#SubaruForester #MazdaCX-50 #CoupleCarComparison This is a Motormouth couple car comparison of the Subaru Forester and Mazda CX-50 compact crossover SUVs.
Great content on your reviews. I am a Subaru fan - owned 5, a Loyal, 2 Outback’s & 2 Foresters, present Subie is a 2020 Forester Sport (80,000 km ), zero problems. I retired in 2021 - spent my working years as a travelling salesman, 22 of 37 years we lived in Terrace BC, my territory covered Haida Gwaii to Grande Prairie Alberta. Subaru’s are fantastic all weather vehicles, I travelled 12 months a year in inclement weather. All of the Subaru’s I drove had a minimum of 250,000 km in 3/4 years, a couple went 300-400,000 km. A head gasket went on a Outback at almost 400,000 km. No transmission issues in any of them. Regular maintenance is key. My wife loves driving the Forester, the visibility is outstanding. One of my daughters also bought a 2020 Forester Limited, she drove a Toyota RAV4 first then Forester…. Hoping the 2024 Forester comes with a hybrid option. Mazda makes a great vehicle too !
Originally ordered the Forester but after driving the CX50 we decided to splurge on a loaded GT model instead. We just love the driving dynamics, style and features of the Mazda so the extra $ was worth it for us.
Cx50 for me……..for looks mostly. You two are a great couple…….but I feel jipped you didn’t do the usual standing by the vehicle in beginning and no Andrea stomping on gas and smiling. 😁. Oh well 😔
Thanks for the review. I looked at the CX50, RAV, Venza and the Forester. All of the vehicles were top trim. I had a 11 Rav 4WD Limited so naturally I looked at the new RAV Limited AWD hybrid. The fit and finish, comfort, road and engine noise was subpar compared to my 11 RAV. I Loved the Venza, but I couldn’t get it in tan or Brown interior. The only way to get Tan interior in the Mazda was if I bought a turbo and I didn’t want a turbo. Ultimately I bought the Forester Touring with the Saddle Brown interior. Every winter I had to put studded tires on my RAV, but the traction of my Forester is superior and drove last winter with just the factory tires. We live in a very mountainous area of north central WA state USA, 5 miles from town (25 miles from the city). We live on a private road which we have to plow and maintain ourselves. We get 5-7 feet of snow every winter. This last winter was Very snowy (7 feet). The county road to our private road is always the last one that the county plows. Our 4WD pickup has A/T tires year round so we simply add 260# of sand bags over the rear axle for better traction. I’m retired so I don’t need to drive to the city everyday for work, but I stay active so I find myself going into the city 3-4 days a week. If vehicles have slid off highway 2, it’s never a Subaru. I had full coverage on all our vehicles and after selling my RAV and replacing it with the Forester, my insurance premiums DROPPED by $600 a year, because of the traction, safety, accident avoidance. And Subaru’s are less likely to be stolen. My Forester is the first vehicle we’ve ever owned that I don’t have to fold down the rear seat on the occasions when I have to use my wheelchair. This is Huge for me. My rear seat passengers Love the heated rear seats and heat A/C vents for them. I Love the heated steering wheel and ease of using the controls for the heated front seats. The outward visibility is Amazing. I’m so glad that we chose the Forester Touring for me. We Love it so much that we bought an Outback for my wife as her daily commuter. We recommend Subaru to anyone who wants a reliable, safe, comfortable vehicle for everyday driving and travel.
Thanks for this comparison. I have a 2016 Forester XT Limited and the CVT is excellent, no issues with droning or other noises. And the 8.5 l/100 kms lifetime fuel economy is nothing to sneeze at given its performance. Excellent off road ability too. The downside is the reliability. Between 120,000 and 130,000 km all 4 wheel bearings, a rear control arm, a rear wheel speed sensor and the drive belt tensioner had to be replaced. Not to mention how it eats through tires. This is my second and probably last Subaru. Those repairs totalled over $5,000 (not including tires), not what I was expecting at those kms. My 2009 Forester had no repairs in the 200,000 kms I had it, so the XT has been a huge disappointment.
I just bought the Forester Limited,liked the price and the dealer was willing to offer a nice discount.Also on the Forester there were more of them available so I was able to get mine optioned they way I wanted and even got the color. I'm moving away from Honda after 20 years not willing to pay what they were asking and supply was limited.
Enjoyed this video, thx! I know you guys have a lot of info to go through in these vids but would you consider putting an * next to your recommended trims when you post the pricing ? Ty!
one topic not covered, Mazda seats are not made for larger people, 250 lbs+ whereas the Subaru seats are very comfortable and accommodating for the larger folks. Also, appreciate how you include MPG along with KPG in your reviews.
