When you cruise the streets of Syracuse, Oneida, or Liverpool, NY, you'll want to be in a reliable and powerful vehicle. SUVs are the perfect vehicles for camping trips in upstate New York and long road trips to New York City, but which SUV is right for you?

Here at Bill Rapp Subaru, we put together this 2021 Subaru Forester vs. Mazda CX-5 comparison to show you what these SUVs have to offer. They offer everything from spacious interiors to amazing fuel economy, so let's take a look at how they stack up. To get started, we have a few quick facts.

Quick Facts

Subaru Forester

Mazda CX-5

Engine

Cargo Volume

Front Legroom

Engine

Cargo Volume

Front Legroom

2.5L SUBARU BOXER® I-4

31.1 cubic feet

43.3 inches

SKYACTIV®-G 2.5L engine

30.9 cubic feet

41 inches

Which SUV Is More Efficient?

Whether you've got a long commute to work or you enjoy road trips out of state, having great fuel economy is a must. Luckily, both the Subaru Forester and the Mazda CX-5 have a lot to offer.

The Mazda CX-5 has a standard SKYACTIV®-G 2.5L engine with tons of power. How efficient is this engine, though? Well, with all-wheel drive, you'll have up to an EPA-estimated 24 city/30 highway MPG. Now, that's good fuel economy.

However, you'll be able to get farther on your road trips without having to stop when you drive the Subaru Forester. The Forester comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and has a powerful 2.5L SUBARU BOXER® I-4 engine that will provide an EPA-estimated 26 city/33 highway MPG.*

If you're looking for the most fuel-efficient ride around town, we've got the answer: The Subaru Forester is more efficient than the Mazda CX-5.

Subaru Forester vs. Mazda CX-5: Inside the Cabin

 Suppose you're taking a road trip across New York. Whether you're heading out to see the bright lights of New York City or going on a camping adventure, you'll want to make sure everyone is comfortable for the ride.

With 111.9 cubic feet of passenger volume, let's check out the dimensions of the Subaru Forester:

  • Headroom (front/rear): 41.2 / 39.6 inches
  • Shoulder Room (front/rear): 58.2 / 57.2 inches

So, how do these numbers stack up against the competition? Well, take a look here at the same dimensions for the CX-5:

  • Headroom (front/rear): 39.7 / 39 inches
  • Shoulder Room (front/rear): 57.1 / 54.8 inches

Your passengers will appreciate the interior of the Subaru Forester a bit more with the extra room to stretch out.

Plus, if you need room for all your adventuring equipment, you'll find 74.3 cubic feet of maximum cargo room when you hop in the Subaru Forester. In contrast, the Mazda CX-5 only offers 59.6 cubic feet.

Staying Safe on the Road: Subaru Forester vs. Mazda CX-5

Whether you're staying close to home or heading out on an adventure, you'll appreciate all the safety features these two SUVs provide. The Subaru Forester has EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, which will give you numerous driver-assistance features.

These include:

  • Pre-Collision Braking System
  • Pre-Collision Throttle Management
  • Lane Departure and Sway Warning
  • Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering
  • Available DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System

You can also take advantage of available Blind-Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. The Mazda CX-5 shares many of these features, such as Blind Spot Monitoring. However, the Forester also has X-MODE and the Hill Descent Control system, which will help maintain a safe speed while going downhill.

While the Mazda CX-5 has Hill Launch Assist, it doesn't have any descent control system like the Forester.  

The Final Verdict

In this 2021 Subaru Forester vs. Mazda CX-5 comparison, it's clear which SUV has what you're looking for. When you want amazing fuel efficiency, room for all your adventuring equipment, and additional advanced safety systems, you'll want the Subaru Forester.

If you're ready to get out on the roads of Syracuse, Oneida, or Liverpool, NY, then contact our team today at Bill Rapp Subaru. Learn more or schedule a test drive online.

 

* EPA-estimated fuel economy. Actual mileage may vary. 

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Bill Rapp Subaru

3446 Burnet Ave
Directions Syracuse, NY 13206

  • Call or Text Sales: 315-437-0613
  • Service: 315-437-1438
  • Parts: 315-437-0078

Hours

  • Monday 9:00am - 7:00pm
  • Tuesday 9:00am - 7:00pm
  • Wednesday 9:00am - 7:00pm
  • Thursday 9:00am - 7:00pm
  • Friday 9:00am - 6:00pm
  • Saturday 9:00am - 5:00pm
  • Sunday Closed