Mazda CX-5 vs Subaru Forester

The Mazda CX-5 starts from $39,990 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Forester opens at $43,490. That makes the Mazda CX-5 the more affordable entry point by $3,500.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $43,989 and $47,839 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.

ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.

The Mazda CX-5 features a 15.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Subaru Forester gets a 11.6-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Mazda CX-5 stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Subaru Forester. The Subaru Forester counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Mazda CX-5 uses a Petrol producing 132kW and 242Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.7 seconds.

The Subaru Forester responds with a Petrol making 136kW and 247Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 11.2 seconds.

The Subaru Forester has the clear power advantage at 136kW vs 132kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mazda CX-5 is 2.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Mazda CX-5 measures 4,690mm long on a 2,815mm wheelbase, 35mm longer than the Subaru Forester at 4,655mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-5 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 438L in the Mazda CX-5 and 496L in the Subaru Forester, giving the Subaru Forester a 58L advantage.

For towing, the Subaru Forester leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,109/year for the Mazda CX-5 and $2,252/year for the Subaru Forester. That is a $143 annual difference in favour of the Mazda CX-5.

Estimated annual total: $2,109 (Mazda CX-5) vs $2,252 (Subaru Forester). The Mazda CX-5 saves you roughly $143 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Forester). Both match on warranty length.