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Subaru Forester vs Mazda CX-5 comparison

Compare performance (136 HP vs 141 HP), boot space and price (35,100 £ vs 30,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Subaru Forester or Mazda CX-5?

Subaru Forester vs Mazda CX-5: Key differences

Subaru Forester

3.8 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • only slightly more trunk space
details

Mazda CX-5

4.6 (9 Reviews)
rate
  • slightly cheaper
  • marginally more power
  • slightly more efficient
  • slightly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • very slightly lighter
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

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

Forester

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 is slightly cheaper – starting at 30,000 £ , while the Subaru Forester costs 35,100 £ . That’s a price difference of around 5,143 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mazda CX-5 uses 7 L/100km and is slightly more efficient than the Subaru Forester with 8.1 L/100km. The difference is about 1.1 L/100km.

CX-5

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Mazda CX-5 offers marginally more power – delivering 141 HP compared to 136 HP. That’s roughly 5 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mazda CX-5 is slightly quicker – completing the sprint in 10.5 s, while the Subaru Forester takes 12.2 s. That’s about 1.7 s quicker.

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

Forester

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Mazda CX-5 is very slightly lighter – 1,629 kg compared to 1,693 kg. The difference is around 64 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Subaru Forester offers only slightly more boot space – 508 L compared to 466 L. That’s a difference of about 42 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mazda CX-5 carries somewhat more – 601 kg compared to 492 kg. That’s a difference of about 109 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mazda CX-5 holds a decisive overall lead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £30,000
CX-5

Mazda CX-5

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 141 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 7 - 7.5 L/100km
details

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Subaru Forester
Mazda CX-5

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester is a practical all-rounder that quietly does everything right, with roomy comfort, excellent visibility and a real fondness for weekend adventures off the beaten path. It won't set your pulse racing like a sports car, but for buyers who prize reliability, safety and sensible charm, it's a brilliantly steady companion with a cheeky streak.

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Reviews Subaru Forester

3.8 (3 Reviews)
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Dirk
8 Dec 2025, 17:00:06

It's indeed much more expensive, but it drives brilliantly. I have the automatic — fantastic. It's a bit noisy for such an expensive car, and servicing at a Subaru dealer isn't cheap. It's certainly not economical.

On the other hand, very little breaks and it will never leave you stranded. And that space... 500 litres more is really about a 40% increase.

Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 blends sporty handling with a refined, premium interior, making everyday driving feel engaging and comfortable. It pairs stylish design and thoughtful cabin materials with user-friendly tech to deliver a well-rounded compact SUV that suits drivers who want more driver involvement without sacrificing practicality.

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Reviews Mazda CX-5

4.6 (9 Reviews)
rate
Marc Adriaans
4 Jun 2026, 13:04:31

I've been driving Mazdas for about ten years now without problems and with a lot of enjoyment. The last 3.5 years in a CX‑5. A really nice, smooth car that can tow quite a bit too, although I wouldn't recommend doing that with the FWD because it lacks grip on the front axle — so if you fit a towbar always choose the AWD. The only downside I can think of, after long consideration, is... nothing 🤔

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Bengt
25 Jan 2026, 14:05:09

I've owned several Volvos, but I drive a Mazda now and would never switch back.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Long-distance driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

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Subaru Forester
Mazda CX-5

Costs and Consumption
Price
35,100 - 42,800 £
Price
30,000 - 39,500 £
Consumption L/100km
8.1 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
7 - 7.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
183 g/km
co2
157 - 169 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,693 - 1,739 kg
Curb weight
1,629 - 1,671 kg
Trunk capacity
508 L
Trunk capacity
466 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,830 mm
Width
1,860 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
446 - 492 kg
Payload
566 - 601 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
CVT
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
136 HP
Power HP
141 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
12.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
10.5 - 10.9 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
182 Nm
Torque
238 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
100 kW
Power kW
104 kW
Engine capacity
1,995 cm3
Engine capacity
2,488 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
CO2 Efficiency Class
F
Brand
Subaru
Brand
Mazda
What drivetrain options does the Subaru Forester have?

The Subaru Forester is offered with All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.