Subaru Outback vs. Mazda CX-5: Which is the Best AWD SUV?

There’s a fairly specific subset of the SUV market the appeals to shoppers who want a family vehicle that’s equally comfortable at an off-road rally as the local grocery store. These family vehicles are basically designed to do it all, and while they may not be true overlanding rigs, their all-wheel capability and superior dynamics make them an excellent jack-of-all-trades.

The Subaru Outback and Mazda CX-5 are two such SUVs, but they both have some key differences too. So, which one is the best SUV overall? We’re here to figure it out by comparing the 2025 Outback and 2025 CX-5 to see which one comes out on top.

Outback vs. CX-5 Engines and Performance

Both SUVs come standard with their own proprietary all-wheel drive systems, providing increased stability in rough weather and a decent amount of off-roading cops, although neither one is likely to fare well deep in the backcountry.

They both also have two powertrain options. Here are some specs at a glance for the 2025 Outback:

• 5-liter BOXER® 4-cylinder
  • 182 horsepower
  • 176 pound-feet of torque
  • 26 MPG city, 32 MPG highway
  • 2,700 pounds max towing
• 4-liter Turbocharged BOXER® 4-cylinder
  • 260 horsepower
  • 277 pound-feet of torque
  • 22 MPG city, 29 MPG highway
  • 3,500 pounds max towing

And here are the specs for the 2025 Mazda CX-5:

• SKYACTIV®-G 2.5-liter 4-cylinder
  • 187 horsepower
  • 186 pound-feet of torque
  • 23 MPG city, 29 MPG highway
  • 2,000 pounds max towing
• SKYACTIV®-G 2.5-liter Turbo 4-cylinder
  • 256 horsepower
  • 310 pound-feet of torque
  • 22 MPG city, 27 MPG highway
  • 2,000 pounds max towing

The regular and turbocharged engines for both have comparable specs, and both SUVs have been lauded for their driving dynamics. However, the Outback gets significantly better fuel economy and has a much higher towing capacity, which makes it more attractive as a family vehicle.

Outback vs. CX-5 Dimensions and Interior Space

The Outback and CX-5 have quite different body styles—the CX-5 is a fairly straightforward compact body style, while the Outback has more wagon-like proportions. This has a massive impact on how much room they have for passengers and cargo.

Here’s a breakdown of their respective dimensions:

Overall, the passenger measurements are pretty close, but it’s a different story when we look at the total luggage carrying capacity, with over 16 extra cubic feet in the Outback. To top it off, the Outback also comes standard with raised roof rails and retractable cross bars, which allows for even more standard cargo space.

Outback vs. CX-5 Features and Safety

Mazda has made a name for themselves for furnishing their cars with luxury-adjacent amenities. The CX-5 comes standard with a crisp 10.25-inch center display, which features Bluetooth®, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, dual USB ports, and Mazda Connected Services with in-vehicle Wi-Fi. Upper-level trims also get a 7-inch LCD driver info center, premium Bose® stereo, wireless phone charging, and more USB chargers scattered throughout the cabin.

The base-level Outback gets a 7-inch center display screen, but all others get a large 11.6-inch screen. Both screen options come standard with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, Bluetooth®, SiriusXM®, HD Radio®, a USB port, and an auxiliary jack. Nearly all trims also come standard with 4G Wi-Fi capacity and a premium Harmon-Kardon® audio system.

Both SUVs have an impressive array of convenience features. But how do they stack up in terms of safety?

For the CX-5, standard driver assistance features include Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Lane Departure Warning System, Lane-keep Assist, and Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

Meanwhile, the Outback comes with Subaru EyeSight® technology, which includes Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, Pre-Collision Braking, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, Lane Keep Assist, and Automatic Emergency Steering.

All told, in terms of tech and safety features, the Outback and CX-5 both offer an excellent selection, so we’ll have to call this one a tie.

Outback vs. CX-5 Price and Trims

Now that we’ve checked out some of the most essential features of each, let’s see how much one is going to run you when you decide to visit a Mazda or Subaru dealership near Niceville, FL.

Here’s a breakdown of 2025 Outback trims and MSRP:

• Base: $28,895
• Premium: $31,195
• Onyx Edition: $36,105
• Limited: $37,885
• Onyx Edition XT: $39,360
• Wilderness: $39,960
• Touring: $40,345
• Limited XT: $40,195
• Touring XT: $42,795

And here’s the 2025 CX-5:

• 5 S: $28,570
• 5 S Select: $29,900
• 5 S Preferred: $31,250
• 5 S Carbon Edition: $32,600
• 5 S Premium Plus: $35,200
• 5 Carbon Turbo: $37,000
• 5 Turbo Premium: $37,800
• 5 Turbo Signature: $40,600

Both start and end around the same price point, which means that the Outback is the better deal if you want an SUV with more space, more towing capacity, and better gas mileage.

Looking for a 2025 Subaru Outback for Sale Near You?

Be sure to keep an eye out for our special offers on new vehicles and lease deals at Step One Subaru Fort Walton Beach. We make it easy to find the best family SUVs by shopping online, so you don’t even have to leave your house to buy a Subaru Outback near you.

You can also stop by our lot to test drive one for yourself—we’re located at 916 Beal Parkway, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547. Contact us online or give us a call at (850) 716-1400 to get started.