2022 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 was a departure from the trend of sharply creased designs, opting instead for a sleek and smooth aesthetic that exuded a sense of motion even when stationary. While it didn't boast the aggressive styling of some competitors, it took the familiar Mazda design language in a more refined direction. The base model featured practical elements like automatic LED headlights and rain-sensing wipers, while higher trims added luxurious touches such as leatherette seats and a power liftgate. The top-tier Signature model elevated the CX-5 to a premium level with Nappa leather seats and genuine wood trim, rivaling luxury brands in terms of interior quality and design execution.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness pushed the boundaries of the traditional station wagon, offering a rugged, Jeep-like appearance with its increased ground clearance and aggressive all-terrain tires. The Wilderness trim featured unique design elements like a matte black hood decal and Anodized Copper accents, enhancing its adventurous persona. Inside, the cabin was dominated by dark gray and black tones, with water-repellant StarTex upholstery providing practicality for outdoor enthusiasts. The Outback Wilderness stood out with its robust roof rack and exclusive Geyser Blue paint, making it a distinctive choice for those seeking a vehicle with off-road capabilities and a bold design.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options, both delivering commendable performance. The base engine was a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available. The turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, available on higher trims, delivered a more spirited 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, providing a thrilling driving experience, especially in Sport mode. Fuel efficiency varied, with the most economical FWD model achieving 9.7 L/100 km in the city and 7.8 on the highway. The turbocharged AWD version was slightly less efficient but still competitive within its class.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-litre Boxer engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided ample power for the midsize crossover, with a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. Fuel efficiency was reasonable, with an average of 11.0 L/100 km on a mountainous route. The Outback's CVT, while functional, lacked the engagement of a dual-clutch transmission, detracting slightly from the driving experience. However, the Wilderness trim excelled off-road, thanks to its increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and advanced traction systems, making it the most capable Outback for adventurous drivers.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered a comfortable and stylish interior, though rear legroom was somewhat limited for taller passengers. The SUV featured straightforward climate controls and a traditional shifter, though the latter took up more space than modern electronic alternatives. Cargo space was below average for the segment, with 875 litres behind the second row and 1,687 litres with the seats folded. Despite this, the CX-5 provided a premium feel with its high-quality materials and design.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured practical StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The interior offered generous rear seat space and a well-designed cargo area, with 920 litres available behind the rear seats and 2,144 litres with them folded. The Outback's robust roof rack and waterproof cargo features made it ideal for outdoor adventures, while the dual-zone climate control ensured comfort in various conditions.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, though its operating system was less intuitive than competitors. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the lack of physical tuning knobs and the screen's positioning made it less user-friendly.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen with integrated climate control. While physical knobs were provided for volume and tuning, the touchscreen was necessary for most functions. Voice recognition was limited, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered better alternatives. The lack of a premium sound system was a notable omission for the target demographic.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, underscoring its strong safety credentials.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with the EyeSight suite, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and more. Its steering-responsive LED headlights and blind-spot warning system enhanced safety. While crash-test results for the Wilderness were unavailable, the standard Outback received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.