VS
At a Glance
Power
187hp @ 6000
180hp @ 5800
Torque
185lb-ft @ 4000
178lb-ft @ 3700
Fuel
—
30 mpg est.
Towing
1500lbs
1500lbs
Engine
2.5 L/152ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the Mazda CX-5 and the Subaru Forester is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Mazda CX-5 delivers 187hp @ 6000 while the Subaru Forester produces 180hp @ 5800. Pricing starts at $29,990 for the CX-5 and $37,695 for the Forester. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Mazda CX-52.5 S Preferred AWD 2026 - From $29,990
Subaru ForesterLimited AWD 2026 - From $37,695
Performance
Power Output (hp)
187hp @ 6000
180hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
185lb-ft @ 4000
178lb-ft @ 3700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
6
—
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
—
30 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
—
26mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
—
33mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
15.3gal
16.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
184.6in
183.3in
Width (in)
73.2in
72in
Height (in)
66.7in
68.1in
Wheelbase (in)
110.8in
105.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3856lbs
3613lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
1500lbs
1500lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mazda CX-5
2 / 4 categories
Performance
CX-5
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
CX-5
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Mazda CX-5
Lower starting price ($29,990)
Few notable weaknesses
Subaru Forester
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the CX-5 or Forester?
The CX-5 produces 187hp @ 6000 and 185lb-ft @ 4000 of torque while the Forester delivers 180hp @ 5800 and 178lb-ft @ 3700 of torque. The CX-5 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the CX-5 and Forester?
The CX-5 starts from $29,990 and the Forester from $37,695. The CX-5 is cheaper by $7,705 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the CX-5 or Forester?
The CX-5 has a braked towing capacity of 1500lbs and the Forester can tow 1500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the CX-5 or the Forester?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.