CX5 vs Forester XT

[CX5_Pete]

One of the reasons we use the CX5 for long trips (FL-NY) is because it uses regular gas instead of premium. BUT the main reason is because I don't want to put all those miles in my FXT. We already drove the CX5 from CO to FL and from Fl to NY twice.
We'll be trading the CX5 in the next few years and will keep the FXT a little bit longer.

Couple of things I would like to ask:

1) Is the trunk that much bigger?
2) how is the seat comfort vs cx-5

 

[sbkim]

(bow)(bow) Thank you silverboy for your thoughts. Extremely helpful to get perspective from a rare owner of both vehicles. This is going to be a tough call and I decided to wait out another year and see what 2017 or 2018 XT has in store. 2017 supposedly will have gen 3 eyesight with blind side monitoring, led lights, torque vectoring, quieter interior, and etc. Rumor also has it that new gen XT may show up as early as summer of 2017 featuring the new platform similar to that of Impreza.. And I am praying that Mazda would offer 2.5L T - yea, wishful thinking.

SBKIM, I hope I'm not too late to respond to your question regarding the two vehicles.
I own both and the thing is they are a complete different animal, main difference is the engine and power on the XT, in my opinion is the best by a mile.

Let me start by saying that I own a 2015 Subaru Forester XT, my second one. I traded a XT 2014 for a 2016 Mazda CX5. few months later I missed the FXT so much that I went and stole a 2015 XT. Yes I stole it for the price I paid for it ($25,000) brand new. And BTW, I paid $26K for the Mazda CX5.

The wife drives the CX5 and we also use it for long trips. The reason I own those two vehicles is because their safety (Top Safety pick + by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety). Please note that the 2013 CX5 is a safety pick but not the +, meaning it failed to pass the Small Overlap Front.
Both vehicles a very safe.

The CX5 is fun to drive and the interior is nice but I'm not too crazy with the info system radio. Don't get me wrong, the sound is amazing (better than the 2013-2014 models with a Bose system) but the biggest annoyance is that you can't shut the radio off. The radio is always on, you can mute it but can't shut it off. Also, the GPS doesn't have traffic (different issue, different topic) small sunroof. Also, not crazy with the keyless system since we use Viper remote starters and it is a pain to use (car shuts off when you enter the vehicle (different topic).
Just one outlet on the glove compartment and it STAYS ALWAYS ON. I did a mod and added two in the front that shut off when the CX5 is off.
The radio keeps shutting off an random times (stealerships claims there's nothing wrong)
Overall we like it a lot but we'll trade it in a few years.

Now my review with the BEAST, yes the XT it is a BEAST.
Better visibility, I love the view from inside, you can see a lot in comparison to the CX5.
The huge, I mean HUGE sunroof and comparison to the small one on the CX5.
HUGE rear cargo.
Sport suspension (not the same one as the regular Forester) so the handling if much better, even te braking is superior to the one on the CX5.
The power is amazing at any giving time and the best part is that I get the same MPG in the city but in the Hwy I get better mileage on the XT , 29 MPG Vs 27 MPG on the CX5. Only neg is that requires premium gas, no biggie.

As far as someone complaining on the CVT transmission, I'll say this, it is flawless not hiccups.

On the steering wheel the XT comes with a couple of buttons like how to change your driving modes, I=intelligence mode ( that's the one I use 99% of the time) SI=Sport mode and "S# mode". It stands for Sport Sharp (the last one is the one that makes the BEAST).

The best deal is the XT premium not the Touring model. On the Premium you get the leatherette, power seat (driver).
On the Hwy, the XT is flawless, I can merge or pass vehicles with no problems. CX5 has less power.

Overall, I feel safer on the XT because the full time all wheel drive even thought I live in Fl (lots of crazy rain). We moved from Colorado to Florida, I bought the XT in CO and had it shipped to FL.

At the end, when it comes time to do a trade, I will do much better on the Forester XT than the CX5, A FACT!

