2019 Mazda CX-5 Sport vs 2019 Subaru Forester

Subaru has become one of the most prominent sellers of wagons and SUVs in the States, stepping up to the plate with the likes of Honda, Toyota, and Mazda. But how does it fair against such tough competition?

We put the base model 2019 Mazda CX-5 Sport head-to-head with the base model 2019 Subaru Forester in order to answer that question. Here’s what we found.

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Unbelievable Handling and Steering

The Forester is the epitome of drab when it comes to driving. It’s not quick, it’s not agile, it’s not exciting. It’s the definition of a daily commuter; you will get where you have to go, but you will not have an ounce of fun doing so. Conversely, the CX-5 is brilliant. Sharp and concise response? Check. Impossibly good body roll and weight transfer? Check. Planted stance in the most hostile turns? Check. You know that road you always avoid because it looks like a snake playing Twister? Yeah, the CX-5 will make you want to drive on it. Its steering is natural and weighty, giving you the exact amount of feedback you need to feel confident whenever and wherever you drive.

Advanced Acoustics and Voice Recognition

A Harman Kardon sound system is the standard offering in the Forester. It’s acceptable, though at higher volumes it doesn’t hold up very well. The CX-5, on the other hand, has a Bose sound system meticulously designed by both Bose and Mazda for an optimal listening experience. With five of the ten speakers placed ahead of the front seats, the system is set up to mimic a live concert. Not mention switching songs via voice command is a breeze. Really doing anything via voice command is easy. The Mazda Connect system utilizes natural voice recognition, meaning there’s no awkward voice queues you need to use before you do stuff … like there is in the Forester.

Care about the driver experience? Come test drive a Mazda CX-5 at Hall Cars in Brookfield, WI.