2023 Subaru Outback vs Mazda CX-50 Comparison & 0-60 

Being an Outback owner. That CX-50 is a great looking car.

Greetings from southern Ontario Canada I really enjoyed the video I drive a 2019Mazda GS sport hatchback will keep until it dies or I get tired of it and switch to ev thanks for the presentation

Currently I drive a 2020 Outback, which I love. Before that , I had a CX9 which I also loved. Both companies make some of the best cars on the road.

If only people realised how far Subaru has advanced the CVT. I had a new Outback in 2012, hated the CVT so much I sold it. Just ordered a new XT, the CVT is nothing like the 2012 - it’s excellent and the Subaru had far greater capabilities over all the other comparable SUV’s 😎👍 .

Thank you for this video! Very helpful as I am contemplating the Mazda cx5 2020 and the Subaru Outback 2022.

We traded our 2020 Outback Limited XT for a 2023 Outback Touring XT. The 2023 is definitely more plush and more refined. The power train is smoother and the suspension rides better. Switches are more tactile and the infotainment system is more responsive and just better than the 2020. Last spring we changed the factory tires on the 2020 to Falken Wildpeak A/T Trails and the difference in handling, steering response and ride comfort was immediate. We had the Wildpeaks put on the 2023 and could not be happier with how our station wagon drives!

I test drove both this weekend and compared models in the $34K range. I went with the CX-50 in a pretty easy decision. Going into the day and reviews online really had me convinced I was going to buy the 2023 outback, but after driving them both it was really no contest. On top of the comfort and handling of the CX-50, I ended up enjoying the look of it much more in person too.

Going with the 50 for sure. I have a friend that has a 23 Outback Wilderness that she got early last year and hates it due to the cvt, she’s already having issues with it at 20k miles.

If the Subaru didn't have a CVT, I would have considered it, so a CX-5 turbo w/ AWD, and its 6-speed automatic transmission, was my purchase.

Both look quite good but I have to go with the wagon, love the long roof look!

2023 outback onyx xt for me. Tyler's smile when he stomped on it tells the whole story.

I picked up a 2024 CX-50 turbo premium about six weeks ago. This is my fourth Mazda, going all the way back to first gen 1979 RX-7. Since then, I've had 2005 Mazda 3 and a 2014 Mazda 6, which the CX-50 replaced. As far as reliability goes, I put just over 500k miles on the previous Mazdas with nothing more than a failed sensor on the 6 and failed A/C compressor on the 3. I considered an Outback, but after realizing I didn't want a station wagon and then my history with Mazdas, the CX-50 was a no-brainer for me. So far, very satisfied with it.

Great review. I'm on my fourth Subaru. All of them Outback's except for the last one. (2019 Ascent). My recent is 2022 Outback Limited and non-turbo. Recently drove it to south Texas and agree it's a very comfortable ride long distance. And less gas consuming as our 2020 Ford F-150. I would like to test drive a Mazda though. Always nice to look at, and very sporty looking as well. I've subscribed and look forward to your new reviews. Thanks.

The cx-50 with the terra cotta brown interior is where it’s at! Also the outback’s interior just doesn’t compare. People do complain about the dial to control the screen but that’s just because people are superficial and think a touch screen is affects their social class, give it 2 weeks and you’ll be happy about the dial over touch screen. The cx-50 overall is just the better ride.

I bought the Outback Onyx two months ago. I fly fish. Great on back and dirt roads. Also great for the commute to work or to see the grandkids. I can sleep and camp in it if I wish. The information center is fine once you get over the learning curve. This car is rugged yet rides like a top end sedan.

Mazda CX-50 for me.

Keep doing what you do Tyler. Well done real world reviews! I’ll take the Subaru thank you

After testing both, the cx50 def has a smaller feeling backseat and rear storage. If you don’t have passengers though, the cx50 feels way quicker around town in the low end torque. Both interiors are top notch, the 2023 Subaru is a def step up from prior one all soft touch surfaces. The cx50 short length is much better for crowded city driving and parking lots. Still a tough decision and having a hard time, as both cx50 turbo and outback XT limited are 40k.

Love the outback XT. It’s the ultimate sleeper.

Both are good vehicles. Can’t go wrong with choosing either one.

I'm in the market for a new car and have it narrowed down to the Subaru Outback and the Mazda CX-50. Thanks for the video.

love your reviews man, keep'em coming! size wise, wouln't the CX-50 compete more with the Crosstrek?

