2023 Mazda CX-5 vs 2023 Subaru Outback

The 2023 Subaru Outback received a facelift that gave it a more aggressive appearance. It featured redesigned LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark gray vertical cladding, creating the illusion of large air intakes. The addition of a jutting simulated skid plate, fog lights in oversized housings, and asymmetrical wheel arch trim reminiscent of the Wilderness model further enhanced its bold look. While these changes might not appeal to everyone, opting for a dark paint colour could help tone down the design's excesses. The Outback Onyx Edition, with its black wheels and trim, complemented the audacious cladding, offering a more cohesive look.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, maintained a stylish and high-quality appearance, resembling a small luxury SUV. The CX-5's design and build quality were impressive, with high-quality materials used throughout the cabin. The available turbocharged engine provided substantial power, and the model boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. Although Mazda planned to transition to the CX-50, the CX-5 remained a strong contender in the compact crossover SUV segment, offering a refined and sophisticated driving experience across all trim levels.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured horizontally opposed engines, known for their flat design, which helped lower the vehicle's centre of gravity. The standard 2.5-litre engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. However, the Outback's performance felt lacking, especially during passing and climbing. The turbocharged XT models offered a more satisfying 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, albeit at a higher cost and reduced fuel efficiency. The Outback's AWD system and X-Mode traction system enhanced its off-road capabilities, while its suspension provided a comfortable ride. Despite its powertrain limitations, the Outback excelled in handling various terrains and offered excellent visibility for city driving.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged variant delivering up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. The turbo engine provided a thrilling driving experience, with responsive acceleration and a pleasant engine note. The CX-5's AWD system and six-speed automatic transmission contributed to its engaging performance. Mazda's updates to the CX-5's structural rigidity, suspension, and transmission improved its driving dynamics, making it feel more like an entry-level luxury vehicle. The CX-5 excelled on winding roads, offering a firm and communicative ride, though it could feel choppy on rough surfaces.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a robust roof rack, flat door sills, and a dashboard storage shelf. The Limited trim offered a comfortable interior with power-adjustable seats, heated front and rear seats, and premium Nappa leather upholstery. The Outback's spacious cabin accommodated passengers comfortably, with ample legroom and storage options. Its cargo space measured 923 litres behind the rear seats and 2,141 litres with them folded down. The Outback's design made it easy to enter and exit, and its roof rails were ready for various accessories. However, more practical storage space could enhance its functionality.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, while offering luxurious Nappa leather upholstery and power-adjustable seats in higher trims, fell short in terms of interior space. The CX-5's cabin was smaller compared to competitors, with limited rear-seat head and legroom. Its cargo capacity measured 871 litres behind the rear seats and 1,680 litres with them folded down, less than many rivals. The CX-5's infotainment system lacked a touchscreen and voice recognition, making it less user-friendly. Despite its high-quality materials, the CX-5's interior space and technology left room for improvement.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured a Starlink 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. While the system's usability improved, its graphics and colourful icons were not appealing. The voice recognition system was limited, necessitating reliance on smartphone connectivity. Additional technologies included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera. However, a surround-view camera was unavailable.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system, with a 10.25-inch display, was visually appealing but frustrating to use. The lack of a helpful voice recognition system and awkward physical controls made it less intuitive. The system required memorization and focus, detracting from the driving experience. Despite these challenges, Mazda Connect offered features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bose premium audio system. The test vehicle included a front-facing camera and a surround-view camera system, enhancing parking convenience.

The 2023 Subaru Outback excelled in safety, earning top marks from the IIHS. Its EyeSight system included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims added features like blind spot monitoring and a new Automatic Emergency Steering system. The Outback's safety features operated effectively, though the adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist systems felt artificial. The rear automatic braking system had limitations, but overall, the Outback's safety technology was impressive.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered comprehensive safety features under the i-Activsense banner. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5's safety technology operated smoothly and accurately, with a head-up display providing additional information. However, the lack of a warning for driving without headlights at night was a concern. The CX-5 received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, highlighting its strong safety performance.