2023 Subaru Forester vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

The 2023 Subaru Forester maintained its familiar, utilitarian design, reminiscent of its predecessors over the past two decades. Its Cascade Green Silica paint was a nod to the many green Foresters seen on the road. The Forester's design was characterized by its boxy shape, flared fenders, and distinctive lighting, giving it a resemblance to a smaller Subaru Ascent. The Touring trim, with its 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome exterior trim, was considered the most attractive of the lineup. Inside, the Forester Touring featured Saddle Brown leather, metallic accents, and a traditional Subaru design with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen. Despite the abundance of hard plastic, the interior was easy to clean, and the control layout was user-friendly, relying on buttons and knobs for ease of use.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 presented a more rugged design compared to the CX-5, with broader proportions and a fresher look. It was lower, wider, and longer than the CX-5, with a stretched wheelbase. The CX-50's design was accentuated by square wheel arches and faux air vents. Available in eight trim levels, the CX-50 offered a range of wheel sizes and styling options. The 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition, with its all-terrain tires and earthy color palette, emphasized an active-lifestyle image. Inside, the CX-50 boasted a pleasing design with a BMW-like infotainment screen and impressive material quality. However, the interior didn't fully match Mazda's upscale aspirations, with standard half-leatherette seats and manually-adjustable front seats on base models.

The 2023 Subaru Forester was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive. The CVT featured eight programmed ratios and a Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) system with a Sport mode. Most trims included an X-Mode off-road traction management system with various driving modes. The Forester Touring demonstrated its capabilities in challenging weather conditions, handling flooded roads and muddy trails with ease. Despite its adequate power, the Forester's engine was louder than desired, but its excellent driving dynamics, including light steering and effective brakes, made for a comfortable and engaging ride. The Forester returned 25.9 mpg on the testing route, falling short of its EPA rating.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, with turbocharging available on higher trims. The base engine delivered 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, while the turbo engine produced up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. A six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive were standard, along with Normal, Sport, and Off-road driving modes. The CX-50's driving experience differed from the CX-5, focusing more on daily driving than sporty dynamics. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires added noise and limited grip, while the roof platform contributed to wind noise. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-50 was well-mannered overall.

The 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, offering features like a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats in the Premium trim. Higher trims added leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and heated rear seats. The Forester's standout feature was its excellent outward visibility, thanks to tall glass and thin pillars. However, the panoramic sunroof's lack of tint led to solar heating, and the rear seats lacked comfort for taller adults. The Forester's doors were well-sealed, and interior storage was plentiful, with a usefully shaped cargo area. It offered 26.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 69.1 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 had similar passenger space to the CX-5, with slightly less headroom but more legroom. It offered 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 56.3 cubic feet with them folded. While the CX-50 trailed competitors in cargo space, it provided a power liftgate for easier access. The interior layout was sensible, with adequate storage space and a substantial shifter and rotary infotainment controller on the center console. However, the cargo area wasn't ideal for dirty or bulky items, and the optional roof platform was challenging for shorter individuals to use.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system 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 older Starlink system was user-friendly, 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 Mazda CX-50 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen controlled by a rotary controller and buttons. Wireless Apple CarPlay was standard, while Android Auto required a cable. Higher trims offered wireless phone charging, SiriusXM, and a Bose audio system. The touchscreen-free interface required adjustment but provided physical feedback. The infotainment system felt dated, with basic functions and plain graphics, appealing to buyers who preferred simplicity.

The 2023 Subaru Forester introduced an updated EyeSight system with improved software and cameras. It included features like Automatic Emergency Steering and Rear Automatic Braking (RAB). The Touring trim had a DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System. 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 it five-star crash-test ratings and a four-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 received a 2023 Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention tech. However, it scored lower in the nighttime vehicle-to-pedestrian test. The NHTSA provided a five-star frontal crash-test rating and a four-star rollover rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control, with optional features like rear automatic braking and a 360-degree camera system.