2025 Mazda CX-5 vs Subaru Forester vs Hyundai Tucson vs Toyota RAV4 Comparison / $35k Showdown!

[@MercuryLS3]

2022 CX-5 Signature owner here, the price for what you get it unbeatable. It feels far more luxurious than the price would suggest and it's such a fun car to drive, everything down to even how the doors sound when you close them, that solid, satisfying "thunk", makes it feel like a luxury car with a mainstream badge.

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

I would wait for the CX-50 hybrid, best parts of Mazda and Toyota combined.

[@Realistick]

Maybe Ill include that in the next comparison with the CR-V and Forester.

[@briengakaplan-b1550]

Just got 24 CX-5 earlier this year, love it. Sports car moves with a BMW-esque interior. And great pricing. If the most space isn’t a priority and you enjoy driving, go Mazda.

[@TagTab637]

You are one of my favorite car reviewers. Clear, creative and extra informative. I hope to see you continue growing your success, content and sponsorships!

[@OmarZ77]

I own a 2021 CX5 Turbo and absolutely love it, but that Subaru has also grown on me quickly. Starting to appreciate that boxy design, visibility, and extra roominess/practicality.

[@henryhurley2025]

So glad Mazda isn’t being so criminally underrated anymore. Basically luxury cars for economy prices

[@Userxxx840]

Infotainment feels like it’s from 2012 though.

[@chrish8487]

Good point. Many people are realizing just how nice Mazda vehicles have become.

[@enmass90]

If you think Mazda is basically a luxury car you’ve never owned an actual luxury car before. I love Mazda, I own an ND2 Miata. And while the interiors are nice, they aren’t luxury cars. Sit in even a lower end BMW or Audi and you’ll realize that pretty quickly.

[@bitbat9]

Not luxuxry but premium for sure.

[@danhall3450]

Mazda has so much going for it. Yet Mazda's one glaring defect is that they can't match the interior space design / utilization of the others.

[@normaninsandiego7061]

Excellent video as always, Tyler. I would probably get the Forester.

[@chidang4334]

We’re happy with our 2024 cx5 carbon edition. Fun to drive, great sound system, and good on road trips. We bought a cargo box for when we need extra storage.

[@sammyt3514]

Brilliant comparison with top notch production value; channels like yours have well and truly killed the need for 'professional' auto shows on TV imo. As for the cars themselves, the RAV4 would still be my choice; its combination of reliability/longevity, resale value, brilliant ride/handling compromise (best of the bunch imo) and rugged good looks (second only to the CX-5 for me) makes it the pick of the bunch. I'd buck the trend and pick the NA RAV4, which provides more peace of mind than the hybrid in the long run (plus CR gave it a markedly higher relibaility rating) and has a more capable AWD system. Keep up the great work!

[@robintagatac5628]

My 2nd choice was the Mazda CX50 turbo it's a beauty and fast. But I decided to buy the 2025 Forester Sport more comfortable and better braking. Luv it so far ❤

[@vt1340]

I owned a 2017 Tucson that was paid off in 2022 it had a couple of issues that was covered by warranty calipers was one. Starting April 2024 the rear rotors and calipers went, June 2024 the front calipers and rotors went, $ 3800 so far, Sept I took it in for an service check and found out that the turbo intercooler was shot, the awd coupler need to be replaced and DCT actuator needed to be replaced for the low low cost of $6000 for a total of $9800 on the year or 6 months to be precise. I traded it as is for a Subaru and then Hyundia dinged me with a $200 Dianostic bill. Hyundia can kma.

[@evolusd]

Bought daughter a base CX-5 and wife has a higher end Tucson hybrid. The Mazda is so good, I really enjoy driving it even tho it's lower spec. I actually prefer the non-touchacreen infotainment. Big fan of Mazda! The Tucson engine sounds like garbage.

[@pipin447]

Gracias por tu honesta opinión de cada vehículo son pocos los presentadores que hacen comparaciones.

[@minnybiker4505]

Toyota fan turned Subaru owner... I really like this brand. We'll see if it holds up as well as most of my Toyotas did (one was bad). Feels very solid, pretty quiet, smooth, capable, safe... I dig it.

