Mazda CX-70 vs Subaru Forester Hybrid

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 presented a sporty and upscale appearance, reminiscent of a sportier version of the CX-90. Its redesigned front and rear fasciae, unique grille insert, new wheels, and dark accents contributed to its appealing look, making it appear slightly smaller than its sibling. Inside, the CX-70 offered a distinct red leather interior option, setting it apart from the CX-90, which lacked this feature. The interior materials were of high quality, especially in higher trims, though some areas could benefit from softer touch materials to enhance the luxury feel. Despite its upscale appearance, the CX-70 didn't quite reach the refinement of luxury models, but its pricing made it a compelling choice for those seeking affordable luxury.

In contrast, the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid underwent a redesign that resulted in a more cohesive yet conventional look, losing some of its distinctiveness. Its blockier shape and rugged black plastic elements hinted at off-road potential, giving it a more robust appearance compared to its predecessor. Inside, the Forester retained some of its previous charm with a beveled dashboard and a large vertical infotainment touchscreen. The cabin featured a mix of hard plastics and soft-touch materials, with the front seats providing ample comfort and support. The hybrid model included heated outboard rear seats, enhancing passenger comfort. While some felt the Forester lost some personality, its new design aimed for broader appeal.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 offered a choice between a turbocharged 3.3-litre inline six-cylinder engine and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. The gas-only engine delivered 280 horsepower in the GS-L and GT trims, while the GT-P and Signature trims boasted 340 horsepower, requiring premium fuel. The PHEV combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a 68-kilowatt electric motor, producing 323 horsepower. The PHEV provided 42 kilometres of electric-only range and averaged 9.4 L/100 km in combined driving. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, with various drive modes for different conditions. The CX-70's handling was athletic, though the ride could be harsh on imperfect roads.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-litre flat four-cylinder engine paired with a parallel hybrid system, producing 194 horsepower. Its all-wheel-drive system used a traditional driveshaft for better traction. While acceleration was adequate, the hybrid transmission sometimes made it feel slower than it was. The ride quality was firm, but the Forester excelled off-road with its X-Mode drive programming and hill descent control. The hybrid system operated smoothly, with seamless transitions between electric and gas power. The Forester Hybrid offered a balanced combination of on-road comfort and off-road capability.

The Mazda CX-70 provided ample space for five passengers, with standard heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. Higher trims offered heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. The front seats were supportive but could benefit from adjustable side bolsters. Cargo space was generous, with 1,122 litres behind the rear seats and 2,132 litres with the seats folded. The CX-70 also offered various cargo-enhancing accessories, including roof-rail crossbars and a rooftop awning.

The Subaru Forester Hybrid impressed with its unimpeded forward view, thanks to thin roof pillars. The front seats offered ample space, and the rear seats provided generous legroom and headroom. A panoramic sunroof added to the sense of openness. The Forester Hybrid featured a wireless charging pad, though storage space was adequate but not generous. It offered 779 litres of cargo space, with a hands-free power liftgate and power remote seatback releases for convenience. The upright tail design allowed for bulkier items, and handy hooks kept groceries secure.

The Mazda CX-70 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment screen in most trims, with a 12.3-inch screen in the Signature trim. The infotainment system, Mazda Connect, offered touch-sensing capability only with the 12.3-inch screen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with a control knob and volume knob on the centre console. Alexa Built-in provided a conversational digital voice assistant, enhancing the experience. The CX-70 also included a 12-speaker Bose surround-sound system and an Active Driving Display.

The Subaru Forester Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch vertical infotainment touchscreen with built-in navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Starlink infotainment system featured large on-screen buttons and easy-to-navigate menus. Physical buttons flanked the screen for temperature adjustments, while the X-Mode off-road drive menu was accessible with a swipe. The Forester Hybrid also included an 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, providing a premium sound experience.

The Mazda CX-70 came equipped with the i-ActiveSense suite of advanced driving-assistance systems, including features like active blind-spot assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, and head-on traffic-avoidance assist. The GT-P trim added a Cruising & Traffic Support system with Unresponsive Driver Support, providing semi-autonomous driving assistance. While crash-test evaluations were not available, Mazda's track record suggested high safety ratings.

The Subaru Forester Hybrid earned five stars in NHTSA crash tests, except for rollover protection, where it received four stars. The IIHS awarded the non-hybrid model top scores, earning it a Top Safety Pick award. The Forester Hybrid featured Subaru's EyeSight suite of safety features, including frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. Additional features like rear automatic braking and blind spot monitoring were available on higher trims.