Mazda CX-5 vs. Subaru Outback
When we compare the Mazda CX-5 to the Subaru Outback, the Mazda CX-5 has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and base engine power. The Subaru Outback has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, interior volume and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Mazda CX-5 versus the Subaru Outback, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Mazda CX-5 versus Subaru Outback Pricing
A one- to five-year-old used Mazda CX-5 ranges from $23,999 to $34,276 while a used Subaru Outback from the same model year range is priced between $28,564 to $39,998. For a new model, the Mazda CX-5's price is between $29,226 and $38,742, with the Subaru Outback priced between $30,779 and $41,601.
Mazda CX-5 versus Subaru Outback Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Mazda CX-5 is 8.3 out of 10 while the Subaru Outback's quality rating is 8.8 out of 10. This results in the Mazda CX-5 being ranked 8 out of 24 Best Small SUVs and the Subaru Outback being ranked 2 out of 24. Out of 61 Best Crossover SUVs, the Mazda CX-5 is ranked 61 and the Subaru Outback is ranked 2.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the Mazda CX-5’s base engine makes 187 horsepower, and the Subaru Outback base engine makes 182 horsepower. The CX-5 is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 459 miles. The Outback is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 592 miles. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison
While both models are crossover/compact SUVs, the 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 trunk space. The Mazda CX-5 has the advantage in the area of rear leg room.
Hauling, Towing, and Off-Road Capabilities Comparison
The Subaru Outback has the advantage of offering higher ground clearance than the Mazda CX-5.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$29,226 - $38,742
Used Asking Price:
$23,999 - $34,276
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
39.8%
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$30,779 - $41,601
Used Asking Price:
$28,564 - $39,998
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
39.5%
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
7.2 / 10
Retained Value:
8.0 / 10
Safety:
9.9 / 10
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.8 / 10
Reliability:
8.4 / 10
Retained Value:
8.0 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
8 out of / 24Ranking
12 out of / 61Ranking
14 out of / 24Ranking
15 out of / 24Ranking
26 out of / 61Ranking
27 out of / 61Ranking
29 out of / 61iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 61Ranking
2 out of / 61Ranking
2 out of / 24Ranking
3 out of / 24Ranking
6 out of / 61Ranking
7 out of / 24Ranking
15 out of / 61Summary 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
Trim Levels
2.5 Turbo Signature, 2.5 S, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 Turbo, 2.5 S Premium Plus, 2.5 S Premium, 2.5 S Carbon Edition, 2.5 S Select
Trim Levels
Limited, Base, Onyx Edition XT, Onyx Edition, Touring XT, Touring, Premium, Wilderness, Limited XT
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):
4.85 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK +
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK +
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
187 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
186 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.050 hp per pound
Towing Capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
182 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
176 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.050 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:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined MPG):
24 / 30 / 26
Range (city/hwy):
367 / 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):
26 / 32 / 28
Range (city/hwy):
481 / 592 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Heated Seats:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Heated Seats:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
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:
30.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
59.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
134.4 cubic feet
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:
32.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
75.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
141.6 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3717 lbs
Width:
83.3 inches
Height:
66.1 inches
Length:
180.1 inches
Wheelbase:
106.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.6 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3641 lbs
Width:
82 inches
Height:
66.4 inches
Length:
191.1 inches
Wheelbase:
108.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
alloy
Tire Size:
P225/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
alloy
Tire Size:
225/65R17
