Car shoppers searching for an adventurous, rugged, and all-wheel-drive SUV have a lot of options today, but one comparison that is bound to keep cropping up is the Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback.
Read on to see our detailed guide to the 2025 Mazda CX-50 vs. 2025 Subaru Outback. Then, pick your favorite Mazda CX-50 trim level and plan your visit to Greenway Mazda for a test drive.
Comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-50 vs. 2025 Subaru Outback specs and performance leads to several advantages for the Mazda model. With 187 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque on tap, the Mazda CX-50 outperforms the Subaru Outback and its base engine, which only creates 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque.
For more power and performance in either model, you can graduate to the turbocharged engines of the Subaru Outback or Mazda CX-50. The Outback features a slightly smaller 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, while the Mazda CX-50 can be equipped with a Skyactiv®-G 2.5 with a twin-scroll turbo.
On regular unleaded gas, this turbocharged Mazda engine develops 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Feed it premium fuel, and things get even more thrilling. The peak power output rating of the new Mazda CX-50 reaches 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium gas.
The Subaru Outback SUV's optional turbo engine produces 260 horsepower but falls well short of the Mazda powertrain in torque, as the Subaru 2.4-liter turbo only generates 277 pound-feet of torque. You can learn about the new Mazda CX-50 towing capacity vs. the competition from our dealership team.
Both models come standard with all-wheel drive (AWD), and the Mazda SUV's extra torque is extra valuable in this regard. The Mazda CX-50 is fitted with a trusty, smooth-shifting six-speed automatic for a smooth driving experience. The Subaru Outback utilizes a CVT in an attempt to maximize fuel efficiency.
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| 2025 MAZDA CX-50 2.5 S SELECT | 2025 Subaru Outback Base | 2025 MAZDA CX-50 2.5 TURBO PREMIUM PLUS | 2025 Subaru Outback Touring XT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L I-4 | 2.5L H-4 | 2.5L I-4 turbo | 2.4L H-4 turbo |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | CVT | 6-speed automatic | CVT |
| Drive Type | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Horsepower | 187 | 182 | Up to 256 | 260 |
| Torque | 185 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft | Up to 320 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft |
| EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy) | 25 / 311 | 26 / 322 | 23 / 291 | 22 / 292 |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 in | 108.1 in | 110.8 in | 108.1 in |
| Passenger Capacity | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Legroom (1st / 2nd Row) | 41.7 / 39.8 in | 42.8 / 39.5 in | 41.7 / 39.8 in | 42.8 / 39.5 in |
| Cargo Volume | 31.4 cu ft | 32.6 cu ft | 31.4 cu ft | 32.6 cu ft |
It's a toss-up when the Mazda CX-50 is compared to the Subaru Outback in size. The Outback is a midsize SUV that's longer and taller, but the Mazda CX-50 compact SUV is wider and rides on a longer wheelbase.
Inside, the Mazda CX-50 has a total passenger volume of 100.3 cubic feet. The longer and taller Outback offers a little more space, rated at 107.5 cubic feet of passenger room. Both models comfortably seat up to five occupants in two rows.
Compare the Mazda CX-50 to the Subaru Outback in cargo capacity, and the slightly smaller Mazda model holds its own. The Mazda SUV boasts 31.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind its second row. The Subaru model offers 32.6 cubic feet of cargo volume.
So, as you can see, the difference between the Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback in standard cargo space is moderate.
Whether you select a Mazda CX-50 or Subaru Outback as your preferred next AWD SUV, you'll have plenty of configurations to choose from.
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 comes in the following trim levels:
You can also customize your new SUV with genuine Mazda CX-50 accessories.
The 2025 Subaru Outback lineup offers these trims:
One final aspect of our comparison of the Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback we'd like to cover is their safety systems.
The Subaru Outback comes standard with:
The new Mazda CX-50 gets an i-Activsense® suite of advanced safety systems and plenty of other driver aids:
The Mazda CX-50 compact SUV measures 185.8 inches long, 63.5 inches tall, and 72.9 inches wide. The Subaru Outback midsize SUV stands 66.4 inches tall, 191.9 inches long, and 74.2 inches wide. Overall, the Mazda CX-50 is slightly smaller than the Outback. However, the Mazda model rides on a longer wheelbase and offers a little more second-row legroom.
The cargo space in a Mazda CX-50 measures 31.4 cubic feet behind the second-row bench seating. When the rear seatback is lowered, you'll find 56.3 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity in this Mazda model. The Subaru Outback offers 32.6 cubic feet of standard cargo room and up to 75.6 cubic feet with rear seats folded.
The maximum towing capacity of the Subaru Outback with its available turbocharged engine reaches 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. The same goes for the Mazda CX-50. The new Mazda CX-50 can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped with its high-torque turbocharged engine. Take on adventures with ample towing capacity in your new Mazda CX-50 from Greenway Mazda.
1EPA-estimated mileage. Actual results will vary.
2EPA fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary with driving conditions and your vehicle’s condition.
