Verdict
At RM200,510, the Mazda CX-60 costs RM22,179 less than the RM222,689 Subaru Forester, yet has 189 hp and 261 Nm against 182 hp and 247 Nm. Its 570-litre boot and 2,870-mm wheelbase also beat the Subaru’s 496 litres and 2,670 mm. The Forester answers with all-wheel drive, a 63-litre tank and a space-saver spare, where the Mazda is rear-wheel drive, has 58 litres and does not list a spare tyre. For most Malaysian buyers, the Mazda’s lower entry price, head-up display and panoramic sunroof make it the stronger buy.
Pick the Mazda CX-60 if you want more power, a larger 570-litre boot and more equipment for RM22,179 less.
Pick the Subaru Forester if all-wheel drive, a 63-litre fuel tank and a space-saver spare matter more than outright value.
Key differences
- Price: Mazda CX-60 RM200,510; Subaru Forester RM222,689.
- Power: Mazda CX-60 189 hp; Subaru Forester 182 hp.
- Torque: Mazda CX-60 261 Nm; Subaru Forester 247 Nm.
- Wheelbase: Mazda CX-60 2,870 mm; Subaru Forester 2,670 mm.
- Boot space: Mazda CX-60 570 litres; Subaru Forester 496 litres.
- Fuel tank: Mazda CX-60 58 litres; Subaru Forester 63 litres.
CX-60
- 189 hp and 261 Nm, ahead of the Forester’s 182 hp and 247 Nm.
- 570-litre boot and 2,870-mm wheelbase.
- Head-up display, panoramic sunroof and 12-speaker Bose audio.
- Rear-wheel drive versus the Forester’s all-wheel drive.
- 58-litre fuel tank versus 63 litres.
- No listed spare tyre; the Forester has a space-saver spare.
Forester
- All-wheel drive with SI-Drive and X-Mode.
- 63-litre fuel tank and a space-saver spare tyre.
- 50 kg lighter at 1,643 kg.
- RM22,179 more expensive than the CX-60.
- 496-litre boot is 74 litres smaller than the Mazda’s.
- 182 hp and 247 Nm trail the Mazda’s 189 hp and 261 Nm.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM200,510✓ | RM222,689 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM830✓ | 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 | 2,488 cc | 2,498 cc |
| Horsepower | 189 hp✓ | 182 hp |
| Torque | 261 Nm✓ | 247 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 89 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 13 | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 8-speed Automatic | Lineartronic |
| Gears | 8 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Mazda | — |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 9.6 seconds✓ | 9.7 seconds |
| Top Speed | 200 km/h | 205 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,740 mm | 4,655 mm |
| Width | 1,890 mm | 1,830 mm |
| Height | 1,680 mm | 1,730 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,870 mm | 2,670 mm |
| Weight | 1,680 kg | 1,643 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 58 litres | 63 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 570 litres✓ | 496 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/50R20 | 225/55R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/50R20 | 225/55R18 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Toyo Proxes Sport | Falken Ziex ZE001A A/S |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Double Wishbones |
| Front Wheels | 20" Alloy | 18" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 20" 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's Knee | 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 second row seats | Available for Two Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Adaptive LED Projector with Auto High Beam | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Full LED | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Side Memory Function | 10-way power adjustable driver with memory, 8-way powered adjustment front passenger |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding, Manual Recline | 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 |
| Sunroof | Panoramic Sunroof | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear | 1 Front, 2 USB Front, 1 Wireless Charger |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Sunroof Shade | — |
| Audio | 12.3" Mazda Connect Display with Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 12-speaker Bose Sound System | 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 with Walk-away Auto Lock | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control with Stop and Go | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Powered with Remote Control Activation | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with 360-degree Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Backlit Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 5-year/100,000 km free service | — |
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-60 & Forester for sale
CX-60 vs Forester FAQ
Is the Mazda CX-60 or Subaru Forester better?
The Mazda CX-60 is the better buy for its lower price, stronger 189 hp/261 Nm output, larger 570-litre boot and longer 2,870-mm wheelbase. Choose the Subaru Forester if all-wheel drive and a spare tyre are priorities.
What is the price difference?
The Subaru Forester costs RM22,179 more than the Mazda CX-60.
Which SUV has more luggage space?
The Mazda CX-60 has the larger boot at 570 litres, compared with 496 litres in the Subaru Forester. That is a 74-litre advantage for the Mazda.