2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2021 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek was Subaru's response to the burgeoning demand for crossovers with rugged looks, all-wheel drive (AWD), and an elevated driving position. Subaru took their existing Impreza hatchback and adapted it by introducing black body cladding, model-specific 17-inch wheels, and a ride height that boasted 8.7 inches of ground clearance. These modifications successfully granted the Crosstrek SUV-like characteristics, setting it apart visually from the Impreza hatch. Notably, Subaru offered vibrant colors like Plasma Yellow Pearl for the Crosstrek, enhancing its road presence.

Underneath its rugged exterior, the Crosstrek utilized the Subaru Global Platform, common with other Subaru models such as the Legacy/Outback, Ascent, and Forester. This well-regarded platform contributed to the Crosstrek’s polished ride quality.

Inside, the Crosstrek’s interior mirrored that of the Impreza hatchback—functional but somewhat plain. In an unusual design choice, the Sport trim level featured Plasma Yellow Pearl accents that contrasted sharply with some exterior colors, alongside simulated carbon-fiber trim that detracted from the otherwise practical interior. The inclusion of water-repellant StarTex upholstery accommodated adventurous outings, like trips to the beach.

Conversely, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 took a different design philosophy. Mazda shunned the trend of deeply-creased hoods and chiseled grilles. Instead, it favored a smooth, sleek profile that suggested motion even when stationary. The exterior design was consistent across most trim levels, with the base CX-5 Sport featuring 17-inch gray metallic aluminum alloy wheels, while higher trims like the Touring and Grand Touring upgraded to larger, more sophisticated wheels and additional luxe features.

Mazda enhanced the CX-5’s exterior elegance with the Carbon Edition, which incorporated Polymetal Gray paint, gloss black mirrors, and 19-inch black metallic wheels. Inside, premium features included red leather seats, black honeycomb dashboard trim, and red stitching on the steering wheel and shift knob, indicating a step towards a luxurious aesthetic.

In the top-tier Signature model, the CX-5 felt genuinely premium with Caturra Brown Nappa leather seats and genuine wood trim, competing well against offerings from Buick, Infiniti, and Acura.

For 2021, the Subaru Crosstrek introduced a second gasoline powertrain. The Sport and Limited trims featured a new 2.5-liter boxer-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. The base and Premium trims retained the 2.0-liter boxer-four engine that provided 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. Subaru had been offering a plug-in hybrid version since 2019, though specific updates for the 2021 model were not announced at the time.

Boxer engines, known for their lower profile and improved handling due to a lower center of gravity, were a Subaru hallmark. Though the increased ride height of the Crosstrek might have slightly offset this advantage, the vehicle still exhibited predictable handling and a comfortable ride. With standard AWD across all trims, Subaru’s system—with features like torque vectoring and X-Mode for challenging surfaces—enhanced the Crosstrek’s capability in various driving conditions. However, even the more powerful 2.5-liter engine didn’t make the Crosstrek feel dramatically different in everyday driving, with acceleration remaining adequate.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options. The base naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivered 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission available in both FWD and AWD. The turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, standard on the Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims, upped the ante with 250 horsepower and a substantial 320 lb-ft of torque.

Fuel economy varied with the drivetrain configuration but was generally competitive, though it lagged behind hybrid competitors. The turbo engine, paired with AWD, offered a more spirited drive, particularly when engaging the Sport mode, making the CX-5 an engaging option for driving enthusiasts. However, its stiffer suspension detracted slightly from comfort compared to rivals, and it sorely needed better seat bolstering for spirited drives.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek shared its interior dimensions with the Impreza hatchback, offering comparable front and rear legroom and slightly more rear headroom. With 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 55.3 cubic feet with them folded, the Crosstrek was competitive in passenger space but not in cargo capacity, trailing models like the Honda HR-V and Kia Seltos.

In contrast, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 excelled in most areas except for cargo space. Offering 30.9 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 59.6 cubic feet with them down, it lagged behind competitors such as the Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4. The CX-5’s interior featured a comfortable seating position and straightforward climate controls, though rear legroom was less than ideal for taller passengers. Critically, despite its elegant design, the CX-5’s larger shifter and center console controls were not the most user-friendly.

The Crosstrek’s Starlink infotainment system featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility as standard. Premium and Sport trims added amenities like WiFi and SiriusXM, with an 8-inch touchscreen and navigation available on the Limited trim. Subaru’s dual-screen setup seemed redundant, although functionality was improved with large analog knobs and steering wheel controls for essential features.

Meanwhile, the Mazda CX-5 came with a standard 10.25-inch infotainment screen. While visually appealing, the system's user experience lagged behind competitors. The interface, controlled by a center-console knob, presented a learning curve and lacked the intuitiveness of a touch-centric design. Thankfully, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration mitigated some of these limitations.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a “Top Safety Pick” designation from IIHS for models equipped with optional EyeSight and Steering Responsive Headlights. EyeSight's standard package on CVT models included adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, EyeSight's cameras could be obstructed by windshield wipers or direct sunlight, limiting system functionality under specific conditions.

Similarly, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 scored highly in safety, with both IIHS and NHTSA providing top ratings. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning. Optional enhancements like a HUD and a surround-view camera system were available, though the traffic sign recognition technology was sometimes unreliable.