Sorry for a long comments but those are my views. You can't go wrong with either vehicles, but like I mentioned in the beginning those two vehicles are a total different animal.

The AC on the XT is a little weaker in the Summer and the radio is OK but it sounds decent. And I wish the FXT had the side sensors Blind Spot Detection and a bigger rear camera screen.

I paid bout $26K for the CX5 and $25K for the XT. XT comes with leatherette, huge sunroof and I even got a $500 check from Subaru because I'm a loyal costumer. Yes I love Subaru.

Good luck with the purchase and let us know which vehicle you'll select.

 

[sbkim]

I seemed to recall slightly larger cubic ft rating for CX5 than Forester when the rear seats are up. Slightly bigger for the Forester when the seats are down. This was per Cars.com

Couple of things I would like to ask:

1) Is the trunk that much bigger?
2) how is the seat comfort vs cx-5

 

[ALafya]

Cargo volume CX-5 34.1/64.8 FXT 34.4/74.7
I think CX-5 did not get the '+' part of the Top Safety Pick for certain early units in 2013 and some 2014 (some late 2014 do get the +):
http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/vehicle/v/mazda/cx-5-4-door-suv/2014

Regarding muting the radio on 2016- models (I don't think you meant -2015 models), I don't see the problem. If you don't want to see mute on screen, just switch to a different screen or turn the screen off.

With Mazda's snow challenge, I now believe a CX-5 might be safer to drive, even in rainy conditions, because its AWD as well as stability control are smarter being predictive and because engagement of AWD is very smooth and with low latency, unlike competitors. However, except for my occasional light off road or on snow drives, I would not be buying AWD at all and instead only make sure I have proper tires. Even as is, I got AWD to satisfy Caltrans when driving over the Sierra.

I am sure the FXT does not have any more power in S# mode, only that it changes throttle response and shift points. Probably similar to sports mode in the CX-5. The FXT - 2008 MY was a real beast. A WRX wagon. It was considerably faster, more fun to drive and had no CVT.
Yes, power is nice, but in reality a cross-over is not the right vehicle to get more power and I don't think the CX-5 needs more power. Efficiency is more important with this type of vehicle. I believe I would not be getting such a good MPG with an FXT as you and I can easily get 30MPG on the highway. The FXT is rated 23/25/28.

However, unless you only care about straight lines, the CX-5 handles better than the Forester and also looks much better.

 

[Rarebit]

OP - I would be really interested to know what you finally decided or bought. Also Ignore these 2: Mike and UB. They are like twins - 1st. they fight and then you'll suddenly find them best of buddies.

I read and enjoy both of them. I don't always agree with either of them, but nobody said I'm always right. And nobody has said that about bmninada, either.

 

[CX5_Pete]

I seemed to recall slightly larger cubic ft rating for CX5 than Forester when the rear seats are up. Slightly bigger for the Forester when the seats are down. This was per Cars.com

Cargo volume CX-5 34.1/64.8 FXT 34.4/74.7

Last time at an autoshow, it looked like the forester had a bigger trunk, even though just going by numbers it didn't seem like that much of a difference. I was hoping since silverboy has both, maybe he can chime in, since he can compare them side by side.

 

[silverboy]

Cargo volume CX-5 34.1/64.8 FXT 34.4/74.7
I think CX-5 did not get the '+' part of the Top Safety Pick for certain early units in 2013 and some 2014 (some late 2014 do get the +):
http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/vehicle/v/mazda/cx-5-4-door-suv/2014

Regarding muting the radio on 2016- models (I don't think you meant -2015 models), I don't see the problem. If you don't want to see mute on screen, just switch to a different screen or turn the screen off.

With Mazda's snow challenge, I now believe a CX-5 might be safer to drive, even in rainy conditions, because its AWD as well as stability control are smarter being predictive and because engagement of AWD is very smooth and with low latency, unlike competitors. However, except for my occasional light off road or on snow drives, I would not be buying AWD at all and instead only make sure I have proper tires. Even as is, I got AWD to satisfy Caltrans when driving over the Sierra.

