2022 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was designed to stand out with its increased ride height of 9.5 inches, aggressive all-terrain tires, and restyled bumpers for better approach and departure angles. It featured a unique grille, black 17-inch wheels, and blacked-out exterior trim with Anodized Copper accents. The interior was dominated by dark gray and black StarTex water-repellant upholstery, with heated seats but no ventilation. The Outback Wilderness was priced at $36,995 plus a destination charge, with our test car totaling $39,965.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 received new LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, a redesigned rear liftgate, and fresh alloy wheels. The top-of-the-line Signature trim featured body-color lower exterior trim. Inside, the Signature trim boasted premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The CX-5 2.5 Turbo, priced at $36,400 for the base trim and $38,650 for the Signature trim, offered a luxurious feel with new seats and a sportier driving position. Our test vehicle, with optional features, totaled $39,445.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. It had a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs and an EPA fuel efficiency rating of 24 mpg in combined driving, though our test averaged 21.3 mpg. The Outback's CVT, while functional, lacked the engaging feel of a dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Wilderness trim featured 9.5 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and a dual-function X-Mode traction system, making it highly capable off-road.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a revised six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. It achieved 26 mpg in combined driving, while the 2.5 Turbo variant offered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gas, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg. The CX-5's driving dynamics were improved with increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension tuning, providing a quieter and smoother ride. The Mi-Drive system offered Normal, Sport, and Off-Road settings, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats offered 10-way and 8-way power adjustments, while the rear seats provided ample space and heated cushions. The cargo area measured 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded flat. The roof rack had a 700-pound static load rating, suitable for rooftop camping.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints with new, more comfortable seats and a sportier driving position. The front passenger seat was height-adjustable, and the 2.5 Turbo trim included dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The back seat remained snug but offered heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents. Cargo space was 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down, adequate compared to entry-level luxury SUVs.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which required the use of the touchscreen for most functions. The voice recognition technology was not intuitive, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable. The Outback also featured PIN code entry technology, allowing the key fob to be left inside the vehicle during outdoor activities.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, which was not touch-sensitive. The system lacked natural voice recognition, requiring the use of center console and steering wheel controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a three-year trial subscription to Mazda Connected Services. The 2.5 S Premium trim and above included a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system, which performed adequately.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured the EyeSight advanced driving assistance system, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and lane-centering assistance. It also had steering-responsive headlights and a blind-spot warning system. The 2021 Outback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 came with the i-Activsense package, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS.