2022 Subaru Forester vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Subaru Forester came in various trims, including base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring. Prices started at $25,195 for the base model, with the top-tier Touring trim reaching $35,295. A destination charge of $1,125 was added to the cost, and Subaru offered a range of dealer-installed accessories. All-wheel drive was standard across all trims. The Forester Wilderness, tested in Bend, Oregon, featured white paint, a dark gray interior with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather, and a base price of $33,945, including destination. With additional options like a navigation system, Harman Kardon premium sound system, and a power rear liftgate, the test vehicle's price reached $36,014.

The Forester's exterior design was utilitarian, with the Wilderness trim adding a suspension lift, higher ride height, and extensive protective cladding, giving it a rugged appearance. Inside, the Forester emphasized functionality over aesthetics, with a mix of hard plastic and soft surfaces. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, featuring physical knobs and buttons for easy navigation. Overall, the 2022 Forester felt well-made, though the Wilderness trim's cladding and matte-black hood decal were not universally appealing.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, remained a strong contender in the compact crossover SUV segment. It offered a stylish design and high-quality materials, giving it a near-luxury feel. The available turbocharged engine provided impressive power, and the CX-5 boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. Mazda planned to replace the CX-5 with the CX-50, but the 2023 model still offered a refined and sophisticated driving experience.

The CX-5 came in eight versions, ranging from the 2.5 S at $26,700 to the 2.5 Turbo Signature at $39,650. The 2.5 Turbo Signature test vehicle featured Rhodium White metallic paint, Caturra Brown premium Nappa leather upholstery, and a rear bumper guard, bringing the MSRP to $41,655, including a $1,275 destination charge. The CX-5's interior exuded luxury, with high-quality materials and a range of comfort features, making it a compelling choice in the compact crossover segment.

The 2022 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. All Foresters had a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The Wilderness model's CVT provided a 25% increase in initial torque supply, doubling the towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The EPA estimated the Forester Wilderness's fuel economy at 26 mpg in combined driving, with the test vehicle averaging 25.9 mpg.

The Forester's engine was adequate at sea level but felt sluggish at higher altitudes. The CVT had eight programmed ratios and included SI-Drive for a more responsive powertrain. The Wilderness trim featured Subaru's dual-function X-Mode system, which improved off-road performance. The re-tuned suspension and longer springs and shocks provided a smoother ride and increased ground clearance to 9.2 inches. The Forester excelled in various driving conditions, including off-road trails, but lacked engine power and had excessive wind noise at higher speeds.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with up to 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. Both engines paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The turbocharged engine provided a more exhilarating driving experience, with the torque arriving at 2,000 rpm on regular gas and 2,500 rpm on premium fuel. The EPA estimated the turbocharged engine's fuel economy at 24 mpg in combined driving, though the test vehicle averaged 21.4 mpg.

Mazda's updates to the CX-5's structural rigidity, suspension, and transmission improved its driving dynamics, making it feel more like an entry-level luxury vehicle. The CX-5 handled well on various road surfaces, with minimal body roll and a firm, connected ride quality. The turbocharged engine delivered quick acceleration, and the six-speed automatic provided smooth shifting. The CX-5 was a delight to drive, especially on twisting and turning roads.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with easy entry and exit and a practical interior. The StarTex upholstery in the Wilderness trim was water-resistant, and the SUV included all-weather floor mats and a rubber cargo mat. The upgraded roof rails accommodated a dynamic load of 220 pounds and a static load of 800 pounds, making it suitable for a three-person roof tent. The Forester's interior was comfortable, with ample space for passengers and decent storage options. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet without the panoramic sunroof and 26.9 cubic feet with it, expanding to 74.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 featured improved front seats for better comfort and support. Higher trims offered power-adjustable seats, heated and ventilated seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The Signature trim included Nappa leather upholstery, adding a touch of luxury. However, the CX-5's interior had limited storage space, a cramped back seat, and a smaller cargo area compared to some rivals. The cargo space measured 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

The 2022 Subaru Forester came with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the base trim, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and Starlink connected services. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen, navigation, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Wilderness trim included a 180-degree forward-view camera. The Forester's infotainment system was user-friendly, though the voice recognition system was hit-and-miss.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics and a logical menu structure. However, the system's physical controls were awkward to use, and the lack of a conversational voice recognition system made it frustrating. The system required a series of twists and pushes to execute commands, making it more distracting than a touchscreen. Despite these issues, Mazda Connect offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial subscription to Mazda Connected Services. Higher trims included a 10-speaker Bose premium audio system and a surround-view camera system.

The 2022 Subaru Forester debuted the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, which included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The system had a wider field of vision and smoother operation. The Forester also featured a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. The Touring trim included DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology for monitoring drowsiness and distraction. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and was expected to retain its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's i-Activsense safety tech included most driver assistance features as standard, with additional features like a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, rear low-speed automatic emergency braking, and Traffic Jam Assist available on higher trims. The i-Activsense tech operated smoothly and accurately, with an Active Driving Display showing operational status and alerts. The CX-5 also had an E911 system for automatic collision notification. The CX-5 earned five-star ratings in all NHTSA assessments and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.