2023 Subaru Forester vs 2024 Mazda CX-5

The 2023 Subaru Forester, despite its familiar and somewhat unremarkable exterior, offered a practical and functional design. Its Cascade Green Silica paint was reminiscent of many Foresters seen over the years, contributing to its understated appearance. The Premier trim, however, stood out with its 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome exterior trim, adding a touch of elegance. Inside, the Forester Premier featured exclusive brown leather and metallic accents, maintaining a traditional Subaru design with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen. The interior was practical, with a focus on ease of use, thanks to its reliance on traditional buttons and knobs.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-5 retained its modern and appealing design, which had aged well since its second-generation debut in 2017. The Suna trim, exclusive to the U.S. market, featured Zircon Sand paint and Terracotta leather seats, adding a touch of luxury. Mazda's attention to detail was evident in the interior, with high-quality materials and a design that rivalled luxury brands. The CX-5's cabin was comfortable, albeit snug for four adults, and offered a premium feel with features like heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The CX-5's design and quality elevated it above many of its mass-market competitors.

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 Subaru Intelligent Drive SI-Drive system with a Sport mode. The Forester's off-road capabilities were enhanced by the X-Mode traction control system, which included hill descent control and additional settings for deep snow and mud in the Sport trim and above. The Forester Premier, tested in challenging weather conditions, demonstrated its ability to handle flooded roads and muddy trails with confidence. Despite its adequate power, the Forester's engine was louder than expected, but its excellent driving dynamics, including light and accurate steering, responsive brakes, and well-tuned suspension, made it enjoyable to drive.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 Turbo, with its turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivered 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gas, or 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. The powertrain was more rewarding when driven with a steady acceleration, allowing the torque to build. However, the CX-5 Turbo was not particularly fuel-efficient, with a combined rating of 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres, and observed consumption of 10.3 L/100 km. The CX-5's driving experience was enhanced by its smooth ride, responsive handling, and standard all-wheel drive. Mazda's G-Vectoring Control Plus technology improved cornering and minimized body motions, making the CX-5 a sophisticated and enjoyable vehicle to drive.

The 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, offering a practical and user-friendly interior. The Touring trim provided features like a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats. Higher trims offered leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control. The Forester's excellent outward visibility, thanks to its tall glass and thin pillars, made it easy to drive and park. However, the panoramic sunroof's lack of tinting could lead to excessive solar heating. 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 2024 Mazda CX-5, while smaller in interior space, offered a comfortable and premium cabin. Standard features included heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with leather upholstery available on most trims. The rear seats provided good support and comfort, with rear air conditioning vents and a centre armrest enhancing passenger satisfaction. The CX-5's cargo space was slightly less than the Forester's, with 871 litres behind the rear seats and 1,680 litres with the seats folded down. Despite its smaller size, the CX-5's design and quality made it feel like a luxury vehicle.

The 2023 Subaru Forester's technology, while appearing outdated, offered a user-friendly experience. The Base trim included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. An 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system was available on higher trims. The Forester's infotainment system featured physical controls for climate and audio, making it easy to use. However, the voice-recognition system was unreliable, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto a better choice for navigation and voice commands.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 eschewed touchscreens in favour of traditional controls, with a 10.25-inch display operated via a console-mounted knob. While Mazda's approach differed from the norm, it allowed for easy navigation of the infotainment system. The CX-5 offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on several trims, enhancing convenience. Mazda Connected Services provided remote engine starting and other features, while a 10-speaker Bose audio system was available on higher trims, adding to the premium feel of the interior.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured the next-generation EyeSight system, with updated software and cameras for improved performance. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, while higher trims added 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 ratings in most categories.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims offered additional safety features like adaptive headlights and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5's standard safety systems performed well, with the lane departure and lane-keeping systems being particularly effective. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, though it did not earn a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS in 2024.