2025 Subaru Outback vs 2026 Mazda CX-50

$29,995 · Crossover

$29,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant measurable difference is the overall exterior size, with the 2025 Subaru Outback measuring 191.1 inches in length compared to the 2026 Mazda CX-50's 185.8 inches, granting the Subaru an edge in interior volume perception, though the Mazda is notably wider at 75.6 inches versus the Outback's 73.0 inches. Performance figures are closely matched; the CX-50 generates 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque, narrowly exceeding the Outback's 182 hp and 176 lb-ft. However, the Outback secures a 2 MPG advantage in combined fuel economy, achieving 28 MPG (26/32 city/highway) versus the CX-50's 26 MPG combined (24/30 city/highway). Pricing is nearly identical, with the Outback starting at $29,995 and the CX-50 at $29,900. Despite being slightly less efficient, the CX-50 offers superior power output, while the Outback provides 32.6 cubic feet of cargo space, topping the CX-50’s 31.4 cubic feet.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Subaru Outback

The 2025 Subaru Outback wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 28 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback provides a larger cargo capacity at 32.6 cubic feet compared to the Mazda CX-50's 31.4 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-50

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 offers marginally higher output with 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 holds the slight edge by offering $5 less MSRP while providing superior engine torque.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

Fuel efficiency is a priority, as the Outback achieves 28 combined MPG.
Maximum usable cargo space is required, with 32.6 cubic feet available.
A traditional, longer crossover profile (191.1 inches) is preferred over a wider stance.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

A slight performance advantage is desired, based on 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque.
A lower starting MSRP of $29,900 is preferable to the Outback's $29,995.
A wider vehicle (75.6 inches) that is shorter (185.8 inches) and slightly lower (63.5 inches) is the preferred dimensional characteristic.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru Outback	Mazda CX-50
Length	191.1"	185.8"
Width	73.0"	75.6"
Height	66.1"	63.5"
Wheelbase	108.1"	110.8"

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	—	✓
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	187 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	176 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm	185 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	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

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	24/30 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	481.0/592.0 mi.	381.6/477.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	15.9 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	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
Infotainment Display	7.0 in	10.3 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	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
Front Head Room	40.1 in.	39.1 in.
Front Leg Room	42.8 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	55.9 in.
Front Hip Room	55.5 in.	53.6 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	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
Rear Head Room	39.1 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.5 in.	39.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.4 in.	53.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.8 in.	52.1 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	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/65R H	P225/65R17
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-50.

How does the difference in transmission affect driving feel between the two crossovers?

The 2025 Subaru Outback uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), which typically prioritizes smoothness and efficiency, aligning with its 28 MPG rating. The 2026 Mazda CX-50 utilizes a 6-speed shiftable automatic, which enthusiasts often prefer for providing more distinct gear changes during acceleration.

Is the performance gap between the vehicles significant enough to matter in daily driving?

The performance gap is minimal; the CX-50 has 5 more horsepower (187 hp vs. 182 hp) and 9 more lb-ft of torque (185 vs. 176) than the Outback. This slight advantage for the Mazda will be noticeable primarily in aggressive acceleration scenarios rather than routine commuting.

Which vehicle is the better choice for hauling gear based purely on cargo specifications?

The Subaru Outback is the superior choice for maximum volume, offering 32.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, whereas the Mazda CX-50 offers 31.4 cubic feet. This difference of 1.2 cubic feet is a small but measurable advantage for the Outback.

Since both use AWD, are there major differences in fuel costs?

Yes, the Outback offers a 2 MPG advantage overall, moving from 26 combined MPG (CX-50) to 28 combined MPG (Outback). Over 15,000 miles annually, this efficiency difference translates to lower annual fuel expenditure for the Subaru.

Comparing exterior dimensions, which car will be easier to park in tight city spots?

The Mazda CX-50 is significantly shorter in overall length at 185.8 inches versus the Outback’s 191.1 inches, potentially making parallel parking slightly easier. However, the CX-50 is wider by 2.6 inches (75.6 inches), which could complicate narrow garage access.

Are there any significant differences in fuel requirements?

Both the 2025 Subaru Outback and the 2026 Mazda CX-50 specify the use of regular unleaded fuel, meaning owners will face comparable daily fueling costs at the pump regardless of which model they select.