VS
At a Glance
Power
219hp @ 5700
180hp @ 5800
Torque
163lb-ft @ 3600
178lb-ft @ 4400
Fuel
38 mpg est.
28 mpg est.
Towing
1500lbs
2700lbs
Engine
2.5 L/152ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the Mazda Cx 50 Hybrid and the Subaru Outback is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Mazda Cx 50 Hybrid delivers 219hp @ 5700 while the Subaru Outback produces 180hp @ 5800. On fuel, the Cx 50 Hybrid returns 38 mpg est. while the Outback uses 28 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $34,750 for the Cx 50 Hybrid and $41,715 for the Outback. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Mazda Cx 50 HybridPremium Plus AWD 2026 - From $34,750
Subaru OutbackLimited AWD 2026 - From $41,715
Performance
Power Output (hp)
219hp @ 5700
180hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
163lb-ft @ 3600
178lb-ft @ 4400
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Hybrid
Gasoline
Transmission
CVT w/OD
Automatic
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
38 mpg est.
28 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
39 (2025)mpg
25mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
37 (2025)mpg
31mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
14.5gal
18gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
186.1in
191.7in
Width (in)
75.6in
74in
Height (in)
65.8in
67.5in
Wheelbase (in)
110.8in
108.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4008lbs
3799lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
1500lbs
2700lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mazda Cx 50 Hybrid
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Cx 50 Hybrid
Fuel Economy
Cx 50 Hybrid
Value
Cx 50 Hybrid
Practicality
Outback
Pros & Cons
Mazda Cx 50 Hybrid
Better fuel economy (38 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($34,750)
Few notable weaknesses
Subaru Outback
Higher towing capacity (2700lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (28 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Cx 50 Hybrid or Outback?
The Cx 50 Hybrid gets 38 mpg est. and the Outback gets 28 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Cx 50 Hybrid is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Cx 50 Hybrid or Outback?
The Cx 50 Hybrid produces 219hp @ 5700 and 163lb-ft @ 3600 of torque while the Outback delivers 180hp @ 5800 and 178lb-ft @ 4400 of torque. The Cx 50 Hybrid is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Cx 50 Hybrid and Outback?
The Cx 50 Hybrid starts from $34,750 and the Outback from $41,715. The Cx 50 Hybrid is cheaper by $6,965 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Cx 50 Hybrid or Outback?
The Cx 50 Hybrid has a braked towing capacity of 1500lbs and the Outback can tow 2700lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Cx 50 Hybrid or the Outback?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.