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

The trick is to service that CVT with a fluid change and filter change every 30,000 religiously. It will help the transmission last longer - possibly as long as 300,000 miles but more likely to between 100,000 and 200,000. Solenoids are a weak point on the transmissions, so if it starts slipping short of 100,000 that is the problem and you have to find someone who will make the effort to replace the solenoids as some dealers will say you need to replace the transmission. A solenoid repair runs between $600 and $1000. A transmission will set you back at least $6000. Run if they tell you at that low mileage a new transmission and get someone who will replace the solenoid. Best of luck!

[@tails300]

@@Buc_Stops_Hereor you could avoid it all together and get something with a traditional stepped automatic or hybrid with an eCVT (much less mechanically complicated).

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

@@tails300 True, but he bought a Subaru so not an option.

[@billetherington8849]

@@Buc_Stops_Here a hybrid is on the way for the Forester.

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

@@billetherington8849 Yes, eventually. Maybe next year. Not in 2024.

[@sunnyvalentino]

CX5 is a good looking cuv. Handling is sports sedan like. I also like the rugged lines of the RAV4

[@ewoggerts]

If subaru gets rid of the touchscreen i would be all in.

[@angelas4681]

It's an absolute deal-breaker for me. I've owned three Subarus, including my current '21 Forester, and I won't buy another until they revamp that attention-sucking touchscreen.

[@OmarZ77]

I love that the English font used is very Japanese (Eurostile, same one in the Casio logo). I have a Mazda, but it wouldn’t be a dealbreaker to me imo.

[@christiandale19]

@@angelas4681how’s your experience with forester? Any problems so far?

[@minnybiker4505]

I have a 23 Outback with the big screen. It's slow to wake up, but once it's running, I really like it. I honestly only interact with it mainly to change radio stations. That's about it. Otherwise I hit the talk button on the steering wheel to navigate, etc. Pretty easy.

[@ewoggerts]

@ it just looks really tacky to me.

[@siddheshshivraj3534]

I absolutely hate these digital cabins!!! I prefer an old school layout. Mazda CX 5 all the way for me!

[@ali3lia]

Yup, just got me a cx 5, love the classic but luxurious feel. It’s surprisingly quiet vs the Mazda 6 I upgraded from, night and day.

[@ZexyContender]

Hey Tyler! I remember working with you at a "certain dealership" in Bloomington a couple years ago. Glad to see you're really focusing on something you're passionate about! Wish ya the best man.

[@Realistick]

Thanks! Words can’t express how relieved I was to get to do this instead of the sales industry. I hope you’re doing well too 🤟I can’t say I recognize the username, what’s your name?

[@ZexyContender]

@Realistick Noah. I was a transporter/detailer. Tall guy, can't miss me. Lol

[@warsan415]

amazing content! very helpful and clear presentation.

[@brokeboy87]

The Honda CRV vs. the Subaru will be an exciting video.

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

In early 2024 we looked at these same four cars for my wife. We threw out the Subaru as the reliability of the CVT is not the best in class, and my wife did not like the interior. The Hyundai fell out of contention as my wife hated the interior, called it a rental car (and the reliability is a question mark as stated here). It came down to the Mazda and the Toyota. The Toyota we only could buy for $4000 over MSRP, and its interior was dated compared to the Mazda which was nicer. A few months after we bought the Mazda, the 2 Toyota dealers came back willing to sell to us $4000 under MSRP. We told them no, we bought the Mazda. Wife is very happy with the purchase and loves the car which should last a long time (we keep cars about 12-14 years and 200,000 miles). Kids now drive the oldest car, a 2013 Subaru Legacy 3.6 H6/5 speed with 148,000 miles on it and running great.

[@scott5429]

My friend has a 2022 Mazda cx 5 and there’s like no room in the back for me (I’m 6’2 tho😅) but it’s pretty fast for a NA 4 cylinder

[@In-obscurity-n7j]

Always enjoy comparison videos. Very through one too. I wasn't sure about hybrids, untill I went a tried one. I think they are the best option

[@tails300]

Mazda and Toyota for me, we have both in the family with both being solid. The other two can kick rocks.

[@lorimcquinn3966]

After (3) Subarus, I'd jump at the CX-5.

[@johnnn.darrelll2746]

Why leave subaru

[@lorimcquinn3966]

@@johnnn.darrelll2746 The worst seats I've ever experienced. Oil leaks, coolant loss, loud and slow.

