Compare the2022 Subaru ForesterVS 2021 Mazda CX-3

Safety
Warranty
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Transmission and Drivetrain
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Subaru Forester have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Mazda CX-3 doesn’t offer pretensioners for the rear seat belts.

In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the Forester are reminded to check the back seat if they opened the rear door before starting out. The CX-3 doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

The Subaru Forester has a standard driver’s side knee airbag mounted low on the dashboard. The knee airbag helps prevent the driver from sliding under the seatbelts or the main frontal airbag; this keeps the driver better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. A knee airbag also helps keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The CX-3 doesn’t offer knee airbags.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The Forester (except Base/Premium) offers optional Reverse Automatic Braking that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The CX-3 doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the Forester. But it costs extra on the CX-3.

The Forester offers optional parking sensors to help warn the driver about vehicles, pedestrians or other obstacles behind or in front of their vehicle. The CX-3 doesn’t offer a front parking aid.

The Forester Touring’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The CX-3 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the Forester and the CX-3 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available blind spot warning systems and rear cross-path warning.

The Subaru Forester weighs 460 to 769 pounds more than the Mazda CX-3. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts. Crosswinds also affect lighter cars more.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Subaru Forester is safer than the Mazda CX-3:

	Forester	CX-3
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Neck Injury Risk	23%	27%
Neck Stress	326 lbs.	334 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Neck Injury Risk	31%	39%
Leg Forces (l/r)	105/93 lbs.	252/310 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Subaru Forester is safer than the Mazda CX-3:

	Forester	CX-3
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	66	183
Chest Movement	.6 inches	.8 inches
Abdominal Force	122 G’s	199 G’s
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Spine Acceleration	56 G’s	85 G’s
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	121	287

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard front crash prevention system, and its headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Forester its highest rating: “Top Pick Plus” for 2019, a rating granted to only 113 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The CX-3 is only a standard “Top Pick” for 2019.

Warranty

There are over 15 percent more Subaru dealers than there are Mazda dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Forester’s warranty.

Engine

The Forester’s 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 34 more horsepower (182 vs. 148) and 30 lbs.-ft. more torque (176 vs. 146) than the CX-3’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder.

As tested in Consumer Reports the Subaru Forester is faster than the Mazda CX-3:

	Forester	CX-3
Zero to 60 MPH	9.2 sec	9.6 sec
45 to 65 MPH Passing	4.6 sec	5.9 sec
Quarter Mile	17.2 sec	17.4 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	85 MPH	82.2 MPH

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the Forester lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability without compromising ground clearance. The CX-3 doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.

Fuel Economy and Range

In heavy traffic or at stop lights the Forester’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. The CX-3 doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The Forester has 4.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the CX-3 AWD’s standard fuel tank (16.6 vs. 11.9 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Forester has 3.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the CX-3 FWD’s standard fuel tank (16.6 vs. 12.7 gallons).

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Subaru Forester higher (6 to 7 out of 10) than the Mazda CX-3 (3 to 7). This means the Forester produces up to 24.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the CX-3 every 15,000 miles.

Transmission and Drivetrain

The Forester has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The CX-3 doesn’t offer a CVT.

The Forester has X-MODE, a true all-wheel-drive system, which uses a four wheel traction control system to redirect engine power to the axle and wheel that still has traction to keep the Forester moving if even only one wheel still has traction. The CX-3 doesn’t offer a true all-wheel drive system; it could get stuck while one or more wheels still have traction.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Forester’s brake rotors are larger than those on the CX-3:

	Forester	Forester Premium/Sport/Wilderness/Limited/Touring	CX-3	CX-3 AWD
Front Rotors	11.6 inches	12.4 inches	11 inches	11.6 inches
Rear Rotors	11.2 inches	11.2 inches	11.1 inches	11.1 inches

The Forester stops much shorter than the CX-3:

	Forester	CX-3
70 to 0 MPH	167 feet	181 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	130 feet	135 feet	Consumer Reports
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	138 feet	148 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Forester has larger tires than the CX-3 (225/60R17 vs. 215/60R16).

The Forester Sport/Limited/Touring’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the CX-3’s 60 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Forester has standard 17-inch wheels. Only 16-inch wheels are available on the CX-3. The Forester Sport/Limited/Touring has standard 18-inch wheels.

The Forester Wilderness has a standard full size spare tire so a flat doesn’t interrupt your trip. A full size spare isn’t available on the CX-3; it requires you to depend on a temporary spare, which limits mileage and speed before replacement.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Subaru Forester has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Mazda CX-3 has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The Forester has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the Forester flat and controlled during cornering. The CX-3’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Forester’s wheelbase is 3.9 inches longer than on the CX-3 (105.1 inches vs. 101.2 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Forester is 1.5 inches wider in the front and 1.8 inches wider in the rear than the track on the CX-3.

