2022 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was a rugged take on the traditional Outback, offering a higher stance and a more adventurous design. With 23 centimetres of ground clearance, it was equipped with all-terrain tires and enhanced approach and departure angles, making it more akin to an off-road vehicle than a station wagon. The exterior featured unique design elements like a distinctive grille, black 17-inch wheels, and a matte black hood decal, while the interior was dominated by dark grey and black tones with water-repellant StarTex upholstery. Despite its rugged appeal, the lack of ventilated seats was a downside in warmer climates.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 maintained a more refined and premium appearance, with new LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, and a redesigned grille. The interior of the Signature trim was luxurious, featuring Nappa leather upholstery and real wood trim. The seats were redesigned for improved comfort, and the driving position was sportier. While the CX-5's back seat was snug, it offered heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents for added comfort. The control layout, however, was less intuitive due to the non-touchscreen Mazda Connect infotainment system.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided ample power for the midsize SUV, which weighed 3,896 pounds and had a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. Fuel efficiency was rated at 10.9 L/100 km in the city and 8.9 L/100 km on the highway. The Outback Wilderness featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with eight programmed ratios, but its performance was somewhat hindered by the CVT's droning and soft gear changes. The vehicle's all-wheel drive system, combined with its lifted stance and all-terrain tires, made it highly capable off-road, with improved approach, breakover, and departure angles.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a base 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged version producing up to 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. The CX-5's revised six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive contributed to its responsive performance. Fuel consumption for the turbocharged engine was rated at 9.8 L/100 km in combined driving. The CX-5's driving dynamics were enhanced by increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension tuning, resulting in a quieter and smoother ride with reduced body roll and improved handling.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured a spacious interior with dark grey StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats offered 10-way power adjustment for the driver and 4-way manual adjustment for the passenger, while the rear seats provided generous head and legroom. The cargo area measured 920 litres behind the rear seat and 2,144 litres with the rear seat folded flat. The Outback Wilderness also had a robust roof rack with a 700-pound static load rating, suitable for rooftop camping.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its ride and seating with new, more comfortable seats and a sportier driving position. The interior featured leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated and ventilated front seats. The back seat remained snug but offered heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents. Storage space was adequate, with a small centre armrest bin and wireless smartphone charging. The cargo area provided 871 litres of space behind the rear seats and 1,680 litres with the seats folded down.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which integrated climate control and required the use of the touchscreen for most functions. While physical knobs and buttons were available for some controls, the voice recognition technology was limited. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available for better voice assistant functionality. The lack of a premium audio system was a notable omission for this model.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, operated via centre console and steering wheel controls. The system lacked a touchscreen and natural voice recognition, making it less user-friendly. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Mazda Connected Services. A 10-speaker Bose premium sound system was optional on GT and standard from Sport Design, providing decent audio quality.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured the EyeSight suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The vehicle also had steering-responsive LED headlights and a blind-spot warning system. The Outback Wilderness was expected to perform well in crash tests, with the standard Outback earning a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 came with the i-Activsense package, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added features like adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, making it a strong contender in terms of safety.