I wish you compared the safety tech … most importantly lane centering which you dont do in your tests and most important for long drives

What happens with a CX-50 turbo if you alternate between 87 and 93 octane every time you fill up?

I'm getting 17 mpg city in the CX-50 turbo and about 21mpg in the base engine. I prefer my non-turbo.

Thank you for your comparisons. Love Mazdas and still own a low mileage 2010 Mazda3 sedan. A great little car with just barely adequate room in the back (child car seats are not fun here) and poor front visibility through the A pillars. But super dependable, nice handling in town and very cheap to maintain. Recently purchased a used 2020 Outback with great room (needed more room for grandkids car seats) and comfort plus very good visibility. Downside is the touchscreen. It's slow to respond and dangerous when just changing air flow which necessitates waiting for a second window to open then deciffering where to look and what to touch while trying to drive safely . In bright sunlight the lower portion of the panel is unreadable. And why a large vertical screen, ones eyes scan horizontally while driving? After 11 months I still find wanting for tactile switches. Perhaps that's one reason Foresters sell well

Yes finally what I've been wanting. The comparison of these two beautiful vehicles.

both are good and both to have pro´s and con´s, thank you for the review.

Oh I’ve been flip flopping between these two brands including back to back test drives for awhile now. All Mazdas are fun to drive, look darn good with high belt line but driver visibility concerns me more as I’m accustomed to Subaru Forester. Anyway my most recent test drives have been 2022 Outback Premier XT here in Canada which is our top trim equivalent to US Touring XT I believe - these are Uber comfortable and still fun to drive! But I’m also test driving the 2022 Outback Wilderness and that’s even more fun - it’s got more kick to it. As used car prices are so bad, I may just order a new model 2024 now. Final decision is OBW or Outback top trim (with tan interior). As handsome as Mazda CX-50 is, I wish Mazda didn’t cut corners and gave us CX-5 equivalent quality (signature trim).

Granted I’ve only driven Subarus for a few years now, but while the infotainment system can be buggy at times, I don’t find it slow. I’d describe it as “fast enough”. It doesn’t bother me tho at all and a large built in screen looks so much better aesthetically then one that pops up off the dash. Just my two cents. I have non-turbo premium 2022 Outback. Best parts about car? There are a lot- comfort, high quality materials, really smooth and quiet to drive, great AWD and it’s safe; and the is us matter of taste but I like how they look, 2022 more so then 2023-not a fan of the extra plastic cladding. They need to make the safety features less annoying-too many beeps.

Can the sun visor on the CX-50 slide back when rotated to the side?

Quickly becoming our favorite channel. Great info. Just had the NA CX-50 and really enjoyed it. Those ‘groaning horses’ in the NA engine and ungainly exterior looks makes the Outback a tough one for me. 5.8 for the turbo is quite impressive.

Cvt takes up less space and it is for crash safety. The flat 4 engine is also mainly for safety.

I have a 2021 Subaru Legacy Touring XT. There was an update early this month for the touchscreen, but it didn't change the size of the HVAC symbols (which I was hoping it would do) and its still slow and laggy. It was supposedly to improve its performance, but I can't tell any difference. I also had an oil leak repaired last summer on the 2.4 turbo (at only 7,500 miles). Yeah, not super impressed with anything other than the quiet ride and very comfortable seats.

The outback is more refined, more engaging to drive with the turbo engine and the Touring trim is very well appointed. Has everything you could want and handles beautifully.

If i didnt live in canada with our winters I'd get the mazda but the suby 4wd is unstoppable with snow tires on!

Nice nuanced review, Tyler. I think the Outback is more well-rounded as well, with fog lights and a cd player (I'm old), though I can't quite get past all that black plastic cladding on the front end and fenders. What really gets me about both Outback and CX-50 is the limited choices in the top tier interior colors, so boring, especially compared to some of the lower trim choices. I'm so old I remember when car interiors had fun colors, but I guess one can't have everything. Cheers~

really diggin the new outback front end

Love my Mazda

In the same predicament! Owned two Subarus including 3.6, recently owned 5.7hemi, but looking at 2023 outback XT limited which is at 41k, Been in a cx50 rental and i love it, such a fun zippy car in the city and very fast freeway cruiser. It’s a hard decision….

