2025 Subaru Forester vs 2025 Mazda CX-5: Compact SUVs with Real-World Versatility
2025 Subaru Forester vs 2025 Mazda CX-5: Compact SUVs with Real-World Versatility
Posted on July 24, 2025
2025 Subaru Forester vs 2025 Mazda CX-5: Compact SUVs with Real-World Versatility
Compact SUVs are popular for a reason, they strike a great balance between everyday drivability and all-season utility. Two of the most talked-about options this year are the 2025 Subaru Forester and the 2025 Mazda CX-5, both offering all-wheel drive, strong performance, and solid design. But if you’re looking for more space, better fuel economy, and added safety confidence, the Forester comes out just ahead.
Fuel Efficiency Without Sacrificing Power
Under the hood, the 2025 Subaru Forester comes equipped with a 2.5-litre Direct Injection SUBARU BOXER® engine that delivers 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque at 3,700 rpm. It’s paired with smart features like X-MODE® and Hill Descent Control, helping you stay confident in slippery or uneven conditions.
The Mazda CX-5 has a comparable 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. While it edges ahead slightly in raw numbers, the Forester counters with better real-world fuel economy. Subaru drivers can expect 9.1 L/100 km in the city and 7.2 L/100 km on the highway, compared to 10.2 L/100 km city and 8.2 L/100 km highway for the CX-5. Over time, those numbers add up to noticeable savings at the pump, especially if you drive regularly around Dieppe or throughout New Brunswick.
Design That Works Inside and Out
When it comes to styling, both SUVs bring their own character, but the Forester leans into a more functional, rugged aesthetic that aligns well with Canadian driving needs. It features black wheel arch cladding, gunmetal badging, a raised-profile roof rail system with tie-down holes, active grille shutters, and a durable aluminium hood. You also get standard 17-inch wheels wrapped in all-season tires for a balanced ride in any weather.
The Mazda CX-5 goes for a sleeker, more refined appearance, with body-coloured heated mirrors, roof spoiler, and chrome tailpipe garnish. While it’s polished and stylish, the Forester’s practical touches, like the tailgate LED lights and wider rear liftgate access, give it the edge for families, adventurers, or anyone who values function just as much as form.
More Space to Pack What Matters
One of the biggest wins for the 2025 Subaru Forester is its impressive 2,107 litres of cargo space, which far outpaces the Mazda CX-5’s 1,680 litres. Whether you're loading up for a cottage weekend, hauling sports gear, or doing a big grocery run, the Forester gives you more flexibility and room to pack comfortably.
Inside, Subaru offers a clean, tech-friendly setup with dual 7.0-inch and 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment systems, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, SiriusXM® with 360L, and the SUBARU STARLINK® Connected Services system (with a free 3-year trial). The available 11-speaker Harman Kardon® sound system adds a premium feel that music lovers will appreciate. Mazda’s interior features a larger 10.25-inch centre display with Mazda Connect, and it supports Apple and Android compatibility. While Mazda’s tech is modern and sharp, Subaru’s additional connected services and speaker system help round out a more immersive experience.
Advanced Safety Comes Standard
Subaru’s long-standing reputation for safety is backed up again in 2025. The Forester includes the EyeSight® suite with adaptive cruise control, emergency stop assist, pre-collision braking, and the DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System. Plus, rear seat reminders and ISO-FIX child safety anchors keep passengers of all ages secure.
Mazda offers a strong safety suite too, including blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and lane departure warning. While these features are welcome, Subaru’s inclusion of driver-monitoring tech and emergency stop support gives it an advantage for drivers who prioritize proactive safety.
The Verdict: Forester Leads Where It Counts
Both the 2025 Subaru Forester and Mazda CX-5 are smart picks, but when you dig into the details, the Forester stands out with better fuel economy, more cargo space, and added peace of mind from Subaru’s advanced safety systems. It’s a vehicle built for real-life Canadian drivers, especially those in Dieppe, NB, who need all-weather dependability and space to move through life with ease. Test drive the 2025 Subaru Forester today at Subaru of Moncton and experience why it’s ready for anything.
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