I drove the Subaru Forester and Mazda CX-5 for week — here's the $40K crossover SUV I recommend
I tested the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness and 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus for a week each to see which is the better SUV.
In a recent comparison of the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness and the 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus, their target audiences and design philosophies differ significantly. The Forester is engineered for maximum visibility, cargo capacity, and all-weather confidence, while the CX-5 focuses on delivering an upscale cabin experience with a focus on aesthetics.
The Subaru Forester Wilderness, with its boxy silhouette and rugged accents, caters to adventurous drivers seeking an off-road-ready vehicle, while the Mazda CX-5's sleek design language and upscale cabin make it appear more luxurious than its price suggests.
When it comes to fuel economy, the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness edges out the Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus, averaging 27.2 mpg over 126.3 miles compared to the CX-5's 26.2 mpg over 102.2 miles. However, the CX-5 takes the lead in short-distance efficiency, achieving 34.3 mpg in quick trips, while the Forester averages 28.2 mpg. For those prioritizing long-distance fuel efficiency, the Subaru Forester Wilderness is the better choice.
Driving performance varies between the two models. The Subaru Forester Wilderness provides a surprisingly quiet and strong performance, making daily commuting and highway overtaking effortless. Conversely, the Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus delivers a more engaging driving experience with its traditional 6-speed automatic transmission, tighter body control, and responsive steering.
For those seeking a quiet, comfortable cruiser, the Forester is the preferred option; however, for drivers who prioritize an engaging drive, the Mazda CX-5 takes the top spot.
Written by urgent.news from Tom's Guide's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
