2025 Mazda CX-5 vs Subaru Forester vs Hyundai Tucson vs Toyota RAV4 Comparison / $35k Showdown!

Compact crossovers pay the bills for their respective brands. That's why most brands make one, but which is worth your money? Today I've gathered the Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson to find out.

Other competitors include the Nissan Rogue, Honda CR-V, Mitsubishi Outlander, VW Tiguan, Kia Sportage and the Dodge Hornet. Here are my individual reviews.

Subaru Forester

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
RAV4

Mazda CX-5

Kia Sportage

Honda CR-V

Thank you, Royal on the Eastisde (Subaru), Royal South Mazda and Royal South Toyota for letting me test drive some of the cars used in today's video!

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00:00 Background
01:15 Pricing / Features
02:20 Tucson Interior
03:59 CX-5 Interior
05:42 RAV4 Interior
06:50 Forester Interior
07:58 Forester Drive
11:13 CX-5 Drive
14:21 Tucson Drive
17:33 RAV4 Drive
21:24 Reliability
22:51 Recommendations

[MercuryLS]

2022 CX-5 Signature owner here, the price for what you get it unbeatable. It feels far more luxurious than the price would suggest and it's such a fun car to drive, everything down to even how the doors sound when you close them, that solid, satisfying "thunk", makes it feel like a luxury car with a mainstream badge.

[Mgoblagulkablong]

I would wait for the CX-50 hybrid, best parts of Mazda and Toyota combined.

[TagTab]

You are one of my favorite car reviewers. Clear, creative and extra informative. I hope to see you continue growing your success, content and sponsorships!

[OmarZ]

I own a 2021 CX5 Turbo and absolutely love it, but that Subaru has also grown on me quickly. Starting to appreciate that boxy design, visibility, and extra roominess/practicality.

[henryhurley]

So glad Mazda isn’t being so criminally underrated anymore. Basically luxury cars for economy prices

[normaninsandiego]

Excellent video as always, Tyler. I would probably get the Forester.

[minnybiker]

Toyota fan turned Subaru owner... I really like this brand. We'll see if it holds up as well as most of my Toyotas did (one was bad). Feels very solid, pretty quiet, smooth, capable, safe... I dig it.

[briengakaplan-b]

Just got 24 CX-5 earlier this year, love it. Sports car moves with a BMW-esque interior. And great pricing. If the most space isn’t a priority and you enjoy driving, go Mazda.

[chidang]

We’re happy with our 2024 cx5 carbon edition. Fun to drive, great sound system, and good on road trips. We bought a cargo box for when we need extra storage.

[ZexyContender]

Hey Tyler! I remember working with you at a "certain dealership" in Bloomington a couple years ago. Glad to see you're really focusing on something you're passionate about! Wish ya the best man.

[sunnyvalentino]

CX5 is a good looking cuv. Handling is sports sedan like. I also like the rugged lines of the RAV4

[sammyt]

Brilliant comparison with top notch production value; channels like yours have well and truly killed the need for 'professional' auto shows on TV imo. As for the cars themselves, the RAV4 would still be my choice; its combination of reliability/longevity, resale value, brilliant ride/handling compromise (best of the bunch imo) and rugged good looks (second only to the CX-5 for me) makes it the pick of the bunch. I'd buck the trend and pick the NA RAV4, which provides more peace of mind than the hybrid in the long run (plus CR gave it a markedly higher relibaility rating) and has a more capable AWD system. Keep up the great work!

[robintagatac]

My 2nd choice was the Mazda CX50 turbo it's a beauty and fast. But I decided to buy the 2025 Forester Sport more comfortable and better braking. Luv it so far ❤

[pipin]

Gracias por tu honesta opinión de cada vehículo son pocos los presentadores que hacen comparaciones.

[vt]

I owned a 2017 Tucson that was paid off in 2022 it had a couple of issues that was covered by warranty calipers was one. Starting April 2024 the rear rotors and calipers went, June 2024 the front calipers and rotors went, $ 3800 so far, Sept I took it in for an service check and found out that the turbo intercooler was shot, the awd coupler need to be replaced and DCT actuator needed to be replaced for the low low cost of $6000 for a total of $9800 on the year or 6 months to be precise. I traded it as is for a Subaru and then Hyundia dinged me with a $200 Dianostic bill. Hyundia can kma.

[brokeboy]

The Honda CRV vs. the Subaru will be an exciting video.

[ewoggerts]

If subaru gets rid of the touchscreen i would be all in.

[siddheshshivraj]

I absolutely hate these digital cabins!!! I prefer an old school layout. Mazda CX 5 all the way for me!

[lorimcquinn]

After (3) Subarus, I'd jump at the CX-5.

[evolusd]

Bought daughter a base CX-5 and wife has a higher end Tucson hybrid. The Mazda is so good, I really enjoy driving it even tho it's lower spec. I actually prefer the non-touchacreen infotainment. Big fan of Mazda! The Tucson engine sounds like garbage.