2025 Mazda CX-50 vs. 2025 Subaru Outback

The Mazda CX-50 and Subaru Outback are two of the best family vehicles in their class. Both impress automotive experts and motorists alike with their capable powertrains, comfortable interiors, and leading technology, but which one is right for you and your family in Orlando, Florida? At Sport Mazda South, we’ve compared these models side by side to help you make an informed choice.

Performance Comparison

Both vehicles have a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, with the Mazda’s being slightly more powerful, producing 187 horsepower to the Subaru’s 182 horsepower.

Turbocharged engine options are available for both models, and this time it’s the Subaru that’s slightly ahead. Its turbocharged 2.4-liter engine generates 260 horsepower, while Mazda’s turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 256 horsepower using high-octane gasoline. Mazda also offers a hybrid powertrain, comprising a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine along with three electric motors. The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid produces 219 horsepower, which places it between the gas-powered alternatives. There’s no hybrid option for the Outback.

Both vehicles have a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds with the turbocharged engine. The Outback’s standard engine can pull 2,700 pounds, and the Mazda can manage 2,000 pounds, while the hybrid CX-50 reduces the towing power to 1,500 pounds.

Interior and Features

Mazda’s cabin is more upscale, with Subaru prioritizing practicality. You’ll appreciate the CX-50’s ergonomic front seats, tilt-and-telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel, and keyless start that are included in the base-level Mazda and reserved for higher Subaru trims.

The Subaru is slightly bigger, offering 109 cubic feet of passenger space compared to the Mazda’s 100.3 cubic feet. The cargo volume is also comparable, with the Subaru offering 32.6 cubic feet compared to the Mazda’s 31.4 cubic feet. With the seats folded down, the Outback’s 75.6 cubic feet eclipses the CX-50’s 56.3 cubic feet.

Both vehicles include an infotainment screen that wirelessly connects to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, although Subaru’s 7-inch touch screen is smaller and less serviceable than Mazda’s 10.3-inch display. Subaru has a larger 11.6-inch touch screen in the Premium trim, along with wireless charging, whereas the CX-50 has wireless charging across all trim levels.

Safety Features

Mazda and Subaru both prioritize your safety by including high-tech driver-assistance features. The Mazda CX-50 has the i-Activsense Safety Suite, while the Outback has EyeSight. Many of their inclusions overlap, such as automated emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Mazda system is slightly more comprehensive, as it includes blind-spot monitoring for safer lane changes and cross-traffic alert for safer reversing.

Mazda keeps its safety offerings consistent throughout the CX-50 range, while Subaru reserves its most advanced safety features for high-end trims. Choose the top trims for innovative features such as:

• DriverFocus distraction mitigation system, which alerts you if you take your eyes away from the road
• Blind-spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert
• Reverse automatic braking
• 180-degree front-view monitor

If you’ve got young children, you’ll appreciate the family-focused safety features that Mazda and Subaru include at every trim level. The CX-50 and Outback both include child safety locks to keep kids safely inside, and the rear seats have the LATCH system to secure the car seats.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 and the CX-50 Hybrid both received an overall five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for their crash test performance. It didn’t give the Outback an overall rating, but the standard option equaled the CX-50’s score. Both vehicles impressed the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, although the latest Mazda CX-50 had the edge. It received the institute’s highest honor of Top Safety Pick+, while the Outback received a Top Safety Pick.

Driving Experience and Comfort

Motoring experts have praised the CX-50’s engaging driving dynamics, which feel more responsive and peppy even in standard driving mode. In contrast, several critics found Subaru’s continuously variable automatic transmission unrefined and its acceleration unremarkable.

With the CX-50, Mazda treats all motorists to an upscale, comfortable ride no matter their trim level. Subaru certainly offers that level of luxury, but only for customers who are willing to purchase one of the highest trims.

Pricing and Value

The Mazda CX-50 and Subaru Outback are competitively priced. The Subaru has a slightly lower starting MSRP of $29,995, while the Mazda CX-50 is a bit more expensive, starting at $30,500. With the Mazda’s upscale cabin and wider range of standard features, you’ll agree it’s worth paying a little extra.

The Mazda nudges out its competition in the higher trims with a starting price of $33,970 for the CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus, which seems like a bargain next to the $44,730 Subaru Outback Touring XT.

Many brands charge a substantial premium for sustainable technology, but the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Preferred trim is accessible at $30,500. The more luxurious CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus is also reasonable at $43,500.

Our Overall Verdict

The Mazda CX-50 and Subaru Outback are both striking family cars with impressive technology and plenty of space in the front and back. For us, the Mazda’s dynamic handling, top technology at all trim levels, and hybrid option give it a slight edge. Ultimately, the right vehicle is a personal choice, so consider your family’s needs, then visit us at Sport Mazda South to learn more about the Mazda CX-50 and take one for a test drive. Our friendly team would love to help you decide if the CX-50 is the best vehicle for your family.