Mazda CX-5 vs Subaru Outback

$26,700  

Pictured: Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo in Soul Red Crystal Metallic ($595).  MSRP starting from $36,850.

Base trim: 2024 $28,895 / 2023 $28,395

Pictured: 2023 Outback Wilderness AWD in Geyser Blue. 2023 starting MSRP: $38,445 / 2024 starting MSRP: $39,960.

Mazda is known for its engaging driving dynamics, sophisticated style, and high-end interiors. The Mazda CX-5, the brand's best-selling vehicle in the U.S., delivers on all those fronts. The CX-5 lineup, however, is not the most updated in terms of tech; missing features such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, that are offered by many segment competitors.

Despite our wish for a multimedia update, it's certainly not hard to see the CX-5's appeal. Its contemporary style, near luxury interior and sporty driving signature are all attractive propositions.

Mazda's unique Soul Crystal Red Metallic paint is one of the most gorgeous reds you can find on a vehicle today.

If you're looking for a Mazda SUV with slightly more ground clearance and towing capability you'll want to check out the CX-50.  

Subaru consistently maintains an excellent reputation for its safety features and all-wheel drive handling. All for a great value. It also has a very loyal fan base which speaks well of the brand.

In general, we love the Subaru Outback! The Outback offers a range of safety features that are standard across all 9 trim levels, including its terrific Symmetrical all-wheel drive system (with X Mode which increases all-wheel drive system engagement) and driver assistance technology (called Eyesight). Eyesight technology is extensive. It includes adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. 

The Outback is a great choice for those in colder climates who deal with a lot of hazardous winter weather driving, spend a lot of time outdoors, or travel with their pets. The safety features make it a good option for teens or inexperienced drivers, as well as senior drivers who want piece-of-mind while traveling down the road.

For the most capability and highest ground clearance, you'll want the Wilderness model.

Subaru's SUV inventory is getting more plentiful which is great news for car shoppers.

For 2023, the CX-5 is available in eight different packages. All 2023 CX-5 models will retain standard i-Activ all-wheel drive in the U.S.

The Rhodium White exterior premium paint color is new for 2023.

For 2024, Mazda will offer a new Carbon Turbo trim for CX-5 models equipped with the 2.5 Turbo engine. It's a unique style package with Zircon Sand paint on the exterior and a brown Terracotta leather interior.  

In 2023, the Outback was completely refreshed with updated exterior and interior styling, technology, and safety features. The only major exterior changes in 2024 were to the Wilderness trim level, which received an update to its grille and front bumper. 

2023 updates also included the latest version of the Subaru's 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus system, which has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The available Multimedia Navigation system is voice-activated. The Outback is Subaru's first model to integrate what3words (W3W), a location technology that provides a simple way to communicate precise locations using just three simple words. 

• Near luxury interior and cabin materials
• Sporty driving dynamics 
• Smooth 6-speed automatic transmision

• Roomier than the CX-5
• Available Turbo engine offers more power tha Outback Turbo
• Offers more towing capacity

• Not as fuel efficient
• Not as much cargo space

• Not as engaging to drive
• Base 2.5-liter engine is a bit slow

21-26 mpg

26-32 mpg

• 10.25-inch multimedia touchscreen is standard with HD radio, Bluetooth, Pandora along with non-wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.   
  
• 7-inch LCD Display 
• Bose® 10-speaker audio sound system 
• Rear View Monitor
• Mazda Connected Services (complimentary for three years.  After trial period annual subscription fees apply.)

• SUBARU STARLINK^® Dual 7.0-inch Multimedia or 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus or 11.6-inch Multimedia Navigation
• 4-speaker (Base) or 6-speaker (Premium) Audio system
• 12-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system on all other trims
• 4.2-inch LCD color combination meter display (functions vary by trim level)
• Rear Vision or Wide-Angle Mono Camera depending on trim
• Available wireless charging

• Turbo models features standard wireless charging
• Four USB ports
• 12-volt power outlets

• 4G LTE Wi-Fi capability on all but Base trim.
• Illuminated front USB-A and USB-C charging ports
• Illuminated rear USB-A and USB-C charging ports

• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Rear Cross Traffic
• Lane Keep Assist
• Lane Departure Warning
• Advanced Smart City Brake Support with Day and Night-time Pedestrian Detection
• Mazda Radar Stop and Go Cruise Control
  
• Range-topping Signature trim adds 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, reverse brake support, Driver Attention Alert and Traffic Jam Assist. 

• Standard EyeSight^® Driver Assist Technology
• Standard High Beam Assist
• Available DriverFocus^® Distraction Mitigation System
• Available Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Available Reverse Automatic Braking

• Standard Rear-Vison Camera

• Available 180-Degree Front-View Monitor

• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Rear Cross Traffic
• Lane Keep Assist
• Lane Departure Warning
• Advanced Smart City Brake Support with Day and Night-time Pedestrian Detection
• Mazda Radar Stop and Go Cruise Control
  
• Range-topping Signature trim adds 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, reverse brake support, Driver Attention Alert and Traffic Jam Assist.

• SUBARU STARLINK^® Safety and Security
  Subaru advanced frontal airbag system (SRS)
• Side curtain airbags
• Seat-mounted front side impact 
• Front passenger seat cushion airbag
• Driver's knee airbag
• Whiplash-reducing front seats with height and tilt-adjustable head restraints
• Rear height adjustable head restraints
• Height adjustable 3-point front seatbelts
• Rear child-safety locks
• LATCH system
• Vehicle Dynamics Control
• 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Brake Assist
• Brake Override System
• Traction Control System

191.3"-191.9"

74.2"-74.6"

182-horsepower - 2.5-liter engine

260-horsepower - 2.4-liter turbocharged engine

176 lb.-ft. - 2.5-liter

277 lb.-ft.- 2.4-liter turbocharged

18.5 (AWD)

3,641-3,946 lbs

2,700 (Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, Touring

3,500 pounds (Onyx Edition XT, Wilderness, Limited XT, Touring XT.)