Compact SUVs
Used Mazda CX-5 vs Subaru Forester: which should you buy?
By Hari Vinayak · Updated 2026-07-03
The short answer
The CX-5 has the nicer interior and drives with more polish; the Forester counters with standard all-wheel drive, better visibility, and more cargo room. Watch oil consumption on certain older Subaru engines and head gasket history on the oldest ones. Snow-state buyers lean Forester; everyone else usually prefers the CX-5.
Model years
2013–2024
Mileage outlook
200,000 miles is realistic with oil changes. The 6-speed automatic is durable; fluid service by 60,000–80,000 miles is cheap insurance on any used example.
Model years
2011–2024
Mileage outlook
200,000 miles is attainable, but Subarus punish neglect more than Toyotas. An oil-fed, CVT-serviced Forester at 120,000 miles beats a vague-history one at 70,000.
Mazda CX-5
A used Mazda CX-5 is the sleeper pick among compact SUVs: Skyactiv engines and a conventional automatic give it a better reliability record than most rivals, with no CVT or major engine recall to worry about. Check the LED headlights on 2016+ cars (expensive units), listen for rear wheel bearing hum on higher-mileage examples, and on 2018+ cylinder-deactivation 2.5L engines confirm smooth light-throttle cruising.
Known issues to check
- 2016+: LED headlight failures out of warranty are pricey — verify both units fully work
- Rear wheel bearings hum at 80,000+ miles on some cars — listen at highway speed
- 2018+ 2.5 with cylinder deactivation: occasional light-throttle shudder complaints — feel for it cruising at 40–50 mph
- 2013–2015: infotainment aging and occasional A/C actuator clicks; drivetrain itself is strong
What to verify
- Both headlights work in all modes (2016+)
- No droning/humming from rear bearings at speed
- Smooth cruising on 2018+ 2.5L non-turbo engines
- Transmission fluid service history past 60,000 miles
Subaru Forester
A used Subaru Forester is a capable all-weather buy with two documented soft spots: oil consumption on 2011–2015 FB25 engines (subject of a class action — check for top-off habits) and CVT reliability on 2014–2018 cars, for which Subaru extended the warranty to 10 years/100,000 miles. 2019+ models mostly trade those for minor annoyances like windshield cracking and battery drain. Verify head gasket history on anything older you're cross-shopping.
Known issues to check
- 2011–2015: FB25 oil consumption — check the dipstick now and ask how often oil is added between changes
- 2014–2018: CVT failures led Subaru to extend coverage to 100,000 miles — confirm whether the CVT was serviced or replaced
- 2019+: windshield stress cracking and parasitic battery drain complaints — ask about replacements
- AWD system needs four matched tires — mismatched tread depths cause drivetrain wear
What to verify
- Current oil level and consumption history (2011–2015)
- CVT service or replacement records (2014–2018)
- All four tires same brand/model with even wear
- No head gasket seepage on high-mileage examples
How to decide between them
On the used market, the better specific car almost always beats the better model on paper. A well-documented Mazda CX-5 can be a smarter buy than a neglected Subaru Forester, and the reverse is just as true. Build a comp set for each, match the model year to its known issues above, and price in any maintenance the records do not cover.
Once you have a real listing for either one, paste it into DealScan to get a deal score, the red flags, a fair price range, and the questions to ask before you visit.
Found a listing for either one? Check the actual car.
Paste any CX-5 or Forester listing and get a deal score, red flags, and the price you should actually offer.
Check a listingMazda CX-5 vs Subaru Forester: FAQ
Is the used Mazda CX-5 or Subaru Forester more reliable?
Both are popular used picks, and reliability comes down to the specific model year and how well the car was maintained more than the badge. Match each car's year to its known issues — the Mazda CX-5 watch-items and the Subaru Forester watch-items are listed above — and prioritize the one with documented maintenance records.
Which is cheaper to own used, the Mazda CX-5 or the Subaru Forester?
Total cost depends on purchase price, insurance, fuel, and repair risk for the specific year. Use DealScan's free price checker on each to compare fair market values, and factor in the known repair items for each model before deciding which is cheaper to own.
Should I buy the Mazda CX-5 or Subaru Forester?
The CX-5 has the nicer interior and drives with more polish; the Forester counters with standard all-wheel drive, better visibility, and more cargo room. Watch oil consumption on certain older Subaru engines and head gasket history on the oldest ones. Snow-state buyers lean Forester; everyone else usually prefers the CX-5.