AWD

Thank you, Royal on the Eastside & Royal South Mazda for letting me test drive these two!

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[ontarioman]

i Went with cx-5 turbo. 4 yrs later, no issues. love the driving performance

[brettwheeler]

Can't content on the Suburu, but I had a 2016 CX5 that we bought at a year old with about 19, 000 miles. Drove it until about 165, 000 and it was excellent! Only time in the shop was for oil changes, brake pads, and changing the cabin filters. Gas mileage was excellent. Highly recommended.

[kurtstephan]

Thanks for doing this comparison--the CX-5 almost always gets pitted against the CRV and RAV4, but as you point out, the Forester is a direct competitor also, although the CX-50 is aimed more at the Subie crowd than the CX-5.

I bought a new CX-5 (non-turbo) last fall and still thoroughly enjoy every drive. It replaced a hot hatch (Fiesta ST) because I needed a bigger, better all-arounder. What's surprised me is how close the CX-5 is in terms of everyday driving fun, even though obviously it doesn't approach the ST by any performance metric. But I actually prefer the steering feel of the CX-5, and steering is one of the ST's strong points!

In contrast, I've driven a lot of late-model Subaru crossovers (and the household had a Crosstrek for many years) and find them mundane--although hardly bad--to drive. I was never remotely tempted to push them on twisty roads, whereas the CX-5 is a lot of fun in the curves, just begging to be flung around with enthusiasm.

Plus I worked at a Subie dealership for awhile and was surprised how many relatively low-mileage cars were coming back with engine or CVT issues. But I know a number of people with 2017 or later Mazda crossovers (mostly CX-5s), and none of them have had any problems.

I totally get the appeal of the Forester though, and for a lot of people, it's the right choice. Your video is an excellent buyer's guide for people who aren't considering a Honda or Toyota (there are actually some of us out there!).

[AlaskaErik]

I already made my choice. I bought a 2022 Forester Wilderness. I'm 6' 2", so I like the taller seating arrangement. I also find it to be more utilitarian, as I drive it on back country roads. I definitely don't like the iPad infotainment screen in the Mazda. I just hit 8000 miles in my Forester and I'm very happy with my choice.

[usernamechecksout]

I did tons of research before buying my car.
The list of cars I looked at is pretty long: Kia Sportage, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, VW Tiguan, Skoda Karoq & Kodiaq, Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester & Outback, Honda CR-V, Suzuki S-Cross, Ford Kuga/Escape, Nissan Qashqai, Mitsubishi Outlander, Range Rover Evoque, Dacia Duster.

They all got compared on performance, driving, space, finishing, maintenance and price, of course. All were 2023 or 2022 models given I did this beginning of the year so. not all 2023 models were out yet, like the new CR-V or Outlander.
Price played a part mainly because I paid cash for it as I didn't want another monthly payment on top of the mortgage and various insurances - LOL!

But overall it was down to how I felt when driving it, how I felt (hope you didn't think this was going to be the most objective post) about the brand and maintenance - as I didn't want to buy a car and spend more time servicing it than on the road.

So the RR and Ford were discounted from the start. 🙂 Nissan started having a dodgy reputation in terms of reliability so I skipped it as well. Suzuki are too expensive for what they offer.
Toyota was the obvious choice but even though it's the class leader I don't like the design, both interior or exterior. To each their own, I say.

Hyundai was among those I favored but the new designs (from Kia as well) are quite sketchy and on looks alone I skipped them. CR-V was nice but something didn't click, and just like with Suzuki, it felt it cost more than what it offered.

To cut things short, it came down to these two - Forester and CX-5. And if I was a super practical guy that would spend lots of time off-road then I would've gotten the Forester. But 90% of the driving I'll do will be on paved roads. And the CX-5 felt more like a sedan when driving it. Plus, the trim level I got (Homura) has the same features as my buddy's Audi Q5 - only he paid double for it!

So, if you're looking to haul stuff on a regular basis then maybe the CX-5 ain't the best. But if you want to have a car that you'll love driving around, that has a great entertainment system (Bose), is packed full of sensors and has top safety marks then the CX-5 is the car you should go for! Plus, where I live, the Forester is only available with a 2.0L 150HP engine which I believe is underpowered for such a car. Not to mention the CVT. Why, Subaru, why?

Let me know your thoughts - has anyone else do such research before getting their car?

[dianejohnson]

I had a Subaru Outback 2008 which got totaled in an accident not my fault 😮 I replaced it with a Mazda CX-5 which I absolutely love ❤️ Luxury and so fun to drive!

[hiyahandsome]

Really like the way you thoroughly describe each vehicle then recap the plusses and minuses at the end. I admire the sleek Mazda but the proportions and competence of the Forester appeal to me more, plus the fact that NW CT where I drive a lot, sadly has many crappy roads like those in Indiana. Until the roads improve, my vote is for the Forester. Cheers~

[TechyGamer]

Not a Forester, but I got a Outback last May after planning to get a CX-5. On the test drive, the Outback was the easier car, felt smooth, basic, great visibility, lots of room. I always explained it as the CX-5 being what I wanted and the Outback being what I needed (for my lifestyle). After doing more research over the past many months I wish I got the CX-5. Everything I've read has led me to believe that the Outback has lots of small maintenance issues whereas the CX-5 tends to go a while with nothing but fluid changes. After my Nissan Rogue, I swore to never get another CVT but here I am. The speakers in the Outback are subpar, and I have grown to dislike the big screen. Not to mention the amount of rattles that appeared. I miss physical buttons. Contemplating trading to a CX-5 but that is easier said than done obviously. Both great cars but for what I am going for the CX-5 now seems like a better option.

