# Subaru Outback (2026) vs Mazda CX-5 (2026): specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Subaru Outback (2026) (Subaru) and Mazda CX-5 (2026) (Mazda) among cars. Mazda CX-5 (2026) is the cheaper of the two at $29990.

## Side by side

| Spec | Subaru Outback (2026) | Mazda CX-5 (2026) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $34995 | $29990 |
| Brand | Subaru | Mazda |
| Released | 2026 | 2026 |
| Body style | midsize wagon/crossover | compact SUV |
| Mpg combined | 27 | 26 |
| Horsepower | 180 | 187 |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo cuft | — | — |
| Powertrain | 2.5L flat-4 (Boxer) naturally aspirated, CVT AV-S8 | 2.5L SKYACTIV-G inline-4 naturally aspirated, 6-speed automatic |

## Key differences

- Body style: Subaru Outback (2026) midsize wagon/crossover vs Mazda CX-5 (2026) compact SUV
- Mpg combined: Subaru Outback (2026) 27 vs Mazda CX-5 (2026) 26
- Horsepower: Subaru Outback (2026) 180 vs Mazda CX-5 (2026) 187
- Powertrain: Subaru Outback (2026) 2.5L flat-4 (Boxer) naturally aspirated, CVT AV-S8 vs Mazda CX-5 (2026) 2.5L SKYACTIV-G inline-4 naturally aspirated, 6-speed automatic

## What reviewers say

**Subaru Outback (2026)** — Only Car and Driver's live page survived skeptic verification with full instrumented data for the redesigned 2026 Outback; all quotes and measured values were confirmed against the fetched text. C/D rates it 8.5/10: roomy and comfortable with decent light-duty off-road ability, but numb handling and a sluggish base engine hold it back. (1 sourced review.)

**Mazda CX-5 (2026)** — Two whitelisted outlets reviewed the redesigned 2026 CX-5. Both praise the roomier cabin, upscale materials and retained fun-to-drive handling, while faulting the dropped turbo, modest acceleration and the loss of physical controls. Only Car and Driver ran instrumented numbers (0-60 in 8.0 sec, 173-ft braking, 0.83 g skidpad); MotorTrend's first drive was hands-on but unmeasured. (2 sourced reviews.)

## Sources

- Subaru Outback (2026): https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=49531 (fueleconomy.gov, verified 2026-06-15)
- Mazda CX-5 (2026): https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=50290 (fueleconomy.gov, verified 2026-06-15)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/cars/subaru-outback-2026-vs-mazda-cx-5-2026/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Subaru Outback (2026) ($34995) vs Mazda CX-5 (2026) ($29990) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/cars/subaru-outback-2026-vs-mazda-cx-5-2026/
License: CC BY 4.0.