2018 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2018 Subaru Outback
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2018 Mazda CX-5 and 2018 Subaru Outback contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2018 Mazda CX-5 and the 2018 Subaru Outback.
When comparing the 2018 Mazda CX-5's and the 2018 Subaru Outback's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Mazda CX-5 has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. The 2018 Subaru Outback has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and interior volume. The 2018 Mazda CX-5 and 2018 Subaru Outback have the same fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the 2018 Mazda CX-5's and the 2018 Subaru Outback's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Mazda CX-5 is a better car than the 2018 Subaru Outback.
Pricing: A used 2018 Mazda CX-5 ranges from $13,408 to $22,220 while a used 2018 Subaru Outback is priced between $12,700 to $23,995.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2018 Mazda CX-5 loses 42.4 percent of its value and the 2018 Subaru Outback loses 43.3 percent of its value. This means the 2018 Mazda CX-5 retains 0.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2018 Subaru Outback.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Mazda CX-5 is 8.5 out of 10 while the Subaru Outback's quality rating is 8.3 out of 10. This results in the Mazda CX-5 being ranked 6 out of 19 Best Small SUVs and the Subaru Outback being ranked 2 out of 19. Out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs, the Mazda CX-5 is ranked 15 and the Subaru Outback is ranked 3.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Mazda CX-5 is 8.1 out of 10. For the Subaru Outback the reliability rating is 7.8 out of 10. This gives the Mazda CX-5 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Subaru Outback.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2018 Mazda CX-5’s base engine makes 187 horsepower, and the 2018 Subaru Outback base engine makes 175 horsepower. Both the CX-5 and the Outback are rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with highway ranges of 459 and 592 miles respectively. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/compact SUVs, the 2018 Subaru Outback has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The 2018 Mazda CX-5 has the advantage in the areas of rear head room and rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2018 Mazda CX-5 and the 2018 Subaru Outback have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
24150
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
24370
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
22550 - 27895
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
25895
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
24370
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
22550 - 27895
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
17904
Price Range:
13408 - 22220
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
16311
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
12871 - 23031
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
649
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
91451
# Good or Great Deals:
234
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
18324
Price Range:
12700 - 23995
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
16311
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
12871 - 23031
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
790
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
99874
# Good or Great Deals:
358
Mazda CX-5 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.1 / 10
Retained Value:
8.3 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Subaru Outback Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
7.8 / 10
Retained Value:
8.2 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Mazda CX-5
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
8.7
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
4.1
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
2.6 - 8.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.263
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Subaru Outback
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
5.7
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
4.1
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
2.6 - 8.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.253
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.4329058757395607
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
4.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.9 - 14.0
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
6.177009662673234
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
4.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.9 - 14.0
Mazda CX-5 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 18Ranking
1 out of / 12Ranking
2 out of / 54Ranking
2 out of / 20Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 12Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 20Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 18Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 66Ranking
15 out of / 66Ranking
15 out of / 66Ranking
16 out of / 19Ranking
17 out of / 66Ranking
21 out of / 54Ranking
27 out of / 66Ranking
32 out of / 66Ranking
33 out of / 66Ranking
38 out of / 66Ranking
38 out of / 66Ranking
40 out of / 66Ranking
44 out of / 66Ranking
46 out of / 66Subaru Outback Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 66Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 18Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 54Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 66Ranking
14 out of / 66Ranking
15 out of / 66Ranking
18 out of / 18Ranking
19 out of / 66Ranking
21 out of / 66Ranking
23 out of / 66Ranking
24 out of / 66Ranking
25 out of / 66Ranking
29 out of / 66Ranking
33 out of / 54Summary Review
The Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover with seating for five and a reputation as a favorite for drivers. The current Mazda CX-5 was redesigned for the 2017 model year, with new models costing an average of $32,211 and recent models averaging $23,771.
Summary Review
The Subaru Outback has been a staple on American roads since its inception in 1994. Two different Subaru models, sold side-by-side, bore the Outback name: the wagon-style crossover-SUV we associate with the name today, and the Outback Sport, which eventually became the Crosstrek. The Outback is best known for its standard all-wheel drive, excellent utility, and all-weather capability. New models of the Outback average $36,354 and 3-year-old models average $25,939.
Pros and Cons
- Dynamic driving experience
- Near-luxury interior design and materials
- Available 250-hp turbo engine on newer models
- No hybrid available
- Fuel economy lags class leaders
- Non-turbo models could use more power
Pros and Cons
- Utilitarian with easy entry and exit and highly function cargo space
- Comfortable ride quality with an upscale interior
- Excellent all-weather and light off-road capability
- Not always fast or inspirational for driving enthusiasts
- Similarly-sized SUVs often have more cargo and passenger room
- Fuel economy can be less than expected
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2018 Mazda CX-5 Trim Levels
Grand Touring, Sport, Touring
2018 Subaru Outback Trim Levels
2.5i, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Touring, 3.6R Limited, 3.6R Touring
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
187 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
186 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.052 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
175 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
174 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.048 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
25 / 31 / 28
Range (city/hwy):
370 / 459 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
25 / 32 / 28
Range (city/hwy):
463 / 592 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Standard
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
41 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.8 inches
Cargo Space:
30.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
59.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
134.5 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.9 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.1 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.3 inches
Cargo Space:
35.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
73.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
143.6 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3563 lbs
Width:
72.5 inches
Height:
66.2 inches
Length:
179.1 inches
Wheelbase:
106.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.5 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3622 lbs
Width:
81.3 inches
Height:
66.1 inches
Length:
189.9 inches
Wheelbase:
108.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P225/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Jet Black Mica
Blue
Eternal Blue Mica
Red
Soul Red Crystal Metallic
Silver
Sonic Silver Metallic
White
Snowflake White Pearl Mica
Beige
Not available
Gray
Not available
Green
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Dark Blue Pearl / Twilight Blue Metallic
Red
Crimson Red Pearl
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Beige
Tungsten Metallic
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Green
Wilderness Green Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Beige
Not available
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Slate Black
Beige
Warm Ivory
Gray
Titanium Gray