I am sure the FXT does not have any more power in S# mode, only that it changes throttle response and shift points. Probably similar to sports mode in the CX-5. The FXT - 2008 MY was a real beast. A WRX wagon. It was considerably faster, more fun to drive and had no CVT.


However, unless you only care about straight lines, the CX-5 handles better than the Forester and also looks much better.

ALafya, thanks for your comments. Regarding the radio, but you need to select something else like FM, Aux or CD, meaning the radio will always be on. Most of the time I play music from the USB so if I muted the radio it will continued to play music in the background. I just want a button to shut the radio, a very simple button.

The tires, I'm glad you mentioned it, I replaced the tires on both vehicles with better tires (rated high from tirerack.com).
BTW, my CX5 is also an AWD.
But trust me on the S# mode, the FXT it is a beast. Don't forget, you're talking about your FTX as a 2008 model and we are in 2016, better technology. And yes, it changes the throttle response but you cannot compered to the CX5 Sport mode, different animal, turbo Vs non turbo.

Also, I moved from Colorado (Subaru is king of the road) and I always felt the Subaru handled better on snow, specially in the mountains.
I knew I was moving to Fl but I wanted to keep the full time AWD for the crazy rain we get in Florida.

The beauty about car forums is that we can chat about different type of vehicles, what we like or not like about them.
Just my two cents

 

[silverboy]

(bow)(bow) Thank you silverboy for your thoughts. Extremely helpful to get perspective from a rare owner of both vehicles. This is going to be a tough call and I decided to wait out another year and see what 2017 or 2018 XT has in store. 2017 supposedly will have gen 3 eyesight with blind side monitoring, led lights, torque vectoring, quieter interior, and etc. Rumor also has it that new gen XT may show up as early as summer of 2017 featuring the new platform similar to that of Impreza.. And I am praying that Mazda would offer 2.5L T - yea, wishful thinking.

SBKIM, good catch on the new platform on the upcoming Forester model. I think it should be a safer/better platform. I can't wait to drive one.
Also, the 3 eyesight monitoring system is really good for the safety (I don't have it in mine) but it is very annoying. We bought a 2016 Subaru outback non turbo and we hated the system. Also the engine with the CVT was a disaster, no power. I didn't trust the Outback when passing other vehicles. In that matter the CX5 beats the non turbo Subaru engines in power and fun to drive.

The 3 eyesight monitoring system kept beeping every single time you went or move over the road lines. It got really annoying when we took a trip to New Mexico from Colorado. I would suggest to take a loaner for a full 24 hours to get the feeling of it.
And the 3 eyesight monitoring is only available on the Toruring edition. I'm not willing to pay an extra $3K-$4K for the full leather, 3 eyesight monitoring, fog lights and GPS, just my opinion.

I really doubt that Mazda will bring the 2.5 with a turbo, it would be a competition to the Mazda Speed 3. I remember when there where rumors about the CX5 with a diesel engine, I waited and nothing happened

Last time at an autoshow, it looked like the forester had a bigger trunk, even though just going by numbers it didn't seem like that much of a difference. I was hoping since silverboy has both, maybe he can chime in, since he can compare them side by side.

Honestly, the cargo space on the Subaru to me looks much bigger but let me explain, I believe it is because the shape of the back of it, it is almost square in comparison to the back of the CX5.
When I go to Home Depot I always use the Forester.
Maybe cubic feet is different but to me the Forester cargo space looks bigger.
Bottom line, take a Saturday afternoon and visit the stealerships and compered both vehicles. I like both but I do prefer the Forester XT.

I'll try to post both rear cargo spaces but I doubt you'll be able to see the difference from pictures.

Just my opinion folks.

