2022 Subaru Forester vs 2023 Mazda CX-30

The 2022 Subaru Forester was designed with a focus on practicality rather than aesthetics, a characteristic that held especially true for the Wilderness trim. With a base price of $25,195 and scaling up to $35,295 for the Touring model, the Forester aimed to cater to a variety of consumers. All-wheel drive was a standard feature, emphasizing its utilitarian nature. We tested the Wilderness model, featuring white paint, a dark gray interior with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather, and an array of functional options that brought the price to $36,014.

The Forester Wilderness stood out with its higher ride height and 9.2 inches of ground clearance. Its look was dominated by significant protective cladding and copper-colored accents. Interior quality focused on function, with a blend of hard plastics and softer materials, albeit with a somewhat dated and inexpensive feel. The intuitive yet less-than-ideal triple display screen setup housed the 8-inch Starlink infotainment system, neatly organizing stereo, climate, and main menu shortcuts.

Conversely, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 exuded a much more sophisticated appearance. Mazda offered two models: the 2.5 S with a naturally aspirated 191-horsepower engine and the 2.5 Turbo with up to 250 horsepower. Prices ranged from $22,950 to $35,400. Our test model, the top-of-the-line 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, cost $37,505. The CX-30 featured a design-heavy with an artistic yet nose-heavy aesthetic, somewhat marred by excessive gray body cladding. Its elegant looks transcended into the cabin, boasting high-quality materials and a luxury-like appearance with a mix of off-white leather, chocolate brown accents, and a tasteful design.

Spend time with the 2022 Subaru Forester, and its lack of a turbocharger becomes apparent. Powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, the Forester showed its limitations in raw acceleration. The 2022 Wilderness model's Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) boasted a 25% increase in initial torque, raising the towing capacity to 3,000 pounds from 1,500. Fuel economy reached an average of 25.9 mpg. On Oregon's varied terrains, it was clear that while earnest in its endeavors, the Forester would benefit from added power. Nonetheless, its off-road capabilities, underpinned by a robust suspension and Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires, were commendable.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30, on the other hand, offered more dynamic performance with two engine variants. The 2.5 S yielded 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, while the Turbo model delivered a potent 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel, slightly less on regular. Coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission and AWD, the CX-30 provided a lively driving experience. The drawback? A small 12.7-gallon fuel tank limiting range. Nevertheless, its driving dynamics were refined, featuring responsive acceleration, a quiet cabin, and stellar performance on twisty roads, albeit with suspension issues over speed bumps and potential potholes.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality. Its high seating points facilitated easy entry and exit, with StarTex water-resistant upholstery and all-weather floor mats perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. It offered practicality with a set of upgraded roof rails and substantial cargo space—26.9 cubic feet with the panoramic sunroof, expanding to 69.1 cubic feet with seats folded down. Excellent passenger comfort and storage solutions made it a dependable choice for utility.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 leaned towards a more luxurious user experience but faltered in some practical areas. Though it featured dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and quality materials, rear legroom was notably tight. Its storage solutions were adequate but unremarkable, and the cargo space was limited—20.2 cubic feet, extending to 45.2 cubic feet with rear seats down. While elegantly appointed, the CX-30 lagged behind in purely functional considerations.

The 2022 Subaru Forester offered an impressive array of technological features, even on the base trim. It came equipped with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and Starlink connected services. Higher trims included an 8-inch screen, navigation, and a Harman Kardon sound system. The Wilderness model featured a 180-degree forward-view camera, useful for off-road conditions, and a unique PIN Code Access system for adventurous users.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Mazda CX-30's Mazda Connect infotainment system had its drawbacks. Despite a beautiful 8.8-inch display, its non-touchscreen design led to user frustration. The lack of a tuning knob and ineffective voice recognition further marred the experience. Turbos added SiriusXM, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bose sound system. Notably, the connected services included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. However, the lack of user-friendly touch and tuning interfaces were clear disadvantages.

Introducing its next-generation EyeSight 4.0, the 2022 Subaru Forester elevated its safety features. With double the field of vision of previous versions and better accuracy, it included an array of ADAS elements such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more. It earned a five-star safety rating from NHTSA and was expected to retain its IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" status. Features like the DriverFocus system and rear automatic braking underscored its commitment to safety.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 also shined in safety, earning a "Top Safety Pick" from IIHS, thanks to enhancements like rear side airbags and outboard rear seatbelt tensioners. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered advanced features like a surround-view camera and Traffic Jam Assist. While effective, some systems could be overly sensitive, as experienced in real-world testing.