2026 Mazda CX-50 vs 2026 Subaru Outback
If your weekend plans range from a quick run along I-394 to a family escape toward the St. Croix River, the 2026 Mazda CX-50 vs 2026 Subaru Outback comparison is likely on your list. Both crossovers deliver standard all-wheel traction, confident road manners, and the versatility shoppers want near Minnetonka, MN. The Outback enters a new generation with bolder styling, a standard 12.1-inch touchscreen, and upgraded EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology that now supports available Hands-Free Driving Assist on select trims. Mazda’s adventure-focused