Finding the right SUV for your family can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options on the market. Byers Airport Subaru in Columbus, OH, understands the stress of balancing your needs for comfort, safety, performance, and value. That’s why we’ve taken the guesswork out of your decision-making process with a detailed comparison of the 2025 Subaru Outback and the 2025 Mazda CX-5. Both SUVs offer exceptional features, but the Outback stands out with its rugged versatility, spacious interior, and advanced technology. Built for adventure, the Outback features standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, an impressive 9.5 inches of ground clearance on the Wilderness trim, and a variety of driver-assist technologies through Subaru’s EyeSight® Driver Assist suite. Its larger cargo capacity and more accommodating interior dimensions make it ideal for families needing space for gear, groceries, or luggage. The Outback’s standard touchscreen infotainment system, combined with Subaru’s reputation for reliability, ensures your drives are as enjoyable as they are worry-free. While the Mazda CX-5 delivers sleek styling and solid performance, the Outback’s superior off-road capability and family-friendly design make it the ultimate choice for active lifestyles. Explore the differences firsthand by scheduling a test drive at Byers Airport Subaru today. Let us help you find the perfect SUV for your family’s adventures!
The 2025 Outback starts with a ground clearance of 8-7 inches, over an inch higher than the 7.6-inch ground clearance found on the 2025 CX-5. If you choose the Outback Wilderness trim level, the ground clearance goes up to 9.5 inches, perfect for off-roading and exploring out-of-the-way areas. Both the Outback and the CX-5 boast standard 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and while the Outback offers an upgrade to 18-inch wheels, the CX-5 goes up to 19 inches. All-season tires are standard fare on both models but the Outback Wilderness comes standard with all-terrain tires to help you get the most out of your adventures. LED steering responsive headlights and LED fog lights are standard on the Outback while the CX-5 only offers LED headlights and no fog light option.
Both the 2025 Outback and the 2025 CX-5 seat 5 and offer comparable head- and legroom while the Outback has 5 more cubic feet of passenger volume than the CX-5. The Outback also comes out victorious in the battle of cargo volume; with the rear seat folded down, the Outback offers 75.6 cubic feet of space while the CX-5 only has 58.1 cubic feet of room. Both SUVs offer available heated front seats but only the Outback has higher trim levels that include heated rear outboard seats, ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Leather-trimmed upholstery is an available feature on both models. Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility is standard fare on both the Outback and the CX-5 so you have easy access to all your favorite apps. Bluetooth® is standard on both SUVs as well for seamless audio streaming and hands-free phone connectivity.
Both the 2025 Outback and 2025 CX-5 boast a 2.5-liter engine under the hood but while the CX-5 is a 4-cylinder that generates 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, the Outback brings the iconic, flat-four BOXER® to the table, producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. If you're looking for even more power, only the Outback offers the 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER, making a hefty 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The Outback is paired with the Lineartronic® CVT while the CX-5 is mated with the SKYACTIV®-Drive 6-speed automatic. Both SUVs are all-wheel drive but only the Outback offers the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, bringing you superior stability and better traction in challenging driving conditions. The CX-5 gets up to 29 MPG on the highway while towing up to 2,000 lbs. The Outback boasts a max towing capacity of 3,500 lbs and gets up to 32 highway MPG.
While we don't have ratings from the IIHS for the new 2025 models, they named the 2024 Outback a Top Safety Pick. The 2025 Outback and 2025 CX-5 were awarded a perfect 5-star overall safety rating by the NHTSA. The EyeSight® suite of driver assist technology is standard on the Outback and includes features such as Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-collision Braking, Sway Warning, and Automatic Emergency Steering. Both the Outback and the CX-5 offer standard Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist while the CX-5 comes standard with Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, features that are available on the Outback's higher trim levels.
At Byers Airport Subaru in Columbus, OH, we’ve compared the 2025 Subaru Outback and the 2025 Mazda CX-5 to help you find the SUV that best suits your needs. While both vehicles offer impressive features, the Outback emerges as the superior choice for families and adventure enthusiasts alike. With standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, greater ground clearance, and Subaru’s EyeSight® Driver Assist technology, the Outback is built to tackle diverse terrains with confidence and ease. It also boasts a more spacious interior and larger cargo capacity, making it ideal for families needing extra room for gear or groceries. The Outback’s rugged versatility and advanced technology, combined with Subaru’s renowned reliability, make it a standout option. While the Mazda CX-5 delivers refined styling and solid performance, the 2025 Subaru Outback proves to be the more versatile and capable SUV. Contact Byers Airport Subaru to schedule a test drive today!
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2025 Subaru Outback | 2025 Mazda CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Engine | 2.0-Liter BOXER® | 2.5-Liter Skyactiv®-G |
| Standard Horsepower | 182 | 187 |
| Standard Torque (lb-ft) | 176 | 186 |
| All-Wheel Drive | Standard (Symmetrical) | Standard |
| Standard Fuel Economy (MPG) | 26 City/32 Highway | 23 Cit /29 Highway |
| Passenger Volume (Cubic Feet) | 109.0 | 103.6 |
| Max Cargo Volume (Cubic Feet) | 75.6 | 59.3 |
| Standard Climate Control | Automatic | Automatic |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Standard (Symmetrical) | Standard |
| Standard Multimedia Touchscreen Size | Dual 7.0 Inches | 10.25 Inches |
*MSRP does not include destination and delivery charges, tax, title, and registration fees. Destination and delivery includes handling and inland freight fees and may vary in some states. Prices, specifications, options, features, and models subject to change without notice. Select colors may be subject to an additional charge. See your retailer for more information.
