Compare the2025 Subaru ForesterVS 2025 Mazda CX-70

The Forester has standard Whiplash-Reducing Front Seats, which use a specially designed seat to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Whiplash-Reducing Front Seats system allows the backrest to travel backwards to cushion the occupants and the headrests move forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The CX-70 doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Subaru Forester achieved a “Good” rating - the highest possible - for its performance in forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, demonstrating its excellent capabilities in preventing collisions. The Mazda CX-70 has not been tested.

Both the Forester and the CX-70 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available blind spot warning systems, around view monitors, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Subaru Forester is safer than the Mazda CX-70:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Subaru Forester is safer than the Mazda CX-70:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

There are over 18 percent more Subaru dealers than there are Mazda dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Forester’s warranty.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Forester’s reliability 69 points higher than the Mazda CX-70 and 83 points higher than the Mazda CX-70 Plug-In.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Subaru vehicles are better in initial quality than Mazda vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Subaru above average in initial quality. With 49 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mazda is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Subaru vehicles are more reliable than Mazda vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Subaru first in overall reliability. Mazda is ranked 6th.

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the Forester lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability without compromising ground clearance. The CX-70 doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.

On the EPA test cycle the Forester gets better mileage than the CX-70 running its gasoline engine:

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Subaru Forester uses regular unleaded gasoline. The CX-70 PHEV requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Subaru Forester higher (6 out of 10) than the Mazda CX-70 (5 to 6). This means the Forester produces up to 6.9 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the CX-70 every 15,000 miles.

The Forester has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The CX-70 doesn’t offer a CVT.

The Forester stops shorter than the CX-70:

The Forester Sport handles at .82 G’s, while the CX-70 PHEV Premium Plus pulls only .80 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the Forester Premium/Limited Hybrid’s turning circle is 3 feet tighter than the CX-70’s (35.1 feet vs. 38.1 feet). The Forester’s turning circle is 2.7 feet tighter than the CX-70’s (35.4 feet vs. 38.1 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Forester has a greater minimum ground clearance than the CX-70 (8.7 vs. 8 inches), allowing the Forester to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Forester Wilderness’ minimum ground clearance is 1.1 inches higher than on the CX-70 Turbo S/PHEV (9.2 vs. 8.1 inches).

The Subaru Forester may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1250 to 1350 pounds less than the Mazda CX-70.

The Forester is 1 foot, 6.1 inches shorter than the CX-70, making the Forester easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Forester is 6.4 inches narrower on average than the CX-70, making the Forester easier to handle and maneuver in traffic.

The front grille of the Forester uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The CX-70 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Forester has 1.5 inches more front headroom, 1.6 inches more front legroom and .3 inches more rear headroom than the CX-70.

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the Forester easier. The Forester’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 28.9 inches, while the CX-70’s liftover is 31.2 inches.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Subaru service is better than Mazda. J.D. Power ranks Subaru third in service department satisfaction. With a 20% lower rating, Mazda is ranked 10th.

The Forester’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The CX-70’s power window (except driver window) switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

Compared to traditional radio, the Subaru Forester’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio is only offered on the CX-70 Premium.

Consumer Reports® chose the Subaru Forester as its “Top Pick,” the highest scoring vehicle in its category, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Subaru Forester outsold the Mazda CX-70 by almost 16 to one during 2024.