SUV tech test: Top 12 medium SUVs compared
Which mid-sized SUV features the best infotainment system? We've put them through their paces to find out. Check out our video for more.
Mazda CX-5 vs Subaru Forester Comparison
Mazda CX-5
Subaru Forester
2023 Mazda
CX-5
vs
2023 Subaru
Forester
Select Variants...
How they stack...
CarExpert Score
CarExpert has rated other vehicles in the suv medium category, between scores of 7.2 and 8.9.
0.0
7.9
8.0
0.0
Based on the Mazda CX-5 GT SP TURBO (AWD)
Based on the Subaru Forester 2.5i-S (AWD)
Best suitable for...
Driving the family
Long distance driving
Off-roadingFuel Efficiency
56L - 58L
386 to 476 km
48L - 63L
322 to 466 km
ANCAP Safety Rating
Warranty
5 year years/
warranty
warranty
5 year years/
warranty
warranty
MSRP
$36,560 - $54,970
$37,890 - $50,140
See what others have paid
Save with CarExpert
CarExpert's Take
Jack Quick
Journalist
Jack Quick drove this car and these were their findings:
Hits
- Strong, powerful engine
- Sweet engine note
- Suave, upmarket interior
Misses
- Quite thirsty around town
- Second-row space is on the small side
- Dated infotainment hardware
Matt Campbell
Senior Contributor
Matt Campbell drove this car and these were their findings:
Hits
- Excellent practicality
- Super easy to live with
- AWD is standard
Misses
- Better value lower in the range
- A bit thirsty
- Not a thrilling car to drive
Standard Features
| Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | ||
| Wireless phone charger | ||
| Powered tailgate | ||
| Rear air vents | ||
| Adaptive cruise control | ||
| Climate control | ||
| Reversing sensors | ||
| Reversing camera | ||
| Autonomous emergency braking | ||
Optional Features
- Premium Paint (+$795)
NA
Colours Available
The 2023 Mazda CX-5 is available in the following exterior paint colours:
- Soul Red Crystal metallic
- Eternal Blue mica
- Deep Crystal Blue mica
- Jet Black mica
- Rhodium White metallic
- Sonic Silver metallic
- Zircon Sand metallic
- Machine Grey metallic
- Polymetal Grey metallic
The 2023 Subaru Forester is available in the following exterior paint colours, depending on variant.
- Crystal White Pearl
- Ice Silver Metallic
- Brilliant Bronze Metallic
- Crimson Red Pearl
- Autumn Green Metallic
- Horizon Blue Pearl
- Cascade Green Silica
- Magnetite Grey Metallic
- Crystal Black Silica
- Sapphire Blue Pearl (NEW)
Comparison
Reviews
7.9
2024 Mazda CX-5 review
The current Mazda CX-5 is getting a little long in the tooth now, but its zesty turbo-petrol engine is addictive enough to forget that.
![[object Object] profile picture](https://c-images.carexpert.com.au/upload/q_auto:best/f_auto/c_scale,w_1600/v1/authors/ckw2rozfs00006j49e7x78tc3.jpg)
Jack Quick
8
2023 Subaru Forester 2.5i-S AWD review
The Forester is a great family SUV, but you probably don’t need to spend this much to get the best version of it.
![[object Object] profile picture](https://c-images.carexpert.com.au/upload/q_auto:best/f_auto/c_scale,w_1600/v1/authors/clbzv84s300008a46ceyg40l2.jpg)
Matt Campbell
Ready To Buy
Specs
| Type | ||
| DIRECT FUEL INJ, TURBO DIRECT F/INJ | DIRECT FUEL INJ | |
| Size (cc) | ||
| 1997 - 2488 | 1995 - 2498 | |
| Size (L) | ||
| 2.5L, 2.0L | 2.5L, 2.0L | |
| Induction | ||
| INLINE 4, TURBO 4 | FLAT 4 | |
| Camshaft | ||
| VARIABLE DOUBLE OVERHEAD CAM | DUAL OVERHEAD CAM | |
| Valves/Ports per Cylinder | ||
| 16 | 16 | |
| Power | ||
| 115kW - 170kW | 110kW - 136kW | |
| Power RPM | ||
| 5000 - 6000 | 5800 - 6000 | |
| Torque | ||
| 200Nm - 420Nm | 196Nm - 239Nm | |
| Torque RPM | ||
| 2000 - 4000 | 4000 - 4400 | |
| Bore Stroke | ||
| - | - | |
| Compression Ratio | ||
| 10.5 - 13 | 12.1 - 12.5 | |
