2023 Mazda CX-30 vs 2023 Subaru Forester

The 2023 Subaru Forester maintained its traditional, utilitarian design, reminiscent of its predecessors over the past two decades. Its Cascade Green Silica paint was a familiar sight, often seen on many Foresters. The SUV's design was characterized by its boxy shape, flared fenders, and distinctive lighting, resembling a smaller Subaru Ascent. The Premier trim, with its 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome exterior trim, was considered the most visually appealing. Inside, the Forester Premier featured exclusive brown leather, metallic accents, and a mix of traditional buttons and knobs, offering a practical and easy-to-use interior despite the abundance of hard plastic.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 boasted a more artful and appealing design, albeit with excessive grey body cladding that detracted from its overall aesthetic. The GT Turbo model, with its black wheels and Soul Red paint, presented a sophisticated look. Inside, the CX-30 offered an upscale cabin with quality materials, including off-white leather and polished metal accents. The interior exuded a sense of luxury, aligning with the vehicle's premium pricing. However, the exterior's rugged appearance was not reflected in the elegant and refined interior, creating a contrast between the two.

The 2023 Subaru Forester was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT featured eight programmed ratios, mimicking a traditional automatic transmission, and included a Sport driving mode for enhanced responsiveness. The Forester's X-Mode off-road traction control system, with hill descent control, was standard, and the Sport trim added Deep Snow and Mud settings. The Forester Wilderness trim offered even more off-road capability with all-terrain tires and additional modifications. During testing, the Forester Premier demonstrated confidence in adverse weather conditions, handling flooded roads and muddy trails with ease. Despite its adequate power, the Forester's engine was louder than expected, but its excellent driving dynamics, including light steering and effective brakes, contributed to a comfortable and engaging ride.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered a range of powertrains, starting with the base GX trim's 2.0-litre engine, producing 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. The GS and GT models featured a 2.5-litre engine with 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, while the GT Turbo boasted a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, delivering up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. The CX-30's six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive provided a smooth driving experience. The GT Turbo's acceleration was robust, but the powertrain occasionally felt flat-footed in heavy traffic. The CX-30's suspension offered a soft ride, but its handling on twisty roads was enjoyable, thanks to the G-Vectoring Control Plus technology. However, the small fuel tank limited the driving range, requiring frequent refueling stops.

The 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, offering a practical and straightforward design. The Touring trim provided features like a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats. Higher trims offered StarTex artificial leather or genuine leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and heated rear seats. The Forester's high seating position and large windows ensured excellent visibility, making it easy to drive and park. However, the panoramic sunroof's lack of tinting led to excessive solar heating, and the rear seats lacked comfort for taller passengers. The Forester's cargo space was generous, with 762 litres behind the rear seats and up to 1,957 litres with the seats folded down.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered a comfortable driver's seat with eight-way power adjustment and a power moonroof. However, the front passenger seat was limited to four-way manual adjustment. The CX-30's rear seats provided limited legroom, but the seatbacks were padded for comfort. Storage space was reasonable, with various compartments for organizing items. The CX-30's cargo area offered 572 litres of space, expanding to 1,280 litres with the rear seats folded. However, the lack of underfloor storage and organizational features was a drawback.

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 touchscreen 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 Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable for navigation and other functions.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30's Mazda Connect infotainment system lacked a touchscreen, relying on centre console controls that required visual reference, potentially causing distraction. The system's voice recognition was not conversational, leading to a 50% success rate in executing commands. The absence of a tuning knob was another drawback. Despite these issues, the 8.8-inch display offered pleasing graphics and a logical menu structure. The CX-30 included Bluetooth, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and connected services, with higher trims adding SiriusXM, navigation, and a Bose sound system.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured the next-generation EyeSight system with updated software and cameras for improved performance. Adaptive cruise control was standard, and higher trims included Automatic Emergency Steering, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Forester's DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System was available on Limited and Premier trims. The Forester earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with some areas for improvement in side-impact and frontal-impact tests. The NHTSA awarded the Forester five-star crash-test ratings.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with improved side-impact protection and standard rear side airbags. The GX trim included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while higher trims offered adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and more advanced safety features. The CX-30's driving assistance systems worked well, with a head-up display providing useful information. However, an unexpected forward-collision warning during testing highlighted the system's sensitivity.