Subaru Forester vs Mazda CX-60

The Subaru Forester starts from $43,490 before on-road costs, while the Mazda CX-60 opens at $44,240. That makes the Subaru Forester the more affordable entry point by $750.

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 $48,664 respectively.

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

Both the Subaru Forester and Mazda CX-60 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 83% for the Subaru Forester and 91% for the Mazda CX-60.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mazda CX-60 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 7 in the Mazda CX-60.

The Subaru Forester features a 11.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-inch digital dash, while the Mazda CX-60 gets a 10.3-inch display and 7-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-60. The Mazda CX-60 counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

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-60 responds with a Petrol making 138kW and 250Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.4 seconds.

The Mazda CX-60 has the clear power advantage at 138kW vs 136kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mazda CX-60 is 3.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Subaru Forester measures 4,655mm long on a 2,670mm wheelbase, 85mm shorter than the Mazda CX-60 at 4,740mm (2,870mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-60 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 496L in the Subaru Forester and 570L in the Mazda CX-60, giving the Mazda CX-60 a 74L advantage.

For towing, the Mazda CX-60 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 $2,252/year for the Subaru Forester and $2,138/year for the Mazda CX-60. That is a $114 annual difference in favour of the Mazda CX-60.

Estimated annual total: $2,252 (Subaru Forester) vs $2,138 (Mazda CX-60). The Mazda CX-60 saves you roughly $114 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-60). Both match on warranty length.