I love both the Outback and CX50. But I would choose the Subaru because of the reclining rear seats. Unfortunately the CX50 rear seats don't recline especially for a $33k vehicle is a bit of a bummer, and if you have kids or even adults that want to go on long trips, it's just more comfortable to lay back a little. I also like that Subaru has full-time all-wheel drive and gets great gas mileage whereas others only put power to all 4 wheels when needed.

No one talks bout the cx50s panoramic roof only opening 6 inches vs the subarus which will open the whole way

Good review. I've started to dip my toe in the market and test drove 2024 CX-50, CX-5 and Outback (all turbos) a couple weeks ago. I'm not really sold on any of them yet, but I'm leaning more toward the Outback. I've read that the CX-50 suspension was tuned for a more comfortable ride compared to the 2023 model. I can't comment on that because I never drove a 2023, but I did find the 2024 acceptable, although not as smooth as the Outback. The CX-5 seemed to buck more front to back than the CX-50 or Outback, probably due to the shorter wheelbase. The CX-5 felt more spacious inside for the driver than the CX-50, which has a narrower interior. If I could get the length of the CX-50 with the interior width of of the CX-5, I might be sold. I had been waiting and hoping the CX-70 would give me something like that, but instead it is just a behemoth 2-row CX-90 (same length). The Outback CVT lag was annoying but I might go that route anyway and try an aftermarket product like Pedal Commander to try to better tune it.

Nice. Curious if the full Meridian edition (or is it a Meridian Package? Or both?) will compare to the Wilderness or Onyx XT level for rougher roads. Especially the price points.

You can use the touch screen for Apple CarPlay. Go into the settings. Select communications, select your phone and finally check the box “use CarPlay with vehicle in motion. I works perfectly. The only thing you can’t use the touch screen for is the Mazda menus.

As a tall driver, how would you compare the two? I'm 6'1" and struggle to find cars with headroom and windshield visibility. And if you have general advice for tall people let me know :)

The Subaru CVT has a wobble on take off, especially when you have to get on it to merge with traffic and even worse if you pull a trailer. My CVT had to be replaced and it seems like the replacement wobbles even worse.

I used to have a 2022 Outback. It was my pride and joy. However, I ended up getting rid of it. The main reason: I drive on a lot of gravel, and because of the long, exposed overhang of the back bumper, gravel got in there and destroyed the harness wiring. The harness around the entire car was replaced under warranty, but a little while later the wiring came loose again and was hanging down after going through a car wash. I looked underneath the bumper and it's just bare wiring attached with electrical tape. Also: Wheel bearing had to be replaced at 50,000, as did one on my in-laws' Outback. Also: The manufacturer's scheduled maintenance is outrageous: about $1,000 CDN service at 60,000 km and $1,300 at 100,000 km. The dealership landscape and new car supply in Saskatoon where I live is ... not awesome ... so I ended up getting a Chev Equinox because of low dealership fees, lots of features for the money and personal experience of Chevs surviving gravel roads. I don't love it and plan to upgrade when finances allow ... likely to a CX-50, mainly because in Canada Mazda's warranty is unlimited km. Test drove one yesterday and while the seats and the ride weren't nearly as good as the Outback, the transmission (non-turbo) was waaaaay more smooth and responsive than it or the Equinox. Question for anyone out there: Which mainstream SUV has the most comfortable seats for large dudes besides the Outback?

OMG! that drone when you were trying zero to sixty in the outback! it couldn't be faster than the normal cx50!

I am torn between these two vehicles and given the high price for both, I want to make the right decision. This review was a big help. I have owned two Outbacks and now a less than satisfying experience with my 2014 Forester. While the Outback seems a bit larger and plusher, the Mazda has a lot of class and luxury feel. Gonna be a tough call.

Only the Onyx XT and Wilderness have the full size spare. The Onyx does not.

Subaru flies by groaning CVT, thats why I am getting CX50 , i want quite engine and transmission! So that’s why😉

Sunroof is nice

The Outback ended up being my choice between the two. I strongly entertained the CX-50 for the more upscale aspect but ultimately chose a 2022 Outback Touring earlier this year. It's been a huge step up from my 2016 Outback Limited. The new Outback consistently gets me 29-32 mpg, I love the feel of Subaru's AWD. In a recent test video of a CX-30 by Driving Sports TV, he had an issue with the CX-30's AWD system overheating and disabling itself. In all my time with Subaru, I've never had the system overheat even when I'm hounding it in snow or going up these crazy road/trails I'll go on to get to trailheadss or backpacking areas.

