2023 Mazda CX-50 vs. 2023 Subaru Outback | NewCars.com

A member of the Cars.com family

2023 Mazda CX-50 vs. 2023 Subaru Outback Review

Picture of the 2023 Mazda CX-50

2023 Mazda
CX-50

MSRP*: $27,550 to $42,300
See details & photos

Find Your Best Price Today!

Picture of the 2023 Subaru Outback

2023 Subaru
Outback

MSRP*: $28,395 to $42,295
See details & photos

Find Your Best Price Today!

MPG - City 23 - 24 MPG 21 - 26 MPG
MPG - Hwy 29 - 30 MPG 26 - 32 MPG
Seating Capacity 5 seats 5 seats
Cargo Space 56.3 ft3 75.6 ft3
Engine
  • 187-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 227-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 182-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 260-hp, 2.4-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
Transmission Automatic Continuously Variable
Drivetrain All Wheel Drive All Wheel Drive
Horsepower 187 - 227 hp 182 - 260 hp
Towing Capacity 2,000 - 3,500 lbs 2,700 - 3,500 lbs
Exterior Length 185.8 in 191.1 - 191.3 in
Exterior Width 75.6 in 73.0 - 74.6 in
Leg Room Front 41.7 in
Rear 39.8 in
Front 42.8 in
Rear 39.5 in
Head Room Front 38.6 - 39.1 in
Rear 37.5 - 38.6 in
Front 39.1 - 40.1 in
Rear 39.1 in

*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.

Comparison Review

Comfort
The Mazda CX-50 offers rear passengers about the same room to stretch out as the Subaru Outback, with comparable head- and legroom. The Subaru Outback will be a hit with tall drivers and their front seat passengers, since it has greater front head- and legroom than the Mazda CX-50.

Convenience
With the Subaru Outback, you will definitely be making fewer stops at the gas station than with the Mazda CX-50, due to its tank size and fuel economy.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). Whether you pick the Mazda CX-50 or the Subaru Outback, it's going to cost you about the same.

Dimensions
Since the Mazda CX-50 is much wider than the Subaru Outback, finding a wide enough spot in a parking lot may be a bit more challenging. The Mazda CX-50 is slightly shorter than the Subaru Outback, which may make it easier to park.

Handling
The Mazda CX-50 has the same turning radius as the Subaru Outback, so they both maneuver the same in and out of tight spots.

Performance
In terms of towing capacity, the Subaru Outback is clearly the choice over the Mazda CX-50 for pulling heavy loads. In terms of horsepower, it's a virtual tie between the Mazda CX-50 and the Subaru Outback.

Powertrain
With somewhat higher torque, the Mazda CX-50 transmits power to its wheels a bit more effectively than the Subaru Outback.

Utility
In terms of seating, you'll be able to fit about the same number of people in both the Mazda CX-50 and the Subaru Outback. The Mazda CX-50 has significantly less cargo capacity than the Subaru Outback.