The 2025 Mazda CX-50 and the Subaru Outback are both appealing options with impressive off-road capabilities and versatility. The modern CX-50 has a torque-rich engine and luxurious interior styling, while the practical Outback offers mild off-road performance and a comfortable cabin. But which SUV is right for you? Our team at John Kennedy Mazda Pottstown has put together this 2025 Mazda CX-50 vs. 2025 Subaru Outback automobile comparison to help you choose.
Exterior and Interior Styling
The 2025 CX-50 takes center stage with its sculpted lines and distinctive Mazda grille, contributing to its imposing stance. Its modern exterior features a body-colored rear roof spoiler, a bright-finished dual exhaust, and LED headlights. Depending on the trim level, the 2025 Mazda CX-50 offers you a choice of 17-, 18-, or 20-inch black metallic aluminum alloy wheels paired with all-terrain tires. Base trims are equipped with 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels and all-season tires. It also incorporates integrated turn signal mirrors.
The 2025 Outback emphasizes comfort and practicality, featuring raised roof rails and LED fog lights. Depending on the trim, the Outback features 17- or 18-inch black aluminum alloy wheels with all-season tires; all-terrain tires are only available on the Wilderness model. The Outback offers a rugged exterior with practical off-road features, but it doesn’t quite equal the CX-50’s curb appeal, particularly with its larger wheels and all-terrain tires on multiple trims.
Choosing between the interior design of the Subaru Outback vs. the Mazda CX-50 depends on what you want in a cabin. Both SUVs seat five passengers, but the CX-50 offers a standard power sliding-glass panoramic moonroof with a one-touch-open feature on the top five trim levels.
While the Outback offers a practical cabin with ample headroom and legroom, the CX-50’s luxurious interior may be the winner. Even the CX-50’s base trims feature leather-wrapped steering wheels and half-leatherette-trimmed seating, and the top four trims have ventilated front seats with three-level adjustment. Only the Outback’s Touring trim offers ventilated seats, and its Limited trim is the only one to have an optional power moonroof.
Engine Specs
A Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback specs review reveals that the CX-50 is a compelling choice, with an available 256-horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that delivers 320 lb-ft of torque when paired with 93-octane premium unleaded fuel. The top-end 2025 Outback trims are equipped with a 260-horsepower, 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 277 lb-ft of torque.
Mazda equips its CX-50 baseline trims with a 187-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, while Subaru’s Outback base trims come standard with a comparable 182-horsepower equivalent. Mazda’s SKYACTIV engine technology helps optimize fuel efficiency. All-wheel drive is standard on both SUVs. The Mazda pairs its engine with a six-speed automatic transmission, and the Subaru features a continuously variable automatic transmission.
Performance Review
The Mazda CX-50 features a sport-tuned suspension and SKYACTIV-VEHICLE DYNAMICS with G-Vectoring Control, delivering controlled precision for drives around Pottstown. Despite its responsiveness, the CX-50’s base engine is efficient, achieving up to an EPA-estimated 31 mpg on the highway, while the turbocharged engine delivers 29 mpg. The Outback’s standard engine provides 32 mpg in highway driving; its turbocharged engine gets 29 mpg. The Subaru delivers comfort and fuel efficiency, but the CX-50 offers a more torque-rich, driver-focused experience. Opting for the turbocharged engine in either vehicle means they can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
Tech and Convenience Features
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 offers user-friendly convenience throughout the lineup, featuring a 10.25-inch center display with built-in Alexa and wireless smartphone integration. Apart from the base trim, wireless charging is standard. The Outback’s system features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and it’s equipped with a 7-inch multimedia screen on the base trim. Higher trim levels include an 11.6-inch display.
Mazda prioritizes safety with its i-ACTIVSENSE driver-assist features, which include a standard rear cross-traffic alert and a blind-spot monitor. The Outback’s EyeSight driver-assist technology is comprehensive, but certain features, such as blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, require an upgrade.
Which SUV Is More Versatile?
The Mazda CX-50 offers clever storage solutions and 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which increases to 56.3 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded. Handy storage throughout the cabin includes a center console with a tray and a covered storage bin in the front and rear, passenger seatback pockets, and numerous water bottle holders.
The Subaru Outback provides 32.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 75.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. It has versatile underfloor cargo storage and a larger cargo area than the CX-50, but the Mazda offers a roofline that provides easier access to roof-mounted cargo.
Let’s explore driving modes. Mazda offers its intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) as standard across all 2025 CX-50 models. Mi-Drive features three distinct modes: Normal, Sport, and Off-road, providing greater versatility than the Outback. A Towing mode is available for the high-end turbocharged trims.
Subaru provides X-MODE as standard on all-wheel-drive models, offering two improved traction modes: Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud. The Onyx Edition models and Wilderness trim offer an improved dual-function for these modes, improving all-terrain capability.
Why Is the Mazda CX-50 the Better Choice For 2025?
Mazda sets the 2025 CX-50 apart with its power delivery, generous standard features, and urban and off-road versatility. Its sport-tuned suspension and driver-focused cabin mean power, comfort, and convenience.
Test-Drive the 2025 Mazda CX-50 at John Kennedy Mazda Pottstown
Why not test-drive the latest Mazda CX-50 at John Kennedy Mazda Pottstown? Our team is ready to provide the full 2025 Mazda CX-50 experience. We invite you to visit our dealership and explore the features of this luxury off-roader. Contact us today to schedule a test-drive. In the meantime, view our latest inventory or new Mazda specials online to get acquainted.
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