An interesting and welcoming comparison. I think both are brilliant options. Your logic of which being based on one’s family ‘life stage’ makes quite a lot of sense. I think, like Andrea, I’m rapidly becoming a Mazda-fan. Which is great because Andrea has an amazing sense of style and good taste. Thanks for the video.
I just bought a 23 Tiguan, cx-50 was my second place choice. My first car that I bought on my own was a '90 Subaru Legacy so I'll have that soft spot for them.
Great compro as always. The Forester absolutely is a niche vehicle for folks with kids, for folks who are going to get into some rugged off road stuff, AND for those over 60 who are starting to feel a bit creaky (like me). Its outward visibility and ease of entry & exiting is superior to all other small & midsize SUVs. The Mazda is a niche car for folks 25- 60 who want a zoom zoom SUV but don't need to haul a lot or intend to get too far off the pavement.
This kind of comment is just what I hoped to find. Early 60s, and my Accord is getting old. Plus, want a better line of sight and ease of getting into and out of it. Crunching the numbers, the Rav4 LE, the CR-V AWD and the Mazda CX-50 all cost about the same,. Guess we'll be doing some test drives over the summer. Time was when folks getting older considered Corollas and Civics because they cost less and were easy to maintain for retirees. Not so much any more. Some months ago I rented a Civic hatchback, and know for sure which vehicle I don't want even if I get it free. Practically have to squat to get into and out of the darn thing. And the spoiler at the back just obstructs the view.
We bought Mazda cx50 turbo premium. The Mazda is for my wife as I drive a Ford F-150 Limited. We have a child in middle school and we never drive off the pavement since we live in a big city that occasionally floods. We drive less than 10,000 miles a year so gas mileage was not a major concern. My wife wanted a car that was sort of fast in this class so we looked at the cx50 and the Bronco Sport Badlands. We did consider the Subaru, but it was too slow for her. Our priorities were a car that was sort of fast, cooled seats and some ground clearance. The Mazda for the bill and she really liked the interior. My friend has a forester and I think it has better utility than the Mazda, but not the speed. So, for my lifestyle, the cx50 was great and if I wanted more cargo I still have the F150.
Was seriously considering this Mazda, but will remain loyal to Forester. Coming off a 22 Forester lease with intent to buy spring’25. NOT enamored with the new Forester redesign outside. Can’t have everything. Great car for retirees as well as new families!
Interesting about the wireless CarPlay having to reconnect every time the CX50 is started. It’s almost the opposite with my CX 50, most of the time the Apple CarPlay,connects when I start the car but once in a while, I do have to reconnect it.
I owned 4 foresters from 2014 to 2022 (before leaving the brand) and loved them. By the time the 2022 refresh came along, I just wasn’t feeling it - it felt like a nanny car with safety features dinging frequently that had to be turned off every time you start it. My 2014 forester had geolander tires which were great, but the tires after that were crap in the winter if you don’t put on winter tires. Initially I liked the CVT, but it gives you a “rubber band” feeling during acceleration. Overall excellent car and very pleased, but my annoyances are these: when car shuts down at intersection, it has a horrible shudder when it restarts. Don’t like location of speakers on door - in Canada you open any Subaru front door and the speaker will have dirt and mud on it that’s impossible to clean because it’s located at exact location your feet hit when exiting the car. I tried everything to clean dirt from perforations without luck. I felt tech was lacking compared to competitors. Love the space and practicality of the vehicle. Was awesome doors open at almost 90 degrees and there is so much outward visibility from large windows.
I owned 4 subarus in the past and its not just you trust me. The problem with Subaru is they are a very conservative brand and are not quick to adapt or change. While this can be good in some way, but the fact is when you compare it to almost all other manufacturers, everyone is making drastic changes to their vehicles and interior and offers. Subaru just don't really do that. So yes I do agree that even for me, I wanted something more out of it not just a reliable AWD but more care in itself.
@@441meatloaf so true, the interior changed very little in 3 refreshes and just thought I was missing out on something more engaging when I looked at vehicles my family and friends were buying/leasing.
@@travelport7868 Not to mention the changes Subaru made aren't great either lol. The new 11.6 inch portrait screen or the 2 dual screen if ur not going for the higher end models are abysmal looking. I don't understand why subaru had to go that route when plenty of people stick with a larger horizontal screen.... Their old dual screen was fine.
