Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester diesel 2015 Review | midsize SUV comparison

Most SUVs are made for the suburbs, but some still cater for those looking to live the great Aussie dream.

The SUV isn't what it used to be. Once an all-purpose escape machine, it has been largely confined to the cul de sac in recent years. Off-road work is limited to climbing the odd kerb and parking on the grass at the local sporting field.

There are still some SUVs that are keeping the great outdoors dream alive.

Despite the explosion of city-friendly, bush-baulking two-wheel-drive SUVs, there are still some keeping the great outdoors dream alive.

Toyota's RAV4 and Subaru's Forester are able off-roaders, with four-wheel-drive and extra ground clearance for scouting out that secret fishing spot, deserted waterway or hidden surf break. In diesel form, they also make light work of towing a runabout, jetski or pop-up caravan, adding to their getaway appeal.

Our third contender is the diesel AWD version of the country's best-selling SUV, the Mazda CX-5. The Mazda's had a midlife tweak, while the Forester diesel is now available as an auto.

Mazda CX-5 2015

Mazda CX-5

Most buyers will fall for the CX-5 before they take the test drive. The interior feels upmarket, with soft-touch surfaces, a big colour touchscreen with satnav (the only one in this comparison) and artificial carbon-fibre and alloy highlights. Solely in this trio, it has an electronic park brake and push-button start.

But the beauty of the Mazda isn't skin-deep. The diesel engine under the hood is more refined and powerful than those of the Subaru and Toyota, and it's also the most frugal, thanks to technology that shuts down the engine when the car is stopped at intersections. The six-speed auto is well matched to the grunty engine, which has 20 per cent more torque, or pulling power, than the other two here.

Through the twisty stuff, the Mazda stays flat and composed, with well-controlled suspension that soaks up the bumps. The steering is direct and well weighted and there's little lean through corners. The downside is that the Mazda has the least ground clearance of the three, which won't preclude it from dirt roads, but may prove a challenge on deeply rutted tracks or sand.

The Mazda also goes without any 4WD lock function, and doesn't have hill descent control (available on both rivals). The rear load area isn't as deep as the Toyota or as long as the Subaru, but there's a retractable cargo blind and the rear seats can be folded individually via convenient levers in the cargo area.

For those looking to tow, the Mazda can pull a respectable 1800kg (same as the Subaru) and should do it easily, given it has as much torque as some much larger SUVs.

Subaru Forester 2015

Subaru Forester

The new continuously variable transmission (CVT) in the Forester sounds like a recipe for noisy motoring. CVTs (which have only one gear) can drone, especially when matched with diesels, But Subaru has added artificial steps, mimicking a normal transmission. It works well.

It doesn't have the urge of the Mazda engine but the Subaru is admirably refined for a diesel, delivering enough punch to satisfy most, despite some lag off the mark.

The steering doesn't have the meaty assurance of the Mazda but once you get used to the lighter feel it is accurate and confidence-inspiring — as are the grip and drive out of corners that come with constant all-wheel drive.

The ride feels a little bumpier than the Mazda's but isn't uncomfortable. It also manages to hide its tall centre of gravity (ground clearance is 220mm versus the Mazda's 150mm and the RAV's 176mm) through corners.

The cabin is a marked improvement on recent Subarus, with better quality materials and a central touchscreen that looks more integrated in the dash. The Forester eats up the kilometres in style, with comfortable, supportive seats and ample knee and headroom.

The rear load area isn't as generous, with a high floor eating into space. Underneath that floor, though, is a full-size alloy spare. Its rivals have space-savers. That might not seem like much but if you're chasing the Aussie dream down a dirt road, punctures happen. With a space-saver, you'll have to drive at 80km/h and find room for a full-size flat tyre in a space meant for a temporary spare.

Other outdoorsy touches include three 12V outlets, roof rails and a special off-road setting that alters throttle settings for more control in slippery conditions. It's not all good news, though: the Subaru's servicing costs, at $2457 over three years, are just plain rude: $850 more than the Mazda and almost $1400 more than the RAV.

Toyota RAV4 2015

Toyota RAV4

Toyota built its reputation on four-wheel-drives, so it may surprise some to find that the latest generation RAV4 has sacrificed 20mm of ground clearance for better bitumen driving manners. Despite that, the RAV still feels the least car-like of the three assembled here, with a bumpy ride and more lean in corners. The steering doesn't have the same sharp feel as the other two but it is accurate and the car feels predictable in cornering.

The RAV's 2.0-litre diesel feels the least refined of our SUVs, with a noticeable rattle at idle and some harshness under full acceleration. But on the freeway, the RAV4 is quiet and comfortable. The six-speed auto is smooth and the torque means there's no need for extra revs on uphill stretches.

The cabin is a big improvement on the previous generation, with a more integrated touchscreen in the dash and splashes of imitation carbon-fibre to enhance it. Look a bit closer, though, and there's plenty of hard, shiny plastic.

Redemption comes with comfortable seats and noticeably more rear luggage space. The rear load opening is lower, wider and taller, with more space for camping or sports gear. The RAV also has rear parking sensors as well as a reversing camera, but misses out on climate-control aircon. But unlike its rivals here, there is no 12V outlet in the cargo area and no conveniently placed levers to fold the rear seats. 

The Toyota also loses points for its towing capacity, which at 1000kg is noticeably less than the Mazda and Subaru. And you pay $550 extra for prestige paint.