Subaru Outback vs Mazda Cx-5: Which Suv Reigns Supreme?
Choosing your next SUV can feel overwhelming, but what if we narrowed it down to two top contenders? Today, we’re diving deep into a head-to-head comparison to help you decide: the rugged Subaru Outback versus the stylish Mazda CX-5. Both offer compelling features, but which one truly shines?
The Subaru Outback is known for its adventurous spirit and off-road capabilities. It’s a versatile wagon-SUV hybrid that’s perfect for those who crave exploration. On the other hand, the Mazda CX-5 prioritizes driving dynamics and a premium feel, making it an excellent choice for daily commutes and weekend getaways.
We’ll examine key aspects like performance, interior comfort, technology, and overall value. This comprehensive comparison of the Subaru Outback vs Mazda CX-5 will provide you with the insights needed to make an informed decision. Get ready to discover which SUV best fits your lifestyle and needs!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Outback | CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $28,895 | $29,300 |
| Engine (Base) | 2.5L 4-cylinder | 2.5L 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower (Base) | 182 hp | 187 hp |
| Transmission | CVT | 6-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/32 mpg | 26/31 mpg |
| Cargo Space (Behind Rear Seats) | 32.6 cu. ft. | 30.8 cu. ft. |
| Ground Clearance | 8.7 inches | 7.9 inches |
| Standard Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive (AWD optional) |
| Infotainment Screen | 11.6-inch touchscreen | 10.25-inch touchscreen |
| Safety Features | Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist | Mazda i-Activsense |
| Warranty (Basic) | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Warranty (Powertrain) | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Cargo Space
- Subaru Outback: Offers a generous cargo area, with ample space behind the rear seats. The Outback excels in practicality, making it suitable for carrying luggage, groceries, and outdoor gear. A potential drawback is the slightly lower overall cargo volume compared to some rivals.
- Mazda Cx 5: Provides a respectable cargo capacity, well-suited for everyday needs. The CX-5’s cargo area is thoughtfully designed, offering a balance between size and usability. It may feel a bit smaller compared to the Outback when hauling larger items.
- Winner: Outback
Fuel Efficiency
- Subaru Outback: Generally offers good fuel economy, particularly with its base engine. The Outback provides a competitive MPG rating for its class, making it a cost-effective choice for daily commutes and longer trips. Fuel economy varies depending on the engine and driving conditions.
- Mazda Cx 5: Known for its impressive fuel efficiency, often leading the segment. The CX-5’s engines are designed for optimal fuel consumption, resulting in lower running costs. Some trim levels may sacrifice a bit of fuel economy for more power.
- Winner: CX-5
Off-Road Capability
- Subaru Outback: Excels in off-road scenarios, thanks to its standard all-wheel-drive system and higher ground clearance. The Outback is a capable vehicle for light to moderate off-roading. The Outback’s off-road prowess may come at the expense of a slightly less refined on-road experience.
- Mazda Cx 5: While available with all-wheel drive, the CX-5 is primarily designed for on-road performance. Its ground clearance is moderate. The CX-5 is not as well-equipped for off-road adventures.
- Winner: Outback
Ride Quality & Handling
- Subaru Outback: Prioritizes a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road well. The Outback offers a composed driving experience. The handling is generally competent.
- Mazda Cx 5: Celebrated for its sporty handling and engaging driving dynamics. The CX-5 offers a more connected feel to the road. The ride can feel firmer than the Outback.
- Winner: CX-5
Infotainment System
- Subaru Outback: Features a user-friendly infotainment system with a large touchscreen display. The system offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Some users may find the interface a bit dated.
- Mazda Cx 5: Provides a sleek and intuitive infotainment system with a rotary controller. The CX-5’s system integrates well with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The screen is smaller and not touch screen in some trims.
- Winner: Tie
Safety Features
- Subaru Outback: Comes standard with Subaru’s EyeSight suite of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. The Outback generally receives high safety ratings.
