2022 Subaru Forester vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 BMW X5 was a testament to BMW's renowned craftsmanship, fitting seamlessly into the brand's SUV lineup. Its design was unmistakably BMW, from the signature kidney grille to its body shape, ensuring it stood out as a luxury SUV. However, this familiarity also meant it could blend in with other BMW models in a crowded parking lot. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights and a choice of matte aluminum or high-gloss black finishes, depending on the trim. The M Sport models added a sporty flair with body-coloured trims and larger wheels, enhancing its athletic appearance. Inside, the X5's interior was consistent with BMW's design language, featuring switches and displays familiar across the brand's range. While the interior was not lacking in quality, with leather and soft-touch materials, the abundance of black plastic was prone to collecting dust. The M Sport models offered unique interior styling, including an M sports steering wheel and exclusive trim strips.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality and practicality over flashy design. The Forester Wilderness model, with its white paint and dark grey interior, was equipped with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. The Wilderness trim featured a suspension lift and higher ground clearance, along with protective cladding and a matte-black hood decal, giving it a rugged appearance. Inside, the Forester's cabin emphasized function, with hard plastic and soft surfaces creating a durable and purposeful environment. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, though the presence of three display screens was less than ideal. Overall, the Forester's design was well-suited for those seeking a practical and capable SUV, even if it lacked the visual appeal of some competitors.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base xDrive40i model featured a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine producing 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque, with all-wheel drive as standard. The X5 M50i boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 engine, delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M reached 600 hp, increasing to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The new xDrive45e plug-in hybrid model combined a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine with a 24-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, and offering up to 50 kilometres of all-electric range. Despite its power, the X5's steering dynamics were less engaging than expected, with a tendency to wobble at higher speeds. The SUV's suspension provided a smooth ride, absorbing road imperfections effectively. Charging the plug-in hybrid was convenient, with a five-hour charge time on a Level 2 charger and a total driving range of approximately 600 kilometres.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. All models featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive, with the Wilderness model offering a 25% increase in initial torque supply. The CVT allowed for a towing capacity of up to 1,360 kilograms. The Forester's fuel consumption was rated at 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. While the engine was adequate at sea level, it felt sluggish at higher altitudes. The CVT's eight programmed ratios simulated an automatic transmission, and the SI-Drive system provided a more energetic response. The Forester's dual-function X-Mode system offered improved off-road capabilities, with settings for different surfaces and a new "standby" feature. The Wilderness model's re-tuned suspension and all-terrain tires enhanced its off-road performance, making it a compelling choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with well-placed cupholders and a wireless phone charging pad. The seating was comfortable for short trips, though the front seats could feel hard after extended periods. The rear seats provided ample space for children and two adults, with an optional third row available. The split liftgate was easy to operate, and the vehicle height adjustment feature facilitated loading heavy cargo. The X5's cargo area was spacious, though slightly reduced in the plug-in hybrid model. However, the rear doors did not open very wide, making it less convenient for moving children and cargo.

The 2022 Subaru Forester excelled in functionality, with easy entry and exit due to its tall seating hip points. The StarTex upholstery was water-resistant, and the Wilderness model included all-weather floor mats and a rubber cargo mat. The upgraded roof rails accommodated a dynamic load of 100 kilograms and a static load of 362 kilograms, allowing for a three-person roof tent. The Forester's interior offered high comfort levels, with excellent visibility and rear air conditioning vents. Storage space was decent, with various compartments and cupholders. The cargo area measured 818 litres without the sunroof and 762 litres with it, expanding to 2,101 litres with the rear seats folded. The Wilderness model included a full-size spare tire, enhancing its practicality for outdoor adventures.

The 2021 BMW X5 came equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The standard features included a digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, voice recognition, Bluetooth, five USB ports, navigation, HD Radio, satellite radio, automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and remote start. Optional upgrades included a head-up display, quad-zone climate control, a wireless smartphone charger, ventilated and massaging seats, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and premium audio systems. The iDrive system required some acclimatization but was user-friendly once familiar.

The 2022 Subaru Forester featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered an 8-inch screen with navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system. The Wilderness model included a 180-degree forward-view camera for off-roading. The test vehicle's navigation system was helpful, though a breadcrumb function would have been beneficial. The voice recognition system was inconsistent in its effectiveness.

The 2021 BMW X5 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had limitations, with issues in detecting stopped traffic and lane markings in certain conditions. The X5 received nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. Standard features included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. The Forester also featured a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. Limited and Premier trims included DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology for monitoring drowsiness and distraction. The Forester received a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, with a 4-star rating for rollover resistance. The IIHS had not yet rated the 2022 model, but it was expected to retain the 2021 model's "Top Safety Pick+" rating.