Unveiling the ultimate off-road companions: subaru crosstrek wilderness vs mazda cx-50
What To Know
- The Crosstrek Wilderness has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway with the CVT.
- The CX-50 with the naturally aspirated engine gets 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, while the turbocharged engine delivers 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
- However, the CX-50’s system offers a more intuitive interface and a wider range of features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Bose sound system, and a head-up display.
When it comes to choosing a vehicle for outdoor adventures, two standout options are the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness and the Mazda CX-50. Both vehicles offer rugged capabilities and comfortable interiors, but they have distinct strengths and weaknesses. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the details to help you make an informed decision.
Performance and Off-Roading Capabilities
The Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness boasts a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with all-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CX-50, on the other hand, offers two engine options: a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated unit with 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. Both CX-50 engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
Off-road, the Crosstrek Wilderness has a slight edge thanks to its standard raised ground clearance of 9.5 inches, skid plates, and X-Mode terrain management system. The CX-50, while not as rugged as the Crosstrek Wilderness, still offers impressive off-road capabilities with its available 8.6-inch ground clearance and AWD system.
Interior and Cargo Space
Inside, the Crosstrek Wilderness features a spacious and well-equipped cabin. It offers ample headroom and legroom in both rows of seats, as well as a large cargo area with 20.8 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. The CX-50 has a slightly larger cabin with more legroom in the front seats and a slightly smaller cargo area with 20.1 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. Both vehicles come standard with comfortable seats, user-friendly infotainment systems, and a variety of amenities.
Fuel Economy and Safety
Fuel economy is a key consideration for adventure vehicles. The Crosstrek Wilderness has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway with the CVT. The CX-50 with the naturally aspirated engine gets 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, while the turbocharged engine delivers 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
Both vehicles offer a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The CX-50 earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), while the Crosstrek Wilderness received a Top Safety Pick rating.
Technology and Connectivity
The Crosstrek Wilderness comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The system is easy to use and responsive, and it offers a variety of features such as navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and voice recognition. The CX-50 also features an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. However, the CX-50’s system offers a more intuitive interface and a wider range of features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Bose sound system, and a head-up display.
Value and Pricing
The Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness starts at $30,090, while the Mazda CX-50 starts at $28,025. Both vehicles offer a competitive value proposition, but the CX-50 has a slight price advantage. However, the Crosstrek Wilderness comes with a more rugged off-road setup and a slightly larger cargo area.
Which Vehicle is Right for You?
Ultimately, the choice between the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness and the Mazda CX-50 depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a vehicle with superior off-road capabilities and a spacious cargo area, the Crosstrek Wilderness is the better choice. However, if you prioritize fuel economy, technology, and a more refined interior, the CX-50 is the better option.
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re looking for other adventure-ready vehicles, here are a few alternatives to consider:
- Jeep Wrangler: A legendary off-roader with exceptional capabilities and a customizable interior.
- Toyota RAV4 Adventure: A versatile SUV with off-road-oriented features and a spacious cabin.
- Honda CR-V AWD: A well-rounded SUV with all-wheel drive, a comfortable interior, and impressive fuel economy.
Questions You May Have
Q: Which vehicle has better off-road capabilities?
A: The Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness has a slight edge in off-road capabilities with its higher ground clearance, skid plates, and X-Mode terrain management system.
Q: Which vehicle has a more spacious interior?
A: The Mazda CX-50 has a slightly larger cabin with more legroom in the front seats. However, the Crosstrek Wilderness has a slightly larger cargo area.
Q: Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Mazda CX-50 with the naturally aspirated engine has slightly better fuel economy than the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness.