Your membership has expired

The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.

Re-activate
Membership Icon

Non-member Version

Unlock Consumer Report’s ratings and test results today.

Become a Member

2026 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2026 Subaru Forester Comparison

See how the 2026 Mazda CX-5 and 2026 Subaru Forester performed in our rigorous, independent road tests. Our experts evaluate hundreds of vehicles annually at our 327-acre testing facility, putting each model through over 50 data-driven assessments—including braking, emergency handling, fuel economy, and cabin noise. Review our side-by-side comparison of tested specifications, real-world fuel efficiency, and crash-test safety ratings to see which is the best for reliability, performance, and more.

Comparing 2 Models

In Test
CX-5 2026

Compact SUVs

2026 Mazda CX-5

$29,990 - $38,990

All Test Results

Forester 2026

$29,995 - $41,545

All Test Results
Membership Lock Icon

Unlock Consumer Report's Ratings and Test Results

CR membership is here to help you buy smarter, own with confidence, and save every day—so you can spend your hard-earned money on cars and products that really work and are proven to last.


About
About
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 looks to be an evolutionary redesign of the compact SUV. Power comes from the same 187-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission found in the outgoing CX-5. All-wheel drive remains standard. Mazda say...
 
The Forester has excellent outward visibility, a roomy interior, and a comfortable ride. The most noticeable improvement is a quieter engine. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder has a rather abrupt initial launch but at times feels underpowered. It returned ...
Highs
Highs

NA

 
Green Checkmark Icon Comfortable ride
Green Checkmark Icon Excellent fuel economy
Green Checkmark Icon Short stopping distances
Green Checkmark Icon Airy outward views
Green Checkmark Icon Roomy rear seat
Lows
Lows

NA

 
Red 'X' Icon Feels underpowered
Road Test Score
Road Test Score
NA
 
/ 100
Reliability
Reliability
/ 100
 
/ 100
Owner Satisfaction
Owner Satisfaction
/ 100
 
/ 100

Overview

Body Styles
Body Styles

4-door SUV

 

4-door SUV

Trim Lines
Trim Lines

Preferred, Premium Plus, Base, Select, Premium

 

Touring, Base, Premium, Limited, Sport, Wilderness

Base Price Range
Base Price Range

$29,990 - $38,990

 

$29,995 - $41,545

Drive Wheels
Drive Wheels

AWD

 

AWD

Seating Capacity
Seating Capacity

2 Front, 3 Rear

 

2 Front, 3 Rear

Engines/Motors
Engines/Motors

2.5-liter 4 (187 hp)

 

2.5-liter 4 (180 hp)

Transmissions Available
Transmissions Available

6-speed Automatic

 

CVT

Performance

Comfort & Convenience

Fuel Economy & Range

Vehicle Safety

Specification

Warranty

Membership Lock Icon

Unlock Consumer Report's Ratings and Test Results

CR membership is here to help you buy smarter, own with confidence, and save every day—so you can spend your hard-earned money on cars and products that really work and are proven to last.

130+

researchers, engineers, and testing experts

89 years

of fighting for what's right

5M

members strong

Add Another Model

cr-trademark

Auto Test Center

Precision testing comes standard at our 327-acre auto test center.

TESTING LIKE NOBODY ELSE

50+

tests are conducted on every car we buy.

PERFORMANCE TESTING

6

miles of track for testing acceleration, ride, handling, braking, and advanced driver assist systems.

TIRE TESTING

400

tires tested a year for all-weather grip and rolling resistance.