I was on my way to my Subaru appointment for my wife’s forester. Salesman was busy so I dropped into Mazda to kill time, ended up buying my wife the cx-50. It’s simple yet classy, not over the top, able to navigate inclement weather, and best of all my wife doesn’t have to grow her armpit hair out for owning a Subaru
I cross shopped the CX-50 ME with the Outback Touring XT. Had to split some hairs but choose the CX-50 (wife has an Outback, didn't really see the need for two). Basically I fit the Mazda and the user controls were easier to work (I want physical buttons for a lot of stuff, not a fan of do all computer screens - plus the finger prints - a killjoy). CX-50 is a lot more competent on the road in the twisties - bigger fun factor.
test drove both and the look and feel isn't comparable. pulled the trigger on the meridian turbo because it's clearly a class above any subaru in everything EXCEPT off-roading.
Subaru wins, because it's AWD is on all the time, it doesn't need to detect slippage then activate AWD like Mazda. those milliseconds needed to activate at 60 mph can mean the difference between life or death.
I was thinking of subaur-- BUT- as good as they are-- they DO have CVT transmissions (not a REAL transmission) and that's CRAP... mechanics will tell you they are JUNK.. it's like making a super hard steel chain and putting a paper link in the middle.. just TRASH... ruins an otherwise perfect vehicle.. PLUS- I DO like the agressive LOOK of the mazda better- and on the road I love the mazda better too... and it has a REAL transmission...
While each vehicle may have strong and weak points, there are three that I'd point out in a Forester 1) great visibility from the interior, 2) extra comfortable suspension as it's a car thought for light offroad as well, and 3) the awd system (available from the base trim as well). These three features make the Forester different and valuable.
I LOVE the meridian-- just wish it came in MORE than those two sick (and I don't mean that in a good way) colors... the rest is great... BUT- I can get a turbo premium in the color I want and just lift it- and BUY a set of the wheels and tires...(and paint the hood etc. myself with the plastidip- and if I don't like it- peel it off)...
I LOVE teh Meridian-- feels and looks like quality- and will most likely fit my uses more... BUT - if they would make the Crosstrek with a TURBO-- I'd buy it right now. (cheap feeling or not)
Put it to the real test and show the numbskulls the true capability and utility of the vehicles. The numbskulled comments may still not understand it, as they only comprehend looks and not purpose or utility design.
Bought the wife a forester wilderness. At first im like meeeh, then drove it to FL from MA. Drove 16 hrs straight, comfy, I was like ok. Finished the week vacation drove home, impressed. Then my jeep grand cherokee started aging, a new 6 cyc jeep is over 50k, cant afford it. Checked out a 24' wilderness, fell in love with its simplicity and ruggedness, bought one too.
I was curious--- BESIDES the fact that the subaru has a CRAP FAKE TRANSMISSION--- (weakest point of the power train is CRAP-- which to me screws the whole car..)
You didn't mention the CVT transmission in the forester....Garbage. The 6 speed auto in the Mazda is the only way to go for reliability. People need to research the CVT and the disaster that they are. Good luck getting more than 100k out of one.
ugh, the Subaru is a styling mess, as usual. The CX-50 looks pretty good. The Mazda definitely wins on interior quality. The Subaru should win on off-road capability.
Got the CX50 Turbo about 3 months ago. Love it so far. As others mentioned a regular transmission was what sold me. CVT transmissions are kind of iffy. My niece has a Nissan and the CVT transmission went out. Had to replace it as parts and knowledge of rebuild is very limited.
Nissan is known for having horrible CVT transmissions. Honda, Toyota, and Subarus CVTs have proven to be much better. Still, any off-road oriented car (even super part-time) should have a standard transmission as the CVTs tend to overheat while performing off-road or towing duties. CVTs also require more maintenance (fluid changes) more often than a standard transmission. I love the Foresters, but if I had to choose between these two vehicles, I'd almost certainly take the Mazda.
