2024 Mazda CX-5 vs 2024 Subaru Outback

The 2024 Subaru Outback maintained its rugged charm with minor updates to the Wilderness trim, featuring a new front fascia and LED fog lights. The dark gray cladding contrasted beautifully with the Autumn Green Metallic color of the Touring XT model, offering a unique and appealing aesthetic. The Outback's various trims showcased different levels of black and chrome exterior fittings, with the Touring trim displaying the most chrome, which was tastefully executed. Wheel designs varied across trims, with the Wilderness trim sporting matte black 17-inch alloy wheels, while the Onyx Edition and higher trims featured larger 18-inch wheels with a machine finish. Inside, the top-trim Touring XT impressed with its luxurious Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery, a step above the standard leather in the Limited trim and the StarTex synthetic leather in the Onyx Edition and Wilderness trims.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 retained its sleek design, which has aged gracefully since its second-generation debut in 2017. The new Carbon Turbo trim arrived with Zircon Sand paint and exclusive Terracotta leather seats, adding a touch of sophistication. The gloss-black exterior detailing complemented the new color options, including Platinum Quartz and Rhodium White. Mazda's attention to detail extended to the interior, where the CX-5's materials and design elevated it above many mass-market rivals. The cabin exuded a premium feel, with comfortable and supportive seats, padded center console sides, and thoughtful touches like rear air conditioning vents and a center armrest with cupholders. Despite being smaller in interior space compared to some competitors, the CX-5 offered a cozy and upscale environment for its occupants.

The 2024 Subaru Outback was powered by a "Boxer" horizontally opposed engine, with the base model featuring a 2.5-liter flat-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The XT trims, including the Wilderness, were equipped with a more powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, significantly enhancing towing capacity to 3,500 lbs. The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Lineartronic CVT were standard across the lineup, providing a smooth and comfortable ride. The turbocharged engine in the Touring XT test car offered a satisfying driving experience, with the CVT mimicking the feel of an eight-speed transmission. The Outback's suspension and ground clearance, especially in the Wilderness trim, made it a capable choice for off-road adventures.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Turbo, when fueled with premium gas, delivered 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, while regular gas provided 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The turbocharged 2.5-liter engine was more rewarding with a gradual acceleration approach, allowing the torque to build smoothly. However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, with an observed 22.9 mpg in combined driving. The CX-5's driving dynamics were enhanced by a re-tuned suspension, a stiffer frame, and G-Vectoring Control Plus technology, resulting in a refined and engaging driving experience. The CX-5's 7.9 inches of ground clearance and Off-Road mode made it capable of handling light off-road trails, while its towing capacity was limited to 2,000 pounds.

The 2024 Subaru Outback offered generous interior space despite its sleek design. It provided more front-row headroom and legroom compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The cargo area measured 32.6 cubic feet with all seats in place and expanded to 75.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Outback's feature availability was impressive, with dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat standard on most trims. Higher trims added features like a heated steering wheel, hands-free power liftgate, and a power moonroof. The Outback's raised roof rails with retractable cross bars added practicality for outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5, while smaller in interior space, offered a comfortable and upscale cabin. The standard heated front seats were redesigned for comfort and support, with the driver's seat providing six-way power adjustment. Leather upholstery was standard on most trims, with the top-tier 2.5 Turbo Signature featuring premium Nappa leather. The rear seat offered good support and amenities like rear air conditioning vents and a center armrest with cupholders. The CX-5's cargo area provided 30 cubic feet of space, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, which was less than some competitors but sufficient for most needs.

The 2024 Subaru Outback featured a mix of old-school and modern technology. The top-trim Touring model included a CD player, while USB-C and USB-A ports were available on most trims. The 11.6-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen was standard on higher trims, with the base model retaining a dual-7-inch-screen system. The Subaru Starlink multimedia platform offered standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, with wireless capability starting from the Premium trim. The Outback's infotainment system included hard buttons for essential climate controls, while other functions were managed through the touchscreen. A 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system was standard on most trims, enhancing the audio experience.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 took a different approach, favoring traditional switchgear over touchscreens to minimize driver distraction. The 10.25-inch display allowed touchscreen operation of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless connectivity available on several trims. The Mazda Connect system was navigated using a large knob and surrounding buttons on the center console, providing quick access to essential functions. While the native voice interface could be improved, pairing a smartphone for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto offered a seamless experience. Mazda Connected Services provided remote engine starting, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and more, enhancing convenience and connectivity.

The 2024 Subaru Outback earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The EyeSight suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies was standard, including adaptive cruise control, automatic pre-collision braking, and lane-keep assist. Reverse automatic braking became standard on the Onyx trim, and the Touring trim added a wide-angle camera, digital rearview mirror, and driver-attention monitor. The Outback's safety features were comprehensive, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 came equipped with a robust set of advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims offered additional safety features like adaptive headlights, traffic sign recognition, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5's standard ADAS performed well, with non-intrusive lane departure and lane-keeping systems. While it did not earn a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS in 2024, the CX-5 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.