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I would buy the AWD Masda with the bigger motor and a 6-sped manual transmission. But that's me since I love driving manual, and am no fond of gasoline turbo motors.
I'm facing the same dilemma. I'm planning to decide within six weeks (awiting a test drive of the XT when they come out in March). I did test-drive the 2014 2.5 last week and I was quite impressed. Gas milage slightly better witht the CX-5, as well as the styling and interior. The price very much the same (2.5 Grand touring/2.0 XT around 27/28K out the door?), but Mazda certainly has a better look in my opinion (though the 2.0 XT has upgraded it's looks). I've heard that the AWD and the longevity (200,000 mile potential) of the Forester (and quite possibly the retained value) would be better. Can someone help me too, lol?
I think if the primary use is going to be more or less local driving, then it comes down to personal preference over which one you like better. If the drive is going to involve a long commute, then I think the CX-5 has the edge. This is so personal prefernce though as the two are quite similar. Long term reliability and resale goes to the Subaru, but better material quality and design execution goes to the CX-5. AWD is nice to have and Subaru's is excellent, but it is something most people realistically have no use for and I wouldn't take the MPG trade off of having it on a 100 mile commute just for the occasional benefit.
One thing that pushed me towards AWD is the fact that I've gotten stuck at the office twice while the snow started piling up. One of those times the roads were so impassible I ended up in a motel. So while I theoretically could gt a FWD version and save a little on gas, I probably won't do so. Much as one might try to stay off the roads in "weather" sometimes it's just impossible...
Getting an SUV, of course, is simply self-defense against the other SUVs on the highway that all seem dead set on shining their headlights dead into my side mirrors and blinding me.
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