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Suv showdown: subaru crosstrek vs. mazda cx-5 – which vehicle will take you further off-road?

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • The CX-5, on the other hand, has a more sleek and sophisticated design, with flowing lines and a premium-looking grille.
  • The CX-5 gets slightly better fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
  • The CX-5 is a better choice for drivers who want a more upscale and refined vehicle with better fuel economy.

The Subaru Crosstrek and Mazda CX-5 are two of the most popular compact crossovers on the market. They both offer a combination of versatility, performance, and affordability, making them ideal choices for a wide range of drivers. But which one is the better choice? In this blog post, we’ll compare the Subaru Crosstrek vs. CX-5 in several key areas to help you make an informed decision.

Exterior Design

The Crosstrek’s exterior is rugged and adventurous, with a raised ride height, black plastic cladding, and a prominent grille. The CX-5, on the other hand, has a more sleek and sophisticated design, with flowing lines and a premium-looking grille. Ultimately, the choice between these two designs depends on your personal taste.

Interior Design and Features

Inside, the Crosstrek offers a spacious and comfortable cabin with plenty of headroom and legroom. The interior materials are durable and easy to clean, making it a great choice for families or outdoor enthusiasts. The CX-5’s interior is more upscale, with soft-touch materials, a large touchscreen infotainment system, and heated and ventilated seats available.

Performance and Handling

Both the Crosstrek and CX-5 offer a choice of engines. The Crosstrek comes with a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 152 horsepower. The CX-5 has a more powerful 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 187 horsepower. Both vehicles offer all-wheel drive, but the Crosstrek has a slightly better ground clearance, making it better suited for off-road adventures.

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority for both Subaru and Mazda. The Crosstrek comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The CX-5 offers a similar range of safety features, but it also includes a standard rear cross-traffic alert system.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is an important consideration for many drivers. The Crosstrek gets an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. The CX-5 gets slightly better fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

Pricing

The Crosstrek has a starting price of $22,245. The CX-5 has a starting price of $25,900. However, the CX-5 offers more standard features than the Crosstrek, so the actual price difference between the two vehicles may be smaller than it appears.

Which One is Right for You?

The Subaru Crosstrek and Mazda CX-5 are both excellent compact crossovers. The Crosstrek is a great choice for drivers who want a rugged and adventurous vehicle with good off-road capabilities. The CX-5 is a better choice for drivers who want a more upscale and refined vehicle with better fuel economy. Ultimately, the best way to decide which one is right for you is to test drive both vehicles and see which one better meets your needs.

What People Want to Know

Q: Which vehicle has a more powerful engine?
A: The Mazda CX-5 has a more powerful engine than the Subaru Crosstrek.

Q: Which vehicle has a better fuel economy?
A: The Mazda CX-5 has a slightly better fuel economy than the Subaru Crosstrek.

Q: Which vehicle has more standard safety features?
A: The Subaru Crosstrek and Mazda CX-5 offer a similar range of standard safety features.

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Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
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