I own both vehicles, both 2023 and I can agree with a lot of the comments they are giving about the vehicles. CX 50 is not meant for full off-road, I recommend it to be used more for just a family vehicle and be driven on road. Outback is the one to take off-road. Surprisingly Subura seats are more comfortable than the CX 50 ones. Backup camera for Subaru is awful, while Mazda is super crisp bot in day and night. Nob is so easy to use and I got used to it in just a week. Subaru heated seats heat up much much faster than Mazda's and even Toyota's. Both vehicles prices were very similar. I got CX 50 Turbo with Terracotta seats, Machine Gray color. For Subaru I got the Outback Onyx XT in Autumn Green Metallic.
Do you have the turbo CX-50? If so, which one accelerates quicker? I have the 2018 Forester XT. I like the way the CX-50 looks and have thought about getting it sometimes but would need something equivalent to the Turbo 4 in the XT.
@jaysworld5378 The acceleration on both are very very similar. CX-50 has 256hp with premium fuel and Outback XT has 260hp. I do prefer how Mazda feels going a bit quick on curved roads. If you ever get a chance to drive one try that yourself and don't be scared to push it a bit to really feel what I'm talking about. Outback XT feels so comfortable but that due to the fact that it comes with smaller wheels and thicker tires. Sadly the CX-50 Turbo comes with big wheels and you feel more of the road imperfections. If you want to save on fuel I suggest maybe going for the non turbos, I average about 22 to 24 mpg on both. Outback is about maybe 4 inches longer and just barely a bit taller so it feels slightly bigger when you open the hatch. One year and 5 months with both and I still love them. There's just little things you'd prefer from both but overall very similar vehicles in cargo and acceleration.
I researched both these cars for a month online, both turbo versions, and finally went to a dealer that carried both Mazda and Subaru. I drove both cars, both turbo models, sat in them, front and rear, checked out load space, etc. I didn't take the time to drive on the highway but out in the country to get some good speed, check handling, braking, overall feel, and was shocked to be able to make such an easy decision between the two. I now own a 2023 Subaru Outback XT Touring. It's quiter, ride more compliant, and believe it or not, I like the transmission better as Subaru does the best CVT's. The Mazda's transmission was noticeably lethargic in it's lower gear shifts, up and down, and it was very noticeable to me. You can shift the Subie's computer derived gears even when in drive, not manual, so you can use engine braking, etc. In manual it holds it's "gears" until you shift via the paddle shifters. Honestly if you drive one you will have a hard time recognizing it as a CVT, at least with the turbo model. The other thing is the size. I was just much more comfortable in the Subie. Anyway, again, I was shocked at how easy my decision was but I'm happy I made it.
Thanks for sharing. I had narrowed it down to these two cars. I tested the Outback tonight and was thinking about finding a CX50 to test tomorrow. But I might go ahead and go back in the morning and get the Outback.
Subaru CVT is the better CVT if you have to have a CVT, and the paddel shifters with the outback are finicky and retard the engine, back as a CVT has no physical gears, it's just a belt.. I have a ongoing love hate relationship with our 2. 5 Forster due to that CVT that offers as much joy as pushing a shopping cart.. I actually prefer Mazdas interior and traditional 6speed, but every thing else, I like Subaru. When I do decide, it's going to boil down to the best deal I can get.. Subaru base non turbo 2.5 is actually a great engine, the upgrade in price for a premium XT turbo... Mazda is more premium in feel.
Road and Track Magazine's title for the CX-50 was literally "The 2023 Mazda CX-50 Is a Better Subaru Outback". It's far and away a better vehicle in almost every regard. That said, that doesn't mean it's a better vehicle for everyone. I would buy the Mazda alone due to the lack of CVT alone. The fact that it drives better and has way better styling/interior luxury + fit and finish would be the deal clincher for me. That said I needed more size than both of these cars and bought a CX-90 instead. I drove the CX-50 and was blown away. I've never driven an SUV in my life that drove/steered as good as it did.
If you get both of the same models in comparison on the Outback and CX50, the best bang for your buck is the Outback. If Mazda only had a independent rear suspension it would probably be the winner, but not a big fan of torsion beam rear suspension. Nothing wrong with them but a double wishbone suspension on the Outback is superior. Also the CX50, the rear seats don't even recline.
Another easy win for Subaru. The #2 rated car in the 2022 Consumer Reports annual auto issue. The most comprehensive fact based automotive analysis available. (and no the company that advertises the most on the channel or magazine doesn’t get the best reviews) #1 of course is a Subaru ✅
CVT is enough to avoid the Subaru. Wait until it has some issues and you have to spend 6 grand to replace the transmission because no one knows how to work on CVT’s and the replacement parts are hard to find. Plus the Mazda looks way, way better.
