Hi there, I have been test drove both Forester and XV, both are CVT tranny, the power is there, but not come as early as Mazda, as Mazda using 6AT Skyactiv drive, which give kind of direct response and power once you pushed on the throttle. While for Forester and XV, initial acceleration will feel kind of underpower, maybe due to CVT behavior, but once CVT starting picking up, the power is there.

XV, the NVH is so bad I would say, even Perodua Alza is way better than XV in terms of NVH, Forester is another level, NVH is on par with CX5, but felt bulky when you drove the car.

Test drove Proton X70, and X50 too, X50 is compact and power is not an issue for that little SUV body, while X70 the power is great! NVH also very good.

I chose CX5 over XV and Forester, because,

- It's not a CVT tranny.
- Simple and neat design. (Can refer door panel of both CX5 and XV, then you will know what I meant)
- Driving feel.