I might have missed it but, it would have been good to add price in the comparison. Ive been thinking about the CX-50 or Outback Wilderness. With 4 kids we got a new minivan in 2015. Now one is grown and another has a DL, sports, and a job so she is out and about a lot. With only two kids dependent on the parents driving i think we can move past the minivan.
I bought a Mazda a few months ago. Every time that I drive it, I feel its value and that I am driving something special. I never felt that way about a Subaru.
@@jre617 - Quite a bit of it is truly special! I think that the interiors of the Mazda are much more premium than the Subaru. I felt that both cars look nice -- but I really think that the Mazda just looks better. I think that both AWD systems are comparable. However, the Mazda just has more power (i.e., HP and torque) and has better safety ratings. I also STRONGLY prefer the Mazda infotainment ecosystem. I like the physical buttons on the Mazda (for the dual zone and rear ACs, seat heating/cooling, infotainment wheel/button, etc.). I also feel that the Mazda seats are just nicer. So, yeah, I do feel that the Mazda is something special -- particularly in terms of value. I feel that I am getting all of the tangible benefits of the Subaru (e.g., size, build quality and AWD) but with a more premium interior experience.
@@ccchhhrrriiisss100 The AWD systems are not comparable. And I'm sorry but the Subaru is a visual mess, covered by arbitrary shapes. This is, by definition, bad design. If you don't need the Subaru's superior AWD system, you made the better choice.
That subaru is UGLY! They didn't have to overdo the "off road look". If someone wants an off road vehicle they would get some real off road vehicles. And who tf wants gold/orange interior accents?
I LOVE the little buggers (Subaru Crosstreks)... BUT they just Look and feel "CHEAP" and I don't mean inexpensive.. and I really hate that big ugly screen in there-- they need to take all that crap out and throw it away.. AND YES I do know you're talking FORESTER and not Crosstrek-- BUT- this is MY comparison.
seems like people looking at these 2 are specifically thinking off road, and this review punted that comparison. Ground clearance, armor, gear ratios, 4WD modes and effectiveness, etc. Take them off road and do a real comparison.
The previous Head of Design and Engineering at Subaru retired, since then they've had this doohickey flybynight trans gender man that's trying to make the Subaru brand more his/her pronoun savvy,.. some BS like that. Ruining the brand and he needs to be put in the toy department for another company.
Yokohama Geolanders have been a highly rated AT tire for many years. They don't look all aggressive like the newer designs, but they get the job done competently and will actually perform better in on-road situations such as dry, wet and snow performance (which is 99% what these models are really used for)
Subaru interior and exterior are not worth to be even 2015 cars and I bit that ford escap interior and exterior looks better than this Mazda did very well job overall
Why? Many Subarus with many miles on them. The problem with Subarus is people tend to think they can do more than they can. I had a 22 Outback Premium an 23 Ascent Onyx, and now a 24 Limited XT. I would never take these where I have taken my 05 JEEP Wrangler Unlimited. I would never take my JEEP where other "RIGS" go. My JEEP is not built like that. Turbos are not bad, but people tend to think a Subaru with a turbo is now a rally car. It isn't. I drive my 24 Limited XT with care as I plan on keeping for many years. Back to the video. Between these two I would pick the CX-50.
Lets call it like it is the Subaru is hideous especially the wilderness trim. No doubt Subaru makes good vehicles but why make them look like they purposely don't want you to buy it????? I'm in the market for a mid size SUV for my wife but won't even consider the Forester or Outback because they just look like shit
@@joesteel Yes its says I'm not willing to pay a fair bit of money for a good vehicle that looks awful and that I don't like when I can buy an equally good vehicle that is nice looking and I do like for the same money. Looks are subjective and do what ever you like with your money and if you like the Subaru better then by all means buy one and enjoy it. More power to you my friend, but no need to insult someone because they have a different opinion
The fact is not everyone needs a high maintenance looking car. The Mazda is a nice car but it looks like it's going to the opera, not the Outback. And personally I don't know any Subaru driver who would try to sell someone on how great their Subaru looks. Because that's not what they're in it for. It's not a "look at me" car, and Subie drivers know that. A Subaru is what it is. It doesn't pretend to be something it's not. Nor does it care to be. And to thsoe who say 'That car is hideous! It looks like shit! Why would you want to buy it?' Whatever. The Subaru driver will simply say, buy what you want, and we'll buy what we want. No need to take life so seriously.
