The 2024 Mazda CX-50 and 2024 Subaru Forester are compact SUVs that impress us with their agility, function content material, and customary all-wheel drive (AWD).

Launched for the 2023 mannequin yr, the CX-50 sits in the course of Mazda’s SUV lineup, above the smaller CX-30 and beneath the 3-row CX-90. There’s additionally a equally sized CX-5 that’s narrower than the CX-50 and doesn’t have fairly as a lot inside area or floor clearance.

The Subaru Forester occupies the same middle-child position, nestled above the smaller Crosstrek however beneath the bigger Outback and 3-row Ascent. Recognized for its outdoorsy picture, the Forester obtained its final important redesign for the 2022 mannequin yr. That is when the off-road-themed Wilderness trim joined the lineup, too.

Let’s see how the 2024 Mazda CX-50 and the 2024 Subaru Forester examine.

2024 Mazda CX-50

Beginning at $30,300, the 2024 Mazda CX-50 is on the market in eight trim ranges and has a alternative of two engines. A 187-horsepower 4-cylinder paired with a 6-speed computerized is provided to the 4 decrease trims.

Starting with the two.5 Turbo, which has an asking worth of $38,000, the CX-50 comes with a turbocharged model of this identical 2.5-liter 4-cylinder. It makes 227 hp with 87-octane gasoline and 256 hp with 93-octane. It is also paired with a 6-speed computerized transmission. Regardless of being solely in its second mannequin yr, Mazda retuned the suspension of the 2024 CX-50 for higher trip and dealing with. A wi-fi machine charging pad and Bose audio system are additionally now customary on extra trims.

Mazda CX-50 Highlights

Turbocharged engine: The usual 187-hp 4-cylinder will hold many Mazda prospects completely happy, although the turbocharged engine offers the CX-50 much more pep. This punchier powertrain doesn’t detract a lot from the CX-50’s gas economic system, both. The bottom 4-cylinder returns an EPA-rated 27 mpg mixed, vs. 25 mpg mixed for the turbo.

Mi-Drive: This driver-selectable system has varied modes comparable to Regular, Sport, and Off-Highway. It’s a useful function for folk who plan to do some precise off-road driving of their Mazda. Sport mode ups the CX-50’s recreation with snappier acceleration and a firmer steering really feel.

Sedan-like dealing with: The CX-50 is agile, and it feels extra like a finely tuned sedan than a tall and heavy SUV. That is additionally true of the CX-5 and different Mazda SUVs, that are imbued with a fun-to-drive really feel.

Examine this week’s Honest Buy Worth or see the CX-50 fashions on the market close to you.

2024 Subaru Forester

The 2024 Subaru Forester begins at $27,095. It’s obtainable in six trims: Base, Premium, Sport, Restricted, Wilderness, and Touring. There are only some minor trim and have updates for 2024. For instance, the Premium trim now comes customary with a small rear spoiler and LED fog lights. Beneath the hood of each Forester is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that sends 182 horsepower to all 4 wheels by way of a repeatedly variable computerized transmission.  

Subaru Forester Highlights

Wilderness trim: The Wilderness trim provides extra go-anywhere prowess to the 2024 Subaru Forester. It options redesigned bumpers for better strategy and departure angles, together with all-terrain tires, further floor clearance, and an upgraded model of the Forester’s X-mode driving system. This tunes the transmission and AWD {hardware} for higher traction on and off the pavement.

Spacious cabin, cargo quantity: Some rivals supply extra cutting-edge designs and fancier trim, but the Forester’s gentle and ethereal cabin is a cushty place to spend your time. The outward view is sweet, and there’s loads of legroom for adults seated within the second row. Cargo capability is equally beneficiant with greater than 28 cubic ft of room behind the split-folding rear seat again.

EyeSight security bundle: All Forester fashions include Subaru’s EyeSight bundle of energetic driver aids. This contains computerized emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise management with lane centering, and computerized high-beam headlights.

Examine this week’s Honest Buy Worth or see the Forester fashions on the market close to you.

Similarities

The Mazda CX-50 and Subaru Forester have lots in frequent, most notably related energy, customary AWD, wonderful maneuverability in all sorts of driving conditions, and related suites of energetic security know-how. Additionally they have equivalent warranties, and every has adult-friendly rear seating and greater than sufficient cargo area for all of your load-lugging wants. 

Conclusion

There’s a lot to suggest with both of those 5-seat compact SUVs. The Subaru Forester has legions of followers because of its all-terrain functionality, commanding driving place, and inexpensive worth. In base trim, it prices hundreds lower than an entry-level CX-50. A snug trip high quality and ample floor clearance bolster the Forester’s enchantment. The Wilderness mannequin additional woos journey seekers with its added off-road prowess.

As for the Mazda CX-50, it’s a extremely polished product with an aesthetic cabin and a alternative of two powertrains. The turbocharged 4-cylinder is energetic, and it’ll depart the Forester in its wake. The Mazda boasts a smooth and good-looking design, and the highest trims are particularly luxurious because of their leather-based upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, head-up instrument show, and surround-view parking digital camera.

Of those two SUVs, the Mazda CX-50 has an edge in refinement and really feel, if not gas economic system. But the Subaru Forester stays a strong choose, as legions of patrons within the Northeast, Northwest, and Colorado can attest.