Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback

If you’re searching for a quality crossover SUV, you’re probably considering either the Mazda CX-50 or the Subaru Outback. Both SUVs come with standard all-wheel drive and other perks, but they also have differences in key areas, such as price and safety features. Keep reading for a detailed comparison of the 2023 Mazda CX-50 versus the Subaru Outback to help you make a decision about your next vehicle.

Price

When comparing price, you can save some money by choosing the 2023 Mazda CX-50 over the 2023 Subaru Outback. The CX-50 has a starting MSRP of $27,550 for the base trim with a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive. Other CX-50 trims increase in price while adding more comfort and convenience features.

The base Outback has a price tag of $28,395 MSRP. Like the CX-50, the Outback comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive. You’ll pay more for an Outback with additional features as you move up in trims.

Trim Levels

Both the 2023 Mazda CX-50 and the Subaru Outback come in a variety of trim levels, but you’ll have one more option in the CX-50 lineup to customize your SUV. The Mazda CX-50 comes in 10 trim levels: S, S Select, S Preferred, S Preferred Plus, S Premium, S Premium Plus, Turbo, Turbo Meridian Edition, Turbo Premium, and Turbo Premium Plus. While every CX-50 comes loaded with features, you’ll experience increased performance and luxury-level details in the upper CX-50 trims.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, in comparison, comes in nine trim levels: Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, Touring, Onyx Edition XT, Wilderness, Limited XT, and Touring XT. Similar to the CX-50, the high-level Outback trims come with additional features to enhance your driving experience.

Engine and Performance

Pop the hood of a 2023 Mazda CX-50 to find a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. The engine pairs with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. You can tow up to 2,000 pounds with this engine when properly equipped.

For ultimate power, the CX-50 Turbo and above come with a turbocharged engine to produce 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque with regular octane gas. When you fill up with premium 93 octane fuel, the SUV produces 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. You’ll also get 3,500 pounds of towing capacity with the turbocharged engine, perfect for hauling a small boat, camper, or trailer on your next adventure.

The 2023 Subaru Outback comes equipped with a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. It mates with a continuously variable transmission and all-wheel drive. A 2.4-liter turbocharged engine comes standard on the Outback Onyx Edition XT and above, generating 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. With this powertrain, you’ll have a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, the same as the Mazda CX-50.

Exterior Design

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 features sculpted curves and clean lines to give the SUV a modern, stylish appearance. LED headlights and rain-sensing windshield wipers come standard to provide clear visibility. The CX-50 rides on 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels with all-season tires, or you can opt for larger 20-inch wheels on some models. On most CX-50 trims, a rear power liftgate offers a programmable height adjustment to access the cargo area easily.

Like the CX-50, the base Subaru Outback comes with 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels and all-season tires. You can get 18-inch wheels in a black or machine black finish on other trims. The Outback features standard LED headlights, fog lights, and two-speed intermittent windshield wipers. A hands-free power rear gate comes standard on most Outbacks, but it isn’t available on the base trim.

Interior Features

Both the Mazda CX-50 and the Subaru Outback have seating for five passengers with 60/40-split rear seats. The CX-50 S has standard cloth seats, and every other trim features leatherette or leather-trimmed upholstery with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear selector. Most models offer dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats for comfort in any weather. Upper trims also come with ventilated front seats so you can stay cool during the California summers.

Like the CX-50, the Subaru Outback comes standard with cloth seats, while synthetic leather or leather-trimmed upholstery is an upgrade in some trims. Most Outback models have dual-zone climate control, and heated front seats come as part of a package on every Outback except the base trim. Ventilated front seats are only available on the Outback Touring and Touring XT trims.

Entertainment and Technology

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 features state-of-the-art technology to keep you and your passengers entertained, whether you’re running errands in Orange, California, or taking a cross-country road trip. Besides the base trim, every CX-50 features a sizable 10.25-inch touch-screen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. An eight-speaker audio system comes standard, while the two Turbo trims feature a Bose 12-speaker surround sound system, allowing you to hear your music or podcasts in perfect clarity.

The 2023 Subaru Outback comes standard with a smaller 7-inch touch-screen display, though you’ll get a larger 11.6-inch infotainment screen in most models. The base Outback comes with a four-speaker audio system. Some upper-level models come outfitted with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

Safety

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 earned the distinction of being an IIHS Top Safety Pick, and it’s clear to see why. The SUV comes with dozens of standard safety and driver-assistance features, including hill launch assist, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning with lane-keep assist, and driver attention alert. You can feel confident about keeping your family safe when you drive the 2023 Mazda CX-50.

Subaru equips the Outback with its EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes lane departure and lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control. Unlike the CX-50, the Outback doesn’t come standard with blind spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert, though this feature comes on some trims.

Test Drive a 2023 Mazda CX-50 in Orange, California

While the Subaru Outback offers some nice features, it can’t compete with the Mazda CX-50 when it comes to price, comfort, and safety. Simply put, you get more bang for your buck when you drive a CX-50. When you’re ready to make a Mazda your next vehicle, we’re here to help at Mazda of Orange. We have one of the widest selections of brand-new Mazda SUVs in North Orange County, California, serving a wide local area. Come visit us today or send us a message to request more information. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Image by Mazda via 2023 Mazda CX-50 Crossover SUV | Mazda USA