[@christiandale19]

How long youve been using the cx5? Any problems so far?

[@johnnn.darrelll2746]

@@lorimcquinn3966what year and model is your subaru

[@lorimcquinn3966]

@@johnnn.darrelll2746 Which one? As noted in my original post, I had (3).

[@matthewtalaga634]

7:22 I really hate the vertical orientation of Subaru screens. Especially when using CarPlay.

[@claymanbob1]

Love our '24 CX-5 Premium Turbo!

[@adrianruiz8690]

Subaru forester 😊😊

[@rossmcgreg6r642]

I do enjoy your reviews. Confusing why you promoted the Rav4 Hybrid over the non hybrid versions of the others. Of course the hybrid will be better than the others. No Honda CRV?

[@Realistick]

I explained that in the video, the non-hybrid that I filmed originally was sold and I needed to do a reshoot, only the hybrid was available. Though it does point out a current disadvantage to the CX-5 and RAV4. Logistics were too difficult to bring in the CR-V. I want to compare that to the new Forester and maybe the CX-50 hybrid too.

[@labradachig1976]

Great video. All are solid choices, although one of them is a problem child. Based on my current experience, I would stay away from the Korean siblings.

[@Realistick]

Thanks, I'm hoping Hyundai continues to address their issues without introducing new ones... The injector issue seems pretty bad. It's a nice car outside of those concerns.

[@labradachig1976]

@@Realistick Agreed. They appear to be a complete package, maybe even better than a CRV, but the QC is not there yet. Oh, and their dealership experience is probably the worst, Nissan included.

[@wholeNwon]

@@labradachig1976 A friend's Hyundai warranty experience was so bad that I will never even consider buying one of their products.

[@partagascigaro9694]

Although I'm not huge fan of new Forester design. Subaru is unbeatable.

[@Redhawk24]

42 mpg in my rav4 hybrid and it’s quiet and quick. Others get nowhere close to 42 mpg.

[@k4piii]

Exactly

[@lamesamelame]

I have a 21 Rav4 LE fwd Not hybrid. I do mostly highway and drive slow. It gets 40 + mpg: verified at the fuel pump. My record was 46 mpg from Turlock to San Diego.

[@danhall3450]

@@lamesamelame 40+ mpg is impressive. I can't help but wonder how slow do you go?

[@lamesamelame]

@@danhall3450 55-59 mph ..max.

[@yuanzhelu7441]

@@danhall3450rav4h here too. Always 45mpg in town during the summer is typical, around 40mpg highway. In Canada fuel is equal to $6/gal so around $1600 in fuel savings per year alone

[@MinecraftDj1990]

Can you review the new 2024 Traverse? Would love to see your take on that vehicle

[@CFOPG]

Thanks!

[@Realistick]

I appreciate the support🤟have a nice weekend!

[@howdymellowdy]

I don’t understand why people love the cx5- yes I won’t lie car is a great option, but they have fallen behind on design and interior. They need an upgrade BAD. Mazda cars in general all look the same even old models, that is the only reason why I haven’t gotten one yet. If they improve then maybe I will consider and not to mention it took them forever to get into the hybrid train.

[@chrish8487]

I really like the Forester but the archaic 2.5 and CVT really let it down. If Subaru offered the 2.4T on higher trims, I would strongly consider buying one.

[@Hschlick84]

Where is the Nissan Rogue in the comparison?

[@dvrn1]

On the side of the road broken down or in the shop for repairs..

[@janoycresnova9156]

Mazda needs to sit down and study how VW supersized their North American lineup in 2010. If they copy that and introduce hybrids on more vehicles (which they already have for CX-50 to CX-90), their sales will skyrocket.

[@horsge01]

love the video! would love to see more of a numerical breakdown to draw more comparisons (scoring 1-10) to really see how they stack up in your eyes!