Overall, you can go wrong with either Car . The boxer engine in the Subaru is more problematic to oil leaks . And very expensive to repair. If you ever need a head gasket, you have too take the whole engine apart very expensive . Just keep in mind Toyota owns 40% of a Subaru and 5% of Mazda .
@@richardmichael59 it really looks so dated. It pulls so much of its design from the classic 70's wagon that it doesn't look new. We see cars that generally keeps similar styling like range rovers, but that sort of style actually has become more attractive over time which is why wagons just don't really exist in the US
It’s close most reviews have them tied or very close. Outback excels in space, and a more powerful turbo in regards to acceleration 6 vs 6.6) I like the starter seats in the onyx & wilderness the Outback XT also has a front camera I’d choose Outback I like the modern interior with 2-tone water resistant material in sndthe off road ability is legendary more hp mean more fun in road too . Note the longer wheelbase gives Outback a more compliant ride on road and it more capable off road too the onyx has more style and that’s why I choose Outback it’s a better balance of on-road sport wagon and off- road crossover without sacrifice In either condition
Not an = comparison cx50 is a compact SUV& Outback is a midsize wagon In the non-turbo variant Outback wins vs Mazda as both are fairly tied in slowness, but Subaru has better mpg and off road ability an the interior of out bec is better with a larger touchscreen ( that you can touch vs dial. The exterior is better on Mazda, but you spend more time inside so you will enjoy more space, bigger screen and waterproof started seats to hat look luxurious in 2- tone!
I have owned one of each plus also a forrester............Forester is best of the 3 for comfort AND off road.......I switched to Mazda for long term reliability...........Check the numbers....Mazda's last longer/less maintainance.....And also tired of the CVT.......Please do not knock the 6 speed.........It has a gear for ANY speed You want to go, plus proven long term dependability...........Also, I would not in this Lifetime ever consider a turbo...........And with the non-turbos, the Mazda has at least double the low end torque...1500--2000 rpm........Paul
For that kind of money the Subaru is a let down in looks inside and out. The car looks old, and the Ipad style infotainment looks like a complete after thought and more on the lines of "this is what the kids are into these days right?". It's poorly executed, doesn't integrate with smartphone mirroring and over all clunky for a brand new system. There are much better options to spend your money on in this segment that has better value for money and looks.
The Mazda all day long for me personally, especially the sleeker CX-5. Subaru makes ugly vehicles. The only Subaru that looks half way nice is the Crosstrek. Mazda is also more reliable in the long run. I don't care about cargo space. Subaru is a hard pass for me.
Torison beam vs CVT Also either a hybrid or full EV make more sense as daily, doing school runs groceries to the mall etc. Advantage: government incentives, much lower running cost maintenance need (save time & money)... not to mention instant torque regardless battery or motor size, super serene well other than the screaming noisy kids 😅😅 Keep in mind those fuel companies are already saying prices will go up (way up) and very soon talking $2+ this summer and onward. Will we see $3, 4 or even $5 a liter? Those greedy ceo Sorry don't mean to bring that up but the point is these days long term running cost might be the deciding factor instead?
When all the money is spent on marketing. Torsion beam suspension on the “premium” Mazda and a truly awful cvt in the Subaru. Spend your money elsewhere. Even the inside of the Mazda is a step backwards compared to the CX5. Looks so cheap inside
It does not look cheap. You gotta understand the class you’re in as well as the price. You’re not buying a Mercedes’ you’re buying a Mazda. You’re getting Mazda quality which is perfectly fine for the class
I test drove both and found the cx-50 more upscale than the cx-5. I also test drove the sports edition of the Suburu Forester and it left cheap and plastic in comparison to the cx-50
I own both vehicles, both 2023 and I can agree with a lot of the comments they are giving about the vehicles. CX 50 is not meant for full off-road, I recommend it to be used more for just a family vehicle and be driven on road. Outback is the one to take off-road. Surprisingly Subura seats are more comfortable than the CX 50 ones. Backup camera for Subaru is awful, while Mazda is super crisp bot in day and night. Nob is so easy to use and I got used to it in just a week. Subaru heated seats heat up much much faster than Mazda's and even Toyota's. Both vehicles prices were very similar. I got CX 50 Turbo with Terracotta seats, Machine Gray color. For Subaru I got the Outback Onyx XT in Autumn Green Metallic.
Do you have the turbo CX-50?
If so, which one accelerates quicker?
I have the 2018 Forester XT. I like the way the CX-50 looks and have thought about getting it sometimes but would need something equivalent to the Turbo 4 in the XT.
