Compact crossovers continue to gain traction with the public due to their flexibility and capability. Two of the best examples are the 2025 Subaru Forester and the 2025 Mazda CX-5. These rivals also battle against the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson, and Kia Sportage, to name only a few, in the highly competitive compact SUV segment.
The Subaru Forester boasts a roomy interior, great outward view, and impressive off-road capability. The Mazda CX-5 impresses with its sharp handling, upscale interior, and an available turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Like the Forester, all-wheel drive (AWD) is standard on every CX-5 trim. While Subaru doesn’t have a potent turbocharged option like Mazda, it does have an ace up its sleeve for adventure-seeking SUV shoppers.
Let’s take a closer look at the 2025 Subaru Forester and the 2025 Mazda CX-5.
2025 Subaru Forester
The 2025 Subaru Forester received a complete makeover for the new model year. The sixth-gen Forester gets an updated look on the outside. In addition to its trusty 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that sends 180 horsepower to all four wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), a hybrid version of that engine is new for 2025. The hybrid powertrain is a slightly juicier but a lot more efficient around town.
The Forester’s ample ground clearance — 8.7 inches — and upright design (with a great outward view) make it suitable for traversing off-road trails and squeezing into cozy curbside parking spots.
Subaru Forester Highlights
EyeSight safety features: In keeping with its more left-brain nature, every Forester comes with Subaru’s EyeSight suite of driver aids. This includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with lane centering, automatic high-beam headlights, and a rear-seat reminder.
Outdoorsy Wilderness model: The Wilderness model adds greater all-terrain capability thanks to its 9.2 inches of ground clearance, off-road tires, underbody skid plate, upgraded all-wheel-drive system, and trim-specific front and rear bumpers.
Easy access: The new Forester SUV has an available motion-activated rear liftgate — just wave a foot under the back bumper.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Forester models for sale near you.
2025 Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 is available in eight trims: 2.5 S, 2.5 S Select, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Carbon Edition, 2.5 S Premium, 2.5 S Premium Plus, Carbon Turbo, Turbo Premium, and Turbo Signature. The base engine is a 187-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that sends power to all four wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission. However, a turbocharged version is available, pumping up the power to 227 hp on regular-grade fuel. Using premium nudges output to 256 hp.
On the inside, the CX-5 features a clean, well-designed cabin with an appropriate mix of dials and buttons to control the infotainment system. Perhaps the best part of the spacious cabin is the very comfortable and supportive seats.
Mazda CX-5 Highlights
Standard all-wheel drive: The extra traction is great, especially at no additional cost, when roads are slippery or even on sunny days. The CX-5’s all-wheel-drive hardware seamlessly sends power to the wheels that need it most during spirited driving.
Classy cabin: Mazda has crafted a high-quality interior for the CX-5 with easy-to-reach controls and upscale materials. Standard touches include a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and power-adjustable driver’s seat.
Sporty driving manners: The CX-5 relishes zipping around corners and tight bends. This is a compact SUV you’ll want to drive for the thrill of it.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CX-5 models for sale near you.
Similarities
The Subaru Forester and Mazda CX-5 are well-equipped, comfortable, and safe compact SUVs with the added benefit of all-wheel drive. They also have identical warranties and score well in crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Pricing
New 2025 Subaru Forester Prices
|
$31,415 |
$29,467 |
|||
|
$33,730 |
$31,399 |
|||
|
$36,230 |
$33,715 |
|||
|
$36,415 |
$35,803 |
|||
|
$37,830 |
$35,427 |
|||
|
$41,715 |
$38,815 |
New 2025 MAZDA CX-5 Prices
|
$30,190 |
$28,783 |
|||
|
$31,520 |
$29,748 |
|||
|
$32,870 |
$31,926 |
|||
|
$34,220 |
$32,745 |
|||
|
$36,820 |
$35,579 |
|||
|
$38,620 |
$37,194 |
|||
|
$39,420 |
$37,922 |
|||
|
$42,220 |
$41,008 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors.
The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Subaru Forester vehicles and New 2025 MAZDA CX-5 vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership.
These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Subaru Forester | 2025 Mazda CX-5 | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 180 hp @ 5,800 rpm | 187 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft @ 3,700 rpm | 186 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT | 6-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy | 26 mpg city/33 mpg highway/29 mpg combined | 23 mpg city/29 mpg highway/25 mpg combined |
| Also Available | Hybrid | 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety Rating | 5-Star | 5-Star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 105.1 inches | 106.2 inches |
| Overall Length | 183.3 inches | 180.1 inches |
| Width | 72.0 inches | 72.6 inches |
| Height | 68.1 inches | 65.4 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 35.4 feet | 36.0 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 41.2 inches | 39.7 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 39.6 inches | 39.0 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 43.3 inches | 41.0 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 39.4 inches | 39.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.7 inches | 57.1 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 56.7 inches | 54.8 inches |
| Cargo Volume (rear seats up/down) | 29.6/74.4 cubic feet | 29.1/59.3 cubic feet |
Conclusion
These are very comparable vehicles, with the edge in power going to the CX-5. Conversely, if you’re looking to go off-tarmac, the Forester is the better option, especially in Wilderness trim. And there’s your differentiator: Do you need your daily commuter to be an off-roader or not? If so, go with the Subie; otherwise, the Mazda is the play.