2021 Subaru Forester vs 2021 Mazda CX-5
May 20 2021, Lachute Subaru
The compact SUV has rightfully become the ideal and go-to Canadian family vehicle. With safety, versatility and loads of room onboard, there’s no need to wonder why these utility vehicles have taken over from sedans. With models as complete and interesting as the 2021 Subaru Forester and the 2021 Mazda CX-5 available, this phenomenon is all the more understandable.
Subaru is a pioneer in blending utility with daily usability as proven by the extremely popular Outback and one of the originators of the compact SUV, the Forester. Subaru’s entry into this highly competitive segment has paved the way for all others with its versatility, AWD capabilities and its pleasant driving experience. One such follower is the Mazda CX-5.
As a demonstration of how serious Subaru is at offering the most capable product, AWD is standard across the line-up. Unlike what many car manufacturers do which is offer an FWD version of their SUV to promote a low entry point price, Subaru is upfront with the delivered value. The 2021 Subaru Forester retails for $1,250 less than the Mazda CX-5 when the latter is equipped with AWD. Subaru understands value.
Both of these SUVs are powered by naturally aspirated 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engines. The Subaru’s horizontally opposed motor delivers 182-horsepower while the Mazda’s inline-4-cylinder mill puts out 187-horsepower but here’s Forester’s undeniable advantage: fuel economy. Although performance is identical for both SUVs, the Subaru consumes less fuel than the FWD Mazda CX-5. You read that right.
The 2021 Subaru Forester, at 9.0L/7.2L/100km (city/highway) with AWD and continuously variable transmission-equipped, bests the CX-5’s FWD’s 9.7L/7.8L/100km and the AWD’s 10.2L/8.2L/100km numbers by quite a margin.
Where the cabin is concerned, both compact SUVs cater to a family of five with relative ease. A good-sized trunk is crucial in this segment and, as such, the Forester delivers 881 litres of usable volume, while the CX-5 provides 875 litres. The maximum cargo capacity is an impressive 2,155 litres in the Subaru and 1,687 litres in the Mazda.
As you can see, the 2021 Subaru Forester is the most complete compact SUV. Not only is it affordable and value-packed, but it is also spacious and extremely efficient. What’s more, Subaru Symmetrical AWD with X-mode is standard. Consider the Forester your best all-season and condition friend.
