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Mazda CX-5Subaru Forester
Mandai score
7/10
7/10
Typical price
KSh 3,200,000
KSh 4,200,000
Years
2017-2023
2018-2023
Body type
Mid-size SUV
Mid-size SUV
Fuel
Petrol, Diesel
Petrol, Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic, CVT
Doors
5
5
Most popular trim
CX-5 2.2 XD L Package / 2.0 20S / 2.5 25S
Forester Touring / Sport / Premium / e-Boxer Advance
Dealer listings
None listed
None listed
Dimensions
Length
4,550 mm
4,625 mm
Width
1,840 mm
1,815 mm
Height
1,690 mm
1,730 mm
Wheelbase
2,700 mm
2,670 mm
Ground clearance
210 mm
220 mm
Boot space
506 L (1,620 L folded)
520 L (1,775 L folded)
Kerb weight
1,610 kg
1,570 kg
Seats
5
5
Specifications
Engine
2.2L SkyActiv-D Twin-Turbo Diesel / 2.5L SkyActiv-G
2.5L FB25 Direct Injection Boxer / 1.8L CB18 DIT Turbo
Power
190 hp (2.2D) / 188 hp (2.5L)
182 hp @ 5,800 rpm (2.5L) / 177 hp (1.8T)
Torque
450 Nm (2.2D) / 252 Nm (2.5L)
239 Nm @ 4,400 rpm (2.5L) / 300 Nm (1.8T)
Drivetrain
FWD or i-Activ AWD
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD)
0–100 km/h
8.2 sec
8.2 sec
Top speed
204 km/h
204 km/h
Fuel economy
Combined
19.5 km/L (2.2D) / 14.5 km/L (2.0L/2.5L)
14.2 km/L (2.5L) / 15.2 km/L (1.8T) / 17.0 km/L (e-Boxer)
City
16.0 km/L (2.2D) / 11.8 km/L (Petrol)
11.8 km/L (2.5L) / 12.5 km/L (1.8T) / 15.0 km/L (e-Boxer)
Highway
22.0 km/L (2.2D) / 16.8 km/L (Petrol)
16.8 km/L (2.5L) / 18.0 km/L (1.8T) / 18.5 km/L (e-Boxer)
Tank size
58 L (FWD) / 56 L (AWD)
63 L
CO₂ emissions
142 g/km
152 g/km
At a glance
Model
Mazda CX-5 (KF Series)
Subaru Forester (SK Series)
Production years
2017–2023
2018–2023
Body type
5-Door Mid-Size Crossover SUV
SUV / Crossovers
Seating capacity
5
5
Fuel types
Clean Diesel, Petrol
Petrol, e-Boxer Hybrid
Engine sizes
1,997 cc (2.0L) / 2,191 cc (2.2L Diesel) / 2,488 cc (2.5L)
1,795 cc (1.8T CB18) / 1,995 cc (2.0L e-Boxer) / 2,498 cc (2.5L FB25)
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
Automatic (Lineartronic CVT)
Drivetrain
FWD or i-Activ AWD
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD)
Ground clearance
210 mm
220 mm
Source market
UK / Japan (RHD)
Japan / UK (RHD)
Pros and cons
What’s good
- High 210 mm ground clearance handles unpaved roads and potholes easily.
- Sub-2,500 cc KRA import duty tax bracket advantage.
- Massive 450 Nm torque on 2.2L diesel.
- Class-leading 220 mm ground clearance: Conquers deep potholes, tall speed bumps, and rough upcountry tracks.
- Symmetrical AWD with Dual X-Mode: Exceptional mud, snow, and deep gravel traction.
- Sub-2,500 cc KRA tax advantage: All 1.8T, 2.0L, and 2.5L engines qualify for 25% excise tax rate.
What’s not so good
- Diesel DPF requires low-SAPS C3 oil.
- Firm ride on 19-inch L Package alloy wheels.
- Lineartronic CVT response: CVT engine revs during heavy highway mountain passes.
- EyeSight windshield camera care: Requires specialized recalibration if windscreen is replaced.