CX-5 small?! I think you mistook it for the CX-3 issit?
Subaru has got better safety with eyesight, better handling with AWD, higher fuel consumption. Forester priced very competitive unless you're going for the e-boxer, which will help with fuel consumption.
CX-5 safety features comes with higher trims I think?
For child seat, rear facing is required when child is required when they are under 6 months, after that depend on weight and height you can transit to normal car seat. You may wanna invest in those which can adapt as they grow.
Forester in terms of price makes the better choice, but CX-5 has got a premium feel to it. Sometimes car ownership isn't just about better money sense, most important thing is your feel when you see and drive it. Just test both extensively and buy the one you like.
When I sat in the CX5 driver seat, i already like it. The test drive didn’t disappoint and on the contrary is one of the torqueish drive I think. However, my spouse who sat at the back the entire time didn’t like the rear space. Obviously I was carried away by thinking I am buying this for myself to drive and enjoy before she reminded me is for the babies. Common sense sunk in. I measure the distance and compare against the rear facing child seat, to make it work, the front passenger will be very uncomfortable.
I am going to test drive forester to get a sense. Watched YouTube review and so far so good. Agreed decent budget, however the OMV is so low. Pros and cons but I do like the large windows and larger space. I hope the drive will be positive. Then I can cross the line.