2021 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2021 Subaru Forester

A compact SUV class with all the features that you will love, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 is indeed a favorite among car buyers. It impresses with its potent engine options as well as its great handling. It also has a luxury-like feel in the cabin with its upscale materials.

In the case of the 2021 Subaru Forester, there are plenty of passenger and cargo space inside. It also presents a user-friendly infotainment system. You will find features shuffled across its various trims.

Design & Style

The 2021 CX-5 is a compact SUV that carries the luxe factor. It is gifted with an upscale cabin, with all the materials that are only common to more expensive luxury cars like Audi and Porsche. This has plenty of cargo space to offer inside as well. The back expands from 31 cubic feet to 60 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded. The well-cushioned seats provide comfort for its occupants, whether tall adults, or small children.

The 2021 Subaru Forester has a 31.1 cubic feet of cargo space for its base model. This expands to 76.1 cubic feet when the rear seats are not in use. Other models have smaller trunk space, though. It can seat up to five people in its spacious passenger area. There are plenty of legroom and headroom on both rows. While there are quality materials in the cabin, some hard plastics make it quite disappointing.

Technology & Safety

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 is now carrying a 10.25-inch touch screen (with the previous eight-inch configuration). It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto flawlessly. It also has a Wi-Fi hot spot, HD radio, four speakers, Mazda Connected Services, two USB ports, and Bluetooth. It has a long list of reliable safety features like the adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, pedestrian detection, and forward collision warning, among others.

For the 2021 Forester, it carries the Starlink infotainment system with a small 6.5-inch touch screen interface. Generally, the system is user-friendly, but it takes some time figuring out which screen to use because of the secondary display added to it. It features Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, four speakers, two USB ports, HD and satellite radios, and Bluetooth. For safety, the list includes lane keep assist, lead vehicle start alert, lane departure warning, rearview camera, rear-seat reminder, forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision warning.

Performance

The 2021 base CX-5 gets its power from a four-cylinder engine which naturally aspirates 187 horsepower. This can go as high as 250 horsepower for its turbocharged four-cylinder setup. In the case of the Forester, all models carry a four-cylinder engine that is mated with a continuously variable automatic transmission. It is a pity that it is sluggish to generate 182 horsepower.

The Bottom Line

Lavish on the inside and sporty on the outside, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 is indeed one of those great rides that you want to bring home to your family. The Subaru Forester may come close behind, but it is still not better than the Mazda SUV.

Ready to Schedule a 2021 Mazda CX-5 Test Drive Today?

Do you want to discover more about this Mazda car model can do on the road? Come and visit us at Riley Mazda today! Our dedicated team of customer service representatives will assist you in meeting all your car purchasing, financing, and servicing needs. Call us today and book an appointment for your 2021 Mazda CX-5 test drive now!