2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2021 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek was a testament to Subaru's strategy of adapting its Impreza hatchback into a crossover, appealing to those seeking rugged aesthetics, AWD, and elevated driving positions. It shared the Subaru Global Platform with other models, ensuring a refined design. The Crosstrek stood out with its black body cladding, model-specific alloy wheels, and a higher ride height, offering 22 centimetres of ground clearance. This gave it an SUV-like appearance and more character than the Impreza. The interior, though functional, was somewhat plain, with water-repellant upholstery and vibrant exterior colours like Plasma Yellow Pearl adding a touch of flair.

In contrast, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 embraced a sleek design, moving away from the angular trends of other automakers. Its smooth exterior, with features like LED headlights and 17-inch alloy wheels, exuded a sense of elegance. The higher trims, such as the Kuro Edition and Signature, added premium touches like leather seats and wood trim, enhancing its upscale feel. The CX-5's interior was well-executed, with quality materials and a focus on comfort, though the design of the infotainment controls was less intuitive for some users.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre boxer-four engine producing 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, and a more powerful 2.5-litre engine with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, available on the Outdoor and Limited trims. The boxer engine's design provided a lower centre of gravity, improving handling, though the SUV-like stance reduced some benefits. The Crosstrek came with a six-speed manual transmission for the 2.0-litre engine, while the CVT was standard on higher trims. All models featured AWD, with X-Mode enhancing off-road capabilities. Despite its rugged appearance, the Crosstrek was more suited for on-road driving, offering predictable handling and a comfortable ride.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 provided two engine choices: a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged version delivering 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission complemented both engines, with AWD available on all trims. The CX-5's fuel efficiency varied, with the FWD model achieving 9.7 L/100 km in the city and 7.8 on the highway. The turbo engine offered spirited performance, especially in Sport mode, though the stiff suspension could be a drawback for some. The CX-5's driving experience was engaging, but the seats lacked sufficient bolstering for spirited driving.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek shared its interior dimensions with the Impreza hatchback, offering competitive passenger space but limited cargo capacity. With 588 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,565 litres with them folded, it lagged behind some rivals. The Crosstrek featured a rear-seat reminder system and a practical front cubby with USB ports, though rear passengers had limited access to charging options. The driving position was higher than the Impreza's, providing good visibility, but it didn't offer the commanding view of larger SUVs.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5's interior was designed for comfort and functionality, with good headroom but limited legroom for rear passengers. It featured two full LATCH connections for child seats and straightforward climate controls. The larger shifter and infotainment controls took up space, and the cargo area offered 875 litres with the seats up and 1,687 litres with them folded, which was below average for the segment. A power liftgate was available, adding convenience for loading and unloading.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek came equipped with the Starlink infotainment system, featuring a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Higher trims received an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation. The system was user-friendly, with large analog knobs and buttons for essential functions. Subaru's EyeSight driver-assistance features were controlled via steering wheel buttons, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 boasted a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, though its operating system was less intuitive. The lack of knobs for tuning the stereo or scrolling through favourites was a drawback, though volume control was accessible via the steering wheel or centre console. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, providing a workaround for the system's limitations.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS. It featured EyeSight driver-assist technology, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The system's cameras were well-protected but could be obstructed by wipers or sunlight.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 also received high safety ratings, with a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. Optional features included a head-up display and a surround-view camera system.