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Pick up to 3 cars to see how they stack up on score, price and specs.
Subaru ForesterMazda CX-5
Mandai score
7/10
7/10
Typical price
KSh 4,200,000
KSh 3,200,000
Years
2018-2023
2017-2023
Body type
Mid-size SUV
Mid-size SUV
Fuel
Petrol, Hybrid
Petrol, Diesel
Transmission
Automatic, CVT
Automatic
Doors
5
5
Most popular trim
Forester Touring / Sport / Premium / e-Boxer Advance
CX-5 2.2 XD L Package / 2.0 20S / 2.5 25S
Dealer listings
None listed
None listed
Dimensions
Length
4,625 mm
4,550 mm
Width
1,815 mm
1,840 mm
Height
1,730 mm
1,690 mm
Wheelbase
2,670 mm
2,700 mm
Ground clearance
220 mm
210 mm
Boot space
520 L (1,775 L folded)
506 L (1,620 L folded)
Kerb weight
1,570 kg
1,610 kg
Seats
5
5
Specifications
Engine
2.5L FB25 Direct Injection Boxer / 1.8L CB18 DIT Turbo
2.2L SkyActiv-D Twin-Turbo Diesel / 2.5L SkyActiv-G
Power
182 hp @ 5,800 rpm (2.5L) / 177 hp (1.8T)
190 hp (2.2D) / 188 hp (2.5L)
Torque
239 Nm @ 4,400 rpm (2.5L) / 300 Nm (1.8T)
450 Nm (2.2D) / 252 Nm (2.5L)
Drivetrain
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD)
FWD or i-Activ AWD
0–100 km/h
8.2 sec
8.2 sec
Top speed
204 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)
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)
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)
22.0 km/L (2.2D) / 16.8 km/L (Petrol)
Tank size
63 L
58 L (FWD) / 56 L (AWD)
CO₂ emissions
152 g/km
142 g/km
At a glance
Model
Subaru Forester (SK Series)
Mazda CX-5 (KF Series)
Production years
2018–2023
2017–2023
Body type
SUV / Crossovers
5-Door Mid-Size Crossover SUV
Seating capacity
5
5
Fuel types
Petrol, e-Boxer 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)
1,997 cc (2.0L) / 2,191 cc (2.2L Diesel) / 2,488 cc (2.5L)
Transmission
Automatic (Lineartronic CVT)
6-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD)
FWD or i-Activ AWD
Ground clearance
220 mm
210 mm
Source market
Japan / UK (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.
- 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.
- Diesel DPF requires low-SAPS C3 oil.
- Firm ride on 19-inch L Package alloy wheels.