Compare the2026 Subaru OutbackVS 2026 Mazda CX-50

The Outback has standard Whiplash-Reducing Front Seats, which use a specially designed seat to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Whiplash-Reducing Front Seats system allows the backrest to travel backwards to cushion the occupants and the headrests move forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The CX-50 doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the Outback’s standard Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The CX-50 doesn’t offer Hill Descent Control.

The Subaru Outback’s rear backup camera has a standard washer for maintaining a clear view under various conditions. In contrast, the Mazda CX-50 does not offer a rear camera washer, meaning its effectiveness relies on manual cleaning by the user when necessary.

Both the Outback and the CX-50 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

There are over 18 percent more Subaru dealers than there are Mazda dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Outback’s warranty.

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the Outback has larger alternators than the CX-50:

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Subaru vehicles are better in initial quality than Mazda vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Subaru above average in initial quality. With 38 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mazda is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Subaru vehicles are more reliable than Mazda vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Subaru first in overall reliability. Mazda is ranked 6th.

The Outback has more powerful engines than the CX-50:

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the Outback lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability (That’s why Porsche uses boxer engines.). The CX-50 doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.

On the EPA test cycle the Outback gets better mileage than the CX-50:

Regardless of its engine, the Outback’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. Mazda only offers an automatic engine start/stop system on the CX-50 Turbo/Hybrid.

The Outback has 3.5 gallons more fuel capacity than the CX-50 Hybrid’s standard fuel tank (18 vs. 14.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Outback has 2.1 gallons more fuel capacity than the CX-50’s standard fuel tank (18 vs. 15.9 gallons).

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Subaru Outback higher (5 to 6 out of 10) than the Mazda CX-50 (4 to 6). This means the Outback produces up to 12.1 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the CX-50 every 15,000 miles.

The Outback’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the CX-50 are solid, not vented.

The Outback Wilderness has a standard full size spare tire so a flat doesn’t interrupt your trip. A full size spare isn’t available on the CX-50; it requires you to depend on a temporary spare, which limits mileage and speed before replacement.

For superior ride and handling, the Subaru Outback has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Mazda CX-50 has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The Outback has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the Outback flat and controlled during cornering. The CX-50’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The Outback offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The CX-50’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For greater off-road capability the Outback has a greater minimum ground clearance than the CX-50 Hybrid Preferred (8.7 vs. 7.8 inches), allowing the Outback to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Outback Wilderness’ minimum ground clearance is .9 inch higher than on the Meridian/Turbo Premium Plus (9.5 vs. 8.6 inches).

The front grille of the Outback uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The CX-50 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Outback has 12 cubic feet more passenger volume than the CX-50 (112.3 vs. 100.3).

The Outback has 1.9 inches more front headroom, 1.3 inches more front legroom, 1.4 inches more front hip room, 2 inches more front shoulder room, 1.9 inches more rear headroom, 3 inches more rear hip room and 3.8 inches more rear shoulder room than the CX-50.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the Outback’s rear seats recline. The CX-50’s rear seats don’t recline.

The Outback has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the CX-50 with its rear seat up (34.6 vs. 31.4 cubic feet). The Outback has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the CX-50 with its rear seat folded (80.5 vs. 56.3 cubic feet).

The Outback’s cargo area is larger than the CX-50’s in every dimension:

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Outback. The CX-50 doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

The Outback’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the CX-50’s (2700 vs. 2000 pounds).

While the CX-50 Hybrid can only tow 1500, any Outback can tow a minimum of 2700 pounds.

The engine in the Outback is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the CX-50. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Subaru service is better than Mazda. J.D. Power ranks Subaru third in service department satisfaction. With a 20% lower rating, Mazda is ranked 10th.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the Outback’s exterior PIN entry system. The CX-50 doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the Outback to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The CX-50 doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The Outback’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Mazda only offers heated mirrors on the CX-50 Preferred/Meridian/Premium/Turbo.

Compared to traditional radio, the Subaru Outback’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio is only offered on the CX-50 Premium/Turbo.

The Subaru Outback outsold the Mazda CX-50 by over two to one during 2024.