2025 Mazda CX-70 vs 2026 Subaru Outback
Comparison Overview
When facing the choice between a more powerful, upscale ride and a proven, budget-friendly adventure partner, buyers often get stuck. The 2025 Mazda CX-70 enters with a premium feel and serious muscle, boasting 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, making its $40,445 starting MSRP reflect that performance edge over the 2026 Subaru Outback’s 180 hp output. Despite the significant 100 hp gap, the Outback wins slightly on efficiency, achieving 27 combined MPG versus the Mazda's 25. The CX-70 is also substantially longer at 200.8 inches compared to the Outback’s 191.7 inches, offering a bit more passenger volume, though the Outback undercuts the Mazda by $5,450. Ultimately, deciding hinges on whether the substantial power bump and added length justify the higher initial outlay against the Outback's excellent fuel economy and lower entry price point.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Subaru Outback
The 2026 Subaru Outback is better for daily commuting due to its slightly better 27 combined MPG rating.
2025 Mazda CX-70
The 2025 Mazda CX-70 offers superior utility for families with its larger 39.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Outback's 34.6 cu ft.
2025 Mazda CX-70
The CX-70 clearly wins for enthusiasts with a 100 hp advantage, producing 280 hp versus the Outback's 180 hp.
2026 Subaru Outback
The 2026 Subaru Outback offers better value, starting $5,450 cheaper than the Mazda CX-70.
Choose the Mazda CX-70 if...
- You frequently prioritize responsive acceleration, thanks to its 280 hp engine.
- You need maximum cargo hauling capability, as it offers 39.6 cubic feet.
- You prefer a larger physical footprint, standing at 200.8 inches long.
Choose the Subaru Outback if...
- Keeping the initial purchase price down is crucial, as it starts at $34,995.
- Maximizing fuel savings is a priority, given its superior 27 combined MPG.
- You need dependable traction combined with great efficiency, achieving 31 highway MPG.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-70 | Subaru Outback |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.8" | 191.7" |
| Width | - | 74.0" |
| Height | 68.2" | 67.5" |
| Wheelbase | 122.8" | 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mazda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.3 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 6 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 5000 rpm | 180 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 178 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 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 | 8-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) | 24/28 MPG | 25/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 444.0/518.0 mi. | 450.0/558.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 18.0 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mazda | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
| Cargo Floor Mats | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mazda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mazda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mazda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.7 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 43.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.2 in. | 57.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.2 in. | 55.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| 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 | 4-way | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mazda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.3 in. | 40.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.4 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 57.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 55.5 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mazda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.5 in | 18 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 265/55R19 | 225/60R H |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Mazda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| 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-70 and 2026 Subaru Outback.
How much more fuel-efficient is the 2026 Outback compared to the 2025 CX-70?
The 2026 Subaru Outback provides a slight edge in efficiency, posting 27 combined MPG (25 city/31 highway), whereas the 2025 Mazda CX-70 achieves 25 combined MPG (24 city/28 highway).
Is the performance difference between these two crossovers significant?
Yes, the performance difference is major; the CX-70 generates 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, while the Outback produces 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque.
Which vehicle offers more space for storage?
The 2025 Mazda CX-70 is the larger vehicle, providing 39.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seats, outpacing the Outback's 34.6 cubic feet.
What is the exact price difference at the base MSRP?
The 2025 Mazda CX-70 has a starting MSRP of $40,445, making it $5,450 more expensive than the 2026 Subaru Outback, which starts at $34,995.
Do both vehicles use regular unleaded gasoline?
Yes, both the 2025 Mazda CX-70 and the 2026 Subaru Outback are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, avoiding premium fuel costs.
How do their driving dynamics compare based on their transmissions?
The CX-70 uses a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic for a more direct feel, whereas the Outback utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission, typically aimed at smoother efficiency.
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