The compact crossover SUV segment is very competitive — and two popular choices are the Subaru Forester and Mazda CX-5. Find out how they measure up in this 2023 Subaru Forester vs. 2023 Mazda CX-5 comparison. With its many advantages, the Forester defeats the CX-5 in seven key areas. 

2023 Subaru Forester vs. 2023 Mazda CX-5

In this 2023 Subaru Forester vs. 2023 Mazda CX-5 comparison, we evaluated multiple areas. This includes performance, gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, warranty coverage, reliability, and price.

Forester vs CX-5: Performance

On the performance front, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 has more powerful engine options than the 2023 Subaru Forester. This includes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder (187 horsepower) and a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder (256 horsepower). In comparison, all Forester models come equipped with a 2.5-liter flat-four engine, which generates 182 horsepower.

Forester vs CX-5: Gas mileage

The 2023 Forester has higher fuel economy than the 2023 CX-5. It gets an estimated gas mileage of up to 33 combined mpg, compared to 26 combined mpg for the Forester.

Forester vs CX-5: Towing

The Forester can also tow more than the CX-5. It has a maximum towing capacity of 3,000 pounds, compared to 2,000 pounds for the CX-5.

Forester vs CX-5: Off-road capabilities

Both crossover SUVs offer a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system, but the Forester is better for off-road use. For one, it has considerably higher ground clearance than the CX-5 (up to 9.2 vs. 7.5 inches). Also, unlike the CX-5, the Forester has an off-road model with the Wilderness trim.

Forester vs CX-5: Safety

The 2023 CX-5 and 2023 Forester are safe vehicles. For the previous model year, both crossover SUVs earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, which is the highest possible IIHS rating.

Forester vs. CX-5: Passenger and cargo space

The Subaru Forester is bigger than the Mazda CX-5, resulting in more passenger space. It has a total passenger volume of 111.6 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 74.2 cu-ft. In comparison, the CX-5 has a total passenger volume of 104 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 58.1 cu-ft. 

Forester vs. CX-5: Warranty coverage and reliability

For warranty coverage, both the Forester and CX-5 have a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. However, the Forester is more reliable than the CX-5. It earned a J.D. Power reliability rating of 84/100, compared to 81/100 for the CX-5.

Forester vs. CX-5: Price

Which crossover SUV costs more: the 2023 CX-5 or the 2023 CX-5? The starting price of the 2023 Forester ranges from $26,395 MSRP for the Base trim up to $36,495 MSRP for the Touring trim. In comparison, the starting price of the 2023 CX-5 ranges from $26,700 MSRP for the 2.5 S trim up to $39,650 MSRP for the 2.5 Turbo Signature trim.

2023 Subaru Forester vs. 2023 Mazda CX-5: Which crossover SUV is better?

In this 2023 Subaru Forester vs. 2023 Mazda CX-5 crossover SUV comparison, the 2023 Forester has advantages in seven key areas. This includes advantages for gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, passenger space, cargo space, reliability, and a slightly lower price. Conversely, the 2023 CX-5 has the advantage of more powerful engine options.