2025 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2025 Subaru Forester | Comparison Review

[@georgeg.7124]

Like that you got base models to review. Wish more car-reviewers would review something other than the top trims.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Technically the CX-5 was the second lowest trim level, but I tried! 😉

[@NoBucks777]

I’ve owned both. If you need AWD, go with Subaru. If you want a more sporty, quiet ride, get the Mazda.

[@cindytakemoto9641]

I went to Subaru dealership and try 2025 forester base trim when I sat in the cabin every think is so basic hard plastic event the reading like they use very low quality plastic and the sun Windsor when a I open for mirror don’t has like it doesn’t look like $ 30 k car if in want all the options I want I have to pick sport trim it about $ 4 k more so I decide to walk away then I went to look at 2024 Mazda cx5 I told the sale person I want to drive test cx5 when I sat in side the car I was so impress I feel like I sat in Lexus and cx5 offer me everything I always want like led light at side mirror and blind spot warning light and rear crossing alert, auto headlight and auto raining sensor and a lot more for base trim under $ 30k . I pick cx5 over Subaru .

[@zibzibber6458]

I hopped in a base model Impreza a year ago and can tell you that was by far the most quiet ride I’ve ever been in. My cx-5 I went with is actually a lot noisier unfortunately

[@NotKid142]

Cx5 AWD is not good?

[@NoBucks777]

@@NotKid142 The AWD is not full-time like the Subaru. It only goes into 4 wheel drive is if driving conditions dictate.

[@btrew2u]

I also that you are using base models for his comparison! This was very helpful. Thankyou.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Thanks! I’ve started doing more of this type of video. Sometimes low trim levels, sometimes one low and one high, there’s not a lot of consistency. Other than what I have access to and also think might be fun haha.

[@justcollectingdust]

Love Subaru's AWD system.....none better! The large windows in the Forester are fantastic for no blind spots and the front and rear seats are very comfy and tons of room.

[@NotKid142]

What do u mean by better AWD?

[@erikua2010]

My wife has a Subaru Outback, I have a Mazda CX-5. While the Outback isn't the Forester, Subaru in general has been an incredible car, comfortable, fun to drive. I imagine the Forester is no different than the Outback. This is my 3rd Mazda, love the brand and driving feeling. Two of the best unassuming brands out there.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Absolutely! I really like these brands. Toyota and Honda have been a bit disappointing (IMO) over these last few years. But Mazda and Subaru keep doing the things that make vehicles overall reliable and enjoyable to own at a fair price.

[@chrisb9478]

Both great reliable vehicles. I’ve had a CX5 & Forester before. Forester: better awd, roomier for passengers & cargo, smooth ride, very easy to change oil due to filter on top. CX5: tighter space inside, sharper handling, bumpier ride.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

If you were going to buy a new one today, which model do you think you’d choose? Thanks for watching!

[@chrisb9478]

@@AutomotiveAnonymous208 Right now a CX50 Turbo. But when they come out, the new Hybrid Forester or Hybrid CX50

[@NotKid142]

What do u mean by better awd

[@chrisb9478]

@ All 4 wheels pulling & adjusting on the fly. You really notice how good Subaru’s system is on snow or ice. A lot of Awd’s are just front wheel drive and the rears kick in if slip is detected. Doesn’t work near as well.

[@steren700]

Hi, nice videos!!. The thing I like about the Subarus is that every trim gets all the safety specs (at least they do here in Mexico where they sell the japanese ones). For what I can see in the video you also get the eyesight system which I really love, it's a great companion for highways. Also, with Subaru you get their boxer engine which really adds to stability and symetry, and a way better AWD system, so you can off-road it quite a bit. Plus, it's a tad bit higher from the ground, more spacious and has functional roof rails. The Mazda turns off if you get into a bit of water and gets stuck there (this happens a lot where I live) and you get what?..."leather" seats and a darker interior?. I think, at least with this side by side, the Subaru is a clear winner. I do not sell Subarus but do own a japanese made Outback 23 and love it so, I might be a little bit skewed. Great videos again, you get stright to the point and adress really good comparison points. It's quite evident you can't throw hate points against either because both dealers are being kind enough to lend you a car, but that doesn't matter.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts! That’s really neat your 23 Outback was built in Japan!!

