2021 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered a familiar yet updated design with a comprehensive overhaul in the 2020 model year. While noticeable updates were present, the vehicle retained the signature Subaru look, characterized by analog gauges with familiar typefaces, and a steering wheel reminiscent of previous models, now adorned with additional buttons. Interior materials felt fresh, particularly in trims above the base, which showcased an 11.6-inch portrait display embedded in polished plastic and chrome trim. Limited and Touring trims sported two-tone brown or beige leather upholstery, enhancing a quasi-luxury feel. The rugged Onyx Edition XT, with its StarTex synthetic material and lime green stitching, conveyed a more adventurous spirit.

Externally, the Outback maintained smooth and plain styling with high gray cladding on wheel arches, sills, and bumpers to safeguard against scratches. This wagon-like SUV featured adaptive LED headlights as standard in 2021, with minimal other changes. It benefited from distinct yet subtle chrome details and LED running lights, with the notable addition of a new brown paint option, Brilliant Bronze Metallic, on the Premium trim. It retained the lifted wagon appearance, making it a blend between a traditional crossover and an SUV.

In comparison, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 displayed its newness subtly through updated LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, grille, rear liftgate, and new alloy wheel designs. The CX-5 aimed to assert a more premium feel, particularly in the top Signature trim, where the lower body trim matched the body color. Inside, the Signature trim exuded luxury with Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents despite the familiarity in design from previous models.

The CX-5's seating, significantly improved for 2022, offered enhanced comfort and support compared to earlier models. The inclusion of a height-adjustable front passenger seat, except in the base trim, was a notable enhancement. The layout maintained luxury, boasting features like dual-zone climate control, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel in higher trims, making it versatile for all weather conditions. While the rear seat remained snug, added comforts like heated outboard seats and A/C vents mitigated some of the space-related grievances.

The 2021 Subaru Outback, with its standard 2.5-liter flat-four engine, remained consistent in output compared to its predecessors, offering 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. In the base trim, it faced struggles, often falling short in delivering adequate acceleration, particularly when heavily loaded. Weighing at least 3,635 pounds, the Outback's performance did not substantially cope with added passengers and luggage, making for a sluggish and noisy drive.

However, the XT trims' turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine offered a significant upgrade, providing 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm. This made it not only quieter but more capable of handling daily driving demands and maintaining highway speeds efficiently. The fuel economy for the base engine stood at 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, while the turbo XT managed 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, with real-world driving showing the base engine potentially consuming even more when heavily loaded.

The Outback excelled with its long-travel springs, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and renowned all-wheel-drive system, making it apt for rugged terrains and off-road adventures. The driving modes, including X-Mode for rougher conditions, further solidified its off-road capabilities.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 187 hp and 186 lb-ft torque, paired with a revised six-speed automatic transmission for better responsiveness, and standard AWD. It delivered a combined fuel economy of 26 mpg.

The 2.5 Turbo variant of the CX-5 offered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, reducing to 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular fuel. This power gave the CX-5 substantial acceleration, albeit with a slightly lower combined fuel economy of 24 mpg. Despite this, the revised suspension, increased structural rigidity, and the new Mazda Intelligent Drive Select with multiple drive modes provided a more refined and sporty driving experience. The improved driving dynamics eliminated much of the previous model’s noise, vibration, and harshness, giving it a blend of compliance and composure on the road.

The 2021 Subaru Outback set itself apart with impressive ground clearance, surpassing even some trucks like the Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford F-150. This allowed it to traverse varied terrains effectively without being oversized. Inside, it offered a vast 76 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats folded, reducing to a still spacious 33 cubic feet with seats up. Its wide, flat cargo area facilitated easy loading.

Passenger comfort was another strong suit, with ample headroom and legroom for all passengers, and seats that offered substantial support. Excellent outward visibility, absence of intrusive design features, and clever storage solutions, including large map pockets and door holders, added to its practicality. Limited and higher trims included amenities like dual-zone climate control and rear USB ports, though some features came at a premium.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5, previously criticized for its ride quality and front seat comfort, addressed these issues with new, more supportive seats and a sportier driving position. While the rear remained somewhat snug, enhanced features like heated seats and A/C vents improved passenger comfort.

In terms of cargo space, the CX-5 offered 30.9 cubic feet of luggage space behind the rear seats, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with them folded. This was competitive against luxury SUVs but less so against mainstream compact crossovers. Storage inside the cabin included small bins and a wireless smartphone charging tray in higher trims, though overall storage was adequate rather than generous.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's technology was a mixed bag. Its infotainment system felt outdated, with graphics reminiscent of older gaming consoles rather than modern systems. The user interface was clunky, yet it featured standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Subaru EyeSight enhanced the driving experience with standard adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking, although the system relied solely on cameras, which had limitations.

Conversely, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with a non-touch 10.25-inch display, operated via the center console and steering wheel controls. This system required acclimation, lacking natural voice recognition and touchscreen convenience. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with E911 emergency notification and three-year subscriptions to Mazda Connected Services. Higher trims boasted a 10-speaker Bose system, which provided decent audio quality.

Safety was a hallmark of the 2021 Subaru Outback, built on a stronger, stiffer chassis with comprehensive airbag coverage, including driver’s knee and passenger seat-cushion airbags. It featured an extensive suite of driver aids, with higher trims offering more advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring, rear emergency braking, and a driver-attention monitor. It earned top safety ratings, including a 2020 IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

Mazda's 2022 CX-5 also prioritized safety, with the standard i-Activsense package offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and more. Higher trims added features like a surround-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, and Traffic Jam Assist. It too earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from IIHS, showcasing its commitment to safety.