2025 Mazda CX-5 vs 2025 Subaru Forester
When it comes to the increasingly competitive world of compact SUVs, the comparison between the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and the 2025 Subaru Forester stands out as a frequent discussion among drivers. Both vehicles are recognized for all-wheel drive capability and reliability, but the CX-5, now available at CardinaleWay Mazda Corona in Corona, CA, delivers a level of refinement, advanced performance, and superior craftsmanship that elevates it above its peers. The 2025 Mazda CX-5 emphasizes driver engagement and sophistication, from its sculpted KODO design language to its turbocharged engine option and rich interior features. The Subaru Forester, while offering solid all-weather versatility and the brand’s signature dependability, lacks some of the advanced powertrain and technology innovations found in the CX-5 lineup. For those evaluating the advantages in the 2025 Mazda CX-5 vs 2025 Subaru Forester comparison, especially shoppers near Riverside and Chino, the choice leans confidently in favor of Mazda, where next-level style, comfort, and performance live seamlessly together.
| Feature | 2025 Mazda CX-5 | 2025 Subaru Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Standard All-Wheel Drive | Yes | Yes |
| Turbocharged Engine Available | Yes | No |
| Adaptive Front-lighting System | Yes | No |
| Ventilated Front Seats | Available | Available |
| 360° View Monitor | Available | Available |
| Genuine Nappa Leather Seats | Available | Available |
| Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) | Available | No |
| Apple CarPlay™ & Android Auto™ Integration | Yes | Yes |
| Advanced Lane Keep Assist | Yes | Yes |
| Premium Bose® Audio | Available | Available |
Exterior - Mazda Dealer serving Corona, CA
Mazda’s KODO: Soul of Motion philosophy comes alive in the exterior design of the 2025 CX-5, where fluid contours, a distinctive signature grille, and available 19-inch alloy wheels create a striking visual presence. The attention to detail is evident in available silver accents and a precisely sculpted body that reflects light and shadow with finesse, garnering immediate attention whether on city streets or winding highways. Notably, the CX-5 offers an Adaptive Front-lighting System that actively improves nighttime visibility, a feature not available on the Forester. Meanwhile, roof rails and integrated LED lighting heighten both utility and style. Subaru's Forester, on the other hand, opts for a rugged, utilitarian approach, complemented by raised roof rails and standard LED headlights on all trims. With more squared proportions, the Forester appeals to adventure-first drivers yet lacks the athletic sophistication the CX-5 achieves. The Mazda’s refined exterior, highlighted by exclusive colors and a sleek silhouette, grants it a premium allure that continues to stand out in communities like Corona, CA.
Interior - 2025 Mazda CX-5 in Corona, CA
Step into the cabin of the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and you are greeted with a blend of elegance and deliberate ergonomic design rarely found in this segment. Available Caturra Brown Nappa leather-trimmed seats and genuine layered wood trim surround occupants in sophistication, setting a premium tone that instantly distinguishes the CX-5 from its competition. Comfort remains a defining trait, with ventilated front seats as an available option, three-level heated seating, and a thoughtfully contoured dashboard that enhances the driver’s command position. The CX-5's large 10.25-inch Mazda Connect™ display, king-sized among compact SUVs, integrates seamlessly with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, keeping technology at your fingertips. Wireless connectivity and a premium Bose® audio system further enrich daily journeys, creating a tailored and immersive experience for all five passengers. In contrast, the Subaru Forester provides a practical space with available leather seating in higher trims and an intuitive STARLINK® multimedia system. However, the Forester’s interior, while spacious and functional, does not match the material quality and aesthetic appeal found in the Mazda CX-5, making Mazda the clear choice for customers prioritizing a truly inviting and upscale cabin environment.
Mazda CX-5 vs Subaru Forester Mechanical Specs
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 excels on the road, blending advanced mechanical systems with purposeful engineering that delivers a refined and athletic drive. Every CX-5 features Mazda's standard i-Activ AWD® system, utilizing predictive technology to optimize traction on all surfaces, ensuring confidence in both city commutes and weekend escapes. Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) lets drivers personalize responses with selectable drive modes, including Sport, Off-Road, and Normal, adapting instantly to changing conditions—a true advantage over the Forester’s SI-DRIVE® system, which lacks equivalent off-road settings or integration. The CX-5's G-Vectoring Control Plus further fine-tunes handling and cornering by subtly adjusting torque, resulting in poised stability and less fatigue during long drives. Subaru’s Forester, while offering symmetrical all-wheel drive and impressive 8.7-inch ground clearance, employs a more conventional approach to ride dynamics. Its utilitarian chassis, though solid for rugged tasks, does not deliver the same responsive feel or dynamic engagement of the CX-5, placing Mazda at the forefront for those seeking a connected, confidence-inspiring driving experience.
Powertrain - Mazda Dealership in Corona, CA
Power and versatility converge in the 2025 Mazda CX-5’s engine lineup. The standard SKYACTIV®-G 2.5L 4-cylinder engine produces 187 horsepower and efficient torque management, while drivers seeking more excitement can opt for the available SKYACTIV®-G 2.5 Dynamic Pressure Turbo engine, generating up to 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. This turbocharged option offers spirited acceleration, outperforming the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter Subaru BOXER® engine found in every 2025 Forester, which produces 180 or 182 horsepower depending on trim but lacks a turbocharged variant. Smooth, precise shifts from Mazda’s advanced automatic transmission contribute to a composed ride that adapts as needed, whether for daily driving or spirited excursions. The Forester uses a Lineartronic® CVT, which, while efficient, does not provide the immediate throttle response or engaging dynamics of Mazda’s powertrain. The result: those venturing out for scenic drives near Riverside or navigating the energetic streets of Corona, CA, will find the 2025 Mazda CX-5 delivers both excitement and refinement, marking a clear powertrain advantage over its Subaru rival.
Safety - Mazda CX-5 vs Subaru Forester
Nothing is more important than peace of mind, and the 2025 Mazda CX-5 is rigorously equipped to deliver it, earning top safety ratings and featuring a robust array of i-Activsense® technologies. Advanced features like Blind Spot Monitoring, Smart Brake Support (forward and reverse), Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, and an available 360° View Monitor ensure occupants receive the highest level of active safety protection. Adaptive Front-lighting further assists in challenging nighttime conditions, while Traffic Jam Assist and Driver Attention Alert provide intelligent assistance in busy suburban environments. The 2025 Forester also excels in safety, offering standard EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, Lane Keep Assist, and High Beam Assist, but reserves key systems such as Reverse Automatic Braking and 360-degree Surround View Monitor for higher trims. By making so many safety features standard or widely available, the Mazda CX-5 upholds its commitment to driver and passenger security throughout the lineup, which is especially reassuring for families in Corona, CA and the surrounding areas.
Request more 2025 Mazda CX-5 vs 2025 Subaru Forester in Corona, CA information
Choosing between the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and the 2025 Subaru Forester ultimately comes down to what matters most in your driving experience. For those who appreciate sophisticated craftsmanship, exhilarating yet efficient performance, and a suite of advanced features that enhance every journey, the Mazda CX-5 stands unequivocally as the superior choice. With its turbocharged powertrain, exclusive design elements, and comprehensive safety technology, the CX-5 offers notable advantages in the 2025 Mazda CX-5 vs 2025 Subaru Forester comparison. CardinaleWay Mazda Corona proudly serves the communities of Corona, Riverside, and Chino, and invites drivers to discover why the CX-5 continues to be the favorite among discerning SUV owners looking for a vehicle that exceeds expectations every time they get behind the wheel.