{
  "id": 120089,
  "title": "I drove the Subaru Forester and Mazda CX-5 for week — here's the $40K crossover SUV I recommend",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/04/i-drove-the-subaru-forester-and-mazda-cx-5-for-week-heres-the-40k",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-04T06:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Tom's Guide",
    "slug": "tom-s-guide",
    "url": "https://www.tomsguide.com/vehicle-tech/i-drove-the-subaru-forester-and-mazda-cx-5-for-week-heres-the-usd40k-crossover-suv-i-recommend"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.\n\nWhen 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.\n\nDriving 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.",
  "summary": "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.",
  "key_points": [
    "Subaru Forester Wilderness emphasizes visibility and off-road capability",
    "Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus prioritizes upscale cabin and aesthetics",
    "Forester offers better long-distance fuel economy at 27.2 mpg"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}