2026 Mazda CX-50 vs Subaru Outback
2026 MAZDA CX-50 vs Subaru Outback
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 and the newly redesigned Subaru Outback are two rugged yet refined compact SUVs, and shoppers near Orlando, FL often weigh one against the other. At Headquarter Mazda, we compare them across performance, safety, technology, interior, and design.
Both come standard with all wheel drive and are built for adventure, but they emphasize different things. The 2026 Mazda CX-50 leans into sporty driving dynamics, strong turbocharged torque, and an available hybrid, while the redesigned Outback focuses on cargo space, ground clearance, and big in-cabin screens. Below, our team breaks down how they compare.
2026 MAZDA CX-50 vs Subaru Outback Performance
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The 2026 Mazda CX-50 gives you three ways to drive. The standard 2.5-liter makes 187 horsepower, the available 2.5-liter turbo delivers up to 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, and the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid returns an EPA-estimated 38 mpg combined. Every 2026 Mazda CX-50 comes standard with i-ACTIV® all wheel drive, and the turbo can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
The newly redesigned 2026 Subaru Outback offers a 180-horsepower 2.5-liter flat-four and an available 260-horsepower 2.4-liter turbo, both with standard Symmetrical all wheel drive and a CVT. The Outback is rugged and capable, but the 2026 Mazda CX-50 counters with more turbo torque, an available hybrid the Outback does not yet offer, and a sportier, more engaging drive.
2026 Mazda CX-50
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder, 187 horsepower
- Available 2.5-liter turbo: up to 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft (premium)
- Available Hybrid: EPA-estimated 38 mpg combined
- Standard i-ACTIV® all wheel drive
- Up to 3,500 pounds of towing (turbo)
2026 Subaru Outback
- Newly redesigned for 2026
- 180-horsepower 2.5-liter flat-four
- Available 260-horsepower 2.4-liter turbo
- Standard Symmetrical all wheel drive, CVT
- Up to 3,500 pounds of towing (turbo)
2026 MAZDA CX-50 vs Subaru Outback Safety
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The 2026 Mazda CX-50 comes standard with Mazda i-ACTIVSENSE®, bundling Smart Brake Support, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and radar cruise control with stop and go. With standard all wheel drive on every trim, it is a confident companion for wet Florida roads and weekend trips alike.
The redesigned Subaru Outback includes the latest EyeSight driver-assistance system, which now offers hands-free highway driving assistance on designated highways. Both SUVs are very safe, and they carry identical 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranties, so the decision often comes down to the polished driving feel of the 2026 Mazda CX-50 versus the expanded assistance features of the Outback.
2026 Mazda CX-50
- Standard Mazda i-ACTIVSENSE® suite
- Smart Brake Support with pedestrian detection
- Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Lane-keep assist and lane departure warning
- Standard all wheel drive on every trim
2026 Subaru Outback
- Standard Subaru EyeSight suite
- Pre-collision braking and adaptive cruise
- Available hands-free highway driving assist
- Lane keeping and lane departure warning
- Standard Symmetrical all wheel drive
2026 MAZDA CX-50 vs Subaru Outback Technology
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The 2026 Mazda CX-50 keeps its cabin clean and driver-focused, with a standard 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and available premium touches like a Bose sound system and wireless charging. It is intuitive and upscale, with an emphasis on quality feel.
The newly redesigned Subaru Outback goes big on screens, with a standard 12.1-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. If maximum display size is your priority, the Outback leads here, while the 2026 Mazda CX-50 answers with a more refined, premium overall presentation.
2026 Mazda CX-50
- Standard 10.25-inch touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Available Bose premium audio
- Available wireless phone charging
- Clean, driver-focused layout
2026 Subaru Outback
- Standard 12.1-inch touchscreen
- Standard 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Available Harman Kardon audio
- Large, modern display layout
2026 MAZDA CX-50 vs Subaru Outback Interior
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The 2026 Mazda CX-50 seats five and offers 31.4 cubic feet of cargo behind the rear seats and up to 56.3 cubic feet with them folded, wrapped in Mazda signature premium materials and a quiet, well-built cabin. Available features like leather-trimmed seats and a panoramic moonroof add to the upscale feel.
The redesigned Subaru Outback is the more spacious of the two, with 34.6 cubic feet behind its rear seats and a taller, boxier body that maximizes room. Both seat five and are ready for adventure, so shoppers who want maximum cargo may prefer the Outback, while those who want a more premium, sporty cabin will lean 2026 Mazda CX-50.
2026 Mazda CX-50
- Seating for five
- 31.4 cu ft behind the rear seats
- Up to 56.3 cu ft of maximum cargo space
- Premium, quiet cabin materials
- Available leather-trimmed seats and panoramic moonroof
2026 Subaru Outback
- Seating for five
- 34.6 cu ft behind the rear seats
- Taller, boxier redesigned body
- Available water-repellent upholstery
- Generous passenger and cargo room
2026 MAZDA CX-50 vs Subaru Outback Exterior
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The 2026 Mazda CX-50 blends rugged capability with upscale Mazda styling, riding lower and wider than a typical crossover for a planted, athletic stance, with up to 8.6 inches of ground clearance and available off-road-friendly details. It looks adventurous without giving up refinement.
The newly redesigned Subaru Outback embraces a taller, more upright SUV look, with up to 9.5 inches of ground clearance on the Wilderness for serious trail duty. Both are built to explore, so the choice comes down to whether you prefer the sporty, premium design of the 2026 Mazda CX-50 or the rugged, higher-riding stance of the Outback.
2026 Mazda CX-50
- Lower, wider, athletic stance
- Up to 8.6 inches of ground clearance
- Available off-road-friendly details
- Upscale Mazda styling
- Available roof rails
2026 Subaru Outback
- Taller, upright redesigned SUV look
- Up to 9.5 inches of ground clearance (Wilderness)
- Standard raised-height ride
- Rugged available Wilderness trim
- Standard roof rails
Why Buy From Headquarter Mazda near Orlando, FL?
At Headquarter Mazda near Orlando, FL, our team can help you find the compact SUV that fits your lifestyle. We can compare the gas, turbo, and hybrid models of the 2026 Mazda CX-50 side by side with the Outback, arrange a test drive, and let you experience the Mazda driving feel and premium cabin firsthand.
We also make financing simple with a straightforward, no-pressure process. Stop in or reach out today and discover why so many Central Florida drivers choose Headquarter Mazda.