@@spinedoc893 your comment was insulting and childish, so don't whine when you sow what you seed genius. Just like a Subaru is ugly so is a mazda, hideous. Looks are in the eye of the beholder.
I was on my way to my Subaru appointment for my wife’s forester. Salesman was busy so I dropped into Mazda to kill time, ended up buying my wife the cx-50. It’s simple yet classy, not over the top, able to navigate inclement weather, and best of all my wife doesn’t have to grow her armpit hair out for owning a Subaru
Wish Mazda had gone further with this version. A bit higher ground clearance, skid plates, maybe LSD.
FYI: On the Mazda when it’s connected to AppleCarPlay or Android Auto the screen becomes touch screen
I cross shopped the CX-50 ME with the Outback Touring XT. Had to split some hairs but choose the CX-50 (wife has an Outback, didn't really see the need for two). Basically I fit the Mazda and the user controls were easier to work (I want physical buttons for a lot of stuff, not a fan of do all computer screens - plus the finger prints - a killjoy). CX-50 is a lot more competent on the road in the twisties - bigger fun factor.
test drove both and the look and feel isn't comparable. pulled the trigger on the meridian turbo because it's clearly a class above any subaru in everything EXCEPT off-roading.
How much worse is the off roading?
No brainer Mazda CX 50 Mediterranean 100%
The Forester is not mid-sized.
Neither is the CX-50.
Subaru wins, because it's AWD is on all the time, it doesn't need to detect slippage then activate AWD like Mazda. those milliseconds needed to activate at 60 mph can mean the difference between life or death.
I was thinking of subaur-- BUT- as good as they are-- they DO have CVT transmissions (not a REAL transmission) and that's CRAP... mechanics will tell you they are JUNK.. it's like making a super hard steel chain and putting a paper link in the middle.. just TRASH... ruins an otherwise perfect vehicle.. PLUS- I DO like the agressive LOOK of the mazda better- and on the road I love the mazda better too... and it has a REAL transmission...
Subaru will out perform the mazda offroad and in snow everyday.
Subaru accents are pumpkin orange...not gold
I don’t like anything with CVT 🤢 so I got the CX50.
While each vehicle may have strong and weak points, there are three that I'd point out in a Forester 1) great visibility from the interior, 2) extra comfortable suspension as it's a car thought for light offroad as well, and 3) the awd system (available from the base trim as well). These three features make the Forester different and valuable.
My 2011 Outback died at 217000 miles so I bought at cx-50 turbo
If u did an offroad comparison you would have 200k views
I LOVE the meridian-- just wish it came in MORE than those two sick (and I don't mean that in a good way) colors... the rest is great... BUT- I can get a turbo premium in the color I want and just lift it- and BUY a set of the wheels and tires...(and paint the hood etc. myself with the plastidip- and if I don't like it- peel it off)...
I LOVE teh Meridian-- feels and looks like quality- and will most likely fit my uses more... BUT - if they would make the Crosstrek with a TURBO-- I'd buy it right now. (cheap feeling or not)
I wanted a subaru but cvt trashmission and infotainment system nightmare were deal brackers
Put it to the real test and show the numbskulls the true capability and utility of the vehicles. The numbskulled comments may still not understand it, as they only comprehend looks and not purpose or utility design.
Subaru's AWD is on all the time. Mazda's only turns on manually or by computer when it detects slippage. By that time it's too late. lol
Bought the wife a forester wilderness. At first im like meeeh, then drove it to FL from MA. Drove 16 hrs straight, comfy, I was like ok. Finished the week vacation drove home, impressed. Then my jeep grand cherokee started aging, a new 6 cyc jeep is over 50k, cant afford it. Checked out a 24' wilderness, fell in love with its simplicity and ruggedness, bought one too.
suburu looks so outdated
I was curious--- BESIDES the fact that the subaru has a CRAP FAKE TRANSMISSION--- (weakest point of the power train is CRAP-- which to me screws the whole car..)
