2023 Subaru Forester vs 2024 BMW X5

The 2023 Subaru Forester, despite its familiar and somewhat plain exterior, offered a practical and functional design. Its Cascade Green Silica paint was reminiscent of many Foresters seen over the years, contributing to its unassuming appearance. The Forester's design was characterized by its boxy shape, flared fenders, and distinctive lighting, which, while not particularly attractive, served its purpose. The Touring trim, with its 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome exterior trim, was considered the most visually appealing of the lineup. Inside, the Forester Touring featured Saddle Brown leather, exposed stitching, and metallic accents, maintaining a traditional Subaru design with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen. The interior was practical, with a mix of buttons and knobs for easy use, though it retained a back-to-basics feel.

In contrast, the 2024 BMW X5, last redesigned in 2019, maintained a stylish and modern appearance. The M Sport treatment, however, gave it a station wagon-like look. The test vehicle featured optional 21-inch wheels with staggered-width summer tires, enhancing its sporty appeal. The X5 offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, a turbo-six PHEV powertrain, and a turbocharged V8 engine. The xDrive50e M Sport specification, with its Brooklyn Grey paint and comprehensive equipment packages, was priced at $88,075. The 2024 model received a light styling refresh and introduced the BMW Curved Display, modernizing the interior with reduced physical controls while maintaining high-quality materials and construction.

The 2023 Subaru Forester was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that mimicked a traditional automatic. The Forester featured Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) with a Sport mode and an X-Mode off-road traction management system, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The Forester Touring, tested in challenging weather conditions, demonstrated confidence in flooded roadways and muddy trails. Despite its adequate power, the Forester's driving dynamics were commendable, offering a comfortable and communicative ride with responsive steering and effective brakes. However, it fell short of its EPA fuel economy rating, achieving 25.9 mpg compared to the expected 29 mpg.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e PHEV boasted a new mild-hybrid system with a more powerful electric motor and a 19.2 kWh battery, offering 38 miles of electric-only range. The xDrive50e delivered 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The PHEV's adaptive damping air suspension masked its weight, providing a comfortable ride with excellent handling. During testing, the X5 achieved 38.8 mpg over a 95.5-mile drive, showcasing its efficiency. The PHEV's electric motor produced 194 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque, requiring a light foot to maintain electric mode. The X5 excelled in dynamic driving, with impressive acceleration, grip, and braking performance, while also gaining battery charge during descents.

The 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, offering practicality and simplicity. The Premium trim included features like a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats. Higher trims offered StarTex artificial leather or genuine leather, dual-zone climate control, and heated rear seats. The Forester's high seating position and large windows provided excellent visibility, making it easy to drive and park. However, the panoramic sunroof's lack of tinting led to solar heating, and the rear seats lacked comfort for taller adults. The Forester offered 26.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 69.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e provided a spacious and luxurious interior with room for five passengers. The cargo area offered 33.1 cubic feet, expanding to 71.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The split liftgate design provided a convenient seating area but required stretching to access deep cargo. The X5 featured standard Sensafin artificial leather, with optional 20-way power-adjustable seats, climate control, and a panoramic sunroof. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed comfort and visibility, with sunshades for added convenience. The X5 no longer offered a third-row seat, requiring a step up to the BMW X7 for that feature.

The 2023 Subaru Forester's technology appeared outdated but offered practical features. The Base trim included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added satellite radio, HD Radio, and Starlink connected services. An 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system was available. The Forester's user interface was straightforward, with separate climate controls and easy-to-use knobs. However, the voice-recognition system was unreliable, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable for navigation.

The 2024 BMW X5 featured the BMW Curved Display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel with a 14.9-inch touchscreen. The infotainment system ran BMW Operating System 8.5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and connected services. The Intelligent Personal Assistant, however, struggled with voice recognition, leading to inaccurate directions. The head-up display and augmented video function for navigation were highlights, but the reduction in physical controls was less favorable given the voice assistant's performance.

The 2023 Subaru Forester introduced the next-generation EyeSight system with improved software and cameras. Models with blind-spot monitoring added Automatic Emergency Steering, while Wilderness and Touring trims included Rear Automatic Braking (RAB). The Forester's DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System monitored driver attention. The Forester earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with an Acceptable rating in side-impact protection and a Marginal rating in small-overlap frontal-impact tests. The NHTSA awarded the Forester five-star crash-test ratings and a four-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2024 BMW X5 added the Highway Assistant hands-free driving system, effective in dense or light traffic. However, it occasionally engaged brakes unexpectedly. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance performed well, but the system's behavior in moderate traffic could be frustrating. The X5 received high ratings from the IIHS, but lower headlight ratings prevented an IIHS safety award. The NHTSA gave the X5 a four-star overall crash-test rating.