Mazda CX-5 80·Subaru Forester 79on the MotiveGrid Score·Subaru Forester about $2,005 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Subaru Forester is the cheaper one to own — roughly $2,005 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Mazda CX-5 counters with more cargo room (33.7 vs 28.9 cu ft).
Go with the Subaru Forester for the better long-term value; consider the Mazda CX-5 if you prioritize more cargo space.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
Mazda CX-5 vs. Subaru Forester
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Mazda CX-5 versus 2026 Subaru Forester.
Metric
Mazda CX-5
Subaru Forester
MotiveGrid Score
80
79
Cost of Ownership
84
88
Powertrain
62
66
Driver Assistance
32
32
Livability
51
65
Safety
100
79
5-Year Cost to Own
$43,467
$41,462
Depreciation (5-yr)
$12,146
$11,038
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$12,829
$11,546
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,545
$9,545
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,790
$2,175
Tires (5-yr)
$1,750
$1,750
Financing (5-yr)
$4,512
$4,513
Registration (5-yr)
$895
$895
Starting Price
$29,990
$29,995
Horsepower
187 hp
180 hp
MPG (combined)
26 mpg
29 mpg
Cargo volume
33.7 cu ft
28.9 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
1,500 lbs
1,500 lbs
Drivetrain
AWD
AWD
Gas
2026$29,990
MSRP
$29,990
Mo · 5yr
$724
$43,467 / 5 years
Best for families
Gas
2026$29,995
MSRP
$29,995
Mo · 5yr
$691
$41,462 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score
Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.
Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →
Mazda CX-5 scores higher overall.
Mazda CX-5
0
/ 100
Subaru Forester
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
CX-5
84
Forester
88
Winner: Forester
$2,005 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
CX-5
62
Forester
66
Winner: Forester
+4 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
CX-5
32
Forester
32
Evenly matched
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
CX-5
51
Forester
65
Winner: Forester
+14 pts
Easy to maneuver and park▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Subaru Forester is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $2,005 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Mazda CX-5 still wins if your priority is best for families.
Daily commuter
Subaru Forester
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Subaru Forester
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Mazda CX-5
Much stronger safety with more cargo room
Highway driver
Mazda CX-5
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Subaru Forester
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03
Cost of Ownership
Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation
State
Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
Mazda CX-5
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$724
$43,467 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$724/mo
Subaru Forester
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$691
$41,462 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$691/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Subaru Forester comes out about $2,005 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.