You didn't mention the CVT transmission in the forester....Garbage. The 6 speed auto in the Mazda is the only way to go for reliability. People need to research the CVT and the disaster that they are. Good luck getting more than 100k out of one.
ugh, the Subaru is a styling mess, as usual. The CX-50 looks pretty good.
The Mazda definitely wins on interior quality.
The Subaru should win on off-road capability.
Got the CX50 Turbo about 3 months ago. Love it so far. As others mentioned a regular transmission was what sold me. CVT transmissions are kind of iffy. My niece has a Nissan and the CVT transmission went out. Had to replace it as parts and knowledge of rebuild is very limited.
Nissan is known for having horrible CVT transmissions. Honda, Toyota, and Subarus CVTs have proven to be much better. Still, any off-road oriented car (even super part-time) should have a standard transmission as the CVTs tend to overheat while performing off-road or towing duties. CVTs also require more maintenance (fluid changes) more often than a standard transmission. I love the Foresters, but if I had to choose between these two vehicles, I'd almost certainly take the Mazda.
The Mazda infotainment system becomes touch screen while running AndroidAuto or CarPly.
I preferred MAZDA, it has a minimalist design which is absolutely stunning
If i wan't looks I'll go with an alfa romeo
@@joesteelI didn't see any alfa romeo in the video. We're only comparing the forester and cx-50 here.
I might have missed it but, it would have been good to add price in the comparison. Ive been thinking about the CX-50 or Outback Wilderness. With 4 kids we got a new minivan in 2015. Now one is grown and another has a DL, sports, and a job so she is out and about a lot. With only two kids dependent on the parents driving i think we can move past the minivan.
I was looking at these 2 vehicles too. Got a Mazda in the end due to the better interior design + infotainment system
I might trade in my subaru forester for a cx50.
What’s the towing capacity on the Mazda ….Forester Wilderness is 3000k.
3000 as well
@@cymphony9798turbo is 3500. NA is 2000.
I bought a Mazda a few months ago. Every time that I drive it, I feel its value and that I am driving something special. I never felt that way about a Subaru.
Something special? Well, nice interior, but what is special?
@@jre617 - Quite a bit of it is truly special! I think that the interiors of the Mazda are much more premium than the Subaru. I felt that both cars look nice -- but I really think that the Mazda just looks better. I think that both AWD systems are comparable.
However, the Mazda just has more power (i.e., HP and torque) and has better safety ratings. I also STRONGLY prefer the Mazda infotainment ecosystem. I like the physical buttons on the Mazda (for the dual zone and rear ACs, seat heating/cooling, infotainment wheel/button, etc.). I also feel that the Mazda seats are just nicer.
So, yeah, I do feel that the Mazda is something special -- particularly in terms of value. I feel that I am getting all of the tangible benefits of the Subaru (e.g., size, build quality and AWD) but with a more premium interior experience.
@@ccchhhrrriiisss100 The AWD systems are not comparable. And I'm sorry but the Subaru is a visual mess, covered by arbitrary shapes. This is, by definition, bad design. If you don't need the Subaru's superior AWD system, you made the better choice.
That subaru is UGLY! They didn't have to overdo the "off road look". If someone wants an off road vehicle they would get some real off road vehicles. And who tf wants gold/orange interior accents?
The accent color is a throwback to subarus origins. But I'll agree they are not attractive on these newer models.
you buy vehicles for looks?
