Which is better - The 2023 Mazda CX-50 or the 2022 Subaru Forester?
This video is designed to help you answer that question. Mazda and Subaru do not get compared to each other very often, as Mazda is typically known for making exciting, urban-bound vehicles for the streets of Minneapolis and St. Paul, whereas Subaru makes CUV's that are designed to be taken off the beaten path and get you places other vehicles couldn't. With the introduction of the CX-50, Mazda is aiming to enter a market that is craving versatile, rugged, and off-road able small CUV's. Hence, we get to compare the all-new and plenty capable Mazda CX-50, to the steadfast Subaru Forester.
Let's take a look at these two major players in the compact SUV market and see which outshines the other in the categories that matter:
Capability:
We'll start with the most sought after question between these two models: Which is more capable? The answer depends on what you need the vehicle to do. Off the bat, both models come with standard AWD. Subaru uses their well-known Subaru Symmetrical AWD which is standard in all 2022 Subaru Forester models. Mazda, who recently announced AWD will be standard on all 2022 CUV models, including the 2023 CX-50, uses their very popular Skyactiv® AWD system. Ground clearance is another hot topic amongst these vehicles, and Subaru will take the cake on this one coming with 8.7 inches of standard ground clearance on the 2022 Forester. The CX-50 is not far behind at 8.5 inches standard ground clearance.
Let's talk next about accessories and the capability of the roof rack/towing systems. Both of these vehicles can add an impressive amount of roof, hitch, and interior accessories. A first for both models however, is the availability of a roof top tent for the 2023 Mazda CX-50. Take a look at other notable accessories below:
Thule Cross Bars
Thule Roof Basket
Yakima Roof Top Tent (CX-50 only, available Fall 2022)
Roof Kayak Carrier
Roof Bike Carrier
Rook Ski/Snowboard Carrier
Trailer Hitch (discussed in Powertrain section)
Thule Hitch Cargo Box
Thule Hitch Bike Rock
Interior Cargo Net
All-Weather Floor Mats
View CX-50 Accessories
View Forester Accessories
Drive modes have also become an important factor when looking at capable SUV's. The good news is that both the Subaru Forester and Mazda CX-50 come with available drive modes that are specific to each brand. Subaru offers X-Mode, which is can come in two different forms: Standard X-mode is available on lower trim levels and when engaged, it will limit the onboard traction control system in order to allow the wheels to spin more when stuck or on slick pavement. Dual X-Mode is offered on high trims (Sport and up) and provides two different off-road driving layouts: Snow and Dirt, which enhances your torque ratio, allowing for more power to be available in slow acceleration situations, the other X-Mode function is Deep Snow & Mud, which also limits your traction control system and allows for wheel spin when stuck, or indeed, in a deep snow or mud terrain. Beyond X-Mode, the Forester also comes with an available Sport# mode, which allows for faster pedal response times for a sense of faster acceleration.
The 2023 Mazda CX-50 also comes with available drive modes as part of Mazda's Intelligent Drive Select technology (Mi-Drive). This system offers four main drive modes:
Normal
Off-Road - similar to the Forester, this drive model increases front end torque available at low speeds in order to allow the Skyactiv® AWD system to send power to each wheel in real-time in order to get out of sticky situations much easier.
Sport - this drive mode puts more power to the pedal. Initial acceleration is emphasized, as well as passing power on the interstate or highway.
Towing (when equipped with a tow package) - when a trailer is attached, the gear ratios will be extended to allow for more fuel-efficient driving while towing. More power will also be supplied in low gears in order to get you up to speed quicker.
All in all, both of these vehicles are extremely capable. The Forester and CX-50 come standard with two very well-known AWD systems, both come with a great selection of drive modes, and you will have access to a great selection of accessories. So, what are the main differentiators? The Forester wins the ground clearance game by 0.2 inches, however the CX-50 comes with an available roof top tent as well and Towing Mode, both of which are not offered on the Subaru Forester.
For more information or to view our CX-50 inventory, visit us online at WalserMazda.com to learn more about the 2023 Mazda CX-50.
To learn more about the 2022 Subaru Forester, visit us online at WalserSubaru.com.
Property of Walser Mazda and Walser Subaru. Both locations located in Burnsville, MN south of Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN on I-35.
9 июл 2024
