2020 Mazda CX-5 vs 2020 Subaru Outback

The 2020 Subaru Outback maintained its reputation for utility, safety, and performance, with a focus on incremental improvements. Built on Subaru’s Global Platform, it boasted a 70% increase in structural rigidity. The base 2.5-litre engine, though seemingly unchanged, featured 90% new parts, while higher trims offered a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine. Exterior changes were subtle, with noticeable updates to the head- and taillights. Inside, the Outback introduced an 11.6-inch touchscreen on all but the base trim, and innovative tech like DriverFocus, which used facial recognition to enhance driver safety. The Outback was available in seven trims, starting at an MSRP of $30,695, with features like heated front seats, keyless entry, and a suite of safety features.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 aimed to deliver a premium experience, with captivating style and substance. It featured more standard equipment, improved cabin instrumentation, and reduced noise and vibration. The turbocharged engine offered increased torque, and AWD models gained off-road traction assistance. Prices ranged from $27,950 to $41,900, with trims including GX, GS, GT, GT Turbo, and Signature. The Signature trim, tested at the highest price point, featured premium Nappa leather, real wood, and a black headliner, creating a luxurious interior. Despite its upscale appeal, the Caturra Brown leather was almost indistinguishable from the black cabin, reducing contrast.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered a 2.5-litre engine with 182 horsepower, a 7-hp increase over the previous year, and a fuel consumption rating of 9.0 L/100 km in the city, 7.1 on the highway, and 8.2 combined. The 2.4-litre turbocharged engine in XT trims delivered 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a CVT, tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission. Subaru’s symmetrical AWD system provided consistent power delivery and improved handling, with 22.1 cm of ground clearance for off-road capability. The Outback’s design offered a low centre of gravity, enhancing stability and reducing wear on components.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 featured a standard 2.5-litre engine with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The GT Turbo and Signature trims offered a turbocharged engine, producing 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular. The turbo engine was less efficient, with a combined rating of 9.8 L/100 km, compared to 9.3 L/100 km for the naturally aspirated engine with AWD. The CX-5’s G-Vectoring Control Plus technology enhanced driving dynamics, but excessive body motions detracted from the driving experience. Despite this, the CX-5 offered engaging steering and braking, making it enjoyable in typical driving situations.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered the functional benefits of a station wagon, with 920 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,144 litres with the rear seats folded. The increase in cargo space was due to a wider rear wheel area. The interior was spacious, with ample legroom and headroom, even for taller passengers. The Outback’s design prioritized visibility, though the rear quarters had a significant blind spot. The vehicle’s proportions contributed to better handling and reduced rollover risk.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5, while stylish and upscale, had a more cramped interior compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The CX-5’s interior featured elegant gauges and metallic accents, with heated front seats standard. GS trim added power-adjustable seats and a heated steering wheel, while GT trim included ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. The Signature trim offered Nappa leather and genuine wood trim. Cargo space measured 875 litres behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,687 litres with the seats folded. The CX-5’s interior was comfortable, though rear legroom was limited.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, offering a visually appealing and user-friendly interface. However, the system suffered from lag, affecting navigation, app usage, and even volume control. The camera resolution was also lacking, detracting from the overall experience. Despite these issues, the touchscreen had potential, with a large display and intuitive layout.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5’s Mazda Connect infotainment system aimed for an upscale impression, with a 7-inch touchscreen in GX trim, responsive only when stationary. The system included Bluetooth, HD Radio, and internet radio apps, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. GT trim added SiriusXM, a Bose sound system, and navigation, while GT Turbo featured an 8-inch touchscreen. Signature trim included a surround-view camera. The system required acclimation, with controls on the centre console and steering wheel, and voice recognition technology was unreliable. Mazda planned to update the system in 2021, addressing some operational issues.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered a comprehensive safety suite, with standard AWD and features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. However, the DriverFocus system was problematic, frequently issuing alerts without cause. Subaru’s EyeSight system, while standard, could be obstructed by environmental factors, leading to temporary deactivation. Despite these issues, the Outback maintained a strong safety reputation.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with standard ADAS features like smart city brake support, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. GS trim added adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The CX-5’s structural engineering and crash-test performance earned it a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The SUV received high marks in individual testing parameters, reinforcing its safety credentials.