The Forester Touring handles at .83 G’s, while the CX-3 AWD pulls only .81 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For greater off-road capability the Forester has a 2.6 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the CX-3 (8.7 vs. 6.1 inches), allowing the Forester to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Forester Wilderness’ minimum ground clearance is 3.1 inches higher than on the CX-3 (9.2 vs. 6.1 inches).

Chassis

The front grille of the Forester uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The CX-3 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

Passenger Space

The Forester has 24.3 cubic feet more passenger volume than the CX-3 (111.9 vs. 87.6).

The Forester has 2.8 inches more front headroom, 1.6 inches more front legroom, 1.8 inches more front hip room, 4.7 inches more front shoulder room, 2.4 inches more rear headroom, 4.4 inches more rear legroom, 4.6 inches more rear hip room and 6.8 inches more rear shoulder room than the CX-3.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the Forester Premium/Sport/Wilderness/Limited/Touring’s rear seats recline. The CX-3’s rear seats don’t recline.

Cargo Capacity

The Forester has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the CX-3 with its rear seat up (28.9 vs. 17.8 cubic feet). The Forester has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the CX-3 with its rear seat folded (74.2 vs. 42.7 cubic feet).

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the Forester easier. The Forester’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 28.4 inches, while the CX-3’s liftover is 30.6 inches.

The Forester’s cargo area is larger than the CX-3’s in every dimension:

	Forester	CX-3
Length to seat (2nd/1st)	35.7”/73.1”	30.9”/58”
Max Width	51.5”	n/a
Min Width	43.3”	39.4”
Height	34.8”	26.6”

A control in the cargo area automatically lowers the Forester Touring’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The CX-3 doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Forester. The CX-3 doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the Forester (except Base) offers an optional power liftgate, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button. The CX-3 doesn’t offer a power liftgate.

Towing

The Forester has a 1500 lbs. towing capacity. The CX-3 has no towing capacity.

Standard Trailer Stability Assist on the Forester uses the Vehicle Dynamics Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The CX-3 doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Servicing Ease

The engine in the Forester is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the CX-3. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

Ergonomics

The Forester Premium/Sport/Limited/Touring has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The CX-3 doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

When five different drivers share the Forester Touring, the memory system makes it convenient for each of them. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position, outside mirror angle and climate settings. The CX-3 doesn’t offer a memory system.

The Forester Touring’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The CX-3 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Forester Premium/Sport/Wilderness/Limited/Touring’s front power windows open fully with one touch of the switches, and the driver’s window also automatically closes, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The CX-3’s passenger windows don’t open or close automatically.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the Forester Premium/Sport/Wilderness/Limited/Touring’s exterior PIN entry system. The CX-3 doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system.

The Keyless Access and Start standard on the Forester Premium/Sport/Wilderness/Limited/Touring allows you to unlock the driver’s door, cargo door and start the engine all without removing a key from pocket or purse. This eliminates searching for keys before loading groceries, getting in the vehicle in bad weather or making a hurried start to your trip. The Mazda CX-3’s Pushbutton Start doesn’t unlock the doors or the cargo door.

The Forester’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The CX-3’s power window (except driver window) and power mirror switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The Forester’s headlights were rated “Good” to “Acceptable” by the IIHS, while the CX-3’s headlights are rated “Acceptable.”

The Forester Premium/Sport/Wilderness/Limited/Touring’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. The CX-3 doesn’t offer heated side mirrors.

When the Forester Touring is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The CX-3’s mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.

The Forester’s optional rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The CX-3 offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The Forester Premium/Sport/Wilderness/Limited/Touring has standard heated front and second row seats (second row heated seats on Touring) extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated seats aren’t available in the CX-3.

On extremely cold winter days, the Forester’s optional (except Base/Premium/Sport/Wilderness) heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the vehicle heater warms up. The CX-3 doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The Forester Wilderness/Limited/Touring’s standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The CX-3 doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

Both the Forester and the CX-3 offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the Forester has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The CX-3 doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

Economic Advantages

Insurance will cost less for the Forester owner. The Car Book by Jack Gillis rates the Forester with a number “1” insurance rate while the CX-3 is rated higher at a number “8” rate.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Forester is less expensive to operate than the CX-3 because typical repairs cost much less on the Forester than the CX-3, including $9 less for front brake pads and $233 less for a power steering pump.

Recommendations

Both are recommended, but Consumer Reports® chose the Subaru Forester as its “Top Pick,” the highest scoring vehicle in its category, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Subaru Forester outsold the Mazda CX-3 by over 27 to one during the 2021 model year.