2025 Mazda CX-5 vs 2025 Subaru Outback

$28,770 · Crossover

$29,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and the 2025 Subaru Outback often comes down to prioritizing nimble driving dynamics versus sheer utility. If you’re balancing daily driving excitement with efficiency, the decision is tough. The CX-5 offers slightly punchier acceleration with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, beating the Outback's 182 hp and 176 lb-ft. However, the Outback pulls ahead where it counts for long hauls, boasting a superior Combined MPG of 28 versus the CX-5's 25, translating to better Highway MPG at 32 vs. 29. The Outback is also significantly larger, stretching 191.1 inches long compared to the CX-5’s 180.1 inches, which contributes to its 32.6 cu ft of cargo space, slightly exceeding the CX-5’s 30.8 cu ft. While the CX-5 starts lower at $28,770, the Outback commands a $1,225 premium at $29,995.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback wins for commuters due to its better fuel economy, achieving 28 combined MPG versus the CX-5's 25 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Outback

Families will prefer the Outback for its increased utility, offering 32.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the CX-5's 30.8 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its higher torque (186 lb-ft) and traditional 6-speed automatic transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 offers better baseline performance metrics for $1,225 less than the Outback.

Choose the Mazda CX-5 if...

You prefer the feel of a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
You value slightly quicker performance figures, such as 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque.
You need the lowest starting price point available, listed at $28,770.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

Maximizing fuel economy is critical, as the Outback achieves 32 Highway MPG.
You need the most interior space, as the Outback is 11 inches longer and has 32.6 cu ft of cargo volume.
You rely heavily on all-wheel drive utility, a standard feature on both, but paired here with a slightly more efficient system overall.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-5	Subaru Outback
Length	180.1"	191.1"
Width	72.6"	73.0"
Height	66.1"	66.1"
Wheelbase	106.2"	108.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	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	✓	✓
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 Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	187 hp @ 6000 rpm	182 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	176 lb-ft @ 4400 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	Mazda	Subaru
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable 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	Mazda	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/29 MPG	26/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.9/443.7 mi.	481.0/592.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.3 gal.	18.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Push Button Start	✓	—
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Air Conditioning	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Infotainment Display	10.3 in	7.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	4	4
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Memory Card Slot	✓	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	40.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	42.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.1 in.	58.1 in.
Front Hip Room	55.2 in.	55.5 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Rear Head Room	39.0 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.6 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.3 in.	54.8 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P225/65R17	225/65R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and 2025 Subaru Outback.

How significant is the difference in cargo space between the 2025 CX-5 and the 2025 Outback?

The Subaru Outback provides slightly more utility with 32.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, which is nearly 2 cubic feet more than the Mazda CX-5's 30.8 cu ft. This difference is noticeable when packing for long family trips.

Is the 2025 Mazda CX-5 quicker than the Subaru Outback?

Yes, the CX-5 has a slight edge in power, delivering 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Outback’s 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. This translates to potentially snappier acceleration from the Mazda.

Which vehicle is better for minimizing fuel stops on long road trips?

The 2025 Subaru Outback is the better choice for road trips, offering 28 combined MPG and a 32 MPG highway rating. The CX-5 trails slightly with 25 combined MPG and 29 MPG on the highway.

Why choose the CX-5 if the Outback is only slightly more expensive?

You should choose the CX-5 if you prioritize driving engagement, evidenced by its standard all-wheel drive paired with a traditional 6-speed automatic transmission and a lower starting MSRP of $28,770.

Do both crossovers use regular unleaded gasoline?

Both the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and the 2025 Subaru Outback are designed to run on regular unleaded fuel, making refueling simple and cost-effective for owners.

How do the physical dimensions affect maneuverability?

The Mazda CX-5 is about 11 inches shorter in length (180.1 inches vs. 191.1 inches for the Outback), which might make it slightly easier to maneuver and park in tight urban settings.