2024 Subaru Outback vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

The 2024 Subaru Outback maintained its familiar aesthetic, with the Wilderness trim receiving a refreshed front fascia and LED fog lights. The dark gray cladding provided a striking contrast to the Autumn Green Metallic paint of the Touring XT model, a color that was both unique and appealing. The Outback's various trims offered different levels of black and chrome exterior fittings, with the Touring trim featuring the most chrome, which was tastefully executed. Wheel designs varied by trim, with standard black 17-inch alloy wheels and a matte black version for the Wilderness trim. The interior of the top-trim model was unexpectedly luxurious, featuring Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery, while other trims offered a mix of leather and synthetic materials.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50, a more rugged sibling to the CX-5, boasted broader proportions with a lower, wider, and longer stance. Its design was fresh, with square wheel arches and faux air vents adding to its robust appearance. Available in eight trim levels, the CX-50 offered a range of wheel sizes, with the 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition standing out for its all-terrain tires and distinctive styling elements. The interior featured an earthy color palette and a pleasing design, with a BMW-like infotainment screen placement and impressive material quality. However, the CX-50's aspirations to be more upscale were not fully realized, as some base models still had manually-adjustable seats, and the interior materials could have been more durable for the rugged Meridian Edition.

The 2024 Subaru Outback was powered by a "Boxer" horizontally opposed engine, with a standard 2.5-liter flat-four producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The XT trims, including the Wilderness, were equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 3,500 lbs. The Touring XT model's turbo engine provided a better fit for the vehicle's weight, and the CVT mimicked the feel of an eight-speed transmission. The Outback's suspension and ground clearance, especially in the Wilderness trim, made it a comfortable and capable off-road choice.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, with turbocharging available on higher trims. The base engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, while the turbo version offered up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. All models came with a six-speed automatic transmission and AWD, with various driving modes including a Towing mode for turbo models, which increased towing capacity to 3,500 pounds. The CX-50's driving experience was more aligned with its segment, lacking the sporty dynamics of the CX-5. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires added noise and reduced grip, making it less ideal for everyday driving.

The 2024 Subaru Outback offered generous interior space, with more headroom and legroom than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Its cargo area measured 32.6 cubic feet with seats up and 75.6 cubic feet with seats folded. The Outback featured dual-zone climate control, heated seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat on most trims. A hands-free power liftgate and power moonroof were available on higher trims, and the raised roof rails with retractable cross bars added practicality.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 had similar passenger space to the CX-5, with slightly less headroom but more legroom. Its cargo space was 31.4 cubic feet with seats up and 56.3 cubic feet with seats folded, trailing behind most competitors. The CX-50 offered a power liftgate for easier cargo access, but the cargo area wasn't ideal for bulky items. The interior layout was sensible, with adequate storage space and a substantial shifter and rotary infotainment controller on the center console.

The 2024 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen on all but the base trim, which had dual 7-inch screens. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless connectivity starting from the Premium trim. The Outback offered a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system on most trims, with Bluetooth, HD Radio, and SiriusXM connectivity. The climate controls were integrated into the touchscreen, with some hard buttons for essential functions.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen controlled by a rotary dial and buttons, rather than a touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay was standard, while Android Auto required a cable. Higher trims included wireless phone charging, SiriusXM, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The interface was straightforward but felt dated, making it suitable for those who preferred simplicity over advanced tech features.

The 2024 Subaru Outback earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It featured the EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. Reverse automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring were standard on higher trims, and the Touring trim added a wide-angle camera and driver-attention monitor.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was a 2023 Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, with top scores in most crash tests but lower ratings for nighttime pedestrian detection and standard headlights. NHTSA ratings were incomplete, but it received a five-star frontal crash-test rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control, with optional features like rear automatic braking and a 360-degree camera system.