Hi! I am shopping for a used smaller suv that would be a family/work vehicle. I’m between a Subaru crossover/outback and a Mazda CX-5. I put about 25,000 miles a year. Which would you pick?
I used to love Subaru, but not anymore. Mazda for sure....Subaru has been sliding downhill for years now.
They’re both fine. Which is better depends on your priorities. The Mazda is going to be more comfortable and relatively luxurious, the Subie better in foul weather and off road.
I disagree with the above comments on Crosstrek quality. They are rough and unsophisticated but reliability is fine. Even the much-maligned CVT has improved in recent years and is now at least average in quality. FYI, my daughters 2018 Crosstrek (first year of the current model) is pushing 100,000 miles without a blip. If they are maintained well, they’re fine.
I agree that Subarus are better in foul weather and off-road,
but I disagree on that their gearboxes are of above average quality, so far the "LineTronic" have been questionable as it hasn't had a major update since the TR580 was initially released back in 2010/2011 - they're about as good as other CVTs of the same era (Toyota K3XX series, and are much better than the Toyota K1XX and Jatco crap).
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The main issue why I will never recommend a Subaru CVT is the way they treat consumers. When their poorly designed solenoids get clogged, Subaru makes you but a $600+ valve body, and this typically happens only at around 100k.
The worst part is that you have to feel for this, a lot of the time the check engine light won't illuminate and driving with bad solenoids will cause the internals of the transmission to get damaged from oil starvation.
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Personally, I wouldn't call this transmission "average", it is less dependable than transmissions like Ford's conventional automatic 6 speed, and so far, they seem to be worse than GM's new 9 speed.
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And then there's Mazda's SkyActive-Drive 6 speed, which is built like a tank. IMO it's the best automatic transmission currently in production.
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Also another thing Mazda has going for it is safety.
Models like the Mazda's CX-30 scored 99% on the EuroNCAP, that's the highest safety score I have ever seen, this beats any Volvo and Mercedes cars, while Subaru traditionally has been getting mediocre results on the EuroNCAP.
Cx5 all the way. I own a 2015 and have never had an issue.
I do not trust Subaru. They've knowingly put poor designs out for numerous years. Their CEO did some apology interviews but they aren't taking care of the customers who lost $30,000 cars after the engines blew at 89k miles.
Mazdas are probably still using real transmissions; CVT issues avoided.
Get the Mazda.
Mazda.
Especially when comparing the great CX-5 to the trashy CrossTrek.
Both are good companies. One thing I have to say abt my subaru (21 WRX) is that its far from a luxury car, doesnt have a ton of bells & whistles, decent bit of road noise and those boxer engines aren't the quietest. I'm sure different models are probably different but that's my experience. Mazda will probably get better MPG but subaru will be better in winter weather, both can be fun to drive. They seemed to have solved the headgasket thing that was an issue 15-20 years ago, just stay away from the 6 cyl boxer.
If I were doing more outdoor stuff, Subaru. More city stuff / freeway stuff, Mazda.
