Subaru
Subaru Outback (2026)
$34995
Released 2026
Best Cars · head-to-head
Subaru Outback (2026) vs Mazda CX-5 (2026)
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Mazda CX-5 (2026) is cheaper at $29990. Every spec and price links to its source.
Mazda
Mazda CX-5 (2026)
$29990Cheaper
Released 2026
Which is better: the Subaru Outback (2026) or Mazda CX-5 (2026)?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Mazda CX-5 (2026) is the cheaper at $29990.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices verified at capture; live price may differ.
Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| 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 |
| Release | 2026 | 2026 |
Sources — Subaru Outback (2026): fueleconomy.gov (verified 2026-06-15). Mazda CX-5 (2026): fueleconomy.gov (verified 2026-06-15).
What's the difference between the Subaru Outback (2026) and Mazda CX-5 (2026)?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (4 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.
- 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
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
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, 1 lab-tested.)
Praised: Spacious rear seat and expanded cargo area; Decent light-duty off-road capability; Friendly physical dashboard controls and faster 12.1-inch infotainment.
Flagged: Sluggish, unhurried base 2.5-liter engine; Numb steering and loose, unengaging handling; Jerky CVT blunts the turbo engine.
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, 1 lab-tested.)
Praised: Retains engaging, fun-to-drive handling and Mazda driving character; Roomier rear seat and larger cargo area after the redesign; Upscale, class-above interior materials.
Flagged: Loss of physical switchgear, especially the volume knob; No turbo option; modest, unremarkable acceleration from carryover 2.5L; Mediocre / mid-pack fuel economy (26 mpg combined).