@@441meatloaf Subaru have not been slow to adapt and change but it might seem like it when a lot of what they do is not flashy. But if you qualified it by saying they “are not quick to adapt or change” their visual style then I’d totally agree. The problem with Subaru is more likely to be that Toyota’s 20% shareholding allows them to make Subaru as bland as Toyota. They have been getting rid of turbo variants, civilizing the WRX and killing off the STI which all makes Subarus less attractive particularly against brands like Mazda which thrive with their stylish bodies, driver-centric features and turbo engine variants. But for me, Mazda’s more interesting designs prove to be less attractive such as smaller windows that lower visibility - I value safety over visual style. Anyway, Subaru aren’t being driven to change because their market share is pretty solid and brands like Mazda feel forced to produce models like the CX50 just to compete with Subaru. In 2014, Subaru had 3% US market share. Now they have about 4% even though harder hit by supply change issues. That remains considerably more than Mazda.
I went with the 2022 Forester Touring. Mostly because I drive it through beautiful scenery to camp out a lot. It just breaths life back into me. Then there is the horrible Mazda seats and less capable awd than Subie. The Mazda looks much more sporty but you can't see out the back vs the more open Forester. I can load massive camp gear in my Forester and still see perfectly out the rear view. As I get older and wiser, I tend towards more functionality, safety and comfort than looks and power.
Thanks guys. The exact two I'm looking at. Currently have a CX-5. Trending towards the Forester to go with our Crosstrek. CVT is fine especially with the simulated shifts. Like the visibility and MPG of the Forester. Mid level vehicles are almost the exact same price here in the U.S. Like the looks of the Mazda but the more comfortable ride of the Forester might sway us at our older stage of life. Both seem to be a bit better deal than the CRV and RAV 4.
The ride on my '23 Forester Limited is a s good as it gets on a vehicle like this. Personally coming from a Prius, I prefer a CVT since it isn't always struggling to find the right gear like a regular auto tranny. Also the interior of this generation is well made and looks quality.
Not a Subie fan hate the Boxer motor so CX-50 would be my choice just walked by a new Kia Sportage was bigger then i expected looked really nice in there blue color.
Good review… again. It looks like you say the same things as the CX50 vs Outback comparison. So I’ve summarised your views here. You again choose the Mazda which only loses to the Subarus if function is more important than fashion: Fashion vs Function (space, comfort, ground clearance, fuel economy); European look vs UGLY Auto vs CVT Crossover vs station wagon
Let's get into this Mazda v Subaru comparison. Both very good cars able to shine in their respective platform iterations. The Mazda is the nicer looking vehicle here in my view. Overall though its all about which one meets driver's needs and tastes.
Everyone's got some kind of Offroad version of something these days. Rav4 Woodland/Adventure/TRD Offroad, Honda Pilot/passport Trailsport, Mazda Meridian Edition CX50, etc. But what really makes it offroad? For the Passport, it was nothing but a badge and smaller wheels and more off road oriented tires. It looks to be the same on the Meridian, there doesn't seem to be any mechanical difference, just badge, and wheel/tire combo. I expect more. At least with Subaru Forester Wilderness, its got different suspension, different gearing, underbody skids, raised height, I read the trans had been worked over which is why the wilderness can tow 3000lbs vs the stock 1500. And of course, wheel/tire combo. Toyota Rav TRD/Adventure seem different, raised height, skids on the TRD, different trans that allows 3500lbs towing vs 1750, different alternator I think as well, different suspension. Basically, its actually different. Tired of seeing these more adventure model and all they do is badges and some wheels/tires. I could just get a regular one and get some wheels and tires.
I own a 2020 Forester and my wired Android auto disconnects and messes up frequently. After a while the USB connector degrades is what my dealer told me. I still love the car and in the winter it is a monster!
I had that same trouble with my 22 Taos. Just got a dongle on Amazon and it works great with no cutting out! (VW is buying back my Taos due to an unresolved fuel system issue so I'm carshopping again. Narrowed down replacement to Forester (most practical) and Trailblazer (smaller and love the look/features).
While each vehicle may have strong and weak points, there are three that I'd point out in a Forester 1) great visibility from the interior, 2) extra comfortable suspension as it's a car thought for light offroad as well, and 3) the awd system (available from the base trim as well). These three features make the Forester different and valuable.
I searched for a video from you on the Forester Wilderness vs RAV4 TRD and couldn't find this--did I miss it or are you planning on doing that comparison?
I love Mazda but can't deal with the small, hard seats in most of their modern vehicles. Also find it odd that they leave out highway lane keeping across most of their line.
For me looks is down the list of importance with comfort, capabilities and comfort higher above it. Just bought a 2023 Subaru Forester Sport. We live in the PNW where rain, mud and snow are the norm. Certainly the Subaru is superior in this area. Based on the amount of Subarus on the road they probably outsell Mazda 20 to 1.
