Topic: 2023 Mazda CX-50 vs Subaru Outback Comparison Test

[AutoTrader.ca]

These well-rounded and capable midsize crossovers are a closer match than you might think.
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[Fobroader]

The fact that the Mazda has a proper transmission and is easily one of the best looking small CUVs on the market makes this an easy choice

[ktm525]

For some inexplainable reason Mazda cranked the headroom down on these.    Back to the mistakes of the old Mazda6. Anyone 6ft + need not apply.

[2JDM]

All Mazdas tend to be smaller than their competition. Part of their lightweight strategy?

[PJungnitsch]

Good review. Hard to beat the style of the Mazda, but I can see how the long travel suspension and great sight lines of the Subaru appeal, appreciate both on the Crosstrek every day

Funny how the Mazda evolved down in height and the Subaru evolved up!

[Great_Big_Abyss]

All Mazdas tend to be smaller than their competition. Part of their lightweight strategy?

I think it's more they're just 'right-sizing' their vehicles in a world where every car segment is getting more and more bloated.

As far as Outback, the Wilderness is the one to get.

[HeliDriver]

I’ve always thought of Mazda as just not having the resources to build specific (bigger) vehicles for the North American market. They design vehicles for worldwide tastes (generally smaller) and North America gets what it gets.

[tortoise]

There's probably some truth to that.

But I think styling is the reason the CX-50 has a lower roof line.

[DriverJeff]

All Mazdas tend to be smaller than their competition. Part of their lightweight strategy?

I think it's more they're just 'right-sizing' their vehicles in a world where every car segment is getting more and more bloated.

As far as Outback, the Wilderness is the one to get.

I thought so too, until I drove one. Jacking it up that little bit seemed to throw off the handling a little too much. While it may be better off-road, most folks aren't going to take these things down anything gnarlier than what a 'normal' Outback will do anyway (which is surprisingly impressive, btw). The Outback wallows around a lot as it is, but the Wilderness, with its AT tires and taller suspension wallows a little too much.

[DriverJeff]

The fact that the Mazda has a proper transmission and is easily one of the best looking small CUVs on the market makes this an easy choice

Yeah, long-term durability of the CVT would be a concern with the Outback, but under warranty, at least, it drives surprisingly well.

[valuator]

The fact that the Mazda has a proper transmission and is easily one of the best looking small CUVs on the market makes this an easy choice

Yeah, long-term durability of the CVT would be a concern with the Outback, but under warranty, at least, it drives surprisingly well.

I hope Subaru has improved the CVT, because ours is shockingly bad.  The rubber band effect is brutal.  Otherwise, we really like the car.  Or at least my wife does, that's the important part.

I can't find a comfortable driving position in it, but I've grown accustomed to driving the Pilot like a big rig, elbow on the arm rest, and the little BMW has always fit me like a glove.