Mazda CX-9 vs. Subaru Outback
In comparing the Mazda CX-9's and the Subaru Outback's specifications and ratings, the Mazda CX-9 has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and base engine power. The Subaru Outback 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 fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Mazda CX-9's and the Subaru Outback's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Outback is a better car than the Mazda CX-9.
Mazda CX-9 vs. Subaru Outback Pricing
A used 2023 Mazda CX-9 ranges from $33,994 to $44,041 while a used 2024 Subaru Outback is priced between $32,529 to $43,927. For a new model, the Mazda CX-9's price is between $36,965 and $46,945, with the Subaru Outback priced between $32,906 and $45,079.
Mazda CX-9 vs. Subaru Outback Resale/Retained Value
Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Mazda CX-9 loses 46.3 percent of its value and the Subaru Outback loses 39.5 percent of its value. This means the Subaru Outback retains 6.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Mazda CX-9.
Mazda CX-9 vs. Subaru Outback Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Mazda CX-9 is 8.3 out of 10 while the Subaru Outback's quality rating is 8.9 out of 10. This results in the Mazda CX-9 being ranked 7 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs and the Subaru Outback being ranked 4 out of 66.
Mazda CX-9 vs. Subaru Outback Reliability Rating
iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Mazda CX-9 is 8.7 out of 10. For the Subaru Outback the reliability rating is 8.8 out of 10. This gives the Subaru Outback a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Mazda CX-9.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the Mazda CX-9’s base engine makes 250 horsepower, and the Subaru Outback base engine makes 182 horsepower. The CX-9 is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 507 miles. The Outback is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 592 miles. This gives the Subaru Outback the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Mazda CX-9. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison
The Mazda CX-9, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more and rear shoulder room. The Subaru Outback, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Mazda CX-9 and Subaru Outback are comparable in regards to front head room.
Safety Ratings Comparison
When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Mazda CX-9 and the Subaru Outback have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Mazda CX-9 has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick award.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
36965 - 46945
Used Asking Price:
33994 - 44041
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.463103
Pricing
New Asking Price:
32906 - 45079
Used Asking Price:
32529 - 43927
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.395466
Mazda CX-9 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.27297 / 10
Reliability:
8.718911 / 10
Retained Value:
7.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Subaru Outback Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.933592 / 10
Reliability:
8.800776 / 10
Retained Value:
8.0 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Mazda CX-9 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 16Ranking
1 out of / 15Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
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3 out of / 31Ranking
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4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 30Ranking
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4 out of / 11Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 66Ranking
5 out of / 26Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 66Ranking
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7 out of / 27Ranking
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8 out of / 30Ranking
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10 out of / 30Ranking
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13 out of / 22Ranking
16 out of / 31Ranking
16 out of / 30Ranking
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18 out of / 27Ranking
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19 out of / 31Ranking
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23 out of / 66Ranking
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30 out of / 66Ranking
30 out of / 31Ranking
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52 out of / 58Ranking
55 out of / 66Subaru Outback Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 66Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
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3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 11Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
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4 out of / 27Ranking
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4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 10Ranking
5 out of / 56Ranking
5 out of / 21Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 56Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
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11 out of / 56Ranking
11 out of / 56Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
16 out of / 66Ranking
16 out of / 56Ranking
16 out of / 56Ranking
19 out of / 66Ranking
22 out of / 66Ranking
22 out of / 56Ranking
24 out of / 66Ranking
26 out of / 49Ranking
27 out of / 58Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
30 out of / 56Summary Review
Mazda’s CX-9 is a three-row crossover SUV that’s slightly smaller but more engaging to drive than most of its direct competitors.
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
- Outstanding standard features make CX-9 a near-premium vehicle
- The Turbocharged engine is a reviewer’s favorite
- Aging infotainment setup
- Smaller than most of its segment peers
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
Mazda CX-9 Trim Levels
Carbon Edition, Grand Touring, Signature, Touring, Touring Plus
Subaru Outback Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Limited XT, Onyx Edition, Onyx Edition XT, Premium, Touring, Touring XT, Wilderness
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:
TOP SAFETY PICK
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
250 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
320 foot-lbs @ 2500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.057 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
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
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):
20 / 26 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
390 / 507 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
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Safety Equipment
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
41 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Cargo Space:
14.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
71.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
150.1 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:
4409 lbs
Width:
86.9 inches
Height:
69 inches
Length:
199.4 inches
Wheelbase:
115.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.8 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:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P255/60R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/65R17