2025 Subaru Forester vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2025 Subaru Forester underwent a noticeable visual transformation, focusing on a more streamlined and generic appearance. The styling changes were evident, with smoother lines and a less distinctive Subaru DNA. The Forester Sport model, which was tested, featured bronze trim accents, replacing the previous red, and 19-inch wheels, adding a mature touch. The vehicle maintained its large-greenhouse shape, but with geometric wheel arches and a more decisive window design. The interior saw improvements with the introduction of StarTex material in the Sport trim, offering easy cleaning and a cohesive look with the exterior accents. The cabin's design was more intentional, with structural dash elements that felt premium.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 exuded a luxury SUV vibe with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. The sculptural sheet metal created an interplay of light and shadow, contributing to its athletic appearance. Inside, the CX-90's interior was elegantly rendered with polished metallic trim and Nappa leather, offering an upscale feel. However, the ergonomics were a point of contention, with a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate controls. Despite these issues, the CX-90 maintained a sophisticated look and feel compared to other midsize three-row crossover SUVs.

The 2025 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-litre Boxer four-cylinder engine, producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. This was a slight increase in horsepower and a decrease in torque compared to the previous model. The Lineartonic CVT and Symmetrical AWD system were standard, providing a smooth driving experience. The Forester's X-Mode system, with Hill Descent Control, enhanced stability and traction on challenging terrains. The Sport trim's performance was stable and confident on various surfaces, although acceleration was not particularly brisk. Fuel economy was rated at 9.1 L/100 km in the city, 7.2 on the highway, and 8.2 combined.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 offered three powertrain variants, with the standard-output 3.3 Turbo generating 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. The high-output version delivered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft, or 340 hp with premium gas. The power was channelled through an eight-speed automatic transmission and an AWD system biased towards the rear wheels. The CX-90's towing capacity was 2,268 kg, and it featured multiple driving modes. However, the drivetrain lacked refinement, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behaviour. Fuel economy was rated at 9.3 L/100 km combined for the standard engine and 9.5 L/100 km for the high-output version. The plug-in hybrid offered 42 km of electric range and a 9.4 L/100 km combined rating once the battery was depleted.

The 2025 Subaru Forester introduced a hands-free power liftgate, increasing cargo space slightly to 779 litres with the rear seats up and 1,957 litres with them folded. The cargo area featured eight heavy-duty hooks, and the interior was designed with practicality in mind. Heated front seats were standard, with power-adjustable options available on higher trims. The Forester's interior was spacious, with a dark headliner to resist marks from pets and gear.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior, in Signature trim, featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a panoramic sunroof. However, the three-zone climate control system was slow to cool the cabin. The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable but lacked seat-track travel, making it challenging to install rear-facing child seats. The third row was best suited for children. The CX-90 offered 451 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,155 litres with the third row folded and 2,129 litres with the second row down. Storage space was limited, with an emphasis on style over practicality.

The 2025 Subaru Forester introduced an 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus infotainment system, standard on all but the base trim, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base model featured two 7-inch touchscreens with wired smartphone projection. Higher trims included a navigation system, an 11-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and additional USB ports. Subaru's Starlink connected services suite offered new capabilities for 2025.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The infotainment system was touch-sensitive only for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, requiring the use of a knob and buttons for the native Mazda Connect platform. The voice recognition system was subpar, but a new Google built-in infotainment system was expected in future models. The CX-90 included a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a head-up display, with blind-spot monitoring alerts.

The 2025 Subaru Forester offered Emergency Stop Assist, available on higher trims, which engaged if the driver became unresponsive. The EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technology was standard, with enhancements for 2025, including a wider field of view and an electric brake booster. The 2024 model received high safety ratings, and Subaru expected similar results for the 2025 version.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Higher trims added advanced features like steering assist and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90's driver aids were effective, though the speed reduction feature was irritating.