Subaru Forester vs Mazda CX-5
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Subaru Forester
From $43,490
SUV
Petrol
Petrol
136kW
7.9 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
496L
Mazda CX-5
From $39,990
SUV
Petrol
Petrol
132kW
7.4 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
438L
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Price Breakdown
The Subaru Forester starts from $43,490 before on-road costs, while the Mazda CX-5 opens at $39,990. 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 $47,839 and $43,989 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru Forester features a 11.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-inch digital dash, while the Mazda CX-5 gets a 15.6-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Subaru Forester stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the Mazda CX-5. The Mazda CX-5 counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Subaru Forester uses a Petrol producing 136kW and 247Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 11.2 seconds.
The Mazda CX-5 responds with a Petrol making 132kW and 242Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.7 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.
Space & Comfort
The Subaru Forester measures 4,655mm long on a 2,670mm wheelbase, 35mm shorter than the Mazda CX-5 at 4,690mm (2,815mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 496L in the Subaru Forester and 438L in the Mazda CX-5, giving the Subaru Forester a 58L advantage.
For towing, the Mazda CX-5 leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 11.2m
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,252/year for the Subaru Forester and $2,109/year for the Mazda CX-5. That is a $143 annual difference in favour of the Mazda CX-5.
Estimated annual total: $2,252 (Subaru Forester) vs $2,109 (Mazda CX-5). 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 (Subaru Forester) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-5). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru Forester if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda CX-5 if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda CX-5 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mazda CX-5 will save you roughly $143 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru Forester has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Subaru Forester and Mazda CX-5?
The Mazda CX-5 is the cheapest at $39,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru Forester by $3,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda CX-5 uses the least fuel at 7.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Subaru Forester all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru Forester has the largest boot at 496L.
Which can tow the most?
The Subaru Forester has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Forester makes the most power at 136kW. The Mazda CX-5 is quickest to 100km/h in 8.7s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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