2022 Subaru Outback vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was designed to push the boundaries of what a station wagon could be, edging closer to a Jeep in its ruggedness. It featured a 9.5-inch ground clearance, 0.8 inches higher than other Outback models, and came equipped with aggressive all-terrain tires, oversized fender protection trim, and restyled bumpers for improved approach and departure angles. The unique grille design, black 17-inch wheels, blacked-out exterior trim with Anodized Copper accents, and a matte black hood decal added to its distinctive look. The new roof rack and rail system could support a 700-pound static load, making it ideal for rooftop camping, and the exclusive Geyser Blue paint hue further set it apart.

Inside, the Outback Wilderness's cabin was dominated by dark gray and black tones, with StarTex water-repellant upholstery that mimicked leather. While ventilated seats were absent, heated seats were standard. The interior also featured a black headliner, Gunmetal Gray trim, Anodized Copper stitching and accents, brushed aluminum pedals, and all-weather floor mats. The rear seatbacks and cargo tray were waterproof, enhancing the vehicle's practicality. Collectively, these modifications gave the Outback Wilderness a unique personality and purpose, though its appeal was subjective.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, remained a strong contender in the compact crossover SUV segment. It was stylish and built with high-quality materials, giving it the feel of a small luxury SUV. The available turbocharged engine provided impressive power, and the model boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. Mazda had redesigned and renamed the CX-5 as the CX-50, but the 2023 CX-5 continued to offer a refined and sophisticated driving experience across all its versions.

The CX-5's engine options included a standard 187-horsepower four-cylinder and a more powerful 256-hp turbocharged four-cylinder. The lineup ranged from the 2.5 S at $26,700 to the 2.5 Turbo Signature at $39,650, with eight versions available. The 2.5 Turbo Signature test vehicle featured Rhodium White metallic paint, Caturra Brown premium Nappa leather upholstery, and a rear bumper guard, bringing its MSRP to $41,655. Despite its high price, the CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature was considered worthy of its cost, unlike many of its rivals.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 277 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 and 4,800 rpm. This engine, shared with the turbo Outback XT models, provided ample power for the 3,896-pound vehicle, allowing for a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. The EPA estimated fuel efficiency at 24 mpg in combined driving, though real-world testing on a mountainous route yielded 21.3 mpg.

The Outback Wilderness's CVT, with eight programmed ratios and paddle shifters, was less satisfying than a dual-clutch automatic transmission would have been. The CVT's droning and soft simulated gear changes detracted from the driving experience during maximum acceleration. However, the standard all-wheel drive, combined with the Wilderness's 9.5-inch ground clearance, 17-inch all-terrain tires, and revised suspension and traction systems, made it highly capable off-road. The vehicle's approach, breakover, and departure angles were improved to 20 degrees, 21.2 degrees, and 23.6 degrees, respectively, thanks to redesigned bumpers. The dual function X-Mode traction system and hill descent control further enhanced its off-road prowess.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. The turbo engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, provided a more engaging driving experience. The EPA estimated fuel efficiency at 24 mpg in combined driving for the turbo model, though real-world testing on a mountainous route yielded 21.4 mpg.

Mazda's updates for the 2022 model year, including increased structural rigidity, improved suspension dampening, and reduced interior noise, made the CX-5 feel more refined and responsive. The turbocharged engine's torque arrived at 2,000 rpm with regular gas and 2,500 rpm with premium fuel, providing quick and effortless acceleration. The CX-5's handling was tight and solid, with minimal body roll in curves and corners. The firm, connected ride quality, combined with the responsive brakes and perfectly tuned steering, made the CX-5 a delight to drive on paved roads.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, a water-repellant simulated leather that prevented water and sweat from soaking into the seats. While heated front seats were standard, ventilated seats were not available, which could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The driver's seat offered 10-way power adjustment, and the front passenger seat had 8-way power adjustment. The rear seat provided generous space for two adults or three kids, with rear air conditioning vents and dual USB charging ports. The cargo area measured 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded flat. The Outback Wilderness also had a more robust roof rack, supporting a 220-pound dynamic load and a 700-pound static load for rooftop camping.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's front seats were modified for improved comfort and support, with height-adjustable seats for both the driver and front passenger. Higher trim levels offered power adjustment for both front seats, heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The Signature trim featured Nappa leather upholstery, adding a touch of luxury. However, the CX-5's interior space was limited, with relatively small storage areas, a cramped back seat, and a cargo area measuring 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment and climate control system, dominating the center of the dashboard. While physical knobs and buttons were provided for volume, tuning, temperature control, and defogger systems, most functions required the use of the touchscreen. The voice recognition technology was not very responsive to natural voice commands, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto a better option. The Outback Wilderness also featured PIN code entry technology, allowing the key fob to be left inside the vehicle during outdoor activities.

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 on the center console were awkward to use and required memorization and conscious thought. The control knob often 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, a free three-year trial subscription to Mazda Connected Services, and a 10-speaker Bose premium audio system in upper trims. The test vehicle also had a front-facing camera and a surround-view camera system for easier parking.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured the EyeSight advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, and a driver monitoring system. The Wilderness also had steering-responsive headlights, a blind-spot warning system, and a rear cross-traffic warning. The Outback Wilderness's EyeSight technology was effective and qualified as a Level 2 ADAS. The 2021 Outback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's i-Activsense driver assistance tech included most of the automaker's technology as standard equipment, with additional features exclusive to the 2.5 Turbo Signature. These included a surround-view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, a rear low-speed automatic emergency braking system, and Traffic Jam Assist. The i-Activsense tech operated smoothly and accurately, with an Active Driving Display in the three most expensive versions. The CX-5 also had an E911 system for automatic collision notification. The CX-5 received five-star ratings in every assessment from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.