Ray Price Mazda

Drivers throughout East Stroudsburg, Easton, and Brodheadsville often choose an SUV as their automotive companion. However, should they choose the Mazda CX-5 vs. Subaru Forester?

In this in-depth comparison, our team at Ray Price Mazda did the research for drivers, so you can determine which SUV is the best choice for your trips around Stroudsburg and Saylorsville. First, let's take a peek under their hoods!

MAZDA CX-5 vs Subaru Forester: Engine Specifications

Both the Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Forester deliver an energetic performance, making them popular SUVs for all kinds of drivers.

With the Mazda CX-5, you have your choice between two robust engines:

• Skyactiv®-G 2.5L: 184 horsepower & 186 lb-ft of torque
• Skyactiv®-G 2.5T Dynamic Pressure Turbo: 250 horsepower & 320 lb-ft of torque

In addition to the impressive output from both engines, the 2020 Mazda CX-5 is also integrated with performance-boosting systems, such as Skyactiv®-Vehicle Dynamics with G-Vectoring Control Plus and Hill Launch Assist.

With the Subaru Forester, only one engine is available: a 2.5L engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque-far less power than the Mazda CX-5.

Exterior Design & Features

When it comes to your next vehicle, do you choose a practical SUV or an attractive SUV? Well, that answer is easy: you can have both elements with the Mazda CX-5!

The Mazda CX-5 has a slender frame and an elegant build equipped with helpful exterior features. For instance, its radiant LED headlights and Adaptive Front-lighting System help light up the road ahead, providing maximum visibility. For an athletic finish, the Mazda CX-5 brandishes dual exhaust outlets and a body-colored rear roof spoiler. 

Similarly, the Subaru Forester also offers LED lighting systems and an available roof spoiler. It also comes with raised roof rails. However, the wealth of practical yet stylish exterior features of the Mazda CX-5 gives it an edge over the Forester.

Driver-Assistance Technology

Safety is a main priority for the Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Forester. Both SUVs strive to keep you aware and alert, so you can remain safe during all of your travels.

For the Mazda CX-5, you can rely on the available 360° View Monitor, a safety system that displays a complete aerial view of your vehicle onto your infotainment screen. That way, you can safely maneuver around crowded parking lots.

Other unique safety features of the Mazda CX-5 include:

• Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go
• Advanced Smart City Brake Support with Pedestrian Detection
• Lane Departure Warning with Lane-keep Assist.

The Subaru Forester safety features are bundled into the EyeSight® Driver Assist package. This Subaru package arms the Forester with several features, such as Adaptive Cruise Control and Pre-Collision Braking. However, this SUV doesn't offer the kind of comprehensive care available with the Mazda CX-5.

For instance, with the Advanced Smart City Brake Support with Pedestrian Detection system of the Mazda CX-5, it'll alert you to vehicles and pedestrians in your path during the day or at night.

In-Cabin Technology

Whether you're commuting to work or venturing out on your weekend road trip, you deserve to be entertained and content. Luckily, both the Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Forester come loaded with intuitive infotainment features.

It all starts with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, two features available in both SUVs. With these integration systems, you can easily access your saved music, navigation, and other features on your display screen. All you have to do? Link your compatible smartphone with the infotainment system!

The Mazda CX-5 takes your infotainment a step further, however, with its available Active Driving Display. With his high-end system, you'll be able to view crucial information-safety system warnings, vehicle status, route guidance, and more-directly in your line of sight. It'll display all of this need-to-know information on the windshield, allowing you to focus more on the road and less on your display screen.

Unfortunately, the Subaru Forester doesn't come with a comparable system.

Interior Comfort

You'll be spending most of your time in your next SUV in the driver's seat-so don't you want to be comfortable and content? Luckily, both SUVs have an interior that is as elegant as it is cozy. However, the Mazda CX-5 adds a dash of luxury to the mix unlike the Subaru Forester.

For instance, the Subaru Forester can have heated front and rear seats with the available All-Weather Package. With the Mazda CX-5, though, you don't need an additional package for the same feature. Instead, upgrade to a higher trim to receive heated front seats, heated rear seats, and ventilated front seats! Plus, these luxury seats have three distinct settings, allowing you to customize your comfort.

Both SUVs have available leather-wrapped steering wheels, but the Mazda CX-5 also equips it with a heating function, which the Subaru doesn't do on any trim.

Luxurious Seating

Along with the in-cabin amenities, the 2020 Mazda CX-5 comes out on top when it comes to its seating as well. From Caturra Brown Nappa leather seats to ambient cabin lighting and genuine layered wood trim, the Mazda CX-5 is a sleek ride both inside and out.

Although the Subaru Forester has available leather-trimmed upholstery, it's not as plush or elegant as the Mazda CX-5. After all, the Caturra Brown Nappa leather seats perfectly complement the black cloth headliner and wood trim.

Finally, the Mazda CX-5 puts you in a throne of comfort with its 8-way power driver's seat with power lumbar support and 2-position memory. In comparison, the Subaru Forester has a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, but it doesn't come with a memory function. With the Mazda SUV, then, choose your ideal seating position and the system will remember it for you!

MAZDA CX-5 vs Subaru Forester: Who Comes Out on Top?

After our Mazda CX-5 vs. Subaru Forester comparison, it's clear who is the winner: the 2020 Mazda CX-5. With its potent engine lineup, cutting-edge safety systems, and luxurious cabin, it proves that SUVs can be both athletic and elegant.

At Ray Price Mazda, our team would be happy to get you behind the wheel of this impressive Mazda SUV. If you're near East Stroudsburg, Brodheadsville, or Easton, give us a call today! We're proud to serve drivers from Stroudsburg to Saylorsville and beyond.