2023 Subaru Forester vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 underwent subtle yet impactful exterior updates, including new LED headlights and taillights, redesigned bumpers, a revised grille, and a fresh rear liftgate. These changes aimed to enhance the vehicle's premium appeal, especially in the top-tier Signature trim, which featured body-colour lower exterior trim. Inside, the CX-5 maintained its luxurious feel with premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The new seats provided improved comfort, addressing previous complaints about the seating. The CX-5 offered a range of trims, with prices starting at $30,500 and reaching $43,650 for the Signature trim, which included a turbocharged engine as standard.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Forester maintained its traditional, functional design, reminiscent of previous models. The Premier trim, tested in Cascade Green Silica paint, featured 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome exterior trim, enhancing its appearance. The Forester's design prioritized practicality, with robust roof rails and a spacious interior. Inside, the Premier trim offered brown leather upholstery, exposed stitching, and metallic accents, maintaining Subaru's classic design approach. The Forester's interior was functional, with a mix of buttons and knobs for easy control. Prices ranged from $30,995 to $41,595, with the Premier trim priced at $44,087.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured a Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a revised six-speed automatic transmission for improved responsiveness. All-wheel drive was standard across all trims. The turbocharged variant offered 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gas, with slightly lower figures on regular gas. The CX-5's fuel consumption was rated at 9.3 L/100 km for the base engine and 9.8 L/100 km for the turbocharged version. The Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) system provided Normal, Sport, and Off-Road settings, enhancing driving dynamics. The 2022 CX-5 delivered a quieter, smoother ride with improved handling, making it a compelling alternative to entry-level luxury SUVs.

The 2023 Subaru Forester was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine generating 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) featuring eight programmed ratios. The Forester's SI-Drive system offered a Sport mode for enhanced responsiveness, while the X-Mode off-road traction control system included Deep Snow and Mud settings. The Forester Premier demonstrated its capability in adverse weather conditions, providing confidence in challenging terrains. Despite its adequate power, the Forester's engine was louder than desired. The Forester's driving dynamics were commendable, with excellent steering, brakes, and suspension tuning. However, the Forester's fuel economy fell short of expectations, returning 9.1 L/100 km compared to the official rating of 8.2 L/100 km.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints with new, supportive seats and a sportier driving position. The interior featured leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and heated and ventilated front seats. The back seat remained snug but offered heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents. The control layout, however, was frustrating due to the non-touchscreen Mazda Connect infotainment system. Cargo space was adequate, with 871 litres behind the rear seats and 1,680 litres with the seats folded.

The 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, offering a practical and spacious interior. The Touring trim included a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats. Higher trims featured leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control. The Forester's visibility was excellent, but the panoramic sunroof's lack of tinting caused solar heating issues. The back seats provided ample space but lacked support. Interior storage was plentiful, and the cargo area offered 762 litres behind the rear seats and 1,957 litres with the seats folded.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. However, the lack of a touchscreen and natural voice recognition made the system less user-friendly. A 10-speaker Bose premium sound system was available on higher trims, providing satisfactory audio quality.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. An 8-inch display with navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system was available. The Forester's user interface was straightforward, with separate climate controls and easy-to-use knobs. However, the voice-recognition system was unreliable, making smartphone integration essential.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 offered a comprehensive i-Activsense package, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added features like adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Subaru Forester introduced the next-generation EyeSight system with updated software and cameras. It included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and Automatic Emergency Steering. Higher trims featured Rear Automatic Braking and DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation. The Forester received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.