2024 Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback
2024 Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback
Compact crossovers continue to be the go-to vehicle choice for American families looking for a vehicle that can fulfill many roles.
Too many choices do, however, make for some difficult decision-making; with this in mind, we help prospective buyers out by taking a closer look at two worthy five-seater contenders from Japan.
Read on as we share in some detail the comparison of the Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback, two Japanese compact SUVs.
2024 Mazda CX-50
Still pretty much new from its debut in 2022, the Mazda CX-50 sees only a few upgrades for the 2024 model year.
Changes have been made to the suspension and steering for enhanced road manners, plus further upper trims have received the premium 12-speaker Bose stereo system and wireless smartphone charging pad as standard.
The 2024 Mazda CX-50 is available in a total of eight trims fitted with two versions of Mazda's Skyactiv 2.5L engine.
2024 Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback last saw a refresh in 2023, featuring new exterior styling, upgraded interior finishes, updated infotainment, and additional safety features.
The exterior was treated to an aggressive and angular front fascia, as well as a wider grille, finished off with redesigned headlights and new front hexagonal fog lights.
The 2024 model year Subaru Outback is on offer in seven trim packages starting with the Base model and adds further upgraded trims, Premium, Onyx Edition, Wilderness, Limited, Touring, and a range-topping XT trim level.
Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback Interior
The CX-50 sports a considerably upmarket cabin with seats in black leatherette. Upper trims receive heated and ventilated front seats.
All trims feature a 7-inch partial digital gauge display along with a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and push-button start. Speed-sensitive power door locks with 2-stage unlocking, Mazda advanced keyless entry and start system, power windows with one-touch down/up feature, dual covered illuminated visor vanity mirrors and dual-zone automatic climate control with pollen filter are all standard fare.
The interior of the 2024 Subaru Outback is both comfortable and constructed with quality materials. The cabin design is functional, and the high seating offers a great view out. Dual-zone climate control features on all trims besides the Base model. Standard features include heated front seats, steering wheel-mounted controls, a trip computer, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and a useful scattering of USB ports.
Moving up in the range, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a power-adjustable front-passenger seat, and heated rear seats are fitted.
The dashboard sports dual 7.0-inch touchscreens, with an 11.6-inch vertically oriented touchscreen available on upper trims that feature a rotary knob for volume and tuning.
Built-in navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and wireless device charging are all optional extras. Apple CarPlay, as well as Android Auto integration, is standard. Top trims allow buyers to experience a 12-speaker, 576-watt Harman/Kardon audio system.
In the comparison of the Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback, the CX-50 prioritizes upscale features like leatherette seats and advanced technology, the Outback emphasizes comfort and practicality, offering amenities such as heated front seats and a larger infotainment touchscreen.
Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback Cargo Space
The Mazda CX-50 offers cargo space of 31.4 cubic feet behind the second-row seats, which expands to 56.3 cubic feet once the 60/40-split rear seats are folded down.
The Subaru Outback's rear cargo area provides 33 cubic feet of cargo load space with all passenger seats up.
Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback Exterior
The exterior of the 2024 Mazda CX-50 squared styling features body cladding, wheel arch trim, and a low roof design to allow easier access to the handy roof racks.
The full CX-50 lineup sees fitment of LED headlights with LED daytime running lights. Further standard exterior treatments are black dual power side mirrors with LED turn signal indicators, a body-colored rear roof spoiler, dual exhaust outlets with a bright finish, rear privacy glass and an AWD badge.
17-inch alloy wheels are standard across the range, with 20-inch wheels an option for buyers.
The 2024 Subaru Outback shows off its wagon body exterior silhouette to provide the Outback with a distinctive and handsome design. The new 2024 version is fitted with a more aggressive and angular front fascia along with a wider grille, redesigned headlights and the new-look front fog lights.
Other standard exterior features include LED headlights, LED fog lights, a rear spoiler, and 17 or 18-inch alloy wheels fitted with all-season tires and roof rails.
In comparing the 2024 Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback, while the CX-50 emphasizes squared styling with LED headlights and a range of standard exterior treatments, the Outback showcases its distinctive wagon body silhouette with aggressive design elements and LED lighting, catering to different preferences in exterior aesthetics and functionality.
Performance and Powertrain Differences
Lower trims of the Mazda CX-50 are fitted with a four-cylinder 2.5 L Skyactiv engine making 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque with a six-speed automatic transmission married to an i-Activ all-wheel drive system for handy off-road capabilities.
Turbo trims use a turbo-boosted version producing 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft torque using regular gas or 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft when running 93 octane premium fuel.
All Outback models except the XT models make do with a 2.5L SUBARU BOXER 4-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and the full Outback lineup is fitted with a Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
A turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque is available on the Onyx models with standard dual-function X-MODE transmission to optimize the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
In comparing the 2024 Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback, lower trims of the CX-50 feature a four-cylinder 2.5 L Skyactiv engine with up to 187 horsepower, paired with an i-Activ all-wheel drive system, while the Outback offers a standard 2.5L SUBARU BOXER engine with 182 horsepower across all models, showcasing distinct powertrain options tailored to different driving needs and preferences.
Fuel Economy Comparison
With the base powertrain, the 2024 Mazda CX-50 offers EPA-estimated figures of up to 24 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. The powerful turbo trims return figures of 23 mpg city and 29 mpg highway driving.
The Subaru Outback fitted with the naturally aspirated 2.5 L engine offers fuel economy figures of 32 mpg highway and 26 mpg city driving. Buyers of the turbo models will spend more at the pumps with economy figures of 29 mpg highway and 22 mpg city driving.
Safety and Technology Differences
An extensive lineup of safety features includes automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and radar adaptive cruise control on the CX-50. Other key safety features are blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
The 2023 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK award means that your safety is well taken care of in the CX-50.
2024 Subaru Outbacks are well equipped with a full suite of airbags, anti-skid braking and electronic stability control, plus driver-assistance technology. Other key safety features are automated emergency braking, forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
In the comparison between the 2024 Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback, the CX-50 offers an extensive lineup of safety features, earning the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK award, while the Outback provides a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technology, ensuring strong safety credentials across both models.
Who Should Buy the 2024 Mazda CX-50?
Those looking for a sporty, driver-orientated, and upmarket compact crossover should put the 2024 Mazda CX-50 on their shopping shortlist. This model offers outdoor lifestyle design along with on-road fun, a premium cabin and a degree of off-road utility.
Who Should Buy the 2024 Subaru Outback?
Buyers looking for a compact SUV that is solid, durable and capable of tackling more than just a gravel parking lot will do well to consider the 2024 Subaru Outback lineup.
Get Your Mazda CX-50 at Autex Mazda of Keene
Visit our friendly sales team at Autex Mazda situated at 94 Key Rd, Keene, NH 03431 and discover more about the exciting 2024 Mazda CX- 50 range.
Book a test drive and experience this exceptional vehicle for yourself. Our sales team will gladly help you every step of the way to find your next set of wheels.