Im buying a subaru forester sport. Its just me and my wife, no kids but I also spent the last 4 years paying off over 120k student loans and we are trying to save up for a house. My wife likes to go camping and living in a snowy area it just seems like the logical choice.
For reasons known only to Transport Canada, all 2023 Subaru models are not equipped with TPMS. This safety feature is standard in all 2023 Mazda Canada vehicles. I love that the 2023 Forester Wilderness includes a full-size spare tire which will be convenient without the early warning system for low inflation.
I have a 22 Subaru and was pleasantly surprised it came with no TPMS! They are a pain to keep reprogramming when swapping winters and summers and cost a few hundred to install to begin with on the snow set. Not sure why subaru didn’t include them but I’m grateful they didn’t.
I'm not a fan of CVT transmissions or the flat 4 cylinder engine of the Subaru. So I would have to go with the cx50. Except I don't like the harsh ride. So next time at the CX-5 to the list. That one I would take. Hey I have a question for you. How come the Canadian versions get in unlimited km warranty. But the US version does not?
Thanks for creating another great comparison video 👏 it would be great if you could clarify if the 2nd row leg room is similar between Forester and CX50 , so why would Forester be a better choice for small families? You mentioned CX50 also has more cargo space. Hence, I am confused. By the way, I am okay to pay extra fuel costs to get the techs mazda offer (i.e., Head up Display, 360 degree camrea), but I need to know if I can comfortably fit a car seat (rear facing) in CX50. Thanks 😊
You can clear up your confusion about space by reviewing the video or reading the transcript at 11 minutes 30 seconds. I’ll summarise: the CX50 is longer; the Forester has 1.7” more front row leg room; they have the same second row leg room so they’re likely to take the same size car seats; the Forester has more cargo capacity behind the front row but the CX50 has more cargo capacity behind the second row. From the transcript: 11:33 they both have about the same second row leg room. 11:39 cargo capacity [with the second row down] goes to the Forester with 69.1 cubic feet compared to the cx50 at 56.3 cubic feet. 11:45 You’ll find more space behind the second row [i.e. the boot capacity] at 31.4 cubic feet. The forester comes in at 26.9 cubic feet.
I think I can help answer the question on the CX-50. I recently got my GT version and fitted it with a rear-facing car seat. The backseat is pretty spacious and loves the cargo space! The only issue for me is the hard seat and very firm suspension. (my bump hurts haha putting in a seat cover to solve the issue) It performs like a sports car and doesn't feel like an SUV (if you like the easy driving, smooth, and less bumpy). It can get aggressive if you want.
Got the Subaru Forester sport. I did look at the Mazda CX50 and I thought it looked noticeably smaller than the Subaru. I also tried the Toyota Rav4, the Honda CR-V. The Subaru(Which I got) the Chevrolet Equinox and the Hyundai Tuscan. By far I liked the Subaru the best where before I was always a GM or in this case Chevy guy.
Wife is looking to get a smaller SUV. Gave her ‘16 Accord to our oldest, I have a ‘17 Pilot. We’ve been down to sharing the Pilot for 3 weeks (good thing we both work from home) because we can’t decide on something under $40k OTD. Hybrid CRV is $ and don’t like the orange stitching so maybe the base turbo EXL? Her mom bought a Forester Premium in January (brother-in-law has the XT turbo from last generation with the cvt and loves it). I hear the Forester is getting redesigned later this year and the CX 70 looks promising but probably not under $40k, the KIA dealers around here are advertising their vehicles $3k over msrp online… ahhhh
I'd never buy a KIA. Then again, I've never driven one that I can recall (rentals), but I've read so many reviews of how cheaply made they are. Anyway, I've noticed all vehicles being above MSRP where I live, too. And used vehicles are priced so high, I see no point in buying used. Usually my strategy is buy slightly used, because in the past the value dropped significantly in the first 2 years, but that doesn't seem to be the case right now.
I'm in the U.S. and I think the Forester Sport looks better than Wilderness but it doesn't offer anything significant like the Wilderness. Personally, I'd go with the Limited or Touring. Waiting for year end sales.
The Mazda may have the flare, but the Forester just seems to make more sense. Many different trim options to help you get that sweet spot of price/features and a vehicle that is just so practical in so many ways for so many people.
flare? that's german and luxary brands. mazdas in general break down less and are built more robustly. 6 speed automatic transmission tried and tested. and despite subaru embracing an "outdoorish" life style, in north east and canada subarus tend to rust faster and break wheel axles, break drive shafts, bend wheels easier if you slide and your wheels get hit during snow season. im a tow truck driver btw.
