Mazda CX-5 vs Subaru Forester
This page compares the Mazda CX-5 and the Subaru Forester across the 14 model years both appear in our data (2013–2026). Both are classed as SUV on this site. On its most efficient configuration the Subaru Forester averages about 34 mpg (UK) against 33 mpg for the Mazda CX-5. NHTSA lists fewer recall campaigns per model year for the Mazda CX-5 (2.0 against 2.8), though campaign counts depend on how long each model has been on sale and how many variants share a campaign.
Head-to-Head: 2013–2026
| Measure | Mazda CX-5 | Subaru Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Average best-configuration economy (mpg, UK) | 33 | 34 |
| Average CO₂ (g/km) | 203 | 199 |
| Average estimated annual fuel cost (US EPA) | $2,571 | $2,400 |
| Model years rated 5★ overall by NHTSA | 10 of 13 | 13 of 14 |
| Average recall campaigns per model year | 2.0 | 2.8 |
| Average owner complaints per model year | 207 | 433 |
| Engine options across these years | 4 | 3 |
Year by Year
| Year | Mazda CX-5 MPG (UK) | NHTSA | Recalls | Complaints | Subaru Forester MPG (UK) | NHTSA | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 35 | 4★ | 1 | 194 | 28 | 4★ | 12 | 77 |
| 2014 | 35 | 5★ | 4 | 377 | 32 | 5★ | 2 | 403 |
| 2015 | 35 | 5★ | 4 | 133 | 32 | 5★ | 3 | 614 |
| 2016 | 35 | 4★ | 5 | 510 | 32 | 5★ | 3 | 415 |
| 2017 | 32 | 4★ | 1 | 148 | 34 | 5★ | 1 | 586 |
| 2018 | 35 | 5★ | 3 | 119 | 34 | 5★ | 3 | 498 |
| 2019 | 35 | 5★ | 2 | 270 | 35 | 5★ | 3 | 833 |
| 2020 | 34 | 5★ | 0 | 107 | 35 | 5★ | 0 | 600 |
| 2021 | 34 | 5★ | 0 | 147 | 35 | 5★ | 0 | 208 |
| 2022 | 31 | 5★ | 0 | 63 | 35 | 5★ | 1 | 98 |
| 2023 | 31 | 5★ | 0 | 63 | 35 | 5★ | 1 | 74 |
| 2024 | 34 | 5★ | 0 | 44 | 35 | 5★ | 2 | 29 |
| 2025 | 30 | 5★ | 0 | 28 | 35 | 5★ | 3 | 95 |
| 2026 | 31 | — | 0 | 14 | 35 | 5★ | 0 | 24 |
MPG is each model year's most efficient configuration (US EPA, converted to UK mpg). Recalls and complaints are NHTSA counts as of 6 October 2026; complaints are unverified owner reports and rise with sales volume. See each model's full history: Mazda CX-5 · Subaru Forester.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel-efficient, the Mazda CX-5 or the Subaru Forester?
On its most efficient configuration the Subaru Forester averages about 34 mpg (UK) against 33 mpg for the Mazda CX-5. Figures are the US EPA combined result converted to UK mpg, averaged over the shared model years; individual engines and years differ, so check the year pages for the exact car.
Which has better NHTSA safety ratings?
The Mazda CX-5 has 10 of 13 model years rated 5★ overall in these years and the Subaru Forester has 13 of 14. NHTSA ratings are only comparable between vehicles of similar size and weight, and the test criteria have changed over time.
Which has more recalls and owner complaints?
Per model year, the Mazda CX-5 averages 2.0 recall campaigns and 207 owner complaints; the Subaru Forester averages 2.8 and 433. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports and rise with sales volume, so use them as a pointer for what to inspect, not as a reliability ranking.
Where do these comparison figures come from?
Fuel economy, CO₂ and interior volume come from the US EPA's fueleconomy.gov data; ratings, recalls and complaints come from NHTSA. Only model years where both cars have data are compared.
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