2022 Subaru Forester vs 2021 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 stood out with its smooth, sleek design, a departure from the deeply-creased hoods and chiseled grilles of many competitors. It wasn't flashy but took Mazda's signature style in a more refined direction. The base CX-5 Sport featured automatic on/off LED headlights, 17-inch gray metallic aluminum alloy wheels, a rear roof spoiler, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Higher trims like the Touring and Grand Touring added features such as leatherette seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and auto-leveling LED headlights. The top-tier Signature model boasted Caturra Brown Nappa leather seats, genuine wood trim, and a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror, pushing the CX-5 into premium territory.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester, especially in its Wilderness trim, emphasized rugged functionality over sleek aesthetics. The Wilderness model featured a suspension lift, higher ride height, and extensive protective cladding, giving it a robust, off-road-ready appearance. Inside, the Forester prioritized practicality with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather, all-weather floor mats, and a rubber cargo mat. The interior was functional, with hard plastic and soft surfaces combining to create a cabin that felt durable, if somewhat dated. The Forester's design was all about utility, making it a favorite for those who valued practicality over style.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available. The turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, available in higher trims, delivered 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque, providing a more spirited performance. The CX-5's fuel economy varied, with the most efficient FWD model achieving 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The turbocharged AWD model managed 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The CX-5 was known for its engaging driving style, though its stiff suspension could be a drawback for some.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. All Foresters came with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive. The Wilderness model featured a CVT design that increased initial torque supply by 25% and doubled the towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The Forester's fuel economy was competitive, with the Wilderness model achieving 26 mpg in combined driving. The Forester excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its dual-function X-Mode system and re-tuned suspension, which provided improved ride and handling. However, the lack of a turbocharger meant it could feel sluggish at higher altitudes.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered a comfortable and stylish interior, though it had some limitations. The seating position and comfort level were typical for an SUV of its size, but rear legroom was limited, especially for taller passengers. The CX-5 had two full LATCH connections on the rear outboard seats and a tether connector on the middle rear seat. Climate controls were straightforward and easy to use, but the larger shifter and infotainment system controls could be less intuitive for shorter drivers. Cargo space was below average for the segment, with 30.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 59.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Subaru Forester excelled in functionality. Entry and exit were easy, thanks to tall seating hip points. The StarTex upholstery was water-resistant, and the Wilderness model included all-weather floor mats and a rubber cargo mat. Comfort levels were high in both the front and back seats, with ample headroom and legroom. The Forester's cargo space was generous, with 28.9 cubic feet without the panoramic sunroof and 26.9 cubic feet with it. Folding the rear seats down provided 74.2 cubic feet of space, making it one of the roomiest compact SUVs. The upgraded roof rails and new cargo hooks added to its practicality.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen. While the screen size was impressive, the operating system was less so. The interface was uncluttered but felt outdated, and the lack of knobs for tuning the stereo or scrolling through favorites was a drawback. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, providing a workaround for the infotainment system's shortcomings.

The 2022 Subaru Forester offered a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the base trim, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, and HD Radio. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen, a navigation system, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Wilderness model included a 180-degree forward-view camera, useful for off-roading. The Forester's infotainment system was user-friendly, though the voice recognition system could be hit-or-miss. The PIN Code Access feature allowed owners to leave the key fob in the SUV and re-enter using a PIN code, adding to its practicality.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, forward automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, lane keep assist, and a rearview camera. Optional features included a head-up display, reverse automatic emergency braking, driver attention monitoring, a surround-view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, and traffic sign recognition. The CX-5 earned high safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Subaru Forester debuted the next-generation EyeSight 4.0 safety system, which offered twice the field of vision of the previous system. EyeSight 4.0 included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Forester also featured a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rear automatic braking system. The Touring trim included DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology that monitored for drowsiness and distraction. The Forester earned a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and was expected to retain its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.