2021 Mazda CX-5 vs 2020 Subaru Outback

Subaru had a winning formula with the Outback and aimed for incremental improvements in 2020. The sixth-gen Outback was built on Subaru’s Global Platform, boasting a 70% increase in structural rigidity. The base 2.5-liter engine, though seemingly unchanged, had 90% new parts and offered 182 horsepower. For those seeking more power, the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine from the Ascent was available in higher trims. Externally, changes were subtle, mainly in the head- and taillights, but the interior saw significant upgrades, including an 11.6-inch touchscreen for most trims and the innovative DriverFocus system.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 took a different design approach, favoring smooth, sleek lines over aggressive angles. The base Sport trim featured automatic LED headlights, 17-inch wheels, and rain-sensing wipers. The Touring trim added leatherette seats, dual-zone climate control, and keyless entry. The new Carbon Edition offered unique styling elements and red leather seats. The Grand Touring trim included additional luxury features like a power liftgate and paddle shifters. The top-tier Signature trim, which was our tester, featured premium materials like Caturra Brown Nappa leather and genuine wood trim, rivaling luxury brands.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an upgraded 2.5-liter engine with 182 horsepower, a 7-hp increase over the previous year. This engine offered 26 mpg city and 33 highway, a 1 mpg improvement. For more power, the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine in XT trims delivered 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in around 7 seconds. Both engines were paired with a CVT, tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission. Subaru’s symmetrical AWD system provided consistent power delivery and better handling, especially off-road, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance and advanced X-Mode in the Onyx XT trim.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produced 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, available in higher trims, delivered 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. FWD was standard, with AWD available. The most fuel-efficient model was the FWD with the base engine, achieving 25 mpg city and 31 highway. The turbo engine provided a spirited drive, especially in Sport mode, but the stiff suspension could be uncomfortable. AWD models offered better handling but slightly lower fuel efficiency.

The 2020 Subaru Outback excelled in functionality, offering 32.5 cubic feet of trunk space, expandable to 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The interior was spacious, with ample headroom and legroom, even for taller passengers. Visibility was a strong point, though the rear quarters had a notable blind spot. The low load height and lower center of gravity improved handling and reduced rollover risk, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 had a stylish design but fell short in cargo space, offering 30.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 59.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The seating position and comfort were typical for its class, but rear legroom was limited. The LATCH connections for child seats were functional but not the easiest to use. The climate controls were straightforward, but the large shifter and infotainment controls took up valuable space, making them less intuitive for shorter drivers.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, which was visually impressive but suffered from lag and buried climate-control functions. The screen was easy to navigate, but the lag in various functions, including volume control, was frustrating. The camera resolution was also subpar, detracting from the overall experience.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen. While the screen size was excellent, the operating system was not user-friendly. The lack of knobs for tuning the stereo and the awkward positioning of the infotainment controls made it difficult to use. However, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided a workaround for entertainment needs.

The 2020 Subaru Outback had a strong safety suite, including standard AWD and the EyeSight system. However, the DriverFocus system was problematic, frequently issuing false alerts. Despite these issues, the Outback maintained Subaru’s reputation for safety, with features like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 boasted a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning. Optional features included a head-up display and a surround-view camera system. The CX-5 earned high safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Mazda’s warranty coverage was also competitive, with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.