2026 Mazda CX-70 vs 2026 Subaru Outback

$42,250 · Crossover

$34,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between more power and significantly lower cost is a classic crossover dilemma when comparing the 2026 Mazda CX-70 and the 2026 Subaru Outback. The CX-70 leans into performance, boasting 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, making it much quicker than the Outback's 180 hp setup. However, this power comes at a steep cost, starting at $42,250 compared to the Outback's attractive $34,995 entry price—a difference of $7,255 right off the bat. Practicality is closely matched, though the slightly longer CX-70 (200.8 inches) offers a bit more space with 39.6 cu ft of cargo versus the Outback's 34.6 cu ft. Fuel economy slightly favors the Outback, achieving 27 combined MPG versus the Mazda's 25 combined MPG. Your choice boils down to whether that extra 100 horsepower justifies the higher initial investment and marginal fuel penalty.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Outback

The 2026 Subaru Outback wins for daily commuters due to its superior fuel efficiency, delivering 27 combined MPG versus the CX-70's 25 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-70

The slightly longer 2026 Mazda CX-70 offers marginally more utility, providing 39.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Outback's 34.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-70

With 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, the 2026 Mazda CX-70 offers substantially better acceleration and driving excitement than the 180 hp Outback.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Outback

The 2026 Subaru Outback is the clear value winner, costing $7,255 less than the Mazda CX-70 while still offering standard All-Wheel Drive.

Choose the Mazda CX-70 if...

You prioritize performance and want the punchier 280 hp engine for spirited driving.
You need slightly more hauling room, as the CX-70 offers 39.6 cu ft of cargo space.
You prefer the confident shifts of an 8-speed automatic transmission over a CVT.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

Sticking to a budget is crucial, given the $34,995 starting MSRP versus the CX-70's $42,250.
Maximizing fuel efficiency is key, as the Outback delivers 31 highway MPG.
You prefer a slightly smaller footprint for city parking (191.7 inches long).

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	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
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
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	—
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Passenger Seat Ventilation	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	21 x 9.5 in.	18 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	275/45R21	225/60R 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 2026 Mazda CX-70 and 2026 Subaru Outback.

Which car is better for saving money upfront?

The 2026 Subaru Outback is the definitive choice for initial savings, starting at $34,995 compared to the Mazda CX-70's $42,250 MSRP. This $7,255 difference means the Outback is significantly more accessible right away.

How big is the performance gap between these two AWD crossovers?

The gap is significant; the Mazda CX-70 produces 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. Conversely, the standard Subaru Outback provides 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, meaning the Mazda has 100 more horsepower on tap.

Do I get better fuel economy in the CX-70 or the Outback?

You will generally see better mileage in the Outback, achieving 27 combined MPG (25 city/31 highway). The CX-70 delivers 25 combined MPG (24 city/28 highway), making the Subaru the more economical choice for long-distance trips.

Is the cargo space substantially different between the two models?

The differences are noticeable but not massive; the CX-70 offers 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, which is about 5 cubic feet more than the Outback's 34.6 cu ft. Both are roomy for the crossover segment, but the Mazda is slightly larger overall at 200.8 inches long.

Which vehicle uses regular unleaded fuel?

Both the 2026 Mazda CX-70 and the 2026 Subaru Outback are designed to run on regular unleaded fuel. This is a practical benefit for both models, as neither requires premium gasoline for the base powertrains listed.

What transmission type does each crossover utilize?

The Mazda CX-70 utilizes a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. The Subaru Outback, in its base configuration, employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).