The Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback matchup is a contest between two sleek, compact crossover SUVs. Both of these cars make great adventure vehicles, whether you want to go camping or take a cross-country road trip. Each is also more than able to serve as a daily driver, blending luxurious features with performance and fuel economy as you drive around Jacksonville, FL.
However, there are some key differences between these two cars. This article will go in-depth on the vehicles’ performance specifications, dimensions, cargo capacities, safety technology, and more. Our aim is to help you figure out which of these two automobiles is the right one for you and your family.
The first arena of our Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback comparison is that of their performance specs. The 2023 Mazda CX-50 has two available engines. The base option is a 2.5-liter inline-four that makes 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The upgraded one is a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four engine with 250 ponies and 310 pound-feet of torque. These engines will see you zip down the road in your sleek Mazda SUV.
The 2022 Subaru Outback – we’re using the 2022 model because, as of right now, its specs are the most recent available – has a pair of engine choices as well. The first is a 2.5-liter inline-four that develops 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. The other option is a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four that gets 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. In short, these two SUVs have very similar powertrain options, meaning that this aspect of the Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback matchup is more or less a wash.
| 2023 MAZDA CX-50 | 2022 Subaru Outback | |
| Engine | SKYACTIV®-G 2.5 DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder | 2.5-liter DOHC engine 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 182 hp @ 5,800 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic transmission | Lineartronic CVT |
| EPA-estimated mpg city/hwy1 | 24/30 | 26/33 |
| Cargo Volume (rear seats up/down) | 31.4 / 56.3 cu ft | 32.5 / 75.7 cu ft |
| Towing Capacity2 | 2,000 lbs | 2,700 lbs |
As compact crossover SUVs, the Mazda CX-50 and the Subaru Outback have similar dimensions. The Subaru Outback is 191.3 inches long, 73 inches wide, and 66.1 inches tall. The Mazda CX-50 is 185.8 inches long, 75.6 inches wide, and 63.5 inches tall. In short, the two vehicles have extremely similar exterior dimensions. They’ll allow you to weave through traffic and park easily in Jacksonville, FL, while still being able to haul prodigious amounts of cargo.
The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is a versatile vehicle that can fill many roles. Some folks, however, may want a larger SUV or a dedicated sports car. You can find vehicles of all sorts in our wide-ranging inventory of new Mazda vehicles for sale. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team if you have any questions about our superb lineup of Mazda vehicles.
As noted above, the exterior dimensions of the Subaru Outback and Mazda CX-50 are comparable. The interior specs are similar. With the seats up, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 boasts 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space. The Subaru Outback has 32.5 cubic feet. The difference of about one cubic foot is almost negligible, and the Mazda SUV makes it up elsewhere.
If you have kids to haul around Jacksonville, FL, then you’ll find the following section of our Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback matchup to be quite important. The back seat of the Mazda CX-50 offers more legroom than the Subaru Outback, 39.8 inches to 39.5 inches. The difference is small, but for a growing tween, any extra space will be welcome.
The Subaru SUV does narrowly edge out the Mazda one in the towing category. The 2022 Subaru Outback can tow 2,700 pounds,3, while the 2023 Mazda CX-50 tops out at 2,000 pounds.2 Both can bring small trailers or boats along for a family getaway, however.
The Mazda CX-50 wins the safety portion of our Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback comparison. Both have a wide variety of standard safety features, but the Mazda CX-50 includes blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts on every model, whereas the Subaru Outback only offers this feature as an add-on or on more expensive premium trims. The shared features include:
While both of these cars can keep you safe on the roads of Jacksonville, FL, the Mazda CX-50 is better equipped to do so. This Mazda vs. Subaru matchup round decisively goes to the Mazda vehicle.
The Mazda CX-50 is the clear choice in the Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback comparison. The two tie in the engine and dimensions categories and the Subaru vehicle’s narrow towing advantage does not outweigh the safety considerations in our book. If that wasn’t enough, it’s worth noting that the Mazda CX-50 has a better lineup of standard luxury features than the Subaru Outback, as it boasts a larger touchscreen on the base model, along with a push-button start and telescoping steering wheel.
If you’re in the market for a vehicle, we’ve got your back. As the premier Mazda dealer in Jacksonville, FL, we offer a sweeping of new and used Mazda inventory that has something for everybody. Our team is friendly and professional. Come experience true customer satisfaction for yourself and test drive a new Mazda CX-50 today.
The Mazda CX-50 is a bit more reliable than the Subaru Outback. The Subaru Outback is well-designed, to be sure, but the Mazda CX-50 is also well-designed and has some more premium materials used in its construction. This means that, all other things equal, it might last longer than the Subaru Outback.
Mazda and Subaru offer shockingly similar warranties on these vehicles. The limited warranty offered by both companies covers the car for the first three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. The powertrain warranty that is, again, offered by both Mazda and Subaru is good for 60,000 miles or five years, whichever comes first.
The Mazda CX-50 and the Subaru Outback have very comparable dimensions. The Mazda is a little wider, whereas the Subaru is a bit taller. On the inside, however, the Mazda CX-50 has a little more rear legroom than the Subaru Outback, while the latter has a little more cargo space. In short, these two crossover SUVs have similar dimensions overall.
1EPA-estimated mileage. Actual results will vary.
2Towing capacities shown are maximums and must be reduced by the weight of any passenger, cargo hitch or optional equipment in the towing vehicle. Please refer to vehicle Owner’s Manual for details regarding towing capacities and other valuable information. Towing a trailer will have an effect on the vehicle’s handling, braking, durability, performance and driving economy. For specific information on recommended or required equipment, see your Mazda Dealer. Hitches are available through manufacturers other than Mazda.
3Maximum towing capacity varies by trim level. Trailer brakes may be needed. See your retailer for details.