Subaru makes such great vehicles and one of the best AWD systems on the road (and one of the few actual AWD systems not just FWD where the rear wheels engage as you are already losing traction from the front wheels) but OMFG who is designing their exteriors, The Braille School of Auto Design?? ??? I can't bring myself to pay the price of the Outback with those 'face made for radio' looks. The looks and the CVT are a deal breaker for me even with the superior AWD system. In fairness the Subaru CVT has apparently come a long way in terms of drivability (Still feels like driving an ATV to me) and durability but I'd be interested to see the long term reliability/durability of the CVT with the 260hp turbo engine.

Outback wilderness hits 0-60 low 6s all day.

After sitting in the seats of both, the Subaru is much more comfortable all the way around, feels more premium, rides better, is faster and much better visibility. I love Mazda’s, but this CX-50 that’s more expensive than a CX-5 is definitely a swing and a miss for me. No rear seat recline either! 👎

CX50 is a beautiful vehicle!

What's more reliable?

I really really like the idea of a lifted wagon. Sedans and traditional wagons are way way too low these days for absolutely no reason. Can't even clear many driveways and curbs. All the look "sportier" Most crossovers however are so... girly? There are some good options now like the current RAV4, Bronco Sport, and now this Mazda. This is the first crossover Mazda has made I would be happy to have. I love the Outback but I am doubtful on long term reliability. Better than most but the CVT and history of their engines makes me question it.

In your comparing,you forget the Problems of Subaru namely 1. CVT Transmission issue 2.Head Gasket blown ups and 3.Bearing worn out after some miles in driving. Has the Saburu solved these issues?

you can't battle the algorithm, all hail the algorithm

The CX50 seems like it's trying to be a more off-road vehicle cosmetically, but nothing else IMHO. Great comparison review.

I'm seriously leaning towards the Mazda for a few reasons: *Reliability, *Handling, *Aesthetic. Its even beat out the Rav4...and because I cannot afford the newest model Subaru(and don't feel the CVT in a late model will be up to par). Although, I'm excited to hear others say that Subaru is making great strides in perfecting their CVT. I still have concerns.

I had an Outback turbo a few years ago. Never again! It blew twice - costing several thousand to fix - the second time it was out of warranty. Don't get a turbo unless you plan to trade it in before it's out of warranty.

❤ my Subaru outback!

The Outback makes a statement.

Mazda it’s great car

No way the CX 50 can be compared to many mainstream cars

Would be really interested in MX-50 with wankel unit

Best part of Mazda, no headgasket worry

After having the Subaru and now just received a new cx-50, it’s Mazda all the way. The Subaru suffered from frozen infotainment system, bad thermo control valve (look it up, nationwide issue) and Subaru did not honor any loaner or rental while car was down/dead under warranty. Mazda however bent over backwards, even gave us a loaner car when we went in for oil change. Vast difference between the two and how they care for you. By the way due to the SOS button on the outback’s you can’t even take one home right now lol.

subaru for me

Subbie is limited by CVT and Mazda is just fine with solid 6 speed auto that is actually quite cool design and very very reliable something that Subbie can't say about it's CVT... And just don't say it is the best of the worst tranny kind sold these days 😉 CVT is so loud and sounds like a lawn mower under the hood , drive it in the mountains or under heavier acceleration it sounded cheap , loud and totally out of place in a 35K vehicle . Than comes styling , on road handling , old tech touch screens . Now subbie due to sole focus on Off road pays the price with on road handling .... I know 3 people with Subbie CVT failures so even for those who drive more off that on road will not have any advantage once CVT fails , overheats not to mention drawn you in excessive noise on steeper inclines , after 5 mins of incline when it needed to be pushed harder I was tired of that constant CVT loud excessive whine... For those who are driving on road first CX50 is far superior in my book, and than Subbie is dragged down by CVT and just weird and down right fugly styling , no control know that is even more needed and useful on off road than on road vehicle . I need on road first with occasional few times a year off road and Mazda is just better , I think most buyers have the same drive on road focus than off road . Overall good review!

I’ll take the outback with a 2.4t

If I had money for this, and I think I would enjoy it, I'd rather get the Santa Cruz Limited. 😎

Wait, Outback's should be compared to CX-9 not 50. Check out the size difference.

