Mazda CX-5 vs Subaru Forester safety ratings

Mazda CX-5 vs Subaru Forester safety ratings – Choosing a safe vehicle is paramount, and when comparing two popular SUVs like the Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Forester, a thorough examination of their safety features and ratings becomes essential. Both vehicles consistently receive high marks in various safety tests, but understanding the nuances of their safety technologies and performance in different crash scenarios can help you make an informed decision.

This comprehensive comparison delves into the safety aspects of both SUVs, analyzing their safety ratings, standard and optional safety features, and overall safety performance.

Safety Ratings: A Head-to-Head Comparison

Safety ratings from organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provide objective assessments of vehicle safety. Let’s examine how the Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Forester fare in these evaluations.

IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Contenders

Both the Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Forester frequently achieve the coveted IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, signifying excellent performance in various crash tests. However, the specific trims and model years achieving this designation may vary. It’s crucial to check the IIHS website for the most up-to-date ratings for the exact year and trim level you’re considering. Factors such as available optional safety packages can influence the final rating.

Key IIHS tests include:

• Small overlap front: Evaluates the vehicle’s structural integrity and occupant protection in a frontal collision involving a small area of the vehicle’s front end.
• Moderate overlap front: Assesses performance in a more common frontal collision scenario.
• Side: Tests the vehicle’s ability to protect occupants in a side impact collision.
• Roof strength: Measures the vehicle’s roof strength in a rollover scenario.
• Headlights: Evaluates the effectiveness of the headlights in providing adequate illumination.

NHTSA Five-Star Safety Ratings

The NHTSA uses a five-star rating system to assess vehicle safety performance. Both the Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Forester typically receive high overall safety ratings from the NHTSA, often achieving four or five stars across various crash test categories. Again, it’s crucial to consult the NHTSA website for the most current ratings for your specific model year and trim.

NHTSA’s rating categories include:

• Overall Vehicle Score: A combined score reflecting performance across all crash tests.
• Frontal Crash: Evaluates performance in frontal impact tests.
• Side Crash: Assesses performance in side impact tests.
• Rollover: Measures the vehicle’s resistance to rollovers.

Standard and Optional Safety Features: A Detailed Look

Beyond the overall safety ratings, a closer examination of standard and optional safety features reveals further distinctions between the Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Forester. Both offer a comprehensive suite of safety technologies, but their availability and specific features may differ across trims and model years.

Mazda CX-5 Safety Features

• Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC): Adaptive cruise control that maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead.
• Smart Brake Support (SBS): Autonomous emergency braking system.
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW): Alerts the driver if the vehicle drifts out of its lane.
• Lane Keep Assist (LKA): Gently steers the vehicle back into its lane.
• Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM): Warns the driver of vehicles in their blind spots.
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA): Alerts the driver of approaching vehicles when reversing out of a parking space.
• 360° View Monitor (optional): Provides a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle’s surroundings.

Subaru Forester Safety Features, Mazda CX-5 vs Subaru Forester safety ratings

• EyeSight Driver Assist Technology: Subaru’s suite of driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane keep assist.
• Automatic Emergency Steering (AES): Helps to avoid collisions by steering the vehicle away from obstacles (available on higher trims).
• Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB): Automatically applies the brakes to help avoid collisions when reversing.
• Blind Spot Detection (BSD): Similar to BSM in the Mazda CX-5.
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA): Similar to RCTA in the Mazda CX-5.
• Subaru STARLINK Safety and Security: Provides features like automatic collision notification and SOS emergency assistance.

Beyond the Numbers: Real-World Safety Considerations

While safety ratings and feature lists provide valuable information, real-world driving conditions and individual driving habits also play a crucial role in safety. Factors such as vehicle visibility, handling, and driver awareness contribute to overall safety performance. Test drives of both the Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Forester can provide valuable insights into their handling characteristics and overall driving experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: Which SUV is safer, the Mazda CX-5 or the Subaru Forester? A: Both vehicles generally receive high safety ratings, making it difficult to declare a definitive “safer” vehicle. The best choice depends on your individual priorities and preferences regarding specific safety features and technologies.
• Q: Do both SUVs offer autonomous emergency braking? A: Yes, both the Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Forester offer autonomous emergency braking systems as standard or optional features, depending on the trim level.
• Q: Which SUV has better headlights? A: Headlight performance varies by trim and model year. Check the IIHS website for the most up-to-date headlight ratings for the specific models you are considering.
• Q: How often are safety ratings updated? A: Safety ratings from organizations like IIHS and NHTSA are updated regularly as new models are released and testing procedures evolve. Always refer to the official websites for the most current information.
• Q: Are there any significant differences in rollover safety? A: While both vehicles perform well in rollover tests, specific results may vary depending on the model year and trim. Check the NHTSA website for the most current rollover ratings.

Conclusion: Mazda CX-5 Vs Subaru Forester Safety Ratings

Choosing between the Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Forester involves careful consideration of various factors, including safety. Both vehicles offer impressive safety ratings and a comprehensive suite of safety features. By reviewing the safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, comparing standard and optional safety features, and considering your personal driving habits, you can make an informed decision that prioritizes your safety and peace of mind.

References

• Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Call to Action

Ready to explore your options? Visit your local Mazda and Subaru dealerships for a test drive and discuss your safety priorities with their sales representatives. Prioritize safety and make an informed decision for your next vehicle purchase!

FAQ Compilation

What are the key differences in their driver-assistance systems?

The CX-5 and Forester offer similar driver-assistance features, but the specific implementations and available packages may differ. Research the exact options available for each model year to compare comprehensively.

How do their insurance ratings compare?

Insurance ratings can vary depending on the insurer and specific vehicle trim level. Check with your insurance provider for personalized quotes and comparisons.

Do both vehicles offer similar child safety features?

Both usually offer standard features like LATCH systems for car seats. However, specific features and ratings may vary; consult the manufacturer’s websites or safety organizations for detailed information.

Where can I find independent safety ratings?

The Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Forester frequently top safety ratings, but choosing between them often depends on individual needs. For drivers concerned about winter performance, considering which models offer superior all-wheel-drive capabilities in snowy conditions is crucial; a helpful resource for this is our guide on the best Mazda models for snowy climates. Ultimately, the best choice between the CX-5 and Forester hinges on a thorough comparison of their safety features and winter performance capabilities.

Organizations like the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) provide independent crash test ratings and safety assessments for both vehicles.