2023 Mazda CX-50 vs 2024 Subaru Outback

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 showcased a design that was both familiar and fresh. Its styling, characterized by a blunt nose, long hood, and rakish windshield, maintained the subtle allure that Mazda vehicles have been known for over the past decade. However, the CX-50 introduced a ruggedness not previously seen in Mazda's lineup, with its pronounced fender swells and bold lower body cladding. The oversized air intake and vent designs added a performance edge without being visually overwhelming. When combined with the standard black grille, mirror caps, and optional 20-inch wheels, the CX-50 presented an appealing exterior. The introduction of the Meridian Edition later in the model year promised even more rugged features, such as exclusive wheels and all-terrain tires.

In contrast, the 2024 Subaru Outback retained much of its previous design, with minor tweaks to the Wilderness trim, including a new front fascia and LED fog lights. The dark gray cladding paired well with the Autumn Green Metallic paint of the Touring XT model, offering a surprisingly appealing color that stood out from typical beige tones. The Outback's trims varied in their use of black and chrome fittings, with the Touring trim featuring the most chrome, which was tastefully executed. Wheel designs also differed across trims, with the Wilderness trim sporting matte black wheels and the Onyx Edition featuring 18-inch black wheels. The interior of the top-trim Outback was unexpectedly luxurious, with Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery providing a handsome and supple feel.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options. The 2.5 S model featured a 187-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 186 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. This version was expected to achieve 27 mpg in combined driving. For those seeking more power, the 2.5 Turbo variant provided between 227 and 256 horsepower, depending on the fuel type, with torque ranging from 310 to 320 lb-ft. This turbocharged engine increased the towing capacity from 2,000 to 3,500 pounds. Despite Mazda's prediction of 25 mpg for the turbo model, real-world testing averaged 23.4 mpg. The CX-50's driving experience was smooth, with minimal turbo lag and a broad power curve. It offered various driving modes, though the differences were subtle. The CX-50's ride was slightly firmer than the CX-5, and it demonstrated some torque steer during tight turns. With 8.6 inches of ground clearance, it was capable off-road, though lacking a downhill assist control system.

The 2024 Subaru Outback, true to Subaru's tradition, was powered by a "Boxer" engine. The base model featured a 2.5-liter flat-four engine with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The XT trims, including the Wilderness, were equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, increasing the towing capacity to 3,500 pounds. The Outback's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Lineartronic CVT were standard across the lineup. The turbo engine in the Touring XT model provided a better balance of power and weight, with the CVT mimicking eight distinct gears. The Outback's ride was comfortable, aided by its suspension and wheel design. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the Wilderness trim offered 9.2 inches and came with all-terrain tires and an advanced X-Mode for off-road conditions.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50's interior was well-equipped for colder climates, with heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated side mirrors. Ventilated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control were appreciated in warmer weather. The front seats were comfortable for long drives, though additional side bolstering would have been beneficial. The rear seat offered ample space for adults, with nearly 90-degree opening rear doors for easy access. Storage was adequate, though some opportunities for additional storage were missed. The cargo area provided 31.4 cubic feet of space, expanding to 56.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 Subaru Outback, despite its sleek design, did not compromise on interior space. It offered more headroom and legroom than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The cargo area measured 32.6 cubic feet with all seats in place, expanding to 75.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Feature availability was a strong point, with dual-zone climate control and heated front seats standard on most trims. The Touring trim offered ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The hands-free power liftgate and power moonroof were available on higher trims, and the Outback's roof rails with retractable cross bars were a practical addition.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 came with the Mazda Connect infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Mazda Connected Services. The base model had an 8.8-inch display, while higher trims offered a 10.25-inch display. Historically, Mazda Connect lacked touchscreen control, relying on center console buttons and knobs, steering wheel controls, or voice recognition. However, the 2023 CX-50 introduced touchscreen control for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The available 12-speaker Bose sound system provided a satisfying audio experience, and the Active Driving Display offered useful information within the driver's line of sight.

The 2024 Subaru Outback featured a mix of old and new technology. The top-trim Touring model included a CD player, and all but the base trim had both USB-C and USB-A ports. The larger 11.6-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen was standard on most trims, with the base model retaining a dual-7-inch-screen system. The Subaru Starlink multimedia platform included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless connectivity starting with the Premium trim. Climate controls were integrated into the touchscreen, with some hard buttons for essential functions. Wi-Fi capability was available on all but the base trim, and most trims featured a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 was expected to perform well in safety tests, though the IIHS had not yet evaluated it. Mazda provided a comprehensive package of driving assistance systems, with additional features available on the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus trim. These included Traffic Jam Assist, active blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The driving assistance systems generally worked well, though the adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to recognize vehicles cutting in.

The 2024 Subaru Outback earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technologies was standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency steering. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on the Onyx Edition. The Touring trim added a wide-angle camera, digital rearview mirror, and driver-attention monitor. Reverse automatic braking was standard from the Onyx trim level.