2024 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2024 Subaru Crosstrek

March 21st, 2024 by Jack Wooldridge

Compact SUVs give you the best of both worlds, combining capable interiors and reliable engines for a versatile vehicle that’s built to last. Depending on its powertrain, you can get good traction and quick acceleration over every terrain. If the cabin is well-appointed, you’ll get a spacious interior that keeps you and your passengers comfortable and connected wherever you go. But which SUV is the best?

Consider the 2024 Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Crosstrek. These compact SUVs are maneuverable, stylish, and safe. Check out how these new SUVs compare in this side-by-side comparison to help you decide which best suits your lifestyle and driving needs.

Performance Specs

Nothing makes a scenic drive through Orange County more enjoyable than owning a vehicle with a powerful engine for seamless driving performance on curves in the road and smooth acceleration on a straight highway. When shopping for a new SUV in San Juan Capistrano, choose one with an outstanding powertrain and engine.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek offers two engine options that deliver adequate power to the SUV and feature the Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system. Select the base engine, the 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER, a four-cylinder engine with 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. This engine features an upgraded system with direct injection and a dual active valve control system for more power, delivering 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Both engines pair with Subaru’s continuously variable automatic transmission.

If you crave more power from your SUV, consider the 2024 Mazda CX-5. The automaker also offers two engine options for the CX-5, but they are arguably more powerful than Subaru’s BOXER engine. Go for the standard 2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G engine for 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque.

Upgrade the same engine with the Dynamic Pressure Turbo for an impressive 227 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. This engine specification is achievable with 87-octane unleaded fuel. If you want an extra boost, switch to 93 Octane premium unleaded fuel for 256 horsepower. All 2024 CX-5 models feature i-ACTIVE all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift and Sport mode so you can customize your drive for a fun ride.

Stylish Exterior Features

Your vehicle can be an extension of your style, turning heads and catching people’s eyes as you drive down the road. If you have a classic style, purchase the Mazda CX-5 and enjoy its sleek exterior, alluring curves, and iconic badging. A bright signature wing, body-colored rear roof spoiler, and bright-finished dual exhaust outlets come standard on this SUV.

Choose a unique Mazda exterior paint color to amplify the CX-5’s look, such as vivid Soul Red Crystal Metallic or Eternal Blue Mica. Select Jet Black Mica or Machine Gray Metallic if you prefer subdued yet beautiful tones. The 2024 CX-5 offers two aluminum alloy wheel options of 17 or 19 inches. Upgrade to higher trims, such as the CX-5 Turbo Signature, for silver accents on the side mirrors and bumpers, a new front grille in a gunmetal finish, and silver metallic alloy wheels for a bold look.

If your style’s more rugged, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek offers a more robust, sporty exterior complemented by 17- or 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels and raised roof rails. You’ll find sharp lines throughout this SUV’s exterior, such as the narrow LED headlights. The Crosstrek Wilderness trim features protective cladding for off-roading adventures, while the Sport trim presents yellow-finish exterior accents. A moonroof is optional on either SUV, regardless of which automaker you choose.

Interior Design

While the 2024 Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Crosstrek feature a five-person seating capacity, their rear-seat folding configurations differ. The Crosstrek offers a standard 60/40-split flat-folding rear seatback, which is common with many SUVs. If you want something more unique, choose the CX-5. This new compact SUV features a 40/20/40 split in its rear seats that can fold down with one-touch buttons. Plus, the rear seats recline for added comfort for rear passengers on long road trips through Orange County.

Another critical factor in determining which compact SUV is best depends on how much cargo space you need. The 2024 CX-5 provides a generous cargo volume of 30 cubic feet with the rear seats up and a maximum cargo volume of 59.3 with the rear seats and floorboard down. Plus, with its unique rear-seat split, you can customize your seating and cargo configuration to accommodate groceries, camping gear, or sporting equipment with little compromise.

Unfortunately, the maximum cargo volume for the Subaru Crosstrek is only available on the Wilderness trim, offering 20 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 54.9 cubic feet with the rear seats down. The CX-5’s cargo volume dimensions are the same across all eight trims.

Safety Features

Purchasing a secure and compact SUV is paramount in keeping you and your passengers safe as you travel through San Juan Capistrano. Fortunately, the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety awarded the Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Crosstrek with the Top Safety Pick award in 2023. This accolade is noteworthy as it means the new SUVs will uphold the same safety standards for the 2024 model year. Both 2024 compact SUVs also received a five-star vehicle safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Whether you choose the 2024 Mazda CX-5 or Subaru Crosstrek, you’ll appreciate their innovative and responsive safety and driver-assistance features, including:

An adaptive cruise control system.
Lane-keep assist.
A tire pressure monitoring system.
Brake assist.
Lane departure warnings.
Front and side airbags.
Blind-spot detection with rear-cross traffic alert.