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We drove a $32,000 Subaru Forester and a $35,000 Mazda CX-5 to see which one is the better compact SUV. Here's the verdict

First up is the Mazda CX-5.
First up is the Mazda CX-5.

Compact crossovers are the hottest thing going these days. According to data compiled by Kelley Blue Book, compact crossovers and SUVs accountfor roughly one in every five cars sold this year.

The Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Nissan Rogue lead the way in sales and account for more than 35% of the segment. Over the first 11 months of 2018, the trio accounted for roughly one million cars sold just in the US.

Not far behind is the second tier of contenders led by industry heavyweights likes the Subaru Forester and Mazda CX-5.

Read more : We drove a $40,000 Jeep Cherokee SUV to see if the American icon is still one of the best in the business — here's the verdict .

The second-generation Mazda CX-5 debuted for the 2017 model year and has been popular with both critics and customers. In fact, CX-5 sales through November are up more than 20% over 2017.

Subaru is back with a new fifth-generation Forester for the 2019 model year. During its first full month on the market in October, the 2019 model pushed Forester sales up 19% over the previous year.

This year, Business Insider had the chance to experience a 2018 Mazda CX-5 in top-spec Grand Touring trim and a 2019 Subaru Forester in mid-grade Sport trim.

Recently, the 2018 Mazda CX-5 beat out the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan in a comparison . But how will the Mazda stack up against the Subaru Forester?

Let's take a closer look.

See the rest of the story at Business Insider

See Also:

SEE ALSO: The glorious history of the Ford F-Series truck, America's best selling vehicle for 36 years

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