Verdict
At RM134,469, the CKD Mazda CX-5 costs RM88,220 less than the RM222,689 CBU Subaru Forester, while its annual road tax is RM439 against RM838. That is a huge saving for a buyer who can live with front-wheel drive, 162 hp and a 442-litre boot. The Forester’s 182 hp, 247 Nm and all-wheel drive cut the 0-100 km/h time to 9.7 seconds, versus 10.4 seconds, and it brings a 496-litre boot plus autonomous braking, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. The Mazda remains the rational buy; the Subaru is the more fully equipped one.
Pick the Mazda CX-5 if RM88,220 in upfront savings, a 2,700-mm wheelbase, navigation and four USB ports matter more than all-wheel drive and advanced driver assistance.
Pick the Subaru Forester if you want all-wheel drive, 182 hp, a 496-litre boot and autonomous braking with adaptive cruise control.
Key differences
- Price: Mazda CX-5 RM134,469; Subaru Forester RM222,689.
- Output: Mazda CX-5 162 hp and 213 Nm; Subaru Forester 182 hp and 247 Nm.
- Driveline and acceleration: Mazda CX-5 front-wheel drive and 10.4 seconds 0-100 km/h; Subaru Forester all-wheel drive and 9.7 seconds.
- Boot space: Mazda CX-5 442 litres; Subaru Forester 496 litres.
- Wheels: Mazda CX-5 17-inch alloys with 225/65R17 tyres; Subaru Forester 18-inch alloys with 225/55R18 tyres.
- Road tax: Mazda CX-5 RM439 per year; Subaru Forester RM838 per year.
CX-5
- RM88,220 lower purchase price.
- Longer 2,700-mm wheelbase.
- Navigation and four USB ports.
- Front-wheel drive versus the Forester’s all-wheel drive.
- No autonomous braking, blind-spot monitoring or collision warning.
- Manual front-seat adjustment versus powered front seats with driver memory.
Forester
- All-wheel drive with SI-Drive and X-Mode.
- 182 hp and 247 Nm, with a 9.7-second 0-100 km/h time.
- Autonomous braking, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control with stop and go.
- RM88,220 higher purchase price.
- Annual road tax is RM838, versus RM439.
- No navigation and only two USB ports, against the CX-5’s four.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM134,469✓ | RM222,689 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM439✓ | RM838 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing | 16-Valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 2,498 cc |
| Horsepower | 162 hp | 182 hp✓ |
| Torque | 213 Nm | 247 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 83.5 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 13 | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | SkyActiv-Drive with Manual Shift and Sport mode | Lineartronic |
| Gears | 6 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Mazda | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 10.4 seconds | 9.7 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 176 km/h | 205 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,550 mm | 4,655 mm |
| Width | 1,840 mm | 1,830 mm |
| Height | 1,675 mm | 1,730 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,700 mm | 2,670 mm |
| Weight | 1,588 kg | 1,643 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 56 litres | 63 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 442 litres | 496 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 225/65R17 | 225/55R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/65R17 | 225/55R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Continental CrossContact LX Sport | Falken Ziex ZE001A A/S |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Double Wishbones |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 18" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 18" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) |
| Chassis Notes | — | SI-Drive and X-Mode |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Driver's Knee & Front Passenger Seat Cushion, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for rear doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 three-point | 5 three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for two outer rear passenger seats | Available for Two Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats Only | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | 10-way power adjustable driver with memory, 8-way powered adjustment front passenger |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear AC vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 4 USB, 1 Wireless Charger | 1 Front, 2 USB Front, 1 Wireless Charger |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 8.0" Display Audio Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 6 Speakers | 11.6" HD Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Driver and Front Passenger Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Digital/Analogue | Backlit Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used CX-5 & Forester for sale
CX-5 vs Forester FAQ
Is the Mazda CX-5 or Subaru Forester better?
The Mazda CX-5 is the better value choice, costing RM88,220 less. The Subaru Forester is better equipped for buyers needing all-wheel drive, a larger 496-litre boot and driver-assistance features including autonomous braking.
What is the price difference?
The Subaru Forester costs RM88,220 more than the Mazda CX-5: RM222,689 versus RM134,469. Its annual road tax is also RM399 higher, at RM838 versus RM439.
Which has better safety equipment?
The Subaru Forester has the stronger safety kit. Both have airbags, ABS/EBD and stability control, but the Forester adds autonomous braking, collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, steering correction and reminders for all seat belts.