2024 Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback: Which Crossover SUV Is Right for You?

If you’re in the market for a stylish, practical crossover that delivers a spirited drive without breaking the bank, the 2024 Mazda CX-50 and Subaru Outback are worth your consideration. Both SUVs offer exceptional performance and many top-of-the-line tech features at a competitive price. Our John Kennedy Mazda Conshohocken team put together this comparative guide to help you decide which is the best for you. 

Overview of the Mazda CX-50

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 is a sleek and sporty crossover that effortlessly blends elegance and performance. It offers two robust engine options: the standard 2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder with 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque and a turbocharged version that delivers 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on 93 octane premium fuel. Both come with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive (AWD). 

Mazda’s CX-50 boasts a luxurious interior with durable and comfortable seats. It has a practical dashboard design with easily accessible buttons and controls and premium features, such as half-leatherette seat trim, dual-zone automatic climate control, and 60/40-split folding rear seats. 

Tech offerings include a 10.25-inch infotainment touch-screen display with crystal-clear graphics and an intuitive, user-friendly experience. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity ensure seamless smartphone integration. You also get a partially digital instrument panel, an eight-speaker sound system, and Mazda’s Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System.

Mazda equips the SUV with its i-Activsense suite of safety and driver-assistance features, which includes lane departure warning, rear-cross traffic alert, an adaptive front lighting system, blind-spot monitoring, and parking sensors. 

Overview of the Subaru Outback

The off-road-ready 2024 Subaru Outback is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts. Its standard engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder SUBARU BOXER with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. Select trims feature a 2.4-liter turbocharged variant that cranks out 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, which is ideal if you seek more muscle for cross-country excursions or towing. 

Inside the Outback, you’ll find a spacious, well-appointed, and functional cabin ideal for long journeys. While the Mazda CX-50 features premium leatherette seating, its Subaru counterpart comes with cloth-trimmed seats as standard. Nevertheless, the stitching is well done, and the seats offer excellent support. Higher trims, such as the Touring and Touring XT, offer nappa leather seats, adding a touch of elegance and luxury to the already stylish interior. 

The 2024 Outback goes all out to ensure a connected and entertaining driving experience. Subaru equips the base model with dual 7-inch center touch screens, while the other trim levels get an 11.6-inch vertically oriented display. Both systems allow easy access to your favorite communication, entertainment, and navigational apps. Other standard features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, automatic climate control (dual-zone on all but the base trim), and a four-, six-, or 12-speaker audio system. 

Safety is top-notch on the 2024 Outback. It comes with Subaru’s advanced EyeSight driver-assist technology system, which includes adaptive cruise control, automatic pre-collision braking, and lane-keep assist. 

Head-to-Head Comparison

The 2024 CX-50 and Outback boast unique advantages. Subaru’s offering wins big in cargo space, boasting an impressive 75.6 cubic feet, significantly more than the CX-50’s 56.3 cubic feet. These contenders also deviate when it comes to their gearboxes. The Mazda  features a snappy six-speed automatic, while the Subaru glides with a continuously variable transmission. 

Screen sizes in the SUVs also differ. The Mazda CX-50 showcases a 10.25-inch display, while the Outback’s top trims flaunt a generous 11.6-inch screen. The Mazda’s infotainment system features a multifunction commander knob, while the Subaru utilizes touch screens. Both models prioritize passenger safety, with Mazda’s i-Activsense and Subaru’s EyeSight technologies providing optimal protection. 

The Outback wins the space race, with 109 cubic feet of passenger volume versus its competitor’s 100.3 cubic feet, but the CX-50 fights back with its refined interior styling, rugged look, and sporty performance.

Subaru’s Outback has a reputation for reliability, while the CX-50 is newer to the market.However, the Mazda’s agile handling and premium ride quality are impressive. Both SUVs can tackle challenging off-road terrain. Ultimately, your choice boils down to the features you value most in your vehicle.

Customer Reviews and Testimonials

User experiences reveal vital information on how the Mazda CX-50 and Subaru Outback perform. CarGurus scores show the former at 6.8 out of 10, while the latter gets 7.8 out of 10. Outback owners like the vehicle’s ample space, good gas use, and comfortable ride quality on long trips. CX-50 enthusiasts often praise the crossover’s responsive handling and high-quality interior. 

Both vehicles get good marks for their AWD systems, which are significantly helpful in adverse conditions. Outback drivers like how well it operates in deep snow and appreciate the visibility it offers. CX-50 fans love how fast the Mazda corners and find it fun to drive. One CX-50 owner said, “The car looks good and drives well. It’s fun in the city and on back roads.”

Which Crossover SUV Is Right for You?

When choosing between the 2024 Mazda CX-50 and Subaru Outback, the decision comes down to your needs. If you’re looking for a sporty, luxurious ride with an upscale interior and engaging performance, the Mazda CX-50 is perfect. On the other hand, if you prioritize rugged capability, interior space, and off-road readiness, the Subaru Outback is hard to beat. Both models offer excellent value, making this a tough choice. Your lifestyle and driving preferences will ultimately guide your decision.

Test-Drive the 2024 Mazda CX-50 at John Kennedy Mazda Conshohocken

The Mazda CX-50 and Subaru Outback are formidable contenders in the competitive compact SUV arena. While the CX-50 impresses with its agile handling and refined interior, the Outback offers outstanding cargo space and reliable performance. To experience the 2024 Mazda CX-50, contact our John Kennedy Mazda Conshohocken dealership to schedule a test drive.

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