 

[sbkim]

I agree - the trunk did look bigger and good point about how annoying these nanny systems can get. In my wife's car, it constantly emits radar signal that was driving her radar detector insane I know the eyesight uses camera but they can indeed get annoying. Case in point, during the test drive, I got too close to a car in front and felt the car pull back throttle even though I had it under control. I am sure it's the wave of the future Thanks

SBKIM, good catch on the new platform on the upcoming Forester model. I think it should be a safer/better platform. I can't wait to drive one.
Also, the 3 eyesight monitoring system is really good for the safety (I don't have it in mine) but it is very annoying. We bought a 2016 Subaru outback non turbo and we hated the system. Also the engine with the CVT was a disaster, no power. I didn't trust the Outback when passing other vehicles. In that matter the CX5 beats the non turbo Subaru engines in power and fun to drive.

The 3 eyesight monitoring system kept beeping every single time you went or move over the road lines. It got really annoying when we took a trip to New Mexico from Colorado. I would suggest to take a loaner for a full 24 hours to get the feeling of it.
And the 3 eyesight monitoring is only available on the Toruring edition. I'm not willing to pay an extra $3K-$4K for the full leather, 3 eyesight monitoring, fog lights and GPS, just my opinion.

I really doubt that Mazda will bring the 2.5 with a turbo, it would be a competition to the Mazda Speed 3. I remember when there where rumors about the CX5 with a diesel engine, I waited and nothing happened



Honestly, the cargo space on the Subaru to me looks much bigger but let me explain, I believe it is because the shape of the back of it, it is almost square in comparison to the back of the CX5.
When I go to Home Depot I always use the Forester.
Maybe cubic feet is different but to me the Forester cargo space looks bigger.
Bottom line, take a Saturday afternoon and visit the stealerships and compered both vehicles. I like both but I do prefer the Forester XT.

I'll try to post both rear cargo spaces but I doubt you'll be able to see the difference from pictures.

Just my opinion folks.

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

Personally I need a few more model years to mentally entertain that the Subaru oil consumption issues are behind them. Now some could be trolling but I have still seen a few reports of '15 and '16s with issues. The fact Subaru apparently lowered OCI intervals and some reports of dealers slightly overfilling oil at service times doesn't sit well with me. Those who turnover a new car 5 years or less probably a moot point since problem would be covered by warranty anyway. Long term I still have reservations about the brand.

 

[c7scayman]

Anyone cross shop with Forester XT? I prefer the way CX5 looks but drawn towards 2017 Forester XT with more powerful engine.

My wife and I did cross shop these cars in the past year along with the Ford Edge, Subaru Outback, Honda CR-V, and GMC Terrain.

Actually Subaru and Mazda were the only dealerships that let us do a 24 hour test drive where we took the CX-5 and the Subaru Outback and Forester home. We did not drive the XT, but we felt that the Forester's interior was very outdated and basic compared to every other car we tested. But it also had the best visibility making it the easiest to drive in tight spaces and the easiest to park.

The Mazda CX-5 is much newer than the Forester technology-wise and has a better interior, better looks, & better fuel economy. My wife and I ended up buying the luxurious Outback, but we were very close to getting the CX-5.

 

[silverboy]

I agree - the trunk did look bigger and good point about how annoying these nanny systems can get. In my wife's car, it constantly emits radar signal that was driving her radar detector insane I know the eyesight uses camera but they can indeed get annoying. Case in point, during the test drive, I got too close to a car in front and felt the car pull back throttle even though I had it under control. I am sure it's the wave of the future Thanks

Also, the 3 eyesight monitoring system on the Subaru gets disable when the road is covered with snow or if there is heavy rain. Also I heard some people were having issues when they used Rain X on the windshield.

Personally I need a few more model years to mentally entertain that the Subaru oil consumption issues are behind them. Now some could be trolling but I have still seen a few reports of '15 and '16s with issues. The fact Subaru apparently lowered OCI intervals and some reports of dealers slightly overfilling oil at service times doesn't sit well with me. Those who turnover a new car 5 years or less probably a moot point since problem would be covered by warranty anyway. Long term I still have reservations about the brand.

