I have a 2015 Forester 2.5i Limited in my stable, along with a CX-9. We traded a CX-5 for the CX-9.
The Forester has far more cargo and passenger space. Also superior visibility. Ther are no more plastics in the Forester than in the CX-5, except maybe the new 2017. My 2013 CX-5 had plenty of plastic to go around.
The CX-5 will be quicker, but not better on gas. My Forester was always better than our CX-5.
It comes down to what you value. Asking which is better in a Mazda forum will get you a jaded result. I'm sure if you went to a Subi forum, you will hear the opposite of what you are hearing here.
Buy what you like better. Both are good cars. Do what makes you happy.
The Forester has far more cargo and passenger space. Also superior visibility. Ther are no more plastics in the Forester than in the CX-5, except maybe the new 2017. My 2013 CX-5 had plenty of plastic to go around.
The CX-5 will be quicker, but not better on gas. My Forester was always better than our CX-5.
It comes down to what you value. Asking which is better in a Mazda forum will get you a jaded result. I'm sure if you went to a Subi forum, you will hear the opposite of what you are hearing here.
Buy what you like better. Both are good cars. Do what makes you happy.