2025 Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback
2025 Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 and Subaru Outback are two capable midsize SUVs built for adventure. Both offer standard all-wheel drive, competitive pricing, and a wealth of features. Comparing the Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback side by side helps reveal which model best fits your driving lifestyle.
Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback: Which is Right for You?
If you’re seeking sharp styling, sporty handling, and a premium feel, the Mazda CX-50 delivers. For maximum practicality, generous cargo space, and slightly better fuel economy, the Subaru Outback excels. Both balance comfort and capability, appealing to families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback Interior
Let’s compare the interiors of the 2025 Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback. Both vehicles emphasize comfort and convenience, but the Mazda focuses on upscale styling while the Subaru highlights practicality and generous cargo space.
Mazda CX-50 Interior
The CX-50 offers a driver-focused cabin with premium synthetic and cloth seats, dual-zone climate control, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Remote start, proximity keyless entry, and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen elevate the tech. Available upgrades include leatherette trim, heated steering wheel, and panoramic moonroof.
Subaru Outback Interior
The Outback emphasizes space and usability. Standard cloth seating pairs with optional heated front seats, while cargo capacity reaches 32.6 cubic feet behind the second row. Folding the seats expands this to 75.6 cubic feet. Though materials lean practical over plush, interior versatility makes it ideal for hauling gear.
Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback Exterior
How do the exteriors of the Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback compare? The CX-50 delivers a bold, sporty SUV look, while the Outback maintains its classic wagon-inspired style emphasizing utility and rugged outdoor appeal.
Mazda CX-50 Exterior
The CX-50 stands out with sleek lines, flared fenders, and rugged black cladding. Standard LED headlights and roof rails boost capability, while available features like adaptive curve headlights, panoramic moonroof, and hands-free liftgate enhance functionality. Its lower stance and athletic proportions favor drivers seeking a sportier aesthetic.
Subaru Outback Exterior
The Outback’s exterior blends crossover and wagon styling with higher ground clearance, making it trail-ready. Standard fog lights, LED headlights, and roof rails support outdoor lifestyles. Optional features include a tow hitch, heated mirrors, and power liftgate. While less flashy than Mazda, it emphasizes function-first ruggedness over style.
Performance Comparison
Both SUVs offer capable powertrains, but the Mazda emphasizes sportier handling while the Subaru balances efficiency with dependable, everyday performance. Let’s dive further into how the Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback compare in performance.
How Does the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Perform?
The CX-50 comes with a 2.5-liter I4 producing 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic. Sport mode is standard, giving more control and responsiveness. Its ride quality leans firm and engaging, appealing to drivers who want more excitement from their crossover.
How Does the 2025 Subaru Outback Perform?
The Outback uses a 2.5-liter flat-four making 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive deliver a smooth, balanced ride. It’s not as sporty as the Mazda but shines in everyday drivability, stability, and highway cruising comfort.
Safety Features and Ratings
How do the 2025 Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback compare when it comes to safety? For both SUVs, safety is a clear top-priority with driver-assistance technologies standard and Subaru achieving top government crash-test scores.
What Safety Features Does the Mazda CX-50 Have?
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 comes well equipped with advanced driver-assist features. Standard technologies include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, crash imminent braking, dynamic brake support, and automatic emergency braking. Optional upgrades include a surround-view camera, parking sensors, and a head-up display.
In government testing, the 2025 CX-50 earned a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with 5 stars in both frontal and side crash tests and 4 stars for rollover resistance. These strong results, combined with Mazda’s i-ACTIVSENSE suite, give drivers modern safety coverage and peace of mind.
What Safety Features Does the Subaru Outback Have?
The Outback shines in safety, earning five stars overall from NHTSA. Standard EyeSight Driver Assist includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision warning with automatic braking. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are available. Subaru’s proven safety record reinforces the Outback as a dependable family choice.
Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback Technology
Let’s look at how the 2025 Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback compare in the tech department. Both SUVs deliver modern infotainment and connectivity, but Mazda emphasizes premium screens while Subaru highlights accessibility and practical features.
Mazda CX-50 Technology
The CX-50 equips a 10.25-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Bluetooth as standard. Voice command, in-car Wi-Fi, and multiple USB ports enhance usability. Optional navigation and premium audio systems upgrade convenience, while available head-up display and surround-view camera expand tech-driven safety and driver awareness.
Subaru Outback Technology
The Outback includes a 7.0-inch touchscreen with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. Satellite radio and navigation are optional, with an available 11.6-inch upgraded screen in higher trims. Subaru offers in-car Wi-Fi, multiple USB inputs, and voice command, emphasizing function-first tech for easy integration into daily life.
Fuel Efficiency
The Subaru Outback edges out the Mazda CX-50 in fuel economy, offering slightly higher mileage for both city and highway driving.
What is the Mazda CX-50 Fuel Economy?
The CX-50 earns an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway, and 28 mpg combined. Its efficiency balances with a sporty drive feel and strong AWD capability. While not class-leading, these figures make it competitive, especially for drivers prioritizing performance alongside fuel savings.
What is the Subaru Outback Fuel Economy?
The Outback performs slightly better in fuel efficiency, returning EPA-estimates of 26 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined. Its flat-four engine and CVT contribute to smooth, consistent mileage, making it a practical choice for long-distance commuting or outdoor adventures. Subaru prioritizes efficiency without compromising all-weather capability.
Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback Pricing
Let’s look at how the pricing of the 2025 Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback compares. Both models are closely aligned in starting MSRP, with Mazda slightly higher but Subaru offering competitive deals across multiple trims.
How Much Does the Mazda CX-50 Cost?
Starting MSRP for the 2025 Mazda CX-50 is $31,995. Lease offers and dealer incentives may reduce pricing further depending on location and trim. Standard features like AWD, advanced safety, and premium infotainment justify its value. Buyers seeking higher trims can expect additional costs, particularly for luxury or performance packages.
How Much Does the Subaru Outback Cost?
The 2025 Subaru Outback begins at a slightly lower starting MSRP of $31,415. TrueCar averages show buyers often paying under $30,000 with dealer discounts. With competitive pricing across trims and a wide range of configurations, the Outback offers strong value, especially for shoppers prioritizing cargo space and efficiency.
Reliability and Warranty
Mazda and Subaru offer nearly identical warranty coverage, though Subaru’s long reputation for durability slightly bolsters its reliability perception.
Mazda CX-50 Warranty
Mazda backs the CX-50 with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Additional rust coverage and roadside assistance are included. While not industry-leading, Mazda vehicles are known for dependability, making this warranty package competitive within the compact SUV segment.
Subaru Outback Warranty
The Outback also includes a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Subaru’s reputation for longevity enhances the appeal of this coverage. While coverage terms mirror Mazda’s, Subaru’s extensive safety testing and high owner satisfaction ratings strengthen its reliability credentials, especially for buyers seeking long-term confidence.
Get Your Mazda CX-50 at Autex Mazda
Continue your comparison of the 2025 Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback at Autex Mazda in Keene, NH. Test drive the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and learn more about our competitive pricing, expert service, and unbeatable selection.