Mazda is modern and classy
I LOVE the little buggers (Subaru Crosstreks)... BUT they just Look and feel "CHEAP" and I don't mean inexpensive.. and I really hate that big ugly screen in there-- they need to take all that crap out and throw it away.. AND YES I do know you're talking FORESTER and not Crosstrek-- BUT- this is MY comparison.
seems like people looking at these 2 are specifically thinking off road, and this review punted that comparison. Ground clearance, armor, gear ratios, 4WD modes and effectiveness, etc. Take them off road and do a real comparison.
the mazda looks stunning. foresters used to look mean and sporty. but now they kinda went on a new design.
looks aren't always what they seem.
The previous Head of Design and Engineering at Subaru retired, since then they've had this doohickey flybynight trans gender man that's trying to make the Subaru brand more his/her pronoun savvy,.. some BS like that. Ruining the brand and he needs to be put in the toy department for another company.
@@joesteelYeah, but if I'm paying 35-40 grand I'd actually like to enjoy my car's looks.
@@anthonyfrombelow for that reason I have my BMW, Mercedes, Tundra and classic pontiac lol
Yeah, but nice to have it all in one package.
Looks won't save you.. Mazda's axle shafts are subpar. GL
44k for the mazda 38k for the subaru.
That extra 6k will cost you in transmission repair on the subaru, CVT and off-road/towing doesn’t go well together
@@souls3029 till the turbo goes out on the Mazda
@@SebastianMonroe-yd3nuthat dynamic pressure turbo will last 300k before needing a replacement show me a subaru that has 300k on the CVT
The tires is way better than cx 50. The standard tire of subaru wilderness is crap.
Yokohama Geolanders have been a highly rated AT tire for many years. They don't look all aggressive like the newer designs, but they get the job done competently and will actually perform better in on-road situations such as dry, wet and snow performance (which is 99% what these models are really used for)
Subaru interior and exterior are not worth to be even 2015 cars and I bit that ford escap interior and exterior looks better than this
Mazda did very well job overall
Take them off-road and tell us about how they compare that way
Subaru is junk
Why? Many Subarus with many miles on them. The problem with Subarus is people tend to think they can do more than they can. I had a 22 Outback Premium an 23 Ascent Onyx, and now a 24 Limited XT. I would never take these where I have taken my 05 JEEP Wrangler Unlimited. I would never take my JEEP where other "RIGS" go. My JEEP is not built like that. Turbos are not bad, but people tend to think a Subaru with a turbo is now a rally car. It isn't. I drive my 24 Limited XT with care as I plan on keeping for many years. Back to the video. Between these two I would pick the CX-50.
@@MM-yy9ib cheap junk.
@@RealKevGotEm sounds like your brain or lack of it
@@gchrisb1 yes it is
Lets call it like it is the Subaru is hideous especially the wilderness trim. No doubt Subaru makes good vehicles but why make them look like they purposely don't want you to buy it????? I'm in the market for a mid size SUV for my wife but won't even consider the Forester or Outback because they just look like shit
tells alot about your mentality to put it nicely
Yet, there are thousands of Outbacks and Foresters on the road. We don't buy for looks only.
@@joesteel Yes its says I'm not willing to pay a fair bit of money for a good vehicle that looks awful and that I don't like when I can buy an equally good vehicle that is nice looking and I do like for the same money. Looks are subjective and do what ever you like with your money and if you like the Subaru better then by all means buy one and enjoy it. More power to you my friend, but no need to insult someone because they have a different opinion
The fact is not everyone needs a high maintenance looking car.
The Mazda is a nice car but it looks like it's going to the opera, not the Outback.
And personally I don't know any Subaru driver who would try to sell someone on how great their Subaru looks. Because that's not what they're in it for. It's not a "look at me" car, and Subie drivers know that. A Subaru is what it is. It doesn't pretend to be something it's not. Nor does it care to be.
And to thsoe who say 'That car is hideous! It looks like shit! Why would you want to buy it?'
Whatever.
The Subaru driver will simply say, buy what you want, and we'll buy what we want. No need to take life so seriously.
@@spinedoc893 your comment was insulting and childish, so don't whine when you sow what you seed genius. Just like a Subaru is ugly so is a mazda, hideous. Looks are in the eye of the beholder.