2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2020 Mazda CX-5

Mazda executed the concept of premium exceptionally well with the 2020 CX-5. The automaker's commitment to captivating style, compelling substance, and continual product improvement was evident. This model year saw more standard equipment, enhanced cabin appearance, and reduced noise, vibration, and harshness. The turbocharged engine received a torque boost, and AWD versions gained an off-road traction assistance feature. Prices ranged from $25,190 to $37,155, with the test vehicle in Signature trim costing $38,680.

The CX-5's design, rooted in Mazda's "Kodo" styling themes, remained appealing, distinctive, and upscale. The interior, especially in Signature trim, featured premium Nappa leather, real wood, and a black headliner, giving it a luxurious feel. However, the Caturra Brown leather was almost indistinguishable from the black cabin, reducing the contrast that often enhances a premium look.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek adopted a strategy of transforming the Impreza hatchback into a crossover, appealing to shoppers seeking rugged looks, AWD, and a tall driving position. The Crosstrek featured black body cladding, model-specific 17-inch wheels, and a taller ride height with 8.7 inches of ground clearance. These changes gave the Crosstrek an SUV-like character and more vibrant color options, such as Plasma Yellow Pearl.

Underneath, the Crosstrek shared the Subaru Global Platform with other models, offering a greater level of polish and refinement. The interior remained functional but plain, with some questionable design choices like clashing color accents and cheap-looking simulated carbon-fiber trim. However, the water-repellant StarTex upholstery in the Sport trim was practical for outdoor activities.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 came standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and optional AWD. The Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims featured a turbocharged version of the engine, generating 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular fuel. The turbocharged engine, though powerful, was less efficient, with a combined rating of 24 mpg compared to 26 mpg for the naturally aspirated engine with AWD.

The CX-5 Signature, despite its 3,825-pound curb weight, accelerated with authority and offered an engaging driving experience thanks to G-Vectoring Control Plus technology. However, the SUV's high center of gravity resulted in excessive body motions during spirited driving, making it less thrilling than other Mazdas. Nevertheless, the steering and brakes were responsive, and the CX-5 was enjoyable in typical driving situations.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek introduced a new 2.5-liter boxer-four engine for the Sport and Limited trims, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. The base and Premium trims continued with the 2.0-liter boxer-four, making 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission was standard on Base and Premium trims, while the Sport and Limited trims were CVT-only. All trims featured standard AWD with torque vectoring and X-Mode for improved traction on loose surfaces.

The Crosstrek's handling was predictable, with noticeable body roll due to the higher center of gravity. The ride was comfortable, and wind noise was minimal even at highway speeds. The new 2.5-liter engine provided adequate acceleration but was accompanied by droning from the CVT.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5's interior was more upscale but less spacious than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The cabin featured classy gauges and metallic accents, with higher trims offering dual-zone climate control, heated and ventilated seats, and Nappa leather. However, the front seats were small, and rear legroom was limited. Cargo space measured 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.6 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered the same front and rear legroom as the Impreza hatchback, with slightly more rear headroom. Cargo space was 20.8 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 55.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Crosstrek was competitive in passenger space but lagged behind some rivals in cargo space. The interior featured a handy cubby hole for phones, but storage space was minimal. The driving position was higher than the Impreza's, with good outward visibility.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system, with a 7-inch touchscreen on Sport trim and an 8-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The system included Bluetooth, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker Bose sound system on Grand Touring trim. Signature trim added navigation and a surround-view camera. However, the system's controls were not user-friendly, and voice recognition was unreliable.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek used the Starlink infotainment system, with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Premium and Sport trims added WiFi and SiriusXM. An 8-inch touchscreen with navigation was standard on Limited trim. The system was easy to navigate, with large analog knobs and buttons for audio and climate control. A second screen displayed additional information, but it seemed redundant.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with standard i-Activsense ADAS, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. The CX-5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS for the 2020 model. Standard EyeSight features on CVT-equipped models included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. However, EyeSight's cameras could be blocked by wipers or direct sunlight.