Crossover comparison: subaru forester vs mazda cx-50 – the ultimate adventure vehicle face-off

The Subaru Forester and Mazda CX-50 are two of the most popular compact SUVs on the market today, renowned for their versatility, reliability, and stylish designs. But which one is the better choice for you? To help you make an informed decision, we’ve put together this comprehensive comparison of the Subaru Forester vs. Mazda CX-50, covering everything from performance to safety to interior features.

Performance: Power and Efficiency

Both the Forester and CX-50 offer a choice of two engines: a naturally aspirated base engine and a turbocharged upgrade. The Forester’s base 2.5-liter engine produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, while the turbocharged 2.4-liter engine generates 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The CX-50’s base 2.5-liter engine produces 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, while the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine generates 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque.

In terms of fuel economy, the Forester with the base engine achieves 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the turbocharged model gets 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The CX-50 with the base engine achieves 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, while the turbocharged model gets 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

Handling and Off-Road Capabilities

Both the Forester and CX-50 offer excellent handling and off-road capabilities. The Forester benefits from Subaru’s legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which provides exceptional traction and stability in all driving conditions. The CX-50 features Mazda‘s i-Activ AWD system, which is also highly capable off-road.

The Forester has a slightly higher ground clearance than the CX-50, at 8.7 inches compared to 8.6 inches. However, the CX-50 has a wider track, which gives it better stability on uneven surfaces.

Safety Features: Protecting You and Your Loved Ones

Both the Forester and CX-50 have earned top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). They offer a comprehensive suite of safety features, including:

• Automatic emergency braking
• Lane departure warning
• Adaptive cruise control
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert

The CX-50 has a slight edge in safety features, as it offers a wider range of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), such as traffic sign recognition and driver attention monitoring.

Interior Space and Comfort

The Forester and CX-50 offer spacious and comfortable interiors. The Forester has a slightly larger interior volume than the CX-50, with 109.1 cubic feet of passenger space compared to 106.9 cubic feet. The CX-50, however, has a larger cargo area, with 31.4 cubic feet behind the second row of seats compared to 28.9 cubic feet in the Forester.

Both vehicles offer a wide range of interior features, including:

• Heated front seats
• Leather upholstery (available)
• Panoramic sunroof (available)
• Premium audio system (available)

Technology and Connectivity

The Forester and CX-50 both offer advanced technology and connectivity features. The Forester comes standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while the CX-50 has a larger 10.3-inch touchscreen. Both systems offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, as well as voice control.

The CX-50 has a slight edge in technology, as it offers a wider range of available features, such as:

• Head-up display
• Navigation system
• Wireless smartphone charging
• Wi-Fi hotspot

Reliability and Resale Value

Both the Forester and CX-50 are known for their reliability and high resale value. The Forester has a slightly better track record for reliability, according to Consumer Reports. However, the CX-50 is expected to hold its value better over time, according to Kelley Blue Book.

Which One is Right for You?

The Subaru Forester and Mazda CX-50 are both excellent compact SUVs. The Forester is a great choice for those who prioritize off-road capabilities and reliability, while the CX-50 is a better option for those who want a more stylish and technologically advanced vehicle.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which one is right for you is to take both vehicles for a test drive and compare them side-by-side.

Recommendations: The Verdict on Subaru Forester vs. Mazda CX-50

Both the Subaru Forester and Mazda CX-50 are exceptional compact SUVs that offer a wide range of features and capabilities. The Forester is a great choice for those who prioritize off-road performance and reliability, while the CX-50 is a better option for those who want a more stylish and technologically advanced vehicle. By carefully considering your needs and preferences, you can choose the perfect SUV for your lifestyle.

What People Want to Know

Which SUV has better fuel economy?

The Subaru Forester with the base engine has slightly better fuel economy than the Mazda CX-50.

Which SUV has more interior space?

The Subaru Forester has a slightly larger interior volume than the Mazda CX-50.

Which SUV has more advanced safety features?

The Mazda CX-50 has a wider range of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) than the Subaru Forester.

Which SUV is more reliable?

The Subaru Forester has a slightly better track record for reliability than the Mazda CX-50.

Which SUV has better resale value?

The Mazda CX-50 is expected to hold its value better over time than the Subaru Forester.