2018 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2018 Subaru Outback
When we compare 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 area of base engine power. The 2018 Subaru Outback has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, reliability, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the 2018 Mazda CX-5's and the 2018 Subaru Outback's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Subaru Outback is a better car than the 2018 Mazda CX-5.
2018 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2018 Subaru Outback Pricing
A used 2018 Mazda CX-5 ranges from $17,495 to $26,356 while a used 2018 Subaru Outback is priced between $16,995 to $28,990.
2018 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2018 Subaru Outback Resale/Retained Value
Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2018 Mazda CX-5 loses 39.8 percent of its value and the 2018 Subaru Outback loses 39.5 percent of its value. This means the 2018 Subaru Outback retains 0.2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2018 Mazda CX-5.
2018 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2018 Subaru Outback Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Mazda CX-5 is 8.1 out of 10 while the Subaru Outback's quality rating is 8.9 out of 10. This results in the Mazda CX-5 being ranked 12 out of 19 Best Small SUVs and the Subaru Outback being ranked 2 out of 19. Out of 55 Best 5-seater SUVs, the Mazda CX-5 is ranked 25 and the Subaru Outback is ranked 5. The Mazda CX-5 is also ranked 27 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs while the Subaru Outback is ranked 3 out of 66.
2018 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2018 Subaru Outback Reliability Rating
iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Mazda CX-5 is 7.2 out of 10. For the Subaru Outback the reliability rating is 8.8 out of 10. This gives the Subaru Outback an advantage in reliability compared to the Mazda CX-5.
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.
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 Comparison
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.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
$17,495 - $26,356
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
39.8%
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
$16,995 - $28,990
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
39.5%
Mazda CX-5 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.1 / 10
Reliability:
7.2 / 10
Retained Value:
8.0 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Subaru Outback Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.9 / 10
Reliability:
8.8 / 10
Retained Value:
8.0 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Mazda CX-5 Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 10Ranking
9 out of / 21Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 27Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 66Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
16 out of / 19Ranking
17 out of / 55Ranking
23 out of / 55Ranking
25 out of / 55Ranking
26 out of / 55Ranking
27 out of / 66Ranking
29 out of / 66Ranking
29 out of / 55Ranking
30 out of / 66Ranking
30 out of / 55Ranking
30 out of / 53Ranking
31 out of / 66Ranking
31 out of / 66Ranking
31 out of / 62Ranking
34 out of / 66Ranking
34 out of / 55Ranking
39 out of / 66Ranking
40 out of / 66Ranking
41 out of / 55Ranking
43 out of / 66Ranking
52 out of / 66Subaru Outback Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 66Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 27Ranking
3 out of / 21Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 11Ranking
5 out of / 55Ranking
5 out of / 26Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 55Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 55Ranking
11 out of / 55Ranking
14 out of / 66Ranking
14 out of / 66Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
16 out of / 66Ranking
16 out of / 55Ranking
16 out of / 55Ranking
16 out of / 55Ranking
18 out of / 66Ranking
21 out of / 66Ranking
21 out of / 66Ranking
21 out of / 55Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
29 out of / 53Ranking
30 out of / 62Summary 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
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
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 Specifications
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):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple Car Play:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Equipment
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 Equipment
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
