2024 Mazda CX-50 vs 2024 Subaru Outback

SUVs are hugely popular with automotive buyers nowadays, and there are plenty of good reasons for that. No other vehicle type offers comparable interior comfort while still being compact enough to maneuver through crowded Orange County traffic. The 2024 Mazda CX-50 and Subaru Outback are great examples of comfortable and practical SUVs. Read as our Capistrano Mazda team shows how they compare in essential categories.

Interior Comfort

Cabin comfort is arguably the main reason many Orange County drivers buy SUVs. Like other Mazda vehicles, the 2024 Mazda CX-50 provides plenty of space in both rows for passengers. It’s also easy to get in and out of, and the seats are soft and supportive. Its biggest selling point when it comes to interior comfort is its amazing ride quality. The CX-50’s suspension system cancels out most road imperfections without compromising cornering ability, so you and your passengers will feel like you’re floating on a cushion.

The 2024 Outback also provides great comfort levels for everyone inside. Its seats are highly adjustable, and both rows have plenty of legroom and headroom. Although its ride quality is above average even by SUV standards, it’s still no match for the Mazda CX-50. Another minus is the lack of physical buttons for often-used functions. Using the touch-screen interface can be challenging, especially while driving.

Power and Performance

When shopping for an SUV, you’re probably looking for a powerful engine and sharp acceleration for maneuvering through Orange County traffic. The 2024 Mazda CX-50 and Subaru Outback both offer two powertrain options. The CX-50’s standard engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that can produce up to 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. The upgraded version is a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with an output of 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque when you use 93 octane fuel. The base CX-50 will go from zero to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, which is impressive for an SUV.

The 2024 Subaru Outback also has a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Its output is slightly inferior to the Mazda’s, delivering 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. Higher trims get a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with up to 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Going from zero to 60 mph takes 8.8 seconds with the standard engine, which is sluggish even for SUV standards and much slower than the Mazda CX-50.

Standard Features

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 and the 2024 Subaru Outback have well-equipped base versions. The CX-50’s standard trim has practical and visually pleasing features, including 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, LED headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an eight-speaker sound system. You’ll also get a sizeable 10.25-inch touch-screen interface and standard wireless smartphone connectivity through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

The Subaru Outback’s base version also includes 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, and LED headlights. However, it lacks some of the CX-50’s standard functions. For example, the automatic climate control is for a single zone, the audio system only features four speakers, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity isn’t wireless. Also, you get two smaller 7-inch screens.

Storage and Cargo Space

If you love road trips with friends and family, you’ll need plenty of space for luggage and small items. The 2024 Mazda CX-50 and the 2024 Subaru Outback offer a little over 30 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, which should be enough for everyone’s luggage to fit in. While the Subaru has plenty of interior storage options, they lack adequate size. That’s not an issue for the CX-50, which features an excellently designed interior with ample storage.

Passive and Active Safety Features

Since you may be considering an SUV because you have a family, safety is undoubtedly one of your main concerns. Both the 2024 Mazda CX-50 and the 2024 Subaru Outback prioritize safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has awarded both vehicles maximum safety scores. They also come with long lists of active safety features to help you notice and avoid potential collisions. Some of the most useful features of both vehicles are as follows:

• Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking: It issues a visual and audible warning if it senses an imminent frontal collision. If it doesn’t detect a reaction from you, it’ll automatically hit the brakes to avoid or mitigate the impact.
• Lane departure mitigation: It warns you if you start drifting from the center of your lane without activating the turn signal. If you don’t steer the vehicle back into its original position, it’ll make minor steering corrections to keep it in its lane.
• Adaptive cruise control: It keeps the vehicle at a steady speed while driving on the highway. It’ll also adapt the speed to maintain a constant distance from the car in front.
• Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert: It issues a visual warning if another vehicle is in your blind spot while changing lanes. It also monitors traffic from both sides while reversing, alerting you if any vehicle or object is approaching from either side.
• Surround-view: It uses cameras to display the area around the vehicle, which can be useful when navigating through tight parking spaces or narrow roads, as it helps you avoid minor collisions.

Take the New 2024 Mazda CX-50 for a Test Drive at Capistrano Mazda

Despite the 2024 Mazda CX-50 and Subaru Outback being excellent examples of quality SUVs, the Mazda narrowly wins due to its superior ride quality, better acceleration, and longer list of standard features. If you want to see it for yourself and take it for a drive before deciding if it’s the right vehicle for you and your family, you’re welcome to do so here at Capistrano Mazda. Our knowledgeable sales professionals will answer all your questions and address any concerns. Contact us today and schedule your test drive.