2019 Mazda CX-5 vs 2019 Subaru Forester
With a foundation built on athleticism and style, the 2019 Mazda CX-5 is a standout in the compact crossover class. Armed with a sleek style, class-above luxury, innovative technology and fun-to-drive powertrains, the Mazda CX-5 is a clear-cut favorite in this 2019 Mazda CX-5 vs 2019 Subaru Forester comparison.
The 2019 Mazda CX-5 can be tailored to fit your lifestyle and budget with five fully-loaded and family-friendly trim levels – Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve and Signature – that will start at just $24,350. With room for five passengers and 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, the Mazda CX-5 is perfect for your day-to-day errands and carpools.
2019 Mazda CX-5 | VS | 2019 Subaru Forester |
$24,350 | Starting Price | $24,295 |
187-Horsepower 2.5-Liter SKYACTIV®-G 4-Cylinder | Base Engine | 182-Horsepower 2.5-Liter 4-Cylinder |
30.9 - 59.6 Cubic Feet | Cargo Space | 33 - 70.9 Cubic Feet |
7-Inch MAZDA CONNECT™ | Standard Infotainment System | 6.5-Inch STARLINK™ |
What Are the Differences Between the Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Forester?
Tailor-made for the family on the go, the Mazda CX-5 provides the perfect combination of fun and practicality that makes the Mazda crossover a fan favorite in this 2019 Mazda CX-5 vs 2019 Subaru Forester comparison. With an affordable price tag, an impressive list of standard features and more powerful engine options, the Mazda CX-5 will outperform its Subaru Forester competitor.
Families who choose the entry-level Mazda CX-5 Sport will enjoy a wealth of standard features that are headlined by a 7-inch MAZDA CONNECT™ touchscreen infotainment system that provides access to Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additional Mazda CX-5 Sport fixtures include 17-inch wheels, LED headlights, push-button start, 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats, Smart City Brake Support, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System and Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
When you upgrade the Mazda CX-5, you will enjoy even more features that set the Mazda compact crossover apart from premier competitors. A suite of Mazda i-ACTIVSENSE® driver-assistance systems come standard on Touring, Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trim levels to upgrade safety. Additional upgrades to the Mazda CX-5 spec sheet include a power sunroof, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, an Active Driving Display, a 10-speaker BOSE® sound system, a power liftgate, an Adaptive Lighting System, Nappa leather seats, real wood trim and much more.
Power and performance are hallmarks of the Mazda CX-5 design that will set it apart from competitors. Mazda CX-5 Sport, Touring and Grand Touring entries come standard with a 187-horsepower SKYACTIV®-G four-cylinder engine that is paired with a six-speed SKYACTIV®-Drive automatic transmission with Sport Mode. Armed with this combination, the front-wheel drive Mazda CX-5 will earn 31 mpg on the highway.
Intelligent Mazda i-ACTIV AWD® is an available option that will take performance to the next level. Subaru Forester entries offer a single powertrain – a 182-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims feature a 250-horserpower 2.5-liter SKYACTIV®-G turbocharged four-cylinder that earns 27 mpg on the highway with standard i-ACTIV AWD® – numbers that the Subaru Forester cannot match.



