2025 Mazda CX-5 vs 2024 Subaru Outback

The 2024 Subaru Outback maintained its rugged charm with subtle updates to the Wilderness trim, featuring a new front fascia and LED fog lights. The dark gray cladding contrasted beautifully with the Autumn Green Metallic color, which was surprisingly appealing. The Outback's trims varied in their use of black and chrome, with the Touring trim showcasing the most chrome, which was tastefully done. Wheel designs differed across trims, with the Wilderness trim sporting matte black wheels. Inside, the top-trim Touring XT impressed with Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery, offering a luxurious feel uncommon for Subaru. Other trims featured different materials, from standard leather to StarTex synthetic leather and cloth seats.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 was praised for its elegant design, standing out with graceful curves that gave it a luxury SUV vibe. Despite not being redesigned since 2017, its timeless design continued to impress. The interior boasted high-quality materials and a layout that balanced traditional and modern elements. While it lacked a large touchscreen, the physical buttons and knobs were appreciated for their usability. The CX-5's interior was likened to those of Acura or Lexus, offering a refined experience with soft-touch materials and sturdy plastics in less noticeable areas.

The 2024 Subaru Outback featured a "Boxer" engine, with the base model powered by a 2.5-liter flat-four producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The XT trims, including the Wilderness, upgraded to a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 3,500 lbs. The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Lineartronic CVT were standard. The turbo engine provided a better driving experience, with the CVT mimicking eight gears. The Outback offered a comfortable ride, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, increasing to 9.2 inches in the Wilderness trim, which also included all-terrain tires and advanced X-Mode.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged version with 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The base engine accelerated to 60 mph in about 8 seconds, while the turbo model was quicker by two seconds. The CX-5 excelled in handling, offering a sporty driving experience with minimal body roll. The ride was slightly firm but not harsh, and the cabin remained quiet, enhancing long-distance comfort.

The 2024 Subaru Outback offered generous interior space, with more front headroom than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. It also provided ample legroom in both rows. The cargo area measured 32.6 cubic feet with seats up and 75.6 cubic feet with seats down. Feature-wise, dual-zone climate control and heated front seats were standard from the Premium trim, with higher trims adding more amenities like a heated steering wheel and power moonroof. The hands-free power liftgate and versatile roof rails added practicality.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5's interior was stylish but less spacious than some rivals. It offered adequate headroom and rear legroom, though competitors like the CR-V and Sportage provided more space. The cargo area held 30.8 cubic feet, expanding to 58.1 cubic feet with seats folded. The CX-5 included practical features like a power liftgate on higher trims and convenient latches for folding seats. Storage for smaller items was decent, with cupholders and a center armrest bin, and midlevel trims added a wireless charging pad.

The 2024 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch infotainment screen on higher trims, with the base model retaining dual 7-inch screens. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless from the Premium trim. Climate controls were integrated into the touchscreen, with some hard buttons for convenience. Wi-Fi capability and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system were available on most trims, enhancing connectivity and audio quality.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment display controlled by a center console dial. The system was intuitive, with logical menus and easy operation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, with wireless capability on midrange trims. The CX-5 featured analog gauges, but higher trims included a head-up display. Audio systems ranged from a basic four-speaker setup to a 10-speaker Bose system on top trims, and a Wi-Fi hotspot was available.

The 2024 Subaru Outback earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It included the EyeSight suite with adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more. Reverse automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring were standard from the Onyx trim, with additional features like a wide-angle camera and driver-attention monitor on the Touring trim.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 received five stars from the NHTSA, except for rollover protection, which earned four stars. The 2024 model was rated "Good" by the IIHS. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera, and traffic jam assist, with the top trim offering a driver attention monitor and rear automatic braking.