2023 Mazda CX-50 Vs 2022 Subaru Outback
The 2023 Mazda CX-50 and the 2022 Subaru are two excellent compact crossover SUVs. They have roomy cabins, spacious, feature-loaded interiors and balanced off-roading performance. Plus, they have very refined engines, great driving dynamics and handle well on-road and off-road. These trail-ready vehicles also have a very impressive towing capacity and deliver exceptional performance. Both the Mazda CX-50 and the Subaru Outback are very appealing to drivers and passengers because they provide a great driving experience. Take a closer look at them and see which one is better suited for your needs.
Power Source
When it comes to the engines and transmissions of the 2023 Mazda CX-50 and the 2022 Subaru Outback, they are practically identical. The Mazda CX-50 is powered by two available engines. One of them is a 186 horsepower, 2.5 liters, inline-4 engine with 186 pound-feet of torque. The other is a 250 horsepower, 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine with 310 pound-feet of torque Both engines work in tandem with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Subaru Outback also has two engine options. The standard engine is a 182 horsepower, 2.5-liter inline-4 with 176 pound-feet of torque. The other option is a 260 horsepower, 2.4-liter, turbocharged inline-4 engine with 277 pound-feet of torque The engines are mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission. Both vehicles have an all-wheel-drive drivetrain.
Exterior
The 2022 Subaru Outback has an aggressive front fascia with black bumpers, large, black honeycomb grille, adaptive LED headlights, hexagonal fog lights, streamlined, aerodynamic body, sculpted black power-adjustable side mirrors, plastic body cladding, black plastic wheel well cladding, beefy roof rack with swing-in-place crossbars, roofline rear spoiler, sweeping LED taillights and 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. The exterior of the Mazda CX-50 has black bumpers, a black diamond pentagon grille, slim headlamps, broad shoulders, an aerodynamic hood, body-color, power-adjustable side mirrors, black flared fenders, black lower-body cladding, subtle body curves, muscular rear wheel arches and a reinforced roofline and roof rack that can support a pop-up tent with 3 adults. The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is handsome, powerful, rugged, and capable.
Infotainment And Connectivity Technology
The Mazda CX-50 has an advantage over the Subaru Outback when it comes to entertaining its occupants. It has a 7-inch digital instrument display with analog gauges on each side. Plus, it has a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a Bose 12-speaker stereo. The 2023 Mazda CX-50 also has wireless device charging. The Subaru Outback has a 4.2-inch instrument display, analog gauges, and a 7- or 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen. Both Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto are standard. A Harman Kardon 12-speaker audio system and wireless smartphone charging are available options.
The Cabin
The quiet, comfortable, upscale, modern cabin of the 2023 Mazda CX-50 is much nicer than that of the 2022 Subaru Outback Although both have seating for 5, the CX-50 has a heated steering wheel, heated leather seats in the front and rear with contrasting stitching. It also has a panoramic sunroof and a rear power liftgate. The cabin of the 2022 Subaru Outback comes with cloth upholstery as standard. Plus, it has heated rugged front and rear seats and the option to get a heated steering wheel. Like the Mazda CX-50, it has keyless entry, push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a sunroof.
Cargo Space
Both the 2023 Mazda CX-50 and the 2022 Subaru Outback have adequate space for 5 occupants and all of their gear. The passenger space in the 2023 Mazda CX-50 is almost 100 cubic feet and behind the back seat, there are 31 cubic feet of cargo space. However, the cargo space behind the 2022 Subaru Outback's back seat is 32.5 cubic feet. This means both vehicles have almost the same amount of cargo space. However, on both SUVs, the cargo space expands significantly when the rear seat is folded down. But the CX-50 provides easier access to the cargo space with its power rear liftgate.
Performance
The 2022 Subaru Outback delivers car-like handling, a cushioned ride, and impressive traction over rough terrain. The base engine has adequate verve. However, it buzzes loudly when you accelerate hard and has limited passing power. The turbocharged engine produces authoritative, peppy acceleration, but can be a little laggy. The SUV has agreeable driving dynamics, a pliant suspension, quick, but somewhat numb steering, and a comfortable ride. The 2023 Mazda CX-50 has a pleasant driving demeanor, strong torque, and a crisp-shifting transmission. It has accurate steering, exceptional handling, it corners admirably, and has an excellent ride quality. The new Off-road drive mode cleverly combines the steering and traction control systems to keep the vehicle on its intended path with ease. The Mazda Intelligent Drive Select and Activ All-Wheel Drive enhances its performance on any terrain.
Safety And Driver Assistance
The IIHS named both the 2022 Subaru Outback and the 2023 Mazda CX-50 a Top Safety Pick+. Plus, both vehicles have an impressive array of very advanced driver assistance systems. The Subaru Outback has EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology and the Subaru DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System. But the Mazda CX-50 takes it a few steps further. It has lane keep assist, lane departure warning, a backup camera, traction and stability control in its i-Activesense driver assistance suite. It includes adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, pedestrian detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and Mazda's Traffic Jam Assist. And it also has “G-Vectoring” for smoother cornering.
A Great Compact Crossover
With the Mazda 'Soul of Motion' design language the rugged yet refined Mazda CX-50 with i-Active AWD?technology and Mazda Intelligent Drive can easily go from daily on-road driving to exciting off-road adventures. The CX-50's model’s elegant, attractive design styling, spacious cabin, capable engines, towing and great performance make it a versatile crossover that's fun to drive. If you're interested in a 2023 Mazda CX-50, visit Seacoast Mazda. They can give you access to the wide array of models in their inventory and let you test drive any of them that you want. Just call or visit Seacoast Mazda today.