@jaysworld5378 The acceleration on both are very very similar. CX-50 has 256hp with premium fuel and Outback XT has 260hp. I do prefer how Mazda feels going a bit quick on curved roads. If you ever get a chance to drive one try that yourself and don't be scared to push it a bit to really feel what I'm talking about. Outback XT feels so comfortable but that due to the fact that it comes with smaller wheels and thicker tires. Sadly the CX-50 Turbo comes with big wheels and you feel more of the road imperfections. If you want to save on fuel I suggest maybe going for the non turbos, I average about 22 to 24 mpg on both. Outback is about maybe 4 inches longer and just barely a bit taller so it feels slightly bigger when you open the hatch. One year and 5 months with both and I still love them. There's just little things you'd prefer from both but overall very similar vehicles in cargo and acceleration.
I researched both these cars for a month online, both turbo versions, and finally went to a dealer that carried both Mazda and Subaru. I drove both cars, both turbo models, sat in them, front and rear, checked out load space, etc. I didn't take the time to drive on the highway but out in the country to get some good speed, check handling, braking, overall feel, and was shocked to be able to make such an easy decision between the two. I now own a 2023 Subaru Outback XT Touring. It's quiter, ride more compliant, and believe it or not, I like the transmission better as Subaru does the best CVT's. The Mazda's transmission was noticeably lethargic in it's lower gear shifts, up and down, and it was very noticeable to me. You can shift the Subie's computer derived gears even when in drive, not manual, so you can use engine braking, etc. In manual it holds it's "gears" until you shift via the paddle shifters. Honestly if you drive one you will have a hard time recognizing it as a CVT, at least with the turbo model. The other thing is the size. I was just much more comfortable in the Subie. Anyway, again, I was shocked at how easy my decision was but I'm happy I made it.
Thanks for sharing. I had narrowed it down to these two cars. I tested the Outback tonight and was thinking about finding a CX50 to test tomorrow. But I might go ahead and go back in the morning and get the Outback.
Subaru CVT is the better CVT if you have to have a CVT, and the paddel shifters with the outback are finicky and retard the engine, back as a CVT has no physical gears, it's just a belt..
I have a ongoing love hate relationship with our 2. 5 Forster due to that CVT that offers as much joy as pushing a shopping cart..
I actually prefer Mazdas interior and traditional 6speed, but every thing else, I like Subaru.
When I do decide, it's going to boil down to the best deal I can get..
Subaru base non turbo 2.5 is actually a great engine, the upgrade in price for a premium XT turbo... Mazda is more premium in feel.
Road and Track Magazine's title for the CX-50 was literally "The 2023 Mazda CX-50 Is a Better Subaru Outback". It's far and away a better vehicle in almost every regard. That said, that doesn't mean it's a better vehicle for everyone. I would buy the Mazda alone due to the lack of CVT alone. The fact that it drives better and has way better styling/interior luxury + fit and finish would be the deal clincher for me. That said I needed more size than both of these cars and bought a CX-90 instead. I drove the CX-50 and was blown away. I've never driven an SUV in my life that drove/steered as good as it did.
What's up with the foggy windows?
I guess the heat and the blower doesn't work in the Mazda?
If you get both of the same models in comparison on the Outback and CX50, the best bang for your buck is the Outback. If Mazda only had a independent rear suspension it would probably be the winner, but not a big fan of torsion beam rear suspension. Nothing wrong with them but a double wishbone suspension on the Outback is superior. Also the CX50, the rear seats don't even recline.
You said “ mid- size SUVs, but cx50 is a compact, the Outback is a mid, but both compare fairly well.
I have driven both, they are both great options but the Subaru outback wins for me
Another easy win for Subaru. The #2 rated car in the 2022 Consumer Reports annual auto issue. The most comprehensive fact based automotive analysis available. (and no the company that advertises the most on the channel or magazine doesn’t get the best reviews)
#1 of course is a Subaru ✅
CVT is enough to avoid the Subaru. Wait until it has some issues and you have to spend 6 grand to replace the transmission because no one knows how to work on CVT’s and the replacement parts are hard to find. Plus the Mazda looks way, way better.
I mean, it cost $5K to replace my 2012 Veloster transmission. I was expecting a higher cost difference between the two
Yes, CVT transmissions can be problematic . If you’re looking to tow anything, it’s not the transmission to do with .
Mazda piece replacement is not cheap either .
@@nildadel9795 nowadays nothing cheap .
…first and foremost, you have 8 years of warranty with the Subaru… 😊
Outback for me looks like a grandpa car 😅
Inside and under chasis mazda is the granpa
Subaru has perfected making ugly vehicles. I'll give them that.
No heat in the Mazda?Windows fogging up and your dressed like your ready to go to the Arctic. Lol.
