2022 Subaru Forester vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Subaru Forester was available in several trims, including the base, Convenience, Touring, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Premier. Prices started at $29,495, with the Premier trim reaching $40,595, plus a $1,800 destination charge. All-wheel drive was standard across all models. The Forester Wilderness, priced at $38,995, featured a white exterior, dark grey interior with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather, and a rugged appearance with oversized cladding and a matte-black hood decal. Inside, the Forester emphasized functionality with a mix of hard plastic and soft surfaces, copper-coloured accents, and an 8-inch Starlink infotainment system. While the Wilderness trim's styling was polarizing, the Forester's overall build quality and intuitive controls were appreciated.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its impending redesign and renaming to the CX-50, remained a strong contender in the compact crossover segment. It was praised for its stylish design, high-quality materials, and luxury-like feel. The CX-5 offered a choice between a standard 187-horsepower engine and a more powerful 256-horsepower turbocharged option. Prices ranged from $31,250 for the GX trim to $44,250 for the 2.5 Turbo Signature. The test vehicle, a 2.5 Turbo Signature, featured Rhodium White metallic paint, Cocoa Brown Nappa leather, and a rear bumper guard, bringing its price to $46,755. While the CX-5's interior was luxurious, its infotainment system was criticized for being less user-friendly compared to competitors.

The 2022 Subaru Forester was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive, with the Wilderness model offering a 25% increase in initial torque supply and a towing capacity of 1,360 kilograms. The Forester's fuel consumption was rated at 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres, with the test drive averaging 9.1 L/100 km. The SUV excelled in various driving conditions, including off-road environments, thanks to its dual-function X-Mode system and re-tuned suspension. However, the lack of a turbocharger was noted, especially at higher altitudes.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged version delivering up to 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. The turbo engine's fuel consumption was rated at 9.8 L/100 km, though the test drive returned 11.0 L/100 km. The CX-5's driving dynamics were enhanced by structural and suspension improvements, providing a firm and connected ride. The turbocharged engine offered quick acceleration, though it required premium fuel for optimal performance. The CX-5 was praised for its sporty driving experience, but its off-road capabilities were limited compared to the Forester.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with easy entry and exit, water-resistant StarTex upholstery, and all-weather floor mats. The upgraded roof rails supported a dynamic load of 100 kilograms and a static load of 362 kilograms, accommodating a three-person roof tent. The Forester offered ample interior space, with comfortable seating and decent storage options. Cargo space measured 818 litres without the sunroof and 762 litres with it, expanding to 2,101 litres with the rear seats folded. The Forester's cargo area was well-shaped, making it competitive with other compact SUVs.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 featured improved front seats for comfort and support, with various upholstery options available. The Signature trim included Nappa leather and power-adjustable front seats. However, the CX-5's interior space was limited, with smaller storage areas, cramped rear seats, and less cargo capacity compared to the Forester. Cargo space measured 871 litres behind the rear seats and 1,680 litres with them folded. While the CX-5's materials were high-quality, its practicality was compromised by its smaller size.

The 2022 Subaru Forester came with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Starlink connected services. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen with navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system. The Wilderness trim included a 180-degree forward-view camera for off-roading. The infotainment system was intuitive, though the voice recognition system was inconsistent.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics but was criticized for its user interface. The system lacked a voice recognition assistant and relied on physical controls that were awkward to use. Despite these issues, the CX-5 offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bose audio system on upper trims. The test vehicle included a front-facing camera and a surround-view camera system for easier parking.

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 offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rear automatic braking system. The NHTSA awarded the Forester a 5-star overall crash-test rating, and it was expected to retain its IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" rating.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 featured i-Activsense driver assistance technology, with most features standard across the lineup. The 2.5 Turbo Signature trim included additional features like a surround-view camera system and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5's safety systems operated smoothly and accurately, with an Active Driving Display providing alerts. The CX-5 received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" ranking from the IIHS. However, a warning message for driving without headlights was needed.