Subaru Forester vs. Mazda CX-5
The Subaru Forester and the Mazda CX-5 are a good fit for families and drivers who like to be prepared for everything the road has to offer. Which one of these versatile SUVs is right for you? That’s what our team at Sam Pack Five Star Subaru is here to figure out with this 2023 Subaru Forester vs. Mazda CX-5 comparison.
Let’s find the ideal ride for your drives through Grapevine, Fort Worth, or Dallas, TX!
EPA-ESTIMATED MPG
MAX CARGO VOLUME
GROUND CLEARANCE
From carpooling with friends to transporting that new bookshelf you just bought from someone online, an SUV is the perfect vehicle for all your needs. Both the Subaru Forester and the Mazda CX-5 have impressive features, but which one will be better for you?
The most reliable SUVs have room to relax and space for all your bags. The 2023 Subaru Forester features both, with a large trunk, 41.2 inches of front headroom, and 43.3 inches of front legroom. It also makes it easy to pack more, with standard 60/40-split flat-folding rear seatbacks.
On the other hand, the Mazda CX-5 has a more compact cabin. It could be a bit of a squeeze with 39.7 inches of front headroom and 41 inches of front legroom.
If you’re loading the trunk for a road trip, you’ll notice the Mazda CX-5 has a smaller cargo space. It’s maxed out at just 59.3 cubic feet of space, while the Forester provides up to 74.2 cubic feet of cargo room.
With all that extra room, you can easily pack a few extra outfits or more adventure equipment.
Ready to head out? Before you go, it’s time to buckle your seat belts and prepare for the drive. With standard safety systems to help along the way, you can enjoy your ride with peace of mind in either of these SUVs.
The 2023 Subaru Forester comes with the kinds of features you can count on to help provide a safe and stable drive. For starters, Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is standard on every trim level. This rugged system includes Active Torque Vectoring, a Traction Control System, and Vehicle Dynamics Control.
These features will help your SUV grip the road, while dual-function X-MODE® is available to tackle tougher off-road conditions. It includes selectable driving modes, such as Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud.
Plus, to help you get up and over anything that lies in your way, the Forester features an 8.7-inch ground clearance. The Mazda CX-5 sits lower, with only 7.6 inches of ground clearance.
The Forester also helps keep you alert in your day-to-day driving through its EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology. It comes standard on every trim and helps prevent accidents with the following safety features:
- Pre-Collision Braking System
- Pre-Collision Throttle Management
- Lane Departure and Sway Warning
- Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering
The Mazda CX-5 offers similar driver-assist technology, thanks to i-Activsense®. It also comes standard with AWD. Its selectable drive modes include a Sport Mode; however, you may find the more specific settings of the Forester are better suited to all-terrain trails.
Of course, performance may be at the forefront of your mind. These models are known for their powerful engines, but which one will provide the better features? Let’s take a look at the performance of the Subaru Forester and the Mazda CX-5.
Whether you’re on the trails or running errands, good fuel economy makes everything easier. The 2023 Subaru Forester was designed with this in mind. Its 2.5L 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER® engine features a Dual Active Valve Control System and works with a Lineartronic® CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).
The Mazda CX-5 runs on a similar Skyactiv®-G 2.5L 4-cylinder engine.
When it comes to your road trips, fuel economy is important. How far can you go before stopping to refuel? In the Subaru Forester, you can get up to an EPA-estimated 26 city/33 highway MPG.*
You may have to make your next pit stop sooner in the Mazda CX-5, though, as it’s only capable of an EPA-estimated 24 city/30 highway MPG.
From its rugged drivetrain to its large cargo hold, the Subaru Forester has so much to offer drivers in Grapevine, Fort Worth, and Dallas, TX.
Contact Sam Pack Five Star Subaru to take a test drive and to learn more about the 2023 Subaru Forester vs. Mazda CX-5.
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