2025 Mazda CX-70 vs 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 presented a sporty and appealing design, reminiscent of a sport appearance package for the CX-90. With redesigned front and rear fasciae, a unique grille insert, new wheels, and dark accents, the CX-70 managed to look slightly smaller than its CX-90 counterpart. Inside, the differences were subtle, with the CX-70 offering a red leather interior option not available in the CX-90. The SUV featured quality materials, especially in higher trims, though it lacked some luxury touches like soft-touch lower dashboard panels. Despite this, the CX-70 offered an upscale feel for its price range, with configurations including 3.3 Turbo, 3.3 Turbo S, and PHEV, and prices ranging from $41,910 to $58,905.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid debuted with a more cohesive design, albeit losing some of its distinctiveness. Its blockier shape and rugged appearance, with black plastic elements, gave it a fun-sized Ford Explorer look. The hybrid model closely mirrored its non-hybrid sibling, with subtle badges and an optional contrasting black roof on the top Touring trim. 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 and soft-touch materials, with ample cushioning in the front seats and heated outboard rear seats in the top trim. While some felt the Forester lost personality, it gained mass appeal.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 offered a range of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline six-cylinder engine in the Turbo models, producing 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. The Turbo S variant increased output to 340 hp and 369 lb-ft, requiring premium fuel. Both models achieved an estimated 25 mpg in combined driving, aided by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The PHEV version combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a 68-kilowatt electric motor, delivering 323 hp and 369 lb-ft, with a 26-mile electric-only range. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD, with various drive modes. The CX-70 excelled in handling, though the ride could be harsh on imperfect surfaces. The Turbo S averaged 23.5 mpg, while the PHEV achieved 30.8 mpg, including a full battery charge.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid utilized a 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder engine paired with a parallel hybrid system, producing 194 horsepower. The AWD system combined hybrid components with a traditional driveshaft, enhancing traction and off-road capability. Acceleration was adequate, though the hybrid transmission made it feel slower than it was. The hybrid system operated smoothly, with seamless transitions between electric and gas power. The Forester Hybrid offered a firm ride, with larger wheels contributing to some jostling over moderate road undulations. Off-road, the Forester excelled with X-Mode drive programming and hill descent control, providing a balanced performance for both urban and adventurous drivers.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 provided ample space for five passengers, with standard heated front seats and a triple-zone automatic climate control system. Premium Plus trims added heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The front seats offered firm support, though adjustable side bolsters and massagers would enhance comfort. Storage was limited to door panel bins and center console cupholders, with a wireless charging shelf available. Cargo space was generous, with 39.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 75.3 cu-ft with them folded. Mazda offered various cargo-enhancing accessories, including roof-rail crossbars and a rooftop awning.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid impressed with its unimpeded forward view, thanks to thin front roof pillars. The front seats provided ample space, and the cockpit felt open and airy. Rear seats offered generous legroom and headroom, with a panoramic sunroof enhancing the sense of space. Storage included a wireless charging pad, cup holders, and door pockets, though the charging pad's hard surface allowed phones to slide. The Forester Hybrid offered 27.5 cubic feet of cargo space, with a hands-free power liftgate and power remote seatback releases for convenience. An optional digital rearview mirror maintained visibility when the cargo area was loaded.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment screen, with touch-sensing capability for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Mazda Connect system, controlled via a center console knob, was graphically pleasing and logically laid out. Alexa Built-in improved voice recognition, and the system paired easily with smartphones. Most models included a 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system, delivering excellent audio quality. An Active Driving Display and camera-based digital rearview mirror were available, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch vertical infotainment touchscreen, featuring built-in navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Starlink system received praise for its large on-screen buttons and intuitive menus. Physical buttons flanking the screen allowed for easy temperature adjustments. The X-Mode off-road drive menu and external camera views aided off-road driving. Additional tech features included a WiFi hotspot and an 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio system in higher trims.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 came standard with the i-ActiveSense suite of advanced driving-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and emergency lane-keeping assist. Premium trims added semi-autonomous steering-assistance features and a Cruising & Traffic Support system with Unresponsive Driver Support. The CX-70 received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid earned five stars in NHTSA crash tests, except for rollover protection, where it received four stars. The non-hybrid model received high marks from the IIHS, earning a Top Safety Pick award. The Forester Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight suite of safety features, with frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. The systems functioned well, with the option to disable audible lane-keep assist warnings.