2024 Mazda CX-5 vs 2024 Subaru Outback

The 2024 Subaru Outback maintained its rugged yet refined appearance, with the Wilderness trim receiving a new front fascia and LED fog lights. The dark grey cladding contrasted beautifully with the Autumn Green Metallic paint of the Premier XT model, offering a unique and appealing aesthetic. The Outback's various trims featured different levels of black and chrome exterior fittings, with the Premier XT showcasing the most chrome, which was tastefully executed. Wheel designs varied across trims, with the Wilderness trim sporting matte black 17-inch alloy wheels, while the Onyx and Limited trims upgraded to 18-inch wheels with a machine finish. Inside, the Premier XT impressed with its Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery, providing a luxurious feel uncommon for Subaru, which typically prioritizes capability over luxury.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 retained its classic design, which had aged gracefully since its second-generation debut in 2017. The new Suna trim, exclusive to the U.S., featured Zircon Sand paint and Terracotta leather seats with black artificial suede inserts, adding a touch of elegance. Mazda improved the fuel economy for base engine models and introduced wireless charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to several trims. The CX-5 lineup offered a base engine with 187 horsepower and a turbocharged version with up to 256 horsepower on premium gas. The interior boasted upgraded materials and technology, creating an upscale feel at a mainstream price.

The 2024 Subaru Outback was powered by a "Boxer" horizontally opposed engine, with the base model featuring a 2.5-litre flat-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The XT trims, including the Wilderness, were equipped with a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, significantly enhancing towing capacity to 1,587 kilograms. The Premier XT test car's turbo engine provided a better fit for the vehicle's weight, and the CVT mimicked the sound and feel of eight distinct gears. The Outback's suspension and engineering contributed to a comfortable ride, with 22 centimetres of ground clearance, increasing to 24.1 centimetres in the Wilderness trim, which also featured all-terrain tires and advanced X-Mode for off-road adventures.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 Turbo offered 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gas, with slightly reduced figures on regular gas. The powertrain was more rewarding with a steady acceleration approach, allowing the torque to build. However, the CX-5 Turbo was not fuel-efficient, with a combined rating of 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres, observed at 10.3 L/100 km during testing. The base engine offered better fuel economy. The CX-5's driving experience was enhanced by a re-tuned suspension, a stiffer frame, and standard all-wheel drive, providing a smooth and responsive ride. The G-Vectoring Control Plus technology improved cornering, and the CX-5 handled well on various terrains with 20 centimetres of ground clearance.

The 2024 Subaru Outback offered ample interior space despite its sleek design. It provided more front-row headroom than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, and it excelled in front and rear legroom. The cargo area measured 923 litres with all seats in place and expanded to 2,141 litres with the rear seats folded. The Outback featured dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power-adjustable driver's seat as standard. Higher trims added features like a powered front passenger seat and ventilated front seats. The hands-free power liftgate and power moonroof were standard from the Touring trim, and the raised roof rails with retractable cross bars added practicality.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 provided standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with redesigned seats offering comfort and support. The driver's seat had six-way power adjustment, while passengers could manually adjust seat height. Leather upholstery was standard on most trims, with premium Nappa leather on the Signature trim. The rear seat offered good support and comfort, with rear air conditioning vents and a centre armrest enhancing passenger satisfaction. The CX-5's interior design and quality rivalled luxury brands, though it was smaller in terms of interior space. The cargo area offered 871 litres behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,680 litres with the rear seat folded.

The 2024 Subaru Outback Premier XT featured a CD player, USB-C and USB-A ports, and an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen. The Subaru Starlink multimedia platform included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless connectivity from the Touring trim. The climate controls were integrated into the touchscreen, with hard buttons for essential functions. Bluetooth and SiriusXM connectivity were standard, and most trims had a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 eschewed touchscreens for traditional switchgear, though it allowed touchscreen operation of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 10.25-inch display was navigated using a console-mounted knob and buttons. Mazda Connected Services offered remote engine starting and other features. Several trims featured a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system, enhancing the premium feel of the interior.

The 2024 Subaru Outback earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It featured the EyeSight suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control, automatic pre-collision braking, and lane-keep assist. Reverse automatic braking was standard from the Touring trim, and a wide-angle camera improved cyclist and pedestrian detection. The Premier XT included a digital rearview mirror and a driver-attention monitor.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 came equipped with advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added features like adaptive headlights and a traffic sign recognition system. The CX-5 had previously earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.