Mazda CX-5 vs Subaru Forester – Which model is better for everyday use?

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Costs and Efficiency: Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Mazda CX-5 has a to a small extent advantage in terms of price – it starts at 30000 £, while the Subaru Forester costs 34700 £. That’s a price difference of around 4705 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mazda CX-5 manages with 7 L and is therefore slightly more efficient than the Subaru Forester with 8.10 L. The difference is about 1.10 L per 100 km.

Engine and Performance: Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Mazda CX-5 has a minimal edge – offering 141 HP compared to 136 HP. That’s roughly 5 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mazda CX-5 is a bit quicker – completing the sprint in 10.50 s, while the Subaru Forester takes 12.20 s. That’s about 1.70 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Mazda CX-5 performs hardly perceptible better – reaching 195 km/h, while the Subaru Forester tops out at 188 km/h. The difference is around 7 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mazda CX-5 pulls evident stronger with 238 Nm compared to 182 Nm. That’s about 56 Nm difference.

Space and Everyday Use: Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, the Mazda CX-5 is hardly perceptible lighter – 1629 kg compared to 1693 kg. The difference is around 64 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Mazda CX-5 offers to a small extent more room – 583 L compared to 508 L. That’s a difference of about 75 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Mazda CX-5 performs slightly better – up to 2019 L, which is about 288 L more than the Subaru Forester.

Our conclusion: The Mazda CX-5 proves to be dominates this comparison and thus becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
Overall, Mazda CX-5 is the better all-rounder in this comparison.