[@danielkombakov2696]

As a owner or accord 2.0t and mazda cx-30 ,toyota is a Dollar general interior,subaru cvt and ugly infotainment screen,we have kia sportage 2018 with second transmission and almost dead engine and we had to deal with Hyundai/Kia dealerships -never again

[@bradbaraniuk4085]

you forgot about the crv and the rogue

[@JarmelSingsKaraoke]

🔥🔥🔥

[@powertools2375]

Subaru more comfortable for larger individuals

[@vicp8772]

Sportiest ride cx5 turbo. Highest theft rav4. smallest rear space cx5. Know what u need folks

[@wholeNwon]

Each HAS....plus others along the way. You used to be much more careful. But really good reviews, of course (yes, I know that's not a sentence).

[@know916bound]

All these new Subaru engines leak oil baad after like 40k miles. That's what they get for using RTV instead real gaskets in vital places. Also they're really not that efficient even with being lightweight and having CVT trans. No thanks.

[@zhila5958]

don’t even consider a hyundai/kia.

[@Gopinathk17]

Rav4

[@willyhwang1059]

makes me sad looking at these "automobiles" as bland as a shipping box for a microwave

[@WilliamK-e1j]

Anyone can comment on Forester (reliability/ maintenance costs) vs. RAV4/ CR-V ?

[@marounelhajj2668]

Forester is better + better offroad capability and more ground clearance

[@seb5945]

Maybe you should have replaced your GR Corolla with one of these.

[@nfm88]

Wheres the CR-V?

[@Jordan-nc3zy]

It would be nice to see your thoughts on the Mazda crossover/suv lineup. Feels like they make the same car with different names almost

[@Realistick]

I made one of those in 2023!

[@Jordan-nc3zy]

@@Realistick I’ll go check it out! Thanks!

[@pingpongballz5998]

Gawd every vehicle in this video is ugly except for the Mazda

[@Rianuary]

Yep. Subaru just keep getting uglier and uglier and I have one.

[@pingpongballz5998]

@@Rianuary right!

[@jillh763]

Don’t think Subarus are big on the car theft list less maybe the sports models.

[@ali3lia]

Cars these days look like they are missing a chromosome plus drive like 💩. Just got me a cx 5, upgraded from a 2017 Mazda 6. I was a Honda guy till the point Honda went tiny turbos and CVT.

[@nosah8415]

That Mazda really isn't that great anymore. It's so basic.

[@BoopSnoot]

Aw no Rouge? It outsells the cx5 and forester and tuscon.

[@Realistick]

I haven’t been able to get any Nissans from the press or dealers, but those have been killing it by the numbers lately so I’ll reach out to the press folks again!

[@Mytwodollars]

Which small SUV rides the best? I have a '14 Escape and it rides like garbage.

[@powertools2375]

The Nissan broke down on the way. It had cvt issues

[@BoopSnoot]

@@powertools2375 Per 2024 Consumer Reports latest survey, Subaru and Nissan finished equal in long term reliability study, so hah! :p

[@powertools2375]

@@BoopSnoot sure

[@ccchhhrrriiisss100]

Oddly enough, when I was searching for a new vehicle, I opted to NOT buy the Subaru, Toyota or Hyundai after riding in them or exploring their engines, reliability and overall build quality. I was impressed by the build quality of Honda, Toyota and Mazda. I was impressed by interior features and the look of Hyundai and Kia -- but their overall long-term build quality and engine/powertrain reliability was, well, not good. For the price, Mazda was -- by far -- the best overall value. There were things that I liked better in each of the competitors. However, Mazda offered the best value when it came to standard experience, quality, horsepower/torque, AWD, drive, safety and, of course, fun. So, for a daily driver, Mazda was my preference. It's been a year now and I am completely satisfied with my purchase. The vehicle has held up extraordinarily well (it looks, feels, sounds and drives like new). I'm in the market for another new vehicle. However, I'm waiting to see what happens with Mazda's upcoming refresh and hybrid options for the Mazda CX-5, CX-50 and CX-30 models. The rumors that I've seen are very appealing. I'm also looking at the Toyota RAV-4 update that is rumored to be coming soon. I like the Honda vehicles...but Honda offers good vehicles from a company that has just priced themselves too high. I'm disappointed with the quality and direction of Subaru (they seem to be going the VW route) and Hyundai is like a good-looking vehicle with a lot of options that only makes sense in the short term (3-5 years) which means you wouldn't want to "keep" their vehicles (even if I really like the Hyundai and Kia designs).

[@alwaysboatin659]

Wouldn’t the CX-50 be a more comparable car than the CX-5?

