Compare repair costs, reliability, and owner reviews
Mazda CX-5
$447
Average Annual
Repair Cost
Subaru Forester
$632
Average Annual
Repair Cost
Overall Reliability Rating
4
1
2
Excellent
The Mazda CX-5 Reliability Rating is 4.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 1st out of 26 for midsize SUVs. The average annual repair cost is $447 which means it has excellent ownership costs. The severity of repairs is low, and these issues are less frequent than average, so the CX-5 is one of the more reliable vehicles on the road.
3
1
2
Above Average
The Subaru Forester Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 21st out of 26 for compact SUVs. The average annual repair cost is $632 which means it has average ownership costs. The frequency and severity of repairs are both fairly average when compared with all other vehicles.
“I am very disappointed in all the serious reports from previous owners of the Mazda CX-5 on the NHTSA website. These reports are not getting threw to the customers. All the while Mazda purchased...”
“I am very disappointed in all the serious reports from previous owners of the Mazda CX-5 on the...”
“I bought my "98" forster 2 years ago with almost 100,000 miles on it. It has been a really good car. now I have 180.000 miles on it and I have to change the head gaskets, that will cost about...”
“I bought my "98" forster 2 years ago with almost 100,000 miles on it. It has been a really good...”
The Subaru Forester and the Mazda CX-5 are both compact, two-row SUVs. The Forester gives you all-wheel drive standard, while the front-wheel drive CX-5 offers all-wheel drive as an option. The Forester also provides more ground clearance (8.7 inches) than the CX-5 (7.6 inches).
In the power department, the Subaru Forester has a standard engine with 170 horsepower, plus an optional engine with 250 horsepower. The Mazda CX-5’s standard and only engine has 187 horsepower.
A comparison shows the benefits of the Forester’s boxy rear end design, resulting in 74.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The more stylish CX-5, with its sloping rear hatch, has just 59.6 cubic feet of space behind the front seats.
One major advantage in the CX-5’s favor is in the area of driver involvement. The CX-5 gives you the kind of sporty and engaging handling that is rare among compact SUVs. The CX-5 is truly a pleasure to drive.
If your priorities are maximum cargo space and off-road ability, then the Subaru Forester is a good choice for you. But if you want to enjoy every mile of the journey as you sit behind the wheel, give the Mazda CX-5 a try.