Deciding between the Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback is a decision for drivers who love off-roading adventures. The Mazda CX-50 is fresh on the market, entering its second year with full momentum at the time of this writing. In those short years, it’s come to stand above the Subaru Outback as a more premium and powerful option.
If you’re ready to see everything that has let the Mazda CX-50 power ahead of its competition, read on and compare the Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback. Once you do, experience all it offers by dropping by Hodges Mazda for a test drive.
When you compare the Mazda CX-50 vs. the Subaru Outback, you’ll first notice similar specs. For starters, the standard engine in a Mazda CX-50 is a 2.5-liter Skyactiv®-G four-cylinder that generates 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque; the standard 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine in the Outback delivers 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. Keep in mind that torque is what delivers that oomph off the line.
Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback turbo engine specs continue the trend. The Mazda CX-50 has an available 2.5-liter Skyactiv®-G turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes up to 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. The Outback is equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine that delivers 260 horsepower; however, it generates 277 pound-feet of torque, which is 43 pound-feet less than the Mazda CX-50 can deliver.
The Subaru brand has bragged about including standard AWD for years. Many of their vehicles offer AWD as standard where competitors don’t, but a Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback comparison shows that both vehicles have standard AWD. The Mazda CX-50 AWD system also includes Mazda Intelligent Drive Select with Off-Road and Sport modes. The Subaru Outback AWD system has standard off-road settings but lacks a sport mode.
The new Mazda CX-50 for sale with a turbo engine requires no compromise when enjoying the extra power. This powerful engine will give you an EPA-estimated 23/29 MPG (City/Highway).1 The Outback lags behind heavily for torque and delivers an EPA-estimated 22/29 MPG (City/Highway)2 with its turbo engine.
Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback towing is a tie: Both models can tow up to 3,500 pounds.3, 4
| 2024 MAZDA CX-50 | 2024 Subaru Outback | |
| Engine | Standard 2.5-liter SKYACTIV®-G four-cylinder Available 2.5-liter SKYACTIV®-G turbocharged four-cylinder |
Standard 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder Available 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 187 (Standard engine) Up to 256 (Turbo engine) |
182 (Standard engine) 260 (Turbo engine) |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft (Standard engine) Up to 320 lb-ft (Turbo engine) |
176 lb-ft (Standard engine) 277 lb-ft (Turbo engine) |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 3,500 lbs3 | 3,500 lbs4 |
| Length | 185.8 in | 191.9 in |
| Width | 72.9 in (with mirrors folded)n | 74.2 in |
| Height | 63.5 to 63.9 in | 66.1 in (with roof rails) |
| Blind Spot Monitoring | Standard | Available |
| Driver Attention Alert: | Standard | Available |
| Standard Sound System | Eight speakers | Four speakers |
| Standard Seat Upholstery | Half leatherette-trimmed | Cloth |
| Standard Apple CarPlay® | Wireless | Wired |
| Standard Climate Control System | Dual-zone automatic | Single-zone automatic |
Comparing the Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback size and space measurements reveal two similarly sized SUVs. However, the Mazda CX-50 is a smaller, more agile vehicle than the Outback, which is a great benefit for off-roaders navigating tight trails or city-commuting families making their way through narrow city streets.
Specifically, the 2024 Mazda CX-50 is 185.8 inches long, 72.9 inches wide (with mirrors folded), and between 63.5 to 63.9 inches tall.
The Outback is 191.9 inches long, 74.2 inches wide (without mirrors), and 66.1 inches tall. Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback ground clearance is a small victory for the Outback, as most of its trims get 8.7 inches of ground clearance, while most turbocharged Mazda CX-50 trims get 8.6 inches of ground clearance.
The Mazda CX-50 has 31.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats for cargo room, which is more than enough for most daily tasks. When you look at a Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback, you’ll find that it has slightly more rear legroom than the Outback, showing that a smaller, more agile SUV can be comparably capable and spacious to a larger competitor.
Within their class, all new Mazda vehicles for sale are set apart by a premium interior filled with features. The focus of a Mazda vehicle is giving you more at every level, and a Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback comparison demonstrates that focus beautifully.
In the 2024 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select, the following features and more come standard:
Visit our Mazda dealer in Jacksonville, FL, and see these features in person.
If you compare the Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback after the fact, you’ll notice that the base-trim equivalent Outback model falls behind with standard cloth seat upholstery, single-zone climate control, a four-speaker sound system, wired Apple CarPlay®, and no remote-folding rear seatback. Blind-spot monitoring and a driver attention system are available upgrades on the Outback.
Even if you explore our used Mazda inventory and compare past-year Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback SUVs, you’ll find that this feature-packed advantage continues to show the competition how a premium ride should come equipped. To see everything else that sets this exciting SUV apart from the pack, visit us today at Hodges Mazda and learn more about the Mazda CX-50 with a test drive.
When comparing the Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback, you’ll find standard AWD and two engine options (one of which is turbocharged) on each model. The Mazda CX-50 has eight trim levels, while the Outback has nine, but the Outback has four of those trims serving as turbocharged versions of lower trims; the Mazda CX-50 turbocharged trims have unique options among them.
The Mazda CX-50 is a more agile vehicle with more available torque, letting it make quick work of adventurous off-road conditions. While the Subaru Outback has a slight bit more ground clearance, it’s only minor. Both of these SUVs can perform well off-road thanks to their standard off-road drive modes, but the Mazda CX-50 has a sport mode for fun when the trail ends.
The Mazda CX-50 engine specifications are more powerful than what the Subaru Outback can offer. The standard engine in a Mazda CX-50 makes five more horsepower and 10 more pound-feet of torque than the Outback SUV’s standard engine. While the Outback turbo engine generates more horsepower than the Mazda CX-50 turbo engine, the Mazda CX-50 turbo delivers 43 more pound-feet of torque.
1EPA-estimated mileage. Actual results will vary.
2EPA fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary with driving conditions and your vehicle’s condition.
3Towing 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.
4Maximum towing capacity varies by trim level. Trailer brakes may be needed. See your retailer for details.
