2023 Subaru Outback vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 featured a design that could make heads turn, boasting a blend of subtlety and a dash of ruggedness that seemed tailored for the adventurous type. The angular lines and blunt nose, combined with the larger air intakes and distinctive fender swells, presented a distinct appearance on the road. These design choices not only imparted a look of readiness for off-road trials but also maintained the classic Mazda elegance especially when the vehicle shimmered in its Zircon Sand Metallic paint.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Outback took a more visible step towards a rough-and-tough aesthetic with its latest facelift. The revised front end, replete with newly designed LED headlights and dark-gray rugged cladding, aimed to project a more commanding road presence. The tweaks to the vehicle’s exterior underlined Subaru's intent to beef up the Outback's traditionally practical representation with an overtly aggressive appeal, particularly evident in trims like the Onyx Edition.

On the performance front, the CX-50's turbo variant stood out, equipped with its 2.5-liter engine capable of producing up to 256 horsepower. This power was noticeable, providing substantial thrust and a towing capacity that could meet most needs of enthusiasts — the upgraded cooling for towing being a testament to its capacity. However, it was also evident in our testing that driving dynamics were somewhat compromised by torque steer and slightly decreased fuel efficiency under certain conditions.

Subaru's Outback, with its boxer engine, offered a different kind of ride. The standard 182-horsepower setup was adequate for routine usage but clearly lacked the vigor needed for more demanding driving situations. The turbocharged 260-horsepower XT versions of the Outback, however, rectified this with ample low-end torque and a robust delivery that transformed the driving experience into something more akin to Subaru’s promise of adventure readiness.

Interior space in both vehicles catered generously to passenger comfort and cargo storage, although with some disparities. The Mazda CX-50 offered 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which was marginally larger than its predecessor, the CX-5. Both front and rear passengers found ample room, although storage for smaller items lacked a bit of foresight in its design.

The Subaru Outback, however, excelled in utility and space management. It boasted 32.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and an impressive 75.6 cubic feet with the seats down, supplemented by thoughtful touches like the flat-loading floor and robust roof rack, making it a practical choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Comfort wasn’t skimped on, either, with the Outback's cabin featuring quality materials and thoughtful design elements that enhanced long-distance travel comfort.

Technology in both the CX-50 and Outback featured robust infotainment systems, but with distinctly different user interfaces and functionalities. The Mazda CX-50’s Mazda Connect system incorporated wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and despite some inherent complexities in its non-touchscreen operation, it offered a relatively comprehensive package that fit well within Mazda’s tech ecosystem.

The Subaru Outback’s Starlink system, on the other hand, included an 11.6-inch touchscreen that dominated the center stack, offering intuitive access to a broad suite of functionalities, including enhanced connectivity features and a commendable audio system by Harman Kardon in higher trims. Though Subaru's voice recognition software had its limitations, the overall integration of technology was satisfactory.