- Mazda Cx 5: Also offers a comprehensive suite of safety features, earning top marks in crash tests. The CX-5 provides advanced driver-assistance technologies.
- Winner: Tie
Price & Value
- Subaru Outback: Often presents a competitive price point, providing good value for its features and capabilities. The Outback’s pricing is attractive.
- Mazda Cx 5: Typically offers a slightly more premium feel. The CX-5’s price may be a bit higher.
- Winner: Outback
Engine Performance
- Subaru Outback: The base engine provides sufficient power for daily driving, while the turbocharged option delivers more spirited performance. The Outback’s engine options cater to various driving preferences.
- Mazda Cx 5: Offers a choice of engines, including a peppy turbocharged option. The CX-5’s engines provide a responsive driving experience.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Standard Drivetrain | Subaru Outback |
| Cargo Space | Subaru Outback |
| Driving Experience | Mazda CX-5 |
| Interior Design | Mazda CX-5 |
| Off-Road Capability | Subaru Outback |
| Starting Price | Mazda CX-5 |
What They Have in Common
- Engine Options: Both vehicles offer a base 4-cylinder engine, providing a balance of fuel efficiency and performance for everyday driving. Both also offer a more powerful turbocharged engine in higher trims.
- Safety Features: Both the Outback and CX-5 come standard with a suite of advanced safety features designed to assist the driver and prevent accidents. These include features like automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning.
- Infotainment: Both cars are equipped with modern infotainment systems, including touchscreen displays, smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and various connectivity options.
- Seating Capacity: Both the Subaru Outback and Mazda CX-5 comfortably seat five passengers, making them suitable for families or groups of friends.
- Fuel Efficiency: Both SUVs offer competitive fuel economy ratings, ensuring reasonable running costs for daily commutes and road trips.
- Warranty: Both vehicles come with similar basic and powertrain warranty coverage, providing peace of mind to buyers.
Subaru Outback Vs Mazda Cx 5 Buying Guide
Performance and Handling
The Subaru Outback and Mazda CX-5 offer distinct driving experiences. The Outback, with its standard all-wheel drive and available turbocharged engine, provides robust performance and confident handling, especially in challenging weather conditions. Its higher ground clearance also enhances off-road capabilities. The CX-5 prioritizes a more engaging driving experience, featuring responsive steering and a refined suspension. While its engine options may not match the Outback’s power, the CX-5’s handling feels sporty and agile, making it enjoyable on winding roads. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities: off-road prowess or on-road dynamics.
Interior and Comfort
Both the Outback and CX-5 offer comfortable and well-appointed interiors, but they cater to slightly different preferences. The Outback boasts a spacious cabin with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers, emphasizing practicality. Its design prioritizes functionality, offering numerous storage compartments and a user-friendly infotainment system. The CX-5, on the other hand, prioritizes a more upscale feel with premium materials and a sleek design. Its seats are supportive, and the cabin exudes a sense of refinement. The choice depends on whether you value space and utility or a more luxurious atmosphere.
Technology and Features
Both vehicles come equipped with a range of modern technology features, but they differ in their execution. The Outback typically includes a larger touchscreen display and a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems as standard. Subaru’s infotainment system is generally easy to use, and its safety features are highly regarded. The CX-5’s infotainment system is also user-friendly and offers similar features, but its design is more integrated. Mazda often emphasizes a more driver-focused approach, with intuitive controls and a minimalist design. The best choice depends on your preference for infotainment and driver-assistance features.
Safety Features
Safety is a paramount concern for both the Outback and the CX-5. Both vehicles are equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Outback often earns top safety ratings from independent organizations, thanks to its standard all-wheel drive and robust safety features. The CX-5 also performs exceptionally well in safety tests, providing excellent protection for occupants. Both vehicles offer peace of mind, but the specific features and configurations may vary slightly. Consider checking the safety ratings from your preferred agency.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is a key consideration for many car buyers. The Mazda CX-5 generally offers slightly better fuel economy compared to the Subaru Outback, particularly in city driving. This advantage is primarily due to Mazda’s more efficient engine technology. While the Outback’s fuel economy is still competitive, the CX-5’s superior numbers can translate to significant savings over time, especially for drivers with long commutes. However, the Outback’s available turbocharged engine may result in lower fuel economy than the base models. Carefully consider your driving habits and budget when evaluating fuel efficiency.
