Compare cars
Pick up to 3 cars to see how they stack up on score, price and specs.
Subaru ForesterBMW X5Mazda CX-5
Mandai score
7/10
9/10
7/10
Typical price
KSh 4,200,000
KSh 6,800,000
KSh 3,200,000
Years
2018-2023
2017-2023
2017-2023
Body type
Mid-size SUV
–
Mid-size SUV
Fuel
Petrol, Hybrid
Petrol, Diesel, Plug-in hybrid
Petrol, Diesel
Transmission
Automatic, CVT
Automatic
Automatic
Doors
5
5
5
Most popular trim
Forester Touring / Sport / Premium / e-Boxer Advance
X5 xDrive30d M Sport / xDrive40i M Sport
CX-5 2.2 XD L Package / 2.0 20S / 2.5 25S
Dealer listings
None listed
None listed
None listed
Fuel and running cost
Trim
Subaru Forester 2.5L / 1.8T / 2.0L e-Boxer
Standard
Fuel consumption
17.0 km/L5.9 L/100km combined · about 1071 km a tank
14.2 km/L7.0 L/100km combined · about 1136 km a tank
19.5 km/L5.1 L/100km combined · about 1131 km a tank
Running cost
KSh 1,335 / 100 kmKSh 13 a km · KSh 13,351 for 1,000 km · petrol
KSh 1,598 / 100 kmKSh 16 a km · KSh 15,983 for 1,000 km · petrol
KSh 1,168 / 100 kmKSh 12 a km · KSh 11,680 for 1,000 km · diesel
Dimensions
Length
4,625 mm
4,922 mm
4,550 mm
Width
1,815 mm
2,004 mm
1,840 mm
Height
1,730 mm
1,745 mm
1,690 mm
Wheelbase
2,670 mm
2,975 mm
2,700 mm
Ground clearance
220 mm
214 mm
210 mm
Boot space
520 L (1,775 L folded)
650 L (5-seater expanded to 1,870 L)
506 L (1,620 L folded)
Kerb weight
1,570 kg
2,110 kg
1,610 kg
Seats
5
5 or 7
5
Specifications
Engine
2.5L FB25 Direct Injection Boxer / 1.8L CB18 DIT Turbo
3.0L B57 TwinPower Diesel / 3.0L B58 Turbo Petrol
2.2L SkyActiv-D Twin-Turbo Diesel / 2.5L SkyActiv-G
Power
182 hp @ 5,800 rpm (2.5L) / 177 hp (1.8T)
265 hp (30d) / 340 hp (40i) / 523 hp (M50i)
190 hp (2.2D) / 188 hp (2.5L)
Torque
239 Nm @ 4,400 rpm (2.5L) / 300 Nm (1.8T)
620 Nm (30d) / 450 Nm (40i) / 750 Nm (M50i)
450 Nm (2.2D) / 252 Nm (2.5L)
Drivetrain
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD)
Intelligent xDrive AWD
FWD or i-Activ AWD
0–100 km/h
8.2 sec
4.3 sec (M50i) – 6.5 sec (30d)
8.2 sec
Top speed
204 km/h
230 km/h – 250 km/h
204 km/h
Fuel economy
Combined
14.2 km/L (2.5L) / 15.2 km/L (1.8T) / 17.0 km/L (e-Boxer)
14.2 km/L (xDrive30d) / 11.0 km/L (xDrive40i)
19.5 km/L (2.2D) / 14.5 km/L (2.0L/2.5L)
City
11.8 km/L (2.5L) / 12.5 km/L (1.8T) / 15.0 km/L (e-Boxer)
11.5 km/L (xDrive30d) / 8.8 km/L (xDrive40i)
16.0 km/L (2.2D) / 11.8 km/L (Petrol)
Highway
16.8 km/L (2.5L) / 18.0 km/L (1.8T) / 18.5 km/L (e-Boxer)
16.5 km/L (xDrive30d) / 13.2 km/L (xDrive40i)
22.0 km/L (2.2D) / 16.8 km/L (Petrol)
Tank size
63 L
80 L
58 L (FWD) / 56 L (AWD)
CO₂ emissions
152 g/km
175 g/km (30d) / 200 g/km (40i)
142 g/km
At a glance
Model
Subaru Forester (SK Series)
BMW X5 (F15 / G05 Series)
Mazda CX-5 (KF Series)
Production years
2018–2023
2017–2023
2017–2023
Body type
SUV / Crossovers
5-Door Luxury Executive SUV
5-Door Mid-Size Crossover SUV
Seating capacity
5
5 or 7
5
Fuel types
Petrol, e-Boxer Hybrid
Clean Diesel, Petrol, Plug-In Hybrid
Clean Diesel, Petrol
Engine sizes
1,795 cc (1.8T CB18) / 1,995 cc (2.0L e-Boxer) / 2,498 cc (2.5L FB25)
2,993 cc (3.0L Diesel) / 2,998 cc (3.0L Petrol) / 4,395 cc (4.4L V8)
1,997 cc (2.0L) / 2,191 cc (2.2L Diesel) / 2,488 cc (2.5L)
Transmission
Automatic (Lineartronic CVT)
8-Speed Steptronic Sport Automatic
6-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD)
Intelligent xDrive AWD
FWD or i-Activ AWD
Ground clearance
220 mm
214 mm
210 mm
Source market
Japan / UK (RHD)
UK / Japan (RHD)
UK / Japan (RHD)
Pros and cons
What’s good
- 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.
- Massive low-end diesel torque: 620 Nm output delivers effortless highway overtaking power.
- High 214 mm ground clearance: Easily tackles unpaved estate tracks and deep upcountry ruts.
- Optional 3rd row / 7-seater layout: Provides extra seating versatility for larger family transfers.
- 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.
What’s not so good
- Lineartronic CVT response: CVT engine revs during heavy highway mountain passes.
- EyeSight windshield camera care: Requires specialized recalibration if windscreen is replaced.
- High KRA customs valuation: 3.0L+ engines trigger the 35% excise duty tax bracket.
- Wide 2.0-meter body width: Requires extra care when parking in narrow commercial bays.
- Diesel DPF requires low-SAPS C3 oil.
- Firm ride on 19-inch L Package alloy wheels.