What To Know
- The Forester gets an estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the CX-5 gets 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
- Based on the reliability ratings, common problems, and maintenance costs discussed above, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner in terms of reliability between the Subaru Forester and the Mazda CX-5.
- The Forester offers slightly better fuel economy and has a slightly lower maintenance cost, while the CX-5 has a slightly higher reliability rating and a more luxurious interior.
Reliability is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a new vehicle. Two popular compact SUVs known for their reliability are the Subaru Forester and the Mazda CX-5. In this blog post, we will delve into a comprehensive comparison of the Subaru Forester vs Mazda CX-5 reliability, examining their reliability ratings, common problems, and maintenance costs.
Reliability Ratings
Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester has consistently earned high reliability ratings from various organizations. For instance, J.D. Power has given the Forester an overall reliability score of 83 out of 100, placing it in the top 10% of its class. Consumer Reports also rates the Forester highly for reliability, with an average score of 4 out of 5.
Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 has also received impressive reliability ratings. J.D. Power awarded it an overall reliability score of 82 out of 100, while Consumer Reports gave it a score of 4 out of 5. These ratings indicate that the CX-5 is a reliable and dependable vehicle.
Common Problems
Subaru Forester
While the Forester is generally reliable, it has some reported common problems. These include:
- Oil leaks
- Transmission issues
- Brake problems
Mazda CX-5
The CX-5 also has some common problems, such as:
- Fuel pump failures
- Electrical issues
- Transmission problems
It’s important to note that these problems are not widespread and are typically limited to specific model years.
Maintenance Costs
Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester has average maintenance costs compared to other compact SUVs. According to RepairPal, the average annual maintenance cost for a Forester is around $576. This includes regular maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections.
Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 also has average maintenance costs. RepairPal estimates the average annual maintenance cost to be around $582. This is slightly higher than the Forester but still within the range of typical maintenance costs for compact SUVs.
Other Factors to Consider
Safety
Both the Subaru Forester and the Mazda CX-5 have received excellent safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Fuel Economy
The Subaru Forester has slightly better fuel economy than the Mazda CX-5. The Forester gets an estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the CX-5 gets 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
Interior Features
The Subaru Forester and the Mazda CX-5 offer similar interior features. Both vehicles have spacious cabins, ample cargo space, and user-friendly infotainment systems.
Which One is More Reliable?
Based on the reliability ratings, common problems, and maintenance costs discussed above, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner in terms of reliability between the Subaru Forester and the Mazda CX-5. Both vehicles have strong reliability records and are known for being dependable.
The Bottom Line
The Subaru Forester and the Mazda CX-5 are both excellent choices for those seeking a reliable compact SUV. The Forester offers slightly better fuel economy and has a slightly lower maintenance cost, while the CX-5 has a slightly higher reliability rating and a more luxurious interior. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
FAQ
Q: Which vehicle has a better overall reliability rating?
A: Both the Subaru Forester and the Mazda CX-5 have similar overall reliability ratings. J.D. Power gives the Forester a score of 83 out of 100, while the CX-5 receives a score of 82 out of 100.
Q: What are some common problems reported with the Subaru Forester?
A: Common problems with the Subaru Forester include oil leaks, transmission issues, and brake problems.
Q: Are the maintenance costs for the Mazda CX-5 higher than other compact SUVs?
A: No, the Mazda CX-5 has average maintenance costs compared to other compact SUVs. RepairPal estimates the average annual maintenance cost to be around $582.