Value for Money
Both the Subaru Outback and Mazda CX-5 offer excellent value for their price points. The Outback often provides more standard features and a slightly lower starting price, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. Its standard all-wheel drive is a significant advantage in many markets. The CX-5, while potentially having a slightly higher starting price, may offer a more upscale interior and a more refined driving experience, which could justify the cost for some buyers. Consider the long-term cost of ownership, including fuel, insurance, and maintenance, when determining the best value for your needs.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy subaru outback If…
- You prioritize standard all-wheel drive for enhanced traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions.
- You need a vehicle with a spacious cargo area for carrying luggage, gear, or groceries.
- You value a comfortable ride and off-road capability.
- You frequently drive on unpaved roads or in snowy conditions.
Buy mazda cx 5 If…
- You prefer a more engaging driving experience with sportier handling.
- You appreciate a more refined and upscale interior design.
- You value a stylish exterior and a premium feel.
- You primarily drive in urban or suburban environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which car is better for off-roading?
The Subaru Outback is generally better for off-roading due to its higher ground clearance, standard all-wheel drive, and available features like X-Mode for enhanced traction. The CX-5’s all-wheel drive system is capable, but it’s designed more for on-road handling and light off-road use. The Outback’s robust construction and features make it the more capable choice for tackling rough terrain and challenging conditions.
Which car has a more comfortable interior?
Both cars offer comfortable interiors, but the Mazda CX-5 often receives praise for its more upscale and refined cabin. The CX-5 uses premium materials and a sleek design to create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. The Outback prioritizes space and practicality, offering ample headroom and legroom. The choice depends on your preference for luxury versus spaciousness.
Which car is more fuel-efficient?
The Mazda CX-5 typically boasts slightly better fuel economy than the Subaru Outback. Its engine technology contributes to improved efficiency, especially in city driving. While the Outback’s fuel economy is still competitive, the CX-5’s numbers may result in lower fuel costs over time, especially for those with long commutes. The difference may vary based on engine options and driving conditions.
Which car has a better infotainment system?
Both cars offer user-friendly infotainment systems with touchscreen displays and smartphone integration. The Outback often features a larger screen and a more comprehensive suite of features. The CX-5’s infotainment system is also intuitive, with a focus on driver-friendliness. The best choice depends on your preference for features and ease of use.
Which car is safer?
Both the Subaru Outback and Mazda CX-5 are renowned for their safety. They come equipped with a range of advanced driver-assistance systems, and both consistently earn high safety ratings from independent organizations. While both are safe, consider the specific features and ratings from your preferred testing agency, as the available features vary slightly.
Which car is more fun to drive?
The Mazda CX-5 is generally considered more fun to drive, thanks to its responsive steering, agile handling, and refined suspension. It provides a more engaging driving experience, particularly on winding roads. The Outback offers capable performance and all-wheel drive, but its driving dynamics are geared more towards all-weather capability and versatility. The CX-5 prioritizes the driver’s experience.
Which car is more reliable?
Both Subaru and Mazda have good reputations for reliability. Historically, both brands have demonstrated strong reliability ratings. It’s difficult to declare a definitive winner in this category, as reliability can vary from model year to model year. Consult consumer reports and reliability ratings from reputable sources to inform your decision.
Final Verdict
The Subaru Outback excels with its standard all-wheel drive, spacious interior, and off-road capabilities, making it a versatile choice. The Mazda CX-5 impresses with its engaging driving dynamics, refined interior, and superior fuel economy. While both are excellent, the Outback’s blend of practicality and all-weather performance gives it a slight edge for overall versatility.
Winner: Subaru Outback