2025 Subaru Forester vs. 2025 Mazda CX-50 Comparability

Compact SUVs are identified for his or her practicality, worth, and effectivity. They’re among the many hottest autos on supplier heaps, and with over a dozen mainstream fashions to select from, they’ve clearly struck a chord with drivers. Some fashions, although, are designed to do much more, and attraction to that cool section of consumers identified for his or her lively life-style. Two that hit that bull’s-eye are the Subaru Forester and Mazda CX-50. One is a longtime title that’s all new this yr, and the opposite is a newcomer with one thing to show.

Right here’s how they evaluate.

2025 Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester is the veteran right here, with a nameplate that stretches again to across the flip of the millennium. But it’s all new for 2025. Which means it retains all of its outdoorsy and adventure-minded perspective that Subaru loyalists love, whereas bringing the most recent tech and security options. Win-win. Like all Subaru SUVs, the Forester has all-wheel drive commonplace and ample floor clearance. Pricing begins at $31,115, together with vacation spot payment.

Subaru Forester Highlights

Normal all-wheel drive: Having energy go to all 4 wheels as a substitute of simply the entrance like most SUVs means enhanced traction. This further traction and functionality isn’t simply useful for off-roading. If you happen to recurrently cope with snow or slick roads, all-wheel drive grants higher dealing with and assurance.

EyeSight security suite: Normal on each 2025 Forester, this security and driver help suite contains options like computerized emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise management with lane centering, and a rear-seat reminder. 

Adventurous perspective: A Subaru Forester is greater than a sensible commuter. The Subaru model and journey are intertwined. These autos are constructed to get you past the attain of the hustle and bustle, and the Forester is a wonderful means for doing so.

Learn our Subaru Forester Skilled Evaluation or see 2025 Subaru Forester fashions on the market close to you.

2025 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 debuted simply a few years in the past, and also you may consider it because the extra outdoorsy sibling to the CX-5. Just like the Forester, the CX-50 has all-wheel drive commonplace, together with enhanced floor clearance and different off-pavement options. But the CX-50 nonetheless retains the athletic on-road manners for which Mazda autos are identified. New this yr, Mazda is introducing the CX-50 Hybrid. Pricing begins at $31,720

Mazda CX-50 Highlights

Powertrain choices: Whereas the Subaru Forester provides just one engine selection, you get three within the CX-50. Along with the usual 187-horsepower 4-cylinder, there’s a turbo variant good for as much as 256 hp, in addition to a hybrid variant that delivers as much as 38 mpg mixed.

On-road finesse: Making an SUV off-road-worthy is an achievement. Making one which performs simply as admirably on-road is even more durable. The Mazda CX-50 is without doubt one of the few mainstream compact SUVs that nails this twin nature. It’s able to some off-roading, but can also be a pleasure to drive on these twist mountain roads.

Out there Visitors Jam Help: Mazda’s Visitors Jam Help function can tackle among the stress of driving in bumper-to-bumper visitors. It’s a must to hold your arms on the steering wheel, however it’s going to steer, brake, and speed up to carry your house in visitors as much as 40 mph.

Learn our Mazda CX-50 Skilled Evaluation or see 2025 Mazda CX-50 fashions on the market close to you.

Similarities

Each of those compact SUVs have off-road chops and commonplace all-wheel drive, together with lots of inherent practicality. They begin inside a number of hundred {dollars} of one another, too.

Conclusion

This one actually might be a toss up, and the best mannequin for you relies upon simply as a lot in your priorities because it does model attraction. If you happen to’re extra of the adventure-minded, outdoorsy sort and recognize further cargo house on your gear, the Subaru Forester will probably attraction. If you happen to recognize a car whose on-road manners are simply nearly as good as its off-road ones, then the Mazda could also be your ticket. With a match this shut, each undoubtedly deserve a test-drive.

The Kelley Blue E-book Honest Buy Worth for any particular person used car can range significantly in keeping with mileage, situation, location, and different components.
The costs right here mirror what consumers are at the moment paying for autos and autos in typical situation when buying from a dealership.
These costs are up to date weekly. The producer’s advised retail worth (MSRP) quoted contains the vacation spot payment, however doesn’t embrace tax, license, doc charges, and choices.