[jefftait]

I considered both, went with the Forester. Love the visibility and room. Its like driving around in a greenhouse.

[tmntchad]

I worked at a Dealership service department that serviced both brands for 4 years. Forester is solid, but CX-5 has it beat hands down, no contest, when it comes to long term reliability.

[paulmccoy]

Your word choice and structure for these reviews is amazing man. Sometimes I watch these comparisons for fun and even as someone not looking I have no idea what the winner or the true pros and cons are.

[jimbon]

We have a CX-30 and love it. We have owned Audis and the quality of the Mazda interior is close to being on par with them. The Mazda has a German car practicality that I like. The simpleness of the engine and all-wheel drive design is a plus for longevity. The styling isn't like the boring cars in this class and the classic Mazda zoom-zoom handling much like German vehicles beats the other offerings. And when was the last time you needed fog lights anyway?? It's rude and illegal to use fog lights at all times for merely driving in the dark. And CVT? Come on man! Car people don't drive CVT's. But the best selling point is NO STOP/START. I passed on every model with that annoying feature. In my opinion, the Mazda is a driver's car. Enjoy!

[davidingram]

Earlier Forester had CVT problem and I lost confidence in the car. Bought a CX-5 and the transmission is smooth plus the car rides and handles very nicely.

[jasonburnette]

I had a 24 Forester as a rental and I hated it. Bought a 24 CX-5 turbo a couple weeks ago, love it.

[tntmyth]

This was a great comparison. The CX-5 and Forester are in the top 5 on my shopping list this year for a new compact SUV. Probably in the top 3. The differences come down to just what you said. Fun and extra quality vs practicality. On paper, I think I lean towards getting the CX-5 for a number of reasons. 6-speed auto, no stop/start, more luxurious interior, handles in the hatch area to fold down the rear seats on all trims, ventilated driver seat, chi wireless charger, turbo option, fun to drive. These are all features the CX-5 has over the Forester. And, as you said, the CX-5 more represents my values. The Forester wins with more interior and cargo room, better mileage, bigger sunroof, and CD player built into the stereo. Yes, I still love CDs for the sound quality but I can always move all my music to my phone or a memory stick. If I lived in an area with crappy roads, I would lean towards the Forester, but I live in South Florida where the roads are mostly smooth. Ventilated seats would be a big plus in this heat. Standard AWD in both cars is a plus with all the rain we get here. Anyways the other cars in my top 5 list are the Rav4 Hybrid, Honda CR-V, and Subaru Outback. I like RDX as well, but probably won't spend that much.

[brianmontgomery]

Great review, I really enjoy your balanced approach in all your videos, except for one thing I’ve noticed in almost all your Subaru reviews…2012 was the last year for the engine family (EJ25) that had head gasket issues for Subaru so I don’t think it’s relevant to keep mentioning that in regards to reliability in every Subaru review you do

[vimalvinodan]

I picked Mazda CX-5 after test driving both Forester and CX5. I just felt more connected to the road and the interior feels much more premium. Subaru has to work on its busy interior layout.
In addition, the adaptive cruise control, Heads up display and the Tech in general on Mazda CX-5 felt superior.

[nicksrandomviews]

I had a 2018 outback and around 80k miles the cvt transmission started to get a little sloppy and doing some really weird things especially on acceleration from a stop. I traded it in 2021 on a new mazda cx5 and I love it. The handling is way better and just overall a better class of vehicle and just has a much better feeling of quality.

[jonschisselman]

Great video. I own both (2022 Forester Sport and 2021 CX5 Grand Touring) and I think the video gets it 100% right: the Forester will have more universal appeal, but a driving enthusiast will strongly prefer a CX5. The CX5 is a joy to drive, but buyer beware, because the seats are brutal for me personally (really unforgiving bottom seat bolsters.) It's a beautiful car, and looks significantly more expensive next to the Forester, but when it comes to virtually everything utilitarian, the Forester wins out. The safety systems on the Forester are better and so is the gas mileage. The seats in the Forester are more comfortable, the backseat and cargo space are noticeably larger, and having a touch screen infotainment makes life a lot easier. And, yeah, it isn't as engaging as the CX5 to drive, but it is a still a joy thanks to the massive windows and great visibility. The cabin is so much lighter and more airy than the CX5 which is dark and drab by comparison. Personally, I find the Subaru a lot easier to live with everyday and much better car, by far, for a family. But if you're a single person or a driving enthusiast, it won't be a comparison and the CX5 will be the clear winner.

[paulholterhaus]

I've had overall builds a better overall one thing NO ONE have about double the low rpm torque...below 1500---2000 You can drive forever in this rpm range if You are not heavy the Mazda almost can climb a 10% Grade north of My house at 1500 needs will agree with Others, tho, that if I lived in a Town filled with potholes I would take the are