2023 Subaru Forester vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 featured a blunt nose, long hood, and a rakish windshield, with a cabin pulled back toward the rear wheels, showcasing the subtle seductiveness typical of Mazda's design language. However, it also conveyed a newfound ruggedness with blistered and boxed fender swells, lower body and wheel arch cladding, and fake skidplates. The oversized air intake and vent designs imparted a sense of performance without being offensive to the eye. When paired with the standard black grille, mirror caps, and available 20-inch wheels, these elements created an appealing exterior. The interior of the CX-50 displayed Mazda's traditional mix of driver-focused design, quality materials, and polished metallic trim, though the lone off-center vent in the middle of the dash seemed like an afterthought.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Forester maintained a homely appearance, resembling every other Forester built over the past two decades. The Forester's design was functional, with flared fenders, a narrow waist, and pincer-shaped lighting. The Touring trim, with its 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome exterior trim, was the best-looking of the lineup. Inside, the Forester Touring offered Saddle Brown leather, exposed stitching, and metallic accents, reflecting traditional Subaru design. The interior was busy, with a mix of gray and silver cladding and a control layout relying on traditional buttons and knobs, making it easy to use. Despite its back-to-basics nature, the Forester's design was practical and functional.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options. The 2.5 S model had a 187 hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Mazda estimated this version would return 27 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5 Turbo variant featured a turbocharged engine producing between 227 hp and 256 hp, depending on the fuel used, with torque ranging from 310 lb-ft to 320 lb-ft. This version had a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds and an estimated fuel economy of 25 mpg in combined driving, though real-world testing showed 23.4 mpg. The CX-50 Turbo provided smooth acceleration and a firm ride quality, with various driving modes ensuring natural vehicle behavior. However, it lacked a downhill assist control system, and the upcoming Meridian Edition with all-terrain tires might not match the Subaru Wilderness models on challenging terrain.

The 2023 Subaru Forester came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive. The CVT had eight programmed ratios and a Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) system with a Sport mode. Most Foresters, except the Base trim, had an X-Mode off-road traction management system with various driving modes. The Forester Wilderness trim offered even more off-roading capability. During testing, the Forester Touring handled flooded roadways, rain-blasted freeways, and muddy trails with ease. The Forester's excellent driving dynamics, comfortable ride, and responsive handling made it enjoyable to drive. However, the engine remained merely adequate, and the Forester returned 25.9 mpg, falling short of the official EPA rating of 29 mpg in combined driving.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50's interior featured power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, heated side mirrors, and heated windshield wipers. The ventilated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control were effective in keeping the cabin comfortable. The driver and front passenger seats were comfortable for long trips, though they could use more side bolstering. The back seat was roomy, with rear air vents and charging ports. Storage space was adequate, with a few missed opportunities for additional bins. The cargo area offered 31.4 cubic feet of space, expanding to 56.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, with a focus on simplicity and substance. The Premium trim included a panoramic glass sunroof, power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, and a windshield wiper de-icer system. Higher trims offered StarTex artificial leather or perforated genuine leather, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated rear seats. The Forester's outward visibility was excellent, and entry and exit were effortless. However, the panoramic sunroof allowed too much solar heating, and the back seats were less comfortable for taller adults. Interior storage was plentiful, with well-sealed doors and a usefully shaped cargo area. The Forester offered 26.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 69.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 came with a Mazda Connect infotainment system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and Mazda Connected Services. The base 2.5 S had an 8.8-inch display, while other trims included a 10.25-inch display. Mazda Connect historically lacked touchscreen control, but the 2023 CX-50 allowed touchscreen control for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The available 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system provided a satisfying audio experience. The Active Driving Display (HUD) projected useful data within the driver’s line of sight, including blind-spot warnings.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto in the Base trim. The Premium trim added satellite radio, HD Radio, and Starlink connected services. An 8-inch touchscreen display was available, along with a navigation system and Harman Kardon premium audio system. The Forester's older Subaru Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, with separate climate controls, volume and tuning knobs, and main menu buttons. However, the voice-recognition system was nearly useless, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto the preferred options.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 was expected to rate high for safety, though the IIHS had not yet performed crash tests. Mazda provided a generous standard package of driving assistance systems, with additional features available on the CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. These included Traffic Jam Assist, active blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The driving assistance systems generally worked well, though the adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to recognize slower vehicles cutting in.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured the next-generation EyeSight collection of driving assistance and collision avoidance technologies, with updated software and cameras. Models with blind-spot monitoring added Automatic Emergency Steering. The Wilderness and Touring trims included Rear Automatic Braking (RAB), though the system could be overly sensitive. The Touring trim also had a DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System. The Forester earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with an Acceptable rating in a new side-impact test and a Marginal rating in a new small-overlap frontal-impact test. The NHTSA awarded the Forester five-star crash-test ratings across the board, with a four-star rollover resistance rating.