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.
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 favour the Mazda CX-5 by roughly $1,000 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Subaru Forester and Mazda CX-5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 83% for the Subaru Forester and 95% for the Mazda CX-5.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mazda CX-5 packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Subaru Forester.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Subaru Forester and 6 in the Mazda CX-5.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru Forester features a 11.6-inch touchscreen, while the Mazda CX-5 gets a 12.9-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 226Nm 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, 80mm longer than the Mazda CX-5 at 4,575mm (2,700mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 520L in the Subaru Forester and 522L in the Mazda CX-5, giving the Mazda CX-5 a 2L advantage.
For towing, the Mazda CX-5 leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 500kg 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 11.0m
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m 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 $2,309/year for the Subaru Forester and $2,109/year for the Mazda CX-5. That is a $200 annual difference in favour of the Mazda CX-5.
Estimated annual total: $2,309 (Subaru Forester) vs $2,109 (Mazda CX-5). The Mazda CX-5 saves you roughly $200 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, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda CX-5 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda CX-5 takes 5 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mazda CX-5 will save you roughly $200 a year in fuel. 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 and Mazda CX-5 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mazda CX-5 has the largest boot at 522L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda CX-5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
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.
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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