I totally agree with you, I noticed the oil issue and yes, the stealership overfilled the engine on the last oil change. And as long as I have a warranty I'm not concern, however there are other vehicles having the same oil issues, BMW is another that comes to mind. I had a 5 series sedan and didn't have any issues with the oil but the maintenance was crazy expensive.

 

[banjos-n-beer]

I still can't get past the fact that for years, Subaru thought it was okay to expect their customers to be fine/responsible with replacing their head gasket at ~90k miles.

My parents have a Forester, (can't recall the year), and they were just quoted about $2k for a new head gasket, water pump and timing belt.

 

[CC58]

I still can't get past the fact that for years, Subaru thought it was okay to expect their customers to be fine/responsible with replacing their head gasket at ~90k miles.

My parents have a Forester, (can't recall the year), and they were just quoted about $2k for a new head gasket, water pump and timing belt.

Make sure they replace the head gasket using turbo motor head gasket.
That is the fix to make sure it doesn't happen again.

 

[banjos-n-beer]

Make sure they replace the head gasket using turbo motor head gasket.
That is the fix to make sure it doesn't happen again.

I know the replacement is thicker, but don't know if its the turbo one or not. But life expectancy is supposed to be much greater.

 

[NelsonLewis]

I know the replacement is thicker, but don't know if its the turbo one or not. But life expectancy is supposed to be much greater.

Lower compression also.

 

[Unobtanium]

Then you have ring land location, etc. etc. etc.

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

Sorry... going off topic... I do have to confess I do own a Subaru..but not what you think. My '13 Polaris 550 XP ATV has a motor made by Fuji Heavy Industries...ok it is the parent company of Subaru but the OEM oil filter says Subaru all over it. I will never buy another quad without power steering.

 

[ALafya]

ALafya, thanks for your comments. Regarding the radio, but you need to select something else like FM, Aux or CD, meaning the radio will always be on. Most of the time I play music from the USB so if I muted the radio it will continued to play music in the background. I just want a button to shut the radio, a very simple button.

The tires, I'm glad you mentioned it, I replaced the tires on both vehicles with better tires (rated high from tirerack.com).
BTW, my CX5 is also an AWD.
But trust me on the S# mode, the FXT it is a beast. Don't forget, you're talking about your FTX as a 2008 model and we are in 2016, better technology. And yes, it changes the throttle response but you cannot compered to the CX5 Sport mode, different animal, turbo Vs non turbo.

Also, I moved from Colorado (Subaru is king of the road) and I always felt the Subaru handled better on snow, specially in the mountains.
I knew I was moving to Fl but I wanted to keep the full time AWD for the crazy rain we get in Florida.

The beauty about car forums is that we can chat about different type of vehicles, what we like or not like about them.
Just my two cents

Re: radio. Do you mean a pause button? I don't understand your problem. Press the mute button and radio (as in AM/FM radio) is not playing.

Re: Snow handling. See https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=mazda+ice+academy for yourself.
If you have extra time, see https://youtu.be/rPyRCkt1GHw and https://youtu.be/VuqjdcDvncs.
The system is simply smarter, more fast acting than the competition.

Re: FXT -2008 (which I never owned personally). These were something like a full second faster to 60, were lighter and with lower center of gravity. No comparison to current heavyset FXT with performance sapping CVT.

 

[Unobtanium]

Re: radio. Do you mean a pause button? I don't understand your problem. Press the mute button and radio (as in AM/FM radio) is not playing.

Re: Snow handling. See https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=mazda+ice+academy for yourself.
If you have extra time, see https://youtu.be/rPyRCkt1GHw and https://youtu.be/VuqjdcDvncs.
The system is simply smarter, more fast acting than the competition.

Re: FXT -2008 (which I never owned personally). These were something like a full second faster to 60, were lighter and with lower center of gravity. No comparison to current heavyset FXT with performance sapping CVT.

No kidding. I was bummed when I saw how much worse the new XT performed. What would happen if the c8 corvette came out and was a rule second slower in the quarter or to 60? Derp!