2020 Subaru Outback vs. 2020 Mazda CX-5
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2020 Subaru Outback and 2020 Mazda CX-5 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 2020 Subaru Outback and the 2020 Mazda CX-5.
When comparing the 2020 Subaru Outback's and the 2020 Mazda CX-5's specifications and ratings, the 2020 Subaru Outback has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, interior volume and overall quality score. The 2020 Mazda CX-5 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, resale value and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2020 Subaru Outback's and the 2020 Mazda CX-5's specifications and ratings, the 2020 Subaru Outback is a better car than the 2020 Mazda CX-5.
Pricing: A used 2020 Subaru Outback ranges from $20,521 to $30,688 while a used 2020 Mazda CX-5 is priced between $18,898 to $27,384.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2020 Subaru Outback loses 39.3 percent of its value and the 2020 Mazda CX-5 loses 36.2 percent of its value. This means the 2020 Mazda CX-5 retains 3.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2020 Subaru Outback.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Subaru Outback is 8.5 out of 10 while the Mazda CX-5's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Subaru Outback being ranked 7 out of 19 Best Small SUVs and the Mazda CX-5 being ranked 10 out of 19. Out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs, the Subaru Outback is ranked 18 and the Mazda CX-5 is ranked 28.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Subaru Outback is 8.6 out of 10. For the Mazda CX-5 the reliability rating is 7.2 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 2020 Subaru Outback’s base engine makes 182 horsepower, and the 2020 Mazda CX-5 base engine makes 187 horsepower. The Outback is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 611 miles. The CX-5 is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 459 miles. This gives the 2020 Subaru Outback the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2020 Mazda CX-5. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/compact SUVs, the 2020 Subaru Outback has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The 2020 Mazda CX-5 has the advantage in the area of rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2020 Subaru Outback and the 2020 Mazda CX-5 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
Overview
Despite being only vaguely the same in size and price point, the Subaru Outback and the Mazda CX-5 have many similarities. Where the Outback is a station wagon-like design with a larger footprint, the CX-5 offers traditional SUV proportions characterized by sleek styling. Both vehicles have upscale, almost premium-level interior quality and extremely comfortable seating for up to five. Cargo space in the Mazda is a bit higher than that in the Subaru, but the Outback comes with all-wheel drive as standard while the CX-5 makes it an extra cost option. Base engines in both models are also about equal in power, as are the optional turbo engines they both offer. This leaves driving dynamics as the primary differentiator, with the CX-5 delivering a truly sporty on-road experience while the Outback offers genuine off road prowess.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$26,645
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$24,855
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$22,995 - $26,645
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$25,190
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$24,855
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$22,995 - $26,645
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$25,782
Price Range:
$20,521 - $30,688
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$22,143
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$18,125 - $26,362
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
603
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
61,804
# Good or Great Deals:
218
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$23,098
Price Range:
$18,898 - $27,384
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$22,143
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$18,125 - $26,362
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
509
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
55,288
# Good or Great Deals:
166
Subaru Outback Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.6 / 10
Retained Value:
8.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Mazda CX-5 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
7.2 / 10
Retained Value:
8.3 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2020 Subaru Outback
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
6.9
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
6.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
5.9 - 9.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
22.1%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2020 Mazda CX-5
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
8.3
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
6.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
5.9 - 9.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
23.9%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
16.6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
3.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.2 - 21
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
3.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.2 - 21
Subaru Outback Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 67Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 20Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 14Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 13Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 30Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
21 out of / 67Ranking
21 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 59Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 67Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
34 out of / 67Mazda CX-5 Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 20Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 14Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 19Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
20 out of / 67Ranking
20 out of / 59Ranking
28 out of / 67Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
34 out of / 67Ranking
35 out of / 67Ranking
35 out of / 67Ranking
36 out of / 67Ranking
39 out of / 67Ranking
43 out of / 67Ranking
47 out of / 67Ranking
50 out of / 67Summary 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.
Summary 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.
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
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
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2020 Subaru Outback Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Limited XT, Onyx Edition XT, Premium, Touring, Touring XT
2020 Mazda CX-5 Trim Levels
Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve, Signature, Sport, 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
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 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
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
182 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 3700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.050 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
187 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
186 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.053 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
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):
26 / 33 / 29
Range (city/hwy):
481 / 611 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
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
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.4 inches
Cargo Space:
32.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
75.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
141.5 cubic feet
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
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3634 lbs
Width:
82 inches
Height:
66.1 inches
Length:
191.3 inches
Wheelbase:
108.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3541 lbs
Width:
83.3 inches
Height:
66.2 inches
Length:
179.1 inches
Wheelbase:
106.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.5 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P225/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Abyss Blue Pearl
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Jet Black Mica
Blue
Eternal Blue Mica
Gray
Not available
Silver
Not available
White
Snowflake White Pearl Mica
Red
Soul Red Crystal Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Slate Black
Interior Colors
Black
Black
