Mazda CX-5 2.5 GT AWD vs Subaru Forester XT

The GT gets automatic xenon headlights and rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, auto-dipping rear vision, satnav, leather trim, power adjustable driver's seat, 40-20-40 split-fold rear seat, keyless entry and ignition and the worthy Bose sound system.

Offered only with the CVT auto and AWD, the XT has USB (it didn't like the iPhone) and Bluetooth audio input, dual-zone climate control, leather-wrapped helm, cloth seat trim, cruise control, 18-inch alloys and sunroof. No nav, auto wipers or driver's seat power-adjustment.

The Hiroshima-built SUV is for the school-run rather than the Strzelecki Track, with 150mm of ground clearance. Its looks are a little nose-heavy. Cabin space isn't bad but bootspace is only 403 litres, at the bottom end of the segment, but it has a cargo cover that rises with the tailgate.

One of the nicer examples from Subaru. It's got 220mm of ground clearance, more wheelbase and more rear cabin space, as well as 422L of cargo room, although the higher floor over the spare reduces boot depth.

The updated CX-5 gets the 2.5-litre SkyActiv direct-injection engine (with fuel-saving i-Stop system) uses basic unleaded to get 138kW/250Nm and only drinks 7.4L/100km. On test it was sipping 10.1L/100km. The six-speed auto could do with a sport mode but is direct and makes the most of the outputs.

The direct-injection 2.0-litre flat-four cranks out 177kW and 350Nm, albeit on 95RON fuel. Fuel use is a claimed 8.5L/100km, although on test it returned about 11.0. The CVT is not new technology but it is well-calibrated.

Five stars -- with the full array of active and passive safety measures including rear camera. The test car has the optional $1990 tech pack that adds a blind spot monitoring system (handy given thick rear pillars), auto high beam and lane departure warning systems.

Five stars is a Suby trait and Forester carries it on -- seven airbags (driver's knee plus the usual six), anti-lock brakes, stability control, rear camera (but sadly no sensors), xenon headlights and the clever all-wheel drive make for secure progress.

Diesel is the top pick but this variant does the job with gusto. It's firm with little of the wallow that afflicts some others in this class. The dimwitted satnav, a sound system that can have iPhone issues and no rear vents are the only real complaints.

This is the benchmark for all-terrain ability. The drivetrain works well with little rev flare and plenty of mid-range shove. The sealed-surface dynamics are not quite up to the Mazda but the Forester rides nicely and more than makes up for it in the dirt.