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2019 Subaru Forester vs 2019 Mazda CX-5

2019 Subaru Forester
2019 Subaru Forester
$24,295MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Mazda CX-5
2019 Mazda CX-5
$24,350MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Subaru Forester
$24,295MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Mazda CX-5
$24,350MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

Based on the ratings and comparison, the 2019 Mazda CX-5 scores slightly higher than the 2019 Subaru Forester. Both vehicles offer a range of features and options, but the Mazda CX-5 stands out with its powerful turbocharged engine, attractive design, and refined interior.

Choose the 2019 Subaru Forester if:

Shop Now
8.2of 10overall
  • You prioritize cargo space and utility in a compact SUV.
  • You value safety features and driver-assistance technology.
  • You are looking for a vehicle with a smooth ride and good fuel economy.

Choose the 2019 Mazda CX-5 if:

Shop Now
8.3of 10overall
  • You seek a more powerful engine and spirited performance.
  • You prioritize a refined interior with luxury amenities.
  • You want a vehicle with captivating looks and advanced technology.
Overview

MSRP

$24,295

MSRP

$24,350

Average price

$21,655

Average price

$21,156

Listings

893

Listings

980
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.2 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.3 out of 10
Pros
  • Standard all-wheel drive
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Easy-to-use technology
Cons
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
  • Uninspired styling
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Unintuitive technology
  • Underwhelming base engine

2019 Subaru Forester Reviews Summary

Consumers are hungry for all-weather capability, plenty of space for passengers, and plenty of space for the gear that comes with those passengers. Crossovers can offer all of this, while also providing solid fuel economy. So, it makes sense that crossovers of different sizes and price ranges are dominating the new car market. Nearly every automaker out there today offers at least one, if not multiple crossovers, in their showrooms.

But while this is a new trend for some brands, Subaru has been offering multiple vehicles that fit the crossover formula for decades.

In particular, the Subaru Forester has been around since 1997. When it arrived, the Forester provided standard all-wheel drive, reasonable fuel economy, plenty of cargo space, and an affordable base price. It was not the first vehicle to come standard with all-wheel drive—that would be the AMC Eagle of the 1970s. But the AMC brand is no more, and the '97 Forester offered all these attributes while also being incredibly reliable, and thus set the blueprint for the modern crossover craze.

The modern compact SUV market includes popular vehicles like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Volkswagen Tiguan, and more. With all these rivals, can the all-new 2019 Subaru Forester once again set the curve in this segment?

2019 Mazda CX-5 Reviews Summary

In a segment dominated by some pretty intimidating competitors like the Toyota RAV4, the Honda CR-V, and the Subaru Forester, the Mazda CX-5 has been slowly winning over consumers year after year with good looks and a best-in-class driving experience. But rather than resting on its laurels, Mazda has updated the CX-5 just one year into its second generation, improving handling with an updated version of its G-Vectoring Control system, increasing connectivity with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and boosting power with a turbocharged engine for two new top-tier trims—the Grand Touring Reserve and Signature.
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.5L 182 hp H4

Engine

2.5L 187 hp I4

Drive Train

AWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

182 hp @ 5800 rpm

Horsepower

187 hp @ 6000 rpm

MPG City

26

MPG City

25

MPG Highway

33

MPG Highway

31
2019 Subaru Forester
2019 Subaru Forester
$24,295MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Mazda CX-5
2019 Mazda CX-5
$24,350MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Subaru Forester
$24,295MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Mazda CX-5
$24,350MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

Based on the ratings and comparison, the 2019 Mazda CX-5 scores slightly higher than the 2019 Subaru Forester. Both vehicles offer a range of features and options, but the Mazda CX-5 stands out with its powerful turbocharged engine, attractive design, and refined interior.

Choose the 2019 Subaru Forester if:

Shop Now
8.2of 10overall
  • You prioritize cargo space and utility in a compact SUV.
  • You value safety features and driver-assistance technology.
  • You are looking for a vehicle with a smooth ride and good fuel economy.

Choose the 2019 Mazda CX-5 if:

Shop Now
8.3of 10overall
  • You seek a more powerful engine and spirited performance.
  • You prioritize a refined interior with luxury amenities.
  • You want a vehicle with captivating looks and advanced technology.
Overview
MSRP
$24,295
$24,350
Average price
$21,655
$21,156
Listings
893
Shop all listings
980
Shop all listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.7
4.8
Expert reviews

8.2 out of 10

Read full review

8.3 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Standard all-wheel drive
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Easy-to-use technology
Cons
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
  • Uninspired styling
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Unintuitive technology
  • Underwhelming base engine
Summary

Consumers are hungry for all-weather capability, plenty of space for passengers, and plenty of space for the gear that comes with those passengers. Crossovers can offer all of this, while also providing solid fuel economy. So, it makes sense that crossovers of different sizes and price ranges are dominating the new car market. Nearly every automaker out there today offers at least one, if not multiple crossovers, in their showrooms.

But while this is a new trend for some brands, Subaru has been offering multiple vehicles that fit the crossover formula for decades.