I beg to differ with you about the CVT versus a geared transmission. Our old RAV 4WD Limited with the 269hp 3.5 V6 and a 5spd automatic transmission got 27mpg on the highway with the cruise set on 75mph, whereas our Forester with the 182hp 2.5, boxer 4cyl and a CVT only gets 24-26mpg. We bought the Forester to save on fuel costs.
It is a hard choice. One thing I wish the CX-50 had/do is have the 40/20/40 split seats in the back row. Matter of fact, all vehicles should do this. It is just so practical. I also have seen reviews where the rear passenger windows don't roll all the way down in the CX-50.
CX-50 is more stylish.. the Forester more space. Mr S is spot on with his stage of life comment. Both are as capable as most will need.... I do wonder how long the CX-50 will be around... Its unclear to me who its for?
Suprisingly Subaru Forester is better in everything especially in interior spacious design. The Mazda is slightly better in exterior style but not much. But Subaru Forester is significantly cheaper so it wins over Mazda CX-50 Turbo. The non turbo Mazda CX-50 would be better in price range and overall reliability in city commuting so the lower models of Mazda CX-50 look very decent. So my verdict is: for 42K usd I would take Mazda CX-9 in red metallic and forget about practicality of Subarus. If I have to choose between Subarus I would take 2023 Outback with 2.4 turbo it is best in this category and beats Volvo and Audi allroad with price tags.
I love Mazdas . We have owned 7 over the past 14 years. Last year when the CX 50 was introduced however they have not delivered more than a handful in the past year in Canada and the wait time is still more than one year. Is the Subura delivery as pathetic.
Couple thoughts here: *Despite the poorer fuel economy, I'd still prefer the 6sp auto trans in the CX-50, due to the generally more reliable nature of geared automatics. *Is it just me, or does the term Meridian suggest more of an aquatic tune than an off-road one? *I've always been a Mazda fan, but why do automakers insist on abandoning names on vehicles? Whatever happening name brand equity? There's a reason Honda has kept around nameplates like Accord and Civic around so long.
Bought my first Subie (Forester Sport) in '21. I have been very pleased with it. I'm getting 31 MPG on the interstate and I find it a very comfortable vehicle.
If I am going with those "rugged" trim. In Mazda's case, its Meridian. Then I will go with Forester Wilderness even with a weak engine. Dynamically, CX-50 is much more athletic to drive than Forester, with higher interior quality, especially the sporty 2.5T. I would take the Mazda, even if I admire Subaru's excellent visibility and practicality.
So I know this video is a year old and newer models are out now. But my girl and I are actually looking at new vehicles and one of hers was the Subaru outback, wilderness I believe. But I’ve been looking at the CX 50. The CX 50 looks a lot nicer. I just hate that infotainment screen. They are beyond behind the times. Everything else, I really like. What is the lack of a decent infotainment screen in the CX 50 and the addition of a decent one in the Subaru, is that enough to sway either way?
reading the comments somebody said no tpms in the subarus i dont think its a safety feature i think it was made for people to lazy to check the air in there tires or get them checked at a tire shop.
Hands down Forrester , Better looking , Better fuel mileage, Better 4x4 system ,Better ride !! Love the big windows !! Don't want the rough ride anymore < soft ride for me ?? Great review guys !!!
Yesterday, I test drove the 2024 Mazda cx 3, cx5, and cx 50, then drove the 2024 Subaru Forester. I really felt the Subaru drove a little better and the fit and finish was nicer. My new Forester will be in next week!
Same here. Not a fan of the "tablet sticking out of the top of the dash" look. This was one of the reasons I chose the Forester over the cx-50. Mazda looks better exterior wise but the Subaru was way nicer inside I thought
It's the Forester for me. One of the main reasons to move from a sedan to a crossover is a smoother ride and more distance between you and the bumpy road. Making these crossovers sports and handling oriented in their non performance trim is a downfall in my opinion.
I test drove both the Suburu Forester and the CX 50 last weekend. I decided on the CX-50. The CVT took all life out of the ride with the Suburu and the console and speakers on the sport trim was cheap and plastic. The Mazda cx-50s seats were more firm and had slightly less cargo but the quality of the ride and interior far exceeded the Suburu
I chose the Bronze exterior and Saddle Brown interior on my Forester Touring. We’re so tired of dark, gloomy, depressing, drab, claustrophobic interior colors that became popular 34 years ago. Why be like everyone else, when you can have some individuality?
Subaru because it's AWD is proven and it's ON all the time. Whereas, Mazda's AWD system will get you stuck in the snow. lol It's not full time AWD, it kicks on when it detects slippage, and by that time it's too late.