Love these super smart ladies. Thanks for the review. Exactly what I was looking for.
Overall, you can go wrong with either Car . The boxer engine in the Subaru is more problematic to oil leaks . And very expensive to repair. If you ever need a head gasket, you have too take the whole engine apart very expensive . Just keep in mind Toyota owns 40% of a Subaru and 5% of Mazda .
Such a hard pick, it’s like one must test drive each and then, like you said, keep the driving style etc.
Mazda looks better.
The Subaru is just so meh looking.
@@richardmichael59 it really looks so dated. It pulls so much of its design from the classic 70's wagon that it doesn't look new. We see cars that generally keeps similar styling like range rovers, but that sort of style actually has become more attractive over time which is why wagons just don't really exist in the US
Yeah it’s looks much better, I would like to see a comparison between the cx-50 and the crosstek.
If only mazda considers passenger comfort,,, they make a bubbly vehicle design but the space are tight.,
It’s close most reviews have them tied or very close. Outback excels in space, and a more powerful turbo in regards to acceleration 6 vs 6.6) I like the starter seats in the onyx & wilderness the Outback XT also has a front camera I’d choose Outback I like the modern interior with 2-tone water resistant material in sndthe off road ability is legendary more hp mean more fun in road too . Note the longer wheelbase gives Outback a more compliant ride on road and it more capable off road too the onyx has more style and that’s why I choose Outback it’s a better balance of on-road sport wagon and off- road crossover without sacrifice In either condition
A lot less road noise in Outback!!!
Not an = comparison cx50 is a compact SUV& Outback is a midsize wagon
In the non-turbo variant Outback wins vs Mazda as both are fairly tied in slowness, but Subaru has better mpg and off road ability an the interior of out bec is better with a larger touchscreen ( that you can touch vs dial.
The exterior is better on Mazda, but you spend more time inside so you will enjoy more space, bigger screen and waterproof started seats to hat look luxurious in 2- tone!
Mazda for the looks, Subaru for anything else… just so simple😊
Outback all the way for me 🎉🎉🎉
All cars are outdoorsy
Certainly driven less regularly indoors.
I have owned one of each plus also a forrester............Forester is best of the 3 for comfort AND off road.......I switched to Mazda for long term reliability...........Check the numbers....Mazda's last longer/less maintainance.....And also tired of the CVT.......Please do not knock the 6 speed.........It has a gear for ANY speed You want to go, plus proven long term dependability...........Also, I would not in this Lifetime ever consider a turbo...........And with the non-turbos, the Mazda has at least double the low end torque...1500--2000 rpm........Paul
For that kind of money the Subaru is a let down in looks inside and out. The car looks old, and the Ipad style infotainment looks like a complete after thought and more on the lines of "this is what the kids are into these days right?". It's poorly executed, doesn't integrate with smartphone mirroring and over all clunky for a brand new system.
There are much better options to spend your money on in this segment that has better value for money and looks.
The Mazda all day long for me personally, especially the sleeker CX-5. Subaru makes ugly vehicles. The only Subaru that looks half way nice is the Crosstrek. Mazda is also more reliable in the long run. I don't care about cargo space. Subaru is a hard pass for me.
Torison beam vs CVT
Also either a hybrid or full EV make more sense as daily, doing school runs groceries to the mall etc. Advantage: government incentives, much lower running cost maintenance need (save time & money)... not to mention instant torque regardless battery or motor size, super serene well other than the screaming noisy kids 😅😅
Keep in mind those fuel companies are already saying prices will go up (way up) and very soon talking $2+ this summer and onward. Will we see $3, 4 or even $5 a liter? Those greedy ceo
Sorry don't mean to bring that up but the point is these days long term running cost might be the deciding factor instead?
Outback hands down. Much nicer and more comfortable/capable.
When all the money is spent on marketing. Torsion beam suspension on the “premium” Mazda and a truly awful cvt in the Subaru. Spend your money elsewhere. Even the inside of the Mazda is a step backwards compared to the CX5. Looks so cheap inside
It does not look cheap. You gotta understand the class you’re in as well as the price. You’re not buying a Mercedes’ you’re buying a Mazda. You’re getting Mazda quality which is perfectly fine for the class
I test drove both and found the cx-50 more upscale than the cx-5. I also test drove the sports edition of the Suburu Forester and it left cheap and plastic in comparison to the cx-50
Subaru will last longer
No it won't 😂
@@know916bound The cx-5 beat Toyota as the most reliable vehicle according to Consumer reports. I bought a Mazda for this reason
I now a fee Mazda owner with major reliabily issues true, diesel cars (europe)
Maintenance is expensive .
If something brakes , parts are expensive compared to Toyota or Honda.
@@nildadel9795 The brakes break?