When you're looking for a new SUV for your family, Subaru provides the features you're looking for most at a price you're sure to love. Our best-selling model, the 2021 Subaru Forester is an even better value than the 2021 Mazda CX-5! Both SUVs provide award-winning safety, modern technology and convenience -- but you get more for your money from the Forester. See what we mean below where we've compared both models side-by-side.
These two small SUVs are similarly sized overall, but with its upright, squared-off shape and tall passenger cabin, the 2021 Subaru Forester provides more room inside. It's taller than the 2021 Mazda CX-5, and that means more head and legroom inside for the front seats in the Forester. At the back, the Forester provides more cargo room than the CX-5, up to 16 additional cubic feet of storage space with the rear seats folded! Furthermore, roof rails for carrying extra gear come standard on all 2021 Subaru Forester models, save the entry-level trim. They'll cost you extra as on option on all 2021 Mazda CX-5 models.
Whether you prefer the rounded, sculpted look of the 2021 Mazda CX-5 or the tougher, more angular appearance of the 2021 Subaru Forester, the available Subaru Forester Sport provides a touch of youth and excitement you won't find on the Mazda CX-5. This model gets black alloy wheels, LED fog lights and stylish, orange accents in the roof rails, fenders and side skirts.
Both vehicles provide state-of-the-art infotainment and high-quality materials inside for your comfort and convenience. Inside both the 2021 Subaru Forester and 2021 Mazda CX-5 you get a standard touchscreen multimedia system with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ as well as USB charging. Available upgrades for both models include genuine leather upholstery, heated seats and a heated steering wheel. However, when you look closely at the features list, the 2021 Subaru Forester has a few key advantages.
Unlike the 2021 Mazda CX-5, which offers an optional, typical sunroof that only covers the front seats, the 2021 Subaru Forester is available with a panoramic sunroof. You can safely secure your Forester without the key using available PIN-code access feature not available on the CX-5. You also get automatic climate controls on every single 2021 Subaru Forester trim level. Entry-level Mazda CX-5 models feature manual climate controls.
Horsepower and torque figures from these SUVs are similar enough at the entry level that both vehicles should provide a comparable drive around town. However, with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, every 2021 Subaru Forester is ready for some wet weather or rough roads. This feature will cost you $1,400 extra on the 2021 Mazda CX-5. Furthermore, when you do add all-wheel drive, the 2021 Subaru Forester gets better gas mileage! Choose the Forester for the capability you want and the efficiency that helps save you time and money.
Want even more capability for unpaved roads or heavy snow? Upgrade to the 2021 Subaru Forester Sport, Limited or Touring trim levels to enjoy dual-function X-MODE® terrain optimization. Select Deep Snow / Mud mode for when the going gets tough. With more ground clearance than the 2021 Mazda CX-5 and X-MODE® technology, the 2021 Subaru Forester can take you further.
When it comes to safety, both these vehicles provide outstanding protection in a crash. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave both models the best-possible crash test scores across the board and gave both a 2021 Top Safety Pick+ award. Both also come standard with driver assist technology like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance and automatic emergency braking. However, there is one key advantage for the Subaru: The 2021 Subaru Forester comes standard with LED Steering Responsive Headlights. They pivot side to side as you steer for the best visibility in curves and corners. The similar Adaptive Front Lighting System on the 2021 Mazda CX-5 is a premium feature available only on more costly trim levels.
Starting at an MSRP of $24,795, not only is the 2021 Subaru Forester better equipped than its rival from Mazda, it's a more affordable choice, too! With superior standard equipment, more available capability and a more spacious interior, the Subaru Forester is a smarter investment than the Mazda CX-5. Find out more during a test drive at Byers! Our whole team looks forward to showing you why Subaru gives you the best new car value for life in Columbus.
| 2021 Subaru Forester |
|
2021 Mazda CX-5 |
| $24,795 | Starting MSRP* | $25,370 |
| 182 | Standard Horsepower | 187 |
| 176 | Standard Torque (lb-ft) | 186 |
| Standard | All-Wheel Drive | Available Upgrade |
| 26 MPG City / 33 MPG Highway | Fuel Economy (AWD) | 24 MPG City / 30 MPG Highway |
| 76.1 Cubic Feet | Maximum Cargo Volume | 59.6 Cubic Feet |
| Standard | LED Steering Responsive Headlights | Available Upgrade |
| Standard | Automatic Emergency Braking | Standard |
| Standard | Adaptive Cruise Control | Standard |
| 2021 Top Safety Pick+ | IIHS Safety Awards | 2021 Top Safety Pick+ |
*Manufacturer's suggested retail price does not include destination and delivery charges, tax, title and registration fees. Destination and delivery includes handling and inland freight fees and may vary in some states. Prices, specifications, options, features and models subject to change without notice.
