You work hard through the week, both at your job and at home. On weekends, you and your family like to play hard too, following the call of the wild into the outdoors. This adventurous spirit requires a vehicle ready to heed that call along with you—and keep up the pace. Enter the Mazda CX-50 and the Subaru Outback.
Which crossover SUV is better equipped to handle the demands of daily commutes and drop-offs as well as road trips into the unknown with equal enthusiasm? The team at Mazda of Wesley Chapel has crafted this comparison to help drivers near Wesley Chapel, Tampa, and Crystal Springs, FL choose their next on-road companion—that’s also prepared to head off the pavement at a moment’s notice.
STANDARD HORSEPOWER
HYBRID MODEL
2024 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK +
You want a vehicle that has what it takes to get up and go without hesitation. One that, like you, refuses to accept limitations. . . Both the Mazda CX-50 and the Subaru Outback come standard with all-wheel drive and can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. Still, there are some notable differences.
The Mazda CX-50 and the Subaru Outback each equip a standard engine that produces the power you need to get almost anywhere you want to go.
|
Model
|
Standard Horsepower
|
Standar Torque
|
|---|---|---|
| MAZDA CX-50 | 187 HP | 185 lb-ft |
| Subaru Outback | 182 HP | 176 lb-ft |
Both models also offer turbocharged engines that deliver over 250 horsepower, although the Mazda CX-50 provides 320 lb-ft of torque, far exceeding the 277 lb-ft of torque in the Outback.
Because the roadways are often uncertain, it’s helpful to drive a vehicle that can adjust as quickly and easily to any situation as you do. Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) optimizes traction and responsiveness through drive modes that adapt to any scenario:
Meanwhile, Subaru offers the single X-Mode®. Although in upper trims it’s available with dual functionality (Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud), it’s far less versatile than the highly adaptable Mi-Drive in the Mazda CX-50.
Both models yield comparable fuel economy to that found in the Mazda CX-50: an EPA-estimated 25 city/31 highway MPG with its standard engine and 23 city/29 highway MPG with its optional turbocharged engine.*
An immediate difference in their performance becomes apparent when considering the availability of an alternative powertrain. To improve fuel economy while also helping protect the planet, the Mazda CX-50 offers a new hybrid version. With up to 219 horsepower and up to an EPA-estimated 38 combined MPG, the Mazda CX-50 also features a new electronic on-demand eAWD system.* Presently, Subaru does not offer an Outback hybrid.
Among the many reasons to drive an SUV, having enough room for everyone and everything to fit comfortably as well as enjoying all-around functionality are two. In terms of space, both models offer over 30 cubic feet in the trunk and more than 55 cubic feet with their respective second rows folded down. Pack in the kids, their backpacks and sports equipment, coolers, and any camping gear. These two recreational rides can handle it all.
Just because you can take your vehicle into the rough doesn’t mean you have to rough it. Once everyone and everything is loaded and ready for an epic road trip, how comfortable will they be? If you’re driving the Mazda CX-50, comfort is a given—literally, since it provides so many more high-level amenities (most of them standard) than the Subaru Outback.
|
Amenity
|
MAZDA CX-50
|
Subaru Outback
|
|---|---|---|
| Standard 6-way driver’s seat | Power | Manual |
| Standard seats | Leatherette | Cloth |
| Dual-zone climate control | Standard | Available |
| Available Moonroof | Panoramic | Regular |
In the all-important area of connectivity, both models provide similar functionality although they operate a bit differently. Because you need to be able to stay plugged in even when you’re out and about, both SUVs offer Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ integration, although the Subaru Outback requires you to use an actual plug. You can utilize your smartphone wirelessly in the Mazda CX-50—now, that’s smart!
You’ll also be able to access and view your apps, maps, playlists, etc. more easily through the 10.25-inch center display of the Mazda Connect™ Infotainment System than relying on the smaller screen in the Outback, which is just seven inches. Likewise, your listening experience, even at the standard level, will be twice as immersive in the Mazda thanks to its 8-speaker audio system compared to the Subaru’s 4-speaker system.
Of course, no technologies are more important than ones that help protect you and your crew. Thankfully, both models equip a suite of driver-assistance features that serve as a virtual copilot to keep a watchful eye around your vehicle, especially in those hard-to-see areas.
The EyeSight® technologies in the Subaru provide adaptive cruise control, lane departure/lane-keeping systems, pre-collision braking, and throttle management. While those are all helpful (and the Mazda CX-50 has them as well), Mazda’s i-Activsense® also includes the following as standard:
To get similar brand-specific safety features in the Outback will require an upgrade.
Beyond that, the Mazda CX-50 provides several standard features that add additional peace of mind once you’ve reached your destination:
Unfortunately, neither of these protections is available in the Subaru Outback.
Mazda and Subaru pride themselves on taking safety nearly as seriously as you do. That’s acknowledged by the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), which awarded both the Mazda CX-50 and the Subaru Outback its 5-Star Overall Safety Rating. Meanwhile, the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) named the Mazda CX-50 a 2024 TOP SAFETY PICK+. The Subaru Outback did not earn this top-level designation, losing points for having less effective passenger restraints.
In addition to safety, another area of great importance when it comes to vehicles is their dependability, and one of the most notable authorities on this subject is J.D. Power. The renowned J.D. Power Dependability Ratings survey owners about the number of problems they’ve experienced within the previous 12 months, with lower scores indicating fewer problems and greater reliability. In the most recent survey, J.D. Power ranked the Mazda brand #7, while Subaru came in at #15, indicating that Mazda is more reliable.**
Now that you’ve read this comparison, you’ve probably decided which crossover SUV has what it takes to join you and your family in this adventure called life near Wesley Chapel, Tampa, and Crystal Springs, FL. We think it’s clear that the Mazda CX-50 is the total package of sporty and stylish. . . rugged yet refined. . . practical while offering premium features.
If you agree, then it’s time to take your turn behind the wheel. Contact Mazda of Wesley Chapel to arrange your test drive of the Mazda CX-50 today.
All of the tools you need to move forward with experiencing a new MAZDA CX-50 for yourself are conveniently available right here online.
Explore our extensive new inventory, receive an estimate on your trade-in, apply for credit or contact us to schedule your in-person test drive using the quick links here.
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