2025 Subaru Outback vs 2026 Mazda CX-30

$29,995 · Crossover

$25,975 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Stuck between the sensible spaciousness of the 2025 Subaru Outback and the slightly sharper value of the 2026 Mazda CX-30? That $4,020 price gap is significant, but it dictates the entire trade-off. The Outback commands a $29,995 MSRP compared to the CX-30's $25,975 entry point, making the Subaru pricier upfront. However, the Outback delivers much more utility, boasting a substantial 32.6 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft. While the Outback has 182 hp and hits 28 MPG combined, the CX-30 offers slightly more power at 186 hp, though its combined efficiency is marginally lower at 27 MPG. The Outback's 191.1-inch length grants significant interior space, something the smaller 173.0-inch CX-30 can’t match, pushing the Outback ahead for overall practicality and family hauling.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback offers better fuel economy for daily drives, achieving 32 MPG on the highway compared to the CX-30's 31 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Outback

The Outback is the definitive family choice due to its vastly superior 32.6 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 edges out the Outback slightly with 186 lb-ft of torque compared to the Outback's 176 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 wins on initial outlay, saving buyers $4,020 with an MSRP of $25,975.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

You need maximum hauling ability, as the 2025 Outback provides 32.6 cu ft of cargo space.
You prefer the assurance of the Outback's slightly better highway fuel economy rating of 32 MPG.
You value overall vehicle size, indicated by the Outback's 191.1-inch length for passenger comfort.

Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...

Keeping the initial purchase price low is crucial, thanks to the CX-30's $25,975 MSRP.
You prefer a transmission with defined gear steps, as the CX-30 uses a 6-speed automatic over the Outback's CVT.
You want marginally higher peak torque figures, with the CX-30 offering 186 lb-ft versus the Outback's 176 lb-ft.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru Outback	Mazda CX-30
Length	191.1"	173.0"
Width	73.0"	70.7"
Height	66.1"	61.4"
Wheelbase	108.1"	104.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
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	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	flat 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	182 hp @ 5800 rpm	186 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	176 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm	186 lb-ft @ 4000 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	Subaru	Mazda
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/32 MPG	24/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	481.0/592.0 mi.	304.8/393.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	12.7 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	✓	—
Push Button Start	—	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
Infotainment Display	7.0 in	8.8 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	4	8
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Length	4 months	—

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
Front Head Room	40.1 in.	38.1 in.
Front Leg Room	42.8 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	55.6 in.
Front Hip Room	55.5 in.	54.6 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	Subaru	Mazda
Rear Head Room	39.1 in.	38.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.5 in.	36.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.4 in.	53.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.8 in.	53.2 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	16 x 6.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/65R H	215/65R16
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
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 Subaru Outback and 2026 Mazda CX-30.

Is the difference in power between these two crossovers noticeable for city driving?

It is very subtle; the 2026 Mazda CX-30 has 186 horsepower while the 2025 Subaru Outback offers 182 horsepower. For daily stop-and-go traffic, both feel adequate, but the CX-30 has a slight edge in torque output (186 lb-ft vs. 176 lb-ft).

How much more practical is the Outback regarding luggage space?

The Subaru Outback is substantially more practical, offering 32.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seats. This is over 12 cubic feet more than the Mazda CX-30’s 20.2 cubic feet, making the Outback better for big shopping trips or travel gear.

Since both have All-Wheel Drive, is one better for snowy climates?

Both vehicles feature All-Wheel Drive, which is excellent for traction. However, the Subaru Outback is generally taller at 66.1 inches compared to the CX-30's 61.4 inches, which might offer slightly better ground clearance for deep snow.

How do their fuel costs compare since they both use regular unleaded?

The Outback will likely save you a little money over time, achieving 28 MPG combined, whereas the CX-30 gets 27 MPG combined. The Outback also nets slightly better highway mileage at 32 MPG versus the CX-30's 31 MPG.

What is the real-world impact of the size difference on parking?

The Mazda CX-30 is significantly shorter at 173.0 inches long compared to the Outback's 191.1 inches. This smaller footprint makes the CX-30 much easier to maneuver and squeeze into tight parking spaces.

If I buy the cheaper CX-30, am I missing out on crucial technology features?

Based purely on the provided specifications, we cannot compare infotainment or standard tech packages, as those details weren't supplied. We can only confirm the CX-30 saves you $4,020 MSRP initially.