[@WilliamK-e1j]

It can be down to each individual personal preference as follows: 1. Both are reliable reputable cars 2. Forester is Comfort driving vs. CX-5 is Sports driving 3. Forester is CVT vs. CX-5 is conventional 4. Touchscreens are different too 5. Forester has a roomier cabin,better visibility, and better AWD system (Stability), and safety features too 6. So far they are both are Made in Japan 🇯🇵 7. CX-5 seems to have like a more Elite/ Upscale interiors Personally, I’m planning for the Forester Hybrid next year (2026 model).

[@suzukiman8964]

You can adjust the hight of the mazda power gate

[@2269tah]

I do not appreciate that manufacturers put the USB connections inside the center armrest. Most people in real life puts lot of spare junk in that which makes it impossible to get to the USB plugs without taking all the stuff out of the armrest!! Put the USB connections on the dash where it should belong.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That’s a great point, thanks for mentioning it!

[@robertjaycox8488]

Yes, that's really stupid of Mazda. About the only thing.

[@suzukiman8964]

I have a 2023 mazda cx5 preferred, when i got my first used car a 2013 mazda3 i read the problems nissan had problems with its cvts thats to only reason i stay clear of cars with a cvt transmissions

[@williamstevenson8518]

I heard from Car Care Nut that they stopped putting idle stop and cylinder deactivation in the CX-5 in 2024. Does that hold true for 2025?

[@ludovicdjomo8909]

I also heard that from the car care Nut. It is true. He said that those systems tend to reduce the life expectancy of the engine. Thus, Mazda decided to stop utilizing those systems.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Yeah, I would go with that! I’ve seen various Mazda examples with and without those systems over the couple years I’ve been filming them. Lots of inconsistency, and on the forums it sounds like some of those inconsistencies were due to supply chain shortages, which makes sense because I’ve found Mazdas without options like the Bose speakers or a sunroof and then they had a credit on the MSRP to reflect that.

[@geyser3445]

I believe the 2025 CX-% does not have those features - thank goodness.

[@NoBucks777]

The 2025s do not have idle stop and do not have cylinder deactivation.

[@Doc1855]

Omgosh, I’m rubbing off on you… You said it was Gloomy interior 😂

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Hahaha you are. You’ve said gloomy gray and death black enough times. I’m trying not to copy your exact verbiage but I do think about that more now than I use to. 😅

[@Doc1855]

@@AutomotiveAnonymous208 So this ole duffer is teaching a young Buck how to “call it like it is” 🤣

[@marktwo3160]

That double screen on the Forester looks terrible. Actually the whole interior is not even close to the layout and quality of the Cx5. Forester looks very cheap. Mazda 100 percent made in Japan!

[@CyrusTheGreat-b3k]

Mazda has radar cruise control and braking. Subaru has video based . I will select Mazda for safety!

[@Doc1855]

The Mazda has a normal Geared transmission, whereas the Forester has the horrible CVT

[@brokeboy87]

Mazda is still using a 6 speed and others in this segment are moving to more gears for a smoother ride.

[@Doc1855]

@@brokeboy87 Correct. All I was saying is that Mazda has a Geared transmission whereas the Subaru has the horrible CVT

[@no1lineman]

@@Doc1855 Lol

[@СветланаИванова-щ8с2я]

Имею субару хv 2018 года,69000пробег, ни одной проблемы и с вариатор ом тоже нет проблем

[@Doc1855]

@ I don’t know how to read your language

[@pda4you]

That small subaru screen is terrible……That’s a no go

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I don’t understand why Subaru went through the effort of developing it haha. But like I said, it almost seems more responsive than the larger screen. 😅

[@pda4you]

Yea - I get is base model and you have to differentiate but it just looks 90’s :)

[@PushinkStudios]

CR-V 🏆

[@geyser3445]

The Select is not the base model for 2025.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

You’re right, this was the second lowest trim level. I couldn’t find the lowest for the Mazda.

[@leftlane1405]

Both are unreliable, but Mazda win this one