2023 Mazda CX-5 vs 2023 Subaru Forester

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, even as it approached the end of its production, continued to impress with its upscale design and luxury-like ambiance. It was crafted with high-quality materials that gave it an aesthetic edge resembling a premium SUV, enhancing the overall driving experience. The Mazda CX-5 was available in different trims, catering to a variety of tastes and budgets, yet consistently maintained its stylish appeal across the range.

Conversely, the 2023 Subaru Forester retained its traditional, utilitarian design which hasn't changed significantly over the years. The focus was clearly on functionality over style, demonstrated by its straightforward and practical appearance, both inside and out. Despite its basic design, the Forester provided practical usability with its robust roof rails and comfortable interior, prioritizing a functional approach over flashy aesthetics.

The Mazda CX-5 offered a choice of two engines: a standard 187-horsepower four-cylinder and a more robust 256-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder. The turbocharged variant delivered exhilarating power and was particularly responsive thanks to recent upgrades in structural rigidity and suspension tuning. The result was a sporty driving experience that had been polished to reduce noise and enhance comfort, even if it did compromise fuel efficiency under more vigorous driving conditions.

In contrast, the Subaru Forester was equipped with a single engine option across all trims—a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 182 horsepower. It included a continuously variable transmission (CVT) optimized to mimic a traditional automatic, enhancing the driving feel. Though not as powerful as the CX-5’s turbo option, the Forester was capable in various driving conditions, supported by its X-Mode off-road system. It promised a confident ride, particularly in adverse weather conditions—a hallmark of Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive system.

Inside, both vehicles catered differently to consumer needs. The Mazda CX-5 boasted a redesigned front seat for enhanced comfort and multiple high-end features in its upper trims like Nappa leather and dual-zone climate control. Despite such upgrades, the CX-5 suffered from limited cargo space, providing only 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with rear seats down, which was less than some competitors.

The Subaru Forester focused on maximizing usability and space. Even at lower trims, it offered functional amenities like a panoramic sunroof and heated seats. The Forester excelled in providing cargo space with 28.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 74.2 cubic feet with the seats folded in the base model, making it more favorable for those needing more utility space.

Technologically, both vehicles had their strengths and shortcomings. Mazda's CX-5 featured an advanced infotainment system that looked appealing but was criticized for its complex usability and distracting control setup. It also lacked an effective voice recognition system, which could have mitigated the distraction issues.

The Subaru Forester offered a more straightforward infotainment system that, while seemingly outdated, was easier to use due to its separation of climate controls and the presence of physical buttons and knobs. Despite some reflection issues on the touchscreen, the overall user interface was less frustrating compared to the CX-5's.

Safety technology in both SUVs was advanced and supportive of the driver. The Mazda CX-5 was equipped with nearly all of Mazda's i-Activsense safety features as standard, including impressive options like a surround-view camera system and rear low-speed automatic braking in higher trims. It also received high ratings from safety organizations.

The Subaru Forester's updated EyeSight driver assistance technology provided substantial safety features, although its performance was somewhat mixed in practical use. Notably, its safety ratings, particularly from IIHS, showed a slight decline compared to previous years.