I love my 2024 Subaru Outback onyx edition, I take Subaru over Mazda any time with its legendary all wheel system and its comfort seats !

Ha. I hated Mazda CX-5 or 50's knob and their display. I loved the 11 inch touchscreen of the Subaru and I liked the quieter and plush interior of the Outback and its softer ride over bumps. Ended up with the Outback yesterday. Did not have to go Turbo either to get 2700 pounds of towing capacity which is enough for me and I am not into breaking any 0-60 records and don't care about it. I reserve all that stuff for my flying not for the 2D creatures.

Is that woman wearing 3D glasses while driving? 😜

the mazda cx 50 recently failed miserably in a snow test. dunno if it was the tires or the 4wd system just failed at moving power.

gear box on mazda is a bottle neck for a long time now, they need 8 gears.

Outback.

looks more like wagon vs minivan...

Subaru 0 to 60 is under 6 secs..

Taking CX-50 over Outback because: 1. Subaru's infotainment and gauge screen have got to be some of the worst systems I have ever used! Felt like they came out of early 2000's and just added brighter color and contrast to them. 2. Subjectively, CX-50 is a way nicer and premium looking vehicle both the interior and the exterior. 3. Reliability of the powertrain, CX-50 has much better longevity and outlook than Outback (Inline 4 vs. Boxer 4; 6-speed vs. CVT); AWD is basically the same as 99.9% of people who bought an Outback just use it as a pavement princess, so the AWD in both vehicles serve the same fuctions! 4. Interior and overall built quality of Subaru is not comparable to Mazda 5. In terms of being user friendly, I am pleasantly shocked by the inferior level of Subaru. Firstly, for the backseat, not sure why Outback has a large piece of back support on the outboard seats that do not recline; Secondly, the Ascent (Touring, 6-passenger), the second row seat require two levers to fold flat. In summary, for the same money, Mazda is a better option for me!

If off-roading is in mind, those mazda wheels would be horrid! It is not an off road worthy vehicle on wheels alone. Just get Subaru.

I would buy the Outback. I bought a new 2021 Mazda CX-5. I believe the CX-50 has the same engine. It burns engine oil from day one. I looked up and found a bulletin for my car to be repaired. I took it in and they agreed that my car fell under that bulletin according to the VIN but, that I had to wait for the engine light to come on. By my calculation that won't happen until one oil change after my warranty is up. Don't take a chance and buy Mazdas. They don't stand by their product unlike Honda for instance. At the time I was shopping for my car, they had fuel dilution problems with some of their engines. Similar to my problem but worse. They put out a bulletin and fixed it. Mazda will do whatever it takes to avoid paying to fix the problem, even when they themselves admit that there's a problem.

CX-50 non-turbo has 187hp..

Subaru All Wheel Drive System leaves Mazda in the Mud!

The Outback appeals to the brain. It has more room and is more comfortable. If you're a simple buyer, this is the option. The CX-50 appeals to the heart. The interior is miles ahead and the driving experience is much more refined. The latter appeals to me more as a customer, personally.

This a No-brainer, the Outback is far superior in almost every way to the Mazda

I picked the cx50 because it didn't have the cvt. If the outback had a 6 Speed or 8 speed I may have gotten it but at the same time I don't like how everything is buried in the touchscreen. Interior in the outback also looks rather basic

Sure cx 50 better.

Real transmission (not cvt), better fit and finish, sexier looking... the Mazda is the winner

I've owned all 3....Forester...Outback.....CX50................Prefer the Mazda over ALL others..........And Folks wanting a faster shifting tranny are all freaks.............Mazda's 6 speed is perfect..........Reliable and a gear for any speed You wish to drive............Noise.????.........My Mazda is the quietest car i have ever owned.............Mazda's computer will keep the RPM's well below 2000 most of the time.........1200 rpm below 45 MPH.......Barely audible.........The Subies will turn at least 500----700 RPM more most of the time.......But it is the beautiful style of the CX50 which really moves Me.........I am nuts for looks....................Paul

How many people really drive 0-60 everyday? If you want a fast vehicle, buy a Lambo! No one drives like that at every stop light.

almost all wagons look good, except outback...it just looks odd

Just way too much cladding on both. Looks cheap. Horrible design trend on todays vehicles.

With the level of effort Mazda is puting in production of tasteful and agile products, if you are in the market and not considering Mazda very seriously.. you are a traitor to car enthusiasts. Thanks