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The 2023 Subaru Forester is a beloved choice for many new SUV buyers. However, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 comes out on top of it in a few key ways. Most notably, the CX-50 is more powerful and has more cargo space. In addition, many consider the 2023 Mazda CX-50 to be the overall better-looking vehicle of the two, as the automaker emphasizes exterior designs. 

The Mazda CX-50 delivers more power than the 2023 Subaru Forester

2023 Mazda CX-50
2023 Mazda CX-50 | Mazda

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is a powerful SUV with a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Buyers can elect either the turbo or nonturbocharged option, with maximum outputs of 256 horsepower and 197 hp, respectively. The Mazda SUV uses a six-speed automatic transmission and is an all-wheel drive vehicle, according to Car and Driver. In addition, Mazda has a hybrid powertrain planned for the CX-50.

The 2023 Forester is also a solid performer, although it’s less exciting than the Mazda SUV. The 2023 Subaru Forester comes equipped with a 182 horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder and no plans for a hybrid. It’s also all-wheel drive and takes about eight seconds to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour. However, the 2023 CX-50 takes about 7.2 seconds.

The new Mazda SUV is also a solid pick over the 2023 Forester because most people consider it more fun to drive. Mazda has a strong reputation for this, which goes a long way. In addition, the CX-50 has superior handling than the Forester. However, the Subaru SUV has a little better fuel economy. The Subaru Forester 2022 is similar in this regard to the new one.

The 2023 Forester has less space than the Mazda CX-50 interior

2023 Subaru Forester
2023 Subaru Forester | Sjoerd van der Wal via Getty Images

The 2023 CX-50 also comes out ahead of the 2023 Forester due to the interior. Though the vehicles are roughly the same size, the Mazda SUV offers more overall cargo space. In addition, the CX-50, with its various trims, offers more frills than the Subaru option. In more ways than one, it looks more upscale, even on the base level for the CX-50.

Besides offering more space, the Mazda CX-50 interior also has better technology. It comes standard with an 8.8-inch infotainment screen with an option for a 10.3-inch on more advanced trims. The 2023 Subaru Forester has a standard 6.6-inch screen. The Mazda SUV also has an impressive car sound system with a standard eight-speaker setup, which buyers can upgrade to a 12-speaker Bose system. The Subaru Forester 2022 interior is fairly similar to its latest option.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is a safe vehicle

2023 Mazda CX-50 on a trail
2023 Mazda CX-50 | Mazda

The new Mazda CX-50 is also a safe vehicle. In fact, the NHTSA selected it as a top safety plus pick for the year. The Mazda SUV earned this due to what the institution considers good ratings in its six crashworthiness categories. In addition, the vehicle is expected to be more reliable than most other new vehicles.

The CX-50 price is similar to that of the 2023 Forester. The Mazda SUV starts at $27, 550 whereas the Forester starts at $26,395. Of course, both SUVs can become considerably more expensive with more advanced trims. While both are great options, the new Mazda CX-50 has some serious bragging rights.

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