2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2026 Subaru Outback

$30,500 · Crossover

$34,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 unleashes a more athletic stance, delivering 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque, making it the driver's choice straight out of the box, all while offering a slightly better combined MPG rating of 28 on regular unleaded. Conversely, the 2026 Subaru Outback emphasizes rugged utility, boasting a larger footprint at 191.7 inches long and offering superior hauling with 34.6 cu ft of cargo space, despite its slightly lower 180 hp output. The price gap is significant; the CX-50 starts at an appealing $30,500 compared to the Outback’s $34,995 entry point. Both utilize standard AWD, but the CX-50's focus on engaging dynamics clashes with the Outback's reputation for superior practical volume and space, setting up a classic conflict between sporty finesse and traditional capability.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda CX-50

The CX-50 provides slightly better fuel efficiency at 28 combined MPG and a lower entry MSRP of $30,500 for daily driving duties.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Outback

The 2026 Outback offers substantially more utility with 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the CX-50's 31.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 has the edge in performance metrics with 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque paired with a more traditional 6-speed automatic transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-50

The CX-50 undercuts the Outback by $4,495 while offering marginally higher horsepower and better fuel economy.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

You prioritize driving engagement, thanks to its 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque.
You want to save significantly on the purchase price, starting $4,495 lower than the Outback.
Your routine favors efficiency, as the CX-50 achieves 28 combined MPG.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

Maximum hauling capability is essential, with its segment-leading 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You prefer a longer, more imposing vehicle stance (191.7 inches long) and a taller ride height (67.5 inches).
You prefer the smooth, potentially infinite ratio changes offered by the continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-50	Subaru Outback
Length	185.8"	191.7"
Width	75.6"	74.0"
Height	63.5"	67.5"
Wheelbase	110.8"	108.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention 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 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	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	185 lb-ft @ 4000 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	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

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
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	25/31 MPG	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	397.5/492.9 mi.	450.0/558.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 gal.	18.0 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	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Infotainment Display	10.3 in	12.1 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Front Head Room	39.1 in.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	43.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	53.6 in.	55.5 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Rear Head Room	38.6 in.	40.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.8 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.1 in.	55.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	18 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P225/65R17	225/60R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Front Suspension Type	Independent	—
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
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-50 and 2026 Subaru Outback.

Which vehicle is better for hauling gear, the 2025 CX-50 or the 2026 Outback?

The 2026 Subaru Outback is the superior hauler, providing 34.6 cu ft of maximum cargo capacity. This gives it nearly 3.2 cu ft more room behind the rear seats compared to the Mazda CX-50's 31.4 cu ft.

Is the 2025 Mazda CX-50 significantly faster than the 2026 Subaru Outback?

The CX-50 holds a modest advantage in power output, boasting 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque against the Outback's 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. This, combined with its 6-speed automatic, might translate to a more spirited feel.

How do their starting prices compare for budget-conscious buyers?

The Mazda CX-50 offers immediate savings, starting at $30,500. The Subaru Outback is priced higher, beginning at $34,995, resulting in a $4,495 difference between the base models.

Are there any notable differences in size or maneuverability?

Yes, the Outback is physically larger in length (191.7 inches vs. 185.8 inches) and height (67.5 inches vs. 63.5 inches), which might impact tight garage parking for the Subaru, though both utilize AWD.

Do both crossovers use the same fuel type and efficiency setup?

Both vehicles run on regular unleaded fuel and achieve identical 25/31 MPG ratings for city and highway driving. However, the CX-50 edges out the Outback slightly with a 28 combined MPG versus the Outback's 27 combined MPG.

Which car offers a more traditional driving feel via its transmission?

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 features a conventional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, often preferred by driving purists over the 2026 Subaru Outback’s continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).