Subaru Outback vs. Mazda CX-5
In comparing the Subaru Outback's and the Mazda CX-5's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Outback has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. 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. Based on this comparison of the Subaru Outback's and the Mazda CX-5's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Outback is a better car than the Mazda CX-5.
Subaru Outback vs. Mazda CX-5 Pricing
A used 2024 Subaru Outback ranges from $32,529 to $43,927 while a used 2024 Mazda CX-5 is priced between $30,761 to $43,214. For a new model, the Subaru Outback's price is between $32,906 and $45,079, with the Mazda CX-5 priced between $30,809 and $42,569.
Subaru Outback vs. Mazda CX-5 Resale/Retained Value
Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Subaru Outback loses 39.5 percent of its value and the Mazda CX-5 loses 39.8 percent of its value. This means the Subaru Outback retains 0.2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Mazda CX-5.
Subaru Outback vs. Mazda CX-5 Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Subaru Outback is 8.9 out of 10 while the Mazda CX-5's quality rating is 8.1 out of 10. This results in the Subaru Outback being ranked 4 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs and the Mazda CX-5 being ranked 18 out of 66. Out of 19 Best Small SUVs, the Subaru Outback is ranked 4 and the Mazda CX-5 is ranked 8. The Subaru Outback is also ranked 5 out of 56 Best 5-seater SUVs while the Mazda CX-5 is ranked 19 out of 56.
Subaru Outback vs. Mazda CX-5 Reliability Rating
iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Subaru Outback is 8.8 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 Subaru Outback’s base engine makes 182 horsepower, and the Mazda CX-5 base engine makes 187 horsepower.
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 cargo space. The Mazda CX-5 has the advantage in the area of rear leg room.
Safety Ratings Comparison
When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Subaru Outback and the 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.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
32906 - 45079
Used Asking Price:
32529 - 43927
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.395466
Pricing
New Asking Price:
30809 - 42569
Used Asking Price:
30761 - 43214
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.397908
Subaru Outback Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.933592 / 10
Reliability:
8.800776 / 10
Retained Value:
8.0 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Mazda CX-5 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.066667 / 10
Reliability:
7.2 / 10
Retained Value:
8.0 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Subaru Outback Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 66Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 11Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 27Ranking
4 out of / 26Ranking
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
8 out of / 19Ranking
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 / 56Mazda CX-5 Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 10Ranking
7 out of / 21Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 27Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
16 out of / 66Ranking
16 out of / 66Ranking
18 out of / 66Ranking
18 out of / 56Ranking
19 out of / 56Ranking
24 out of / 56Ranking
26 out of / 66Ranking
27 out of / 56Ranking
27 out of / 49Ranking
28 out of / 58Ranking
30 out of / 66Ranking
30 out of / 56Ranking
31 out of / 66Ranking
31 out of / 56Ranking
32 out of / 66Ranking
35 out of / 66Ranking
36 out of / 56Ranking
41 out of / 66Ranking
41 out of / 56Ranking
46 out of / 66Ranking
50 out of / 66Summary 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
Subaru Outback Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Limited XT, Onyx Edition, Onyx Edition XT, Premium, Touring, Touring XT, Wilderness
Mazda CX-5 Trim Levels
2.5 Carbon Turbo, 2.5 S Carbon Edition, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Premium, 2.5 S Premium Plus, 2.5 S Select, 2.5 Turbo Premium, 2.5 Turbo Signature
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:
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 Specifications
Horsepower:
187 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
185 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.049 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 / 32 / 28
Range (city/hwy):
481 / 592 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:
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
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
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
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 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
59.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
133.6 cubic feet
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
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3783 lbs
Width:
83.3 inches
Height:
66.1 inches
Length:
180.1 inches
Wheelbase:
106.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.6 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:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P225/65R17