The 2026 Subaru Outback is an instantly recognizable vehicle that Americans praise year after year, but they seem to be conveniently forgetting that the Mazda CX-5 exists. Mazda is often overlooked in conversations, despite often being worthy of whatever topic is being discussed. However, there’s a reason the Mazda CX-5 is listed along with the Subaru Outback on Autotrader’s “Best New Cars of 2026” list. The main one being that the Mazda CX-5 offers much of the same while being less expensive.
The 2026 Subaru Outback has a starting MSRP of $34,995, which is admittedly not too shabby. However, the Mazda CX-5 starts at $31,485. It’s not the biggest price gap, but you also have to remember all the other fees that go along with it, like rising destination fees. Right now, both carmakers are on the lower side. Subaru charges a destination fee of $1,450, and Mazda charges $1,495. Despite costing a few thousand less than the Outback, the CX-5 offers the same driving experience — and then some.
Subaru Outback vs. Mazda CX-5: Reliability and safety
When it comes to overall brand reliability, Subaru has Mazda beat, sure. But let’s talk these specific models. J.D. Power has rated the Outback 83 out of 100 for quality and reliability, putting it near the top of the midsize SUV segment, while the Mazda CX-5 scores 82, nearly identical in its domination of the compact SUV category.
This consistent reliability is due to these models never being fully reinvented. Instead, they have been tweaked, updated… This means the overall platforms, powertrains, and infotainment systems have remained the same over the years, which is why they’re trusted and don’t require years of testing to smooth out the kinks. Instead, they are improving their existing design and hardware.
As one Redditor noted when comparing the two models: “Reliability is probably a wash.”
Subaru Outback vs. Mazda CX-5: Interior
As a midsize SUV, the Outback clearly has more room — although not by enough to matter in most instances. It has 33-ish cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats, or 75-80 cubic feet with those seats folded flat, while the CX-5 has 30-ish cubic feet of space, or nearly 60 with the seats folded down. The Outback has 41 inches of front headroom and 43 inches of front legroom in the front compared to the CX-5’s 41 inches of legroom and 40 inches of headroom. However, it’s not enough extra space to make people prefer the Outback’s interior in some cases.
Said one driver: “I have a Subaru and I really miss the interior of a Mazda. Looking to make the switch to the new CX-50 hybrid soon.”
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 features a fresh new design with premium materials, including soft-touch surfaces, available Nappa leather, and real wood trim. The seats are plush and higher trims can get them heated along with the steering wheel. The positioning is very comfortable while driving. Many controls have also been removed in the latest model, opting instead for more functionality in the central infotainment system. The larger 15.6-inch screen is a plus for those who prefer a more modern feel, but some will miss having physical buttons.
Meanwhile, the Outback doesn’t feel as comfortable for driving if you’re tall. Wrote one Redditor: “I just sat in one, and the upward visibility is horrible for tallish people. Even with the seat at its lowest, my forehead is close to the sunroof bulkhead and visor (which is massive). Plus, even more windshield blocked by the cameras.”
The Outback’s new interior has its fans, however, although the Limited trim has really rubbed even Subaru enthusiasts the wrong way with its cloth. One disappointed fan wrote: “The cloth interior is hideous. I’m not sure how Subaru can brand themselves as an animal-friendly car when the amount of cat or dog hair will be sickening.”
Added another: “The fabric dash is the biggest WTF moment for me. It looks incredibly cheap and turns me off from all trims but the Touring immediately. And it’s such a shame, because Subaru is one of the few brands where you can get upgraded audio on lower trims. But I just can’t with that fabric. I tried. I sat in it in the showroom for like 30 minutes, but I just can’t get past it. And I’m one of the few who find the redesign attractive.”
Subaru Outback vs. Mazda CX-5: Exterior
Speaking of the redesign, it’s hard to come by people who find the Outback’s new appearance appealing. It looks extremely boxy, something that’s been happening more with each generation. Some have even compared the grille to a Ford. Noted one hater: “The split headlights are ugly, the wheel arches are a war crime, and it’s not a wagon anymore – looks more like an uglier Ford Flex.”
To Subaru enthusiasts, the exterior has lost its signature Outback styling, you know, a wagon, and is morphing into an SUV. There is also the excessive plastic cladding. That will never grow on me, that’s for sure.
Said another driver: “We’re on our third Outback because we don’t like boxy SUVs. Now Outbacks are morphing into SUVs. Might look elsewhere next time.”
Meanwhile, the 2026 CX-5 is longer and has a more premium SUV-inspired feel. It’s a bit smoother than previous generations, which can feel generic to some but modern to others. The front has a redesigned wing grille and angular, stacked LED headlights. It brings back the model’s signature Soul Red paint, which has won over many fans.
Subaru Outback vs. Mazda CX-5: Off-roading
So, they’re both reliable, have upgraded interiors, and have controversial redesigns. Let’s get down to the performance part.
The Outback is known as a vehicle for nature-lovers, and its off-roading capabilities are often highlighted. It’s what sets it apart from its competitors. However, the Outback is known as a “soft-roader” since it’s designed for light-to-moderate adventures, not full-fledged, Jeep-approved challenges. It features 8.7 inches of ground clearance, all-wheel drive, and X-MODE for added traction. There’s also a Wilderness trim with some added outdoorsy stuff, like specialized tires and skid plates. It’s missing some underbody protection, which keeps it back from more rocky adventures.
You don’t think of the CX-5 when you hear “off-roading,” but it really offers the same experience as the Outback in that aspect. The CX-5 is another SUV meant for light off-roading thanks to its 7.6-inch ground clearance, extra power from its 2.5L turbocharged engine for climbing steep hills, and its off-road modes that allow for better grip and increased brake force on the wheels.
In reality, neither vehicle is probably the top choice for those who want to go off-roading, but they’ll be fun to take along on a camping trip. Fans of the CX-5 also feel it has better handling than the Outback, making it a more fun on-road experience as well.
There’s a reason these two are compared despite being in different SUV classes: they’re both similarly priced, similarly reliable, and offer a similar driving experience. However, I think the CX-5 has the upper hand by just a smidge thanks to its pricing and styling. In reality, you won’t go wrong with either.