[@felix_empereur]

Are the CX 5 comments here paid by Mazda 🤔

[@tomaskroupakkfoto4132]

😂 nope. It´s just so good, that e. g. Forester looks like really bad joke next to it ✌️

[@nintense1]

Someone need to tell Subaru that people loved the XT Manual, and NA CVT is not so cool. The CX5 Turbo was my choice in 2021 and again in 2024. It’s the best handling and performance you can find on a sub $40k CUV.

[@enmass90]

The market told them when the XT was available and no one bought them.

[@nintense1]

@@enmass90the sells numbers don’t tell the whole story. When a company makes something outstanding, even if it doesn’t sell well, it generates sells for other models. When they made the 22B and dominated Group B, nobody could afford buying the 22B, but their other models sells were booming. The WRX is aging and basically a dying product, not because people don’t want to buy it, because it’s old, and needed a real update 10 years ago. Current lineup is just plain boring. Mazda CX-5 sells like hot cookies, and while no longer Manual, they offer a turbo option for almost every model.

[@enmass90]

@@nintense1 that doesn’t matter to an actual manufacturer. The niche you’re describing is covered by the WRX. If a model doesn’t sell they aren’t going to make it.

[@nintense1]

@@enmass90they will kill the WRX for the same reason, it’s old, and they will blame the customers. Look at the Miata for example: same concept for 35 years, they never got slower than the previous generation, only barely got heavier and always remained the best of its kind. It’s not Mazda money makers, but it keeps the enthusiasts with the brand, even with the less exciting cars. This is my opinion, and I won’t buy a Subaru anytime soon, but currently own 2 Mazda.

[@codincoman9019]

​​@@nintense1Your last comment doesn't make sense. I have a Miata ND2 RF. It's far lighter than the NC and far faster too, remaining the best (and the only one) in its own class, making very good money for Mazda, beside being an image vector.

[@Jefferson-603]

Oh brother 😂

[@marounelhajj2668]

I will choose the subaru forester

[@joeanunez]

The way you pronounce decibels. 😂

[@wholeNwon]

Less sugar, less salt, FEWER packages.

[@Realistick]

I was definitely writing/editing this one too fast, thanks for the catch. The grammar next time will be B+ / A- material at least!

[@wholeNwon]

@@Realistick I'll be checking . But seriously, I would never consider buying a new vehicle without first watching any relevant videos you may have posted.

[@MN76.]

Nothing about engines and gear boxes - most important things 😢

[@Realistick]

Maybe you only watched the beginning but I talked about each powertrain quite a bit once I was in the driving portion of the video.

[@justin1130]

I really just cannot fathom why people like the mazda cx-5. The interior/technology is a joke for what year we're in. Test driving it makes you feel not grounded or secure. The horrible small screen with no touch screen. I crossed that car off the list immediately after test driving it. It overall feels like a cheaply made car .

[@Realistick]

People like it for its simplicity and handling. There’s tradeoffs to that which is why the CX-5 lives in its own world with a strong group of fans🤠

[@lamthongvongnaraj9300]

Y people need big screen

[@RodneyW]

Everyone has different taste. If I see a car with fully digital instrumentation and a massive touchscreen mounted to the dash, I cross it off my list! If it has a DCT or CVT, I burn the list..... On the other hand, when I see a car offering a manual transmission, I'm immediately interested!

[@celeste-videography]

Yeah I’m not a fan of how tight the interior feels and the poor outward visibility especially through the rear

[@craiggourley8703]

I have a strong Mazda bias. We currently own three, and we had another before these. If driving matters, Mazda wins. If you just want appliance-grade space and dynamics, the others might be a better fit.

[@naveenthemachine]

Mazda Hyundai Kia Honda are among the best.

[@wnenzallqe4747]

Where is Naveen

[@decorelone51]

Kia and Hyundai are junk

[@codincoman9019]

Then why are the Koreans far below - in both reliability and low TCO - Mazda and Honda?

[@Gopinathk17]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@BahamianLily]

Would love to see a comparison of the 2025 RAV4 Hybrid to the 2025 Honda CR-V EX-L (gas).

[@tails300]

Why compare a gas model to an HEV? RAV4 hybrid vs CRV hybrid makes more sense.

[@alengreen589]

Thanks 😀👍