2025 Mazda CX-5 vs Subaru Forester: Why the Mazda CX-5 Takes the Lead
When it comes to compact crossovers, the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and the Subaru Forester are two of the most popular choices in the segment. Both have loyal followings, offering a solid balance of performance, safety, and utility. However, when we compare these two vehicles head-to-head, the Mazda CX-5 stands out in several key areas, especially in terms of driving dynamics, interior quality, and overall style. Let’s dive into why the 2025 Mazda CX-5 is the better choice for many crossover buyers.
1. Superior Driving Experience
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 is renowned for its driving dynamics, which is where it shines above the Subaru Forester. Mazda has long been praised for producing vehicles with sporty, engaging handling, and the CX-5 is no exception. Whether you’re navigating tight corners or cruising on the highway, the CX-5’s precise steering, balanced suspension, and smooth ride make it feel more like a sport sedan than a compact SUV.
The Forester, on the other hand, is more focused on comfort and stability, especially when it comes to its standard all-wheel-drive system and higher ground clearance. While the Forester performs admirably in off-road situations and is great for those who prefer a more laid-back driving experience, it doesn’t have the same agile and fun-to-drive nature as the CX-5.
Mazda’s Skyactiv-G engine, available in both 2.5-liter naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions, provides impressive acceleration and refinement. The 2025 Mazda CX-5’s turbocharged engine, in particular, delivers robust power output, outperforming the Subaru Forester's engine options in terms of horsepower and torque, making the CX-5 feel faster and more responsive on the road.
2. More Refined Interior
When it comes to interior quality, the Mazda CX-5 simply feels more premium. The 2025 CX-5 offers an upscale cabin with high-quality materials, including soft-touch surfaces, genuine wood or aluminum trim, and well-crafted seats. The design is sleek and modern, and you get the sense that Mazda has put a lot of effort into creating a luxurious, comfortable space that’s pleasing to the eye and touch. Whether you're sitting in the front or back, the CX-5’s interior exudes class, especially in higher trims like the Signature model.
In contrast, the Subaru Forester's interior is functional but not quite as polished. While the materials are solid and durable, they don’t carry the same upscale feel as the Mazda. The Forester's cabin tends to be more utilitarian, and while the front seats offer decent comfort, the overall design is less visually striking than that of the CX-5.
3. Modern Technology and Features
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 also pulls ahead when it comes to technology. It comes with a standard 10.25-inch infotainment screen, which is larger than the 8-inch unit in the Subaru Forester. Mazda's infotainment system is intuitive, featuring an easy-to-use rotary controller, which adds to the premium feel. Plus, the system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless smartphone integration.
Subaru’s infotainment system is good but isn’t quite as refined. While the 2025 Forester does offer an 8-inch touchscreen (with an optional 11.6-inch display on higher trims), the interface can sometimes feel more cluttered and less responsive than Mazda's setup.
In terms of advanced safety features, both the CX-5 and Forester come well-equipped with standard driver-assistance technologies like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. However, Mazda's i-Activsense suite offers more advanced features in higher trims, giving the CX-5 an edge in terms of safety tech.
4. Stylish Design
While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, the 2025 Mazda CX-5’s exterior design is undeniably sleek and athletic. With its elegant, sculpted lines, bold grille, and sharp LED headlights, the CX-5 exudes a sense of sportiness and sophistication. It stands out in a crowd of compact crossovers, offering a more refined and premium appearance compared to the Subaru Forester, which, though practical and functional, has a more utilitarian and rugged design. The CX-5 is certainly the more stylish option if you prefer a vehicle that looks as good as it drives.
5. Value for Money
While both vehicles are competitively priced, the Mazda CX-5 offers more in terms of refinement and driving enjoyment without pushing the price too high. The base model of the 2025 CX-5 comes with plenty of standard features, including the intuitive infotainment system, safety features, and an upscale interior. Additionally, the availability of a turbocharged engine offers a level of performance that the Forester simply can’t match in its base configuration.
The Subaru Forester offers great value in terms of utility, especially for those who need more space and off-road capability. However, for those who value a refined driving experience and premium interior, the CX-5 feels like a more luxurious option at a similar price point.
Conclusion
While both the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Forester have their merits, the Mazda CX-5 takes the lead for buyers who value a superior driving experience, a more refined interior, and a stylish design. Mazda has managed to blend sportiness, luxury, and practicality into a compact crossover that outshines the Forester in most categories. Whether you’re looking for a daily commuter or a weekend getaway vehicle, the Mazda CX-5’s engaging driving dynamics, upscale interior, and elegant design make it the clear winner in this comparison. To Shop the 2025 Mazda CX-5 in the Boston Area Visit Wellesley Mazda or Call Us to Schedule a Mazda CX-5 Test Drive: 781-235-6002