In particular, the Subaru Forester has been around since 1997. When it arrived, the Forester provided standard all-wheel drive, reasonable fuel economy, plenty of cargo space, and an affordable base price. It was not the first vehicle to come standard with all-wheel drive—that would be the AMC Eagle of the 1970s. But the AMC brand is no more, and the '97 Forester offered all these attributes while also being incredibly reliable, and thus set the blueprint for the modern crossover craze.

The modern compact SUV market includes popular vehicles like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Volkswagen Tiguan, and more. With all these rivals, can the all-new 2019 Subaru Forester once again set the curve in this segment?

In a segment dominated by some pretty intimidating competitors like the Toyota RAV4, the Honda CR-V, and the Subaru Forester, the Mazda CX-5 has been slowly winning over consumers year after year with good looks and a best-in-class driving experience. But rather than resting on its laurels, Mazda has updated the CX-5 just one year into its second generation, improving handling with an updated version of its G-Vectoring Control system, increasing connectivity with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and boosting power with a turbocharged engine for two new top-tier trims—the Grand Touring Reserve and Signature.
Video
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.5L 182 hp H4
2.5L 187 hp I4
Drive Train
AWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
182 hp @ 5800 rpm
187 hp @ 6000 rpm
MPG City
26
25
MPG Highway
33
31
Look and feel
2019 Subaru Forester
7/10
2019 Mazda CX-5
9/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Subaru Forester as 7 out of 10 and the 2019 Mazda CX-5 as 9 out of 10. The new Forester is slightly larger and slightly wider than its predecessor. The exterior design is that of a scaled-down version of the new Subaru Ascent, which makes sense since earlier this year we called the Ascent a scaled-up version of the Forester, complete with a third row. The Forester puts function above all else, so design choices are a luxury that comes after making sure all utility aspects are considered. The Forester is available in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trims, each offering a range of features and options. The Mazda CX-5 is the best-looking, best-driving midsize crossover on the market. Full stop. The base Sport trim delivers unexpected features like LED headlights, a push-button ignition, a 7-inch touchscreen, and an impressive safety suite including low-speed forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking; blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert; automatic headlights, wipers, and high beams; lane-departure warning and assist; and adaptive cruise control.
Performance
2019 Subaru Forester
6/10
2019 Mazda CX-5
8/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Subaru Forester 6 out of 10 and the 2019 Mazda CX-5 8 out of 10. The 2019 Forester is powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine, making 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. The Forester comes standard with symmetrical AWD, and power is routed to this system through a continuously variable transmission, resulting in underwhelming acceleration. The Forester's fuel economy is 26 mpg city, 33 highway, 29 combined. The Mazda CX-5 offers a base 2.5-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The new Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims employ a turbocharged version of the same engine that’s already seen duty in the larger CX-9 and the excellent Mazda6 sedan, with a potential 250 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
Form and function
2019 Subaru Forester
8/10
2019 Mazda CX-5
8/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Subaru Forester 8 out of 10 and the 2019 Mazda CX-5 8 out of 10. The new Forester is slightly larger than the 2018 model, offering a class-leading 76.1 cubic feet of cargo space in the base trim. The new Forester’s larger wheelbase results in more backseat space, and its 8.7 inches of ground clearance are great for clearing dirt and snow. The cabin looks sharp enough, but it has cubbies, compartments, and bottle holders everywhere. On the other hand, the Mazda CX-5 offers 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which falls behind some rivals, but is still a healthy amount of room for almost anything you'll want to carry with you.
Technology
2019 Subaru Forester
9/10
2019 Mazda CX-5
7/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Subaru Forester 9 out of 10 and the 2019 Mazda CX-5 7 out of 10. The Forester’s Starlink system is quite good, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Subaru’s EyeSight suite of driver-assistance systems is mostly about safety, but one particular component is a fantastic tech-based feature called Lead Vehicle Alert. The Mazda CX-5's MazdaConnect infotainment system is attractive and responsive, though shoppers might not like the scroll-wheel interface. With Android Auto and Apple CarPlay now standard on everything above the base Sport trim, the CX-5's other major drawback has been addressed.
Safety
2019 Subaru Forester
10/10
2019 Mazda CX-5
9/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Subaru Forester 10 out of 10 and the 2019 Mazda CX-5 9 out of 10. The 2019 Forester comes standard with Subaru’s EyeSight suite of driver-assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and adaptive headlights. The Forester also comes with a full array of front- and side-impact airbags and a reversing camera. The Mazda CX-5 offers a comprehensive i-ActiveSense safety suite, which is standard across the range, with only more advanced features like the 360-degree camera and parking sensors saved for the top-tier Signature trim.
Cost Effectiveness
2019 Subaru Forester
9/10
2019 Mazda CX-5
9/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Subaru Forester 9 out of 10 and the 2019 Mazda CX-5 9 out of 10. The base MSRP for the 2019 Subaru Forester offered fantastic value with AWD, infotainment, and the EyeSight system at each price point. On the other hand, the Mazda CX-5 also offered a tremendous deal with regard to cost-effectiveness, especially with the most expensive trim—the Signature—delivering a lot of car for the money.
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By: CarGurus + AI

This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.

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