2025 INFINITI QX50 vs 2026 Subaru Outback

$43,000 · Crossover

$34,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 INFINITI QX50 and the 2026 Subaru Outback is the $8,005 MSRP difference, with the QX50 starting at $43,000 versus the Outback’s $34,995. This price gap reflects a substantial performance difference: the QX50 delivers 268 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Outback's 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. Conversely, the Outback proves more efficient, achieving 27 MPG combined, bettering the QX50’s 25 MPG combined, and it utilizes less expensive regular unleaded fuel instead of premium. The Outback also offers superior utility, boasting 34.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the QX50’s 31.4 cu ft. While the QX50 is shorter at 184.7 inches versus the Outback’s 191.7 inches, the Outback’s overall size contributes to its marginally taller stance at 67.5 inches.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Outback

The 2026 Subaru Outback wins for commuters due to its superior 27 MPG combined fuel economy and use of regular unleaded fuel.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Outback

The 2026 Subaru Outback provides better utility for families with 34.6 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the QX50's 31.4 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 INFINITI QX50

The 2025 INFINITI QX50 is the choice for enthusiasts, offering 268 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque versus the Outback's 180 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Outback

The 2026 Subaru Outback offers superior measurable utility and efficiency at a $8,005 lower starting MSRP.

Choose the INFINITI QX50 if...

A buyer prioritizes significantly higher engine output, specifically the 268 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque.
The driver requires a vehicle utilizing premium unleaded fuel for performance tuning or preference.
The buyer prefers a slightly shorter overall vehicle length of 184.7 inches for easier urban maneuvering.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

Budget is critical, as the Outback saves $8,005 compared to the QX50's starting price.
Maximizing fuel economy and minimizing running costs are primary concerns (27 MPG combined on regular fuel).
The buyer needs maximum hauling capability, benefiting from 34.6 cubic feet of available cargo volume.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	INFINITI QX50	Subaru Outback
Length	184.7"	191.7"
Width	74.9"	74.0"
Height	66.0"	67.5"
Wheelbase	110.2"	108.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	INFINITI	Subaru
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	INFINITI	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	268 hp @ 5600 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	INFINITI	Subaru
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	INFINITI	Subaru
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	22/28 MPG	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	352.0/448.0 mi.	450.0/558.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	16.0 gal.	18.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	INFINITI	Subaru
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	INFINITI	Subaru
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	12.1 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	INFINITI	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	2	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	INFINITI	Subaru
Front Head Room	41.0 in.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	39.6 in.	43.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.9 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	55.6 in.	55.5 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	INFINITI	Subaru
Rear Head Room	39.1 in.	40.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.7 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.1 in.	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.8 in.	55.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	INFINITI	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.0 in
Tire Size	235/55R19	225/60R H
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Tire Type	—	All Season
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	INFINITI	Subaru
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	INFINITI	Subaru
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	7 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ unlimited mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 INFINITI QX50 and 2026 Subaru Outback.

How significant is the performance gap between the QX50 and the Outback?

The performance gap is substantial; the 2025 INFINITI QX50 produces 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, whereas the 2026 Subaru Outback is rated at 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, an 88 hp difference.

Which crossover has a lower cost of ownership regarding fuel?

The 2026 Subaru Outback generally has a lower cost of ownership for fuel, achieving 27 MPG combined and using regular unleaded gas. The QX50 only manages 25 MPG combined and explicitly recommends premium unleaded fuel.

Is the Subaru Outback substantially larger than the INFINITI QX50?

Yes, the Outback is longer, measuring 191.7 inches compared to the QX50's 184.7 inches, and also slightly taller at 67.5 inches versus 66.0 inches.

How much more cargo space does the Outback offer?

The 2026 Subaru Outback offers 34.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is 3.2 cubic feet more than the 31.4 cubic feet available in the 2025 INFINITI QX50.

Do both crossovers use the same type of transmission?

Yes, both the 2025 INFINITI QX50 and the 2026 Subaru Outback are equipped with continuously variable-speed automatic transmissions.

Is the QX50's higher MSRP justified by any exclusive feature?

While features beyond specs aren't listed, the $8,005 higher MSRP for the QX50 is primarily supported by its 88 hp power advantage and higher torque output over the Outback.