2022 Subaru Forester vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

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 the lineup. The Forester Wilderness, with its white paint and dark grey interior, had a base price of $38,995, including destination. Its rugged appearance, with a suspension lift and protective cladding, gave it a distinctive look, though not universally appealing. Inside, the Forester focused on functionality, with a mix of hard plastic and soft surfaces, and an 8-inch Starlink infotainment system that was user-friendly despite having three display screens.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 featured a bold design with a blunt nose, long hood, and rakish windshield, exuding a rugged yet stylish appeal. It had two engine options: a 187-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder for the GS-L and GT trims, and a turbocharged version for the GT Turbo and Meridian Edition, offering up to 256 hp. Prices ranged from $38,250 to $48,200, excluding a $1,995 destination charge. The CX-50 GT Turbo Premium Plus, with its Zircon Sand Metallic paint, showcased a luxurious interior with black leather and caramel-coloured accents. The cabin was well-designed, though the off-centre air vent was a minor flaw. Overall, the CX-50 was a visually appealing compact crossover.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. It featured a CVT and AWD, with the Wilderness model offering a 25% increase in initial torque supply and a towing capacity of 1,360 kg. Fuel consumption was rated at 9.0 L/100 km combined, with our test averaging 9.1 L/100 km. The Forester excelled in various environments, from city streets to off-road trails, thanks to its re-tuned suspension and dual-function X-Mode system. However, it lacked engine power, especially at higher altitudes, and suffered from wind noise at speeds above 100 km/h.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered a choice between a 187 hp Skyactiv 2.5-litre engine and a turbocharged version with up to 256 hp. The turbo engine provided smooth acceleration and a towing capacity of 1,587 kg. Fuel economy was rated at 10.4 L/100 km city, 8.1 highway, and 9.4 combined, though our test averaged 10.1 L/100 km. The CX-50's Mi-Drive system offered various driving modes, but differences were subtle. It handled well on pavement, resembling a sporty station wagon rather than an SUV. Off-road, it was capable but lacked a downhill assist control system, making it less suited for challenging terrain compared to the Forester Wilderness.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with easy entry and exit, water-resistant StarTex upholstery, and all-weather floor mats. It featured upgraded roof rails with a dynamic load capacity of 100 kg and a static load of 362 kg, accommodating a three-person roof tent. The interior was spacious, 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 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered a comfortable interior with heated and ventilated seats, dual-zone climate control, and ample rear seat space. Storage was adequate, though some opportunities were missed. Cargo space was 889 litres, slightly more than the CX-5, with a maximum of 1,595 litres. The load floor was long but narrow, with side bins and hooks for securing items.

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

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 featured a Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While Mazda Connect lacked touchscreen control, the CX-50 allowed touch commands for smartphone integration. The available Bose 12-speaker sound system provided a satisfying audio experience, and the Active Driving Display offered useful information within the driver's line of sight.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. It included features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and was expected to retain its IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" rating.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 was rated as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, falling short of the "+" designation due to headlight and pedestrian collision avoidance issues. It offered a comprehensive package of driving assistance systems, including blind-spot monitoring and Traffic Jam Assist. However, the adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to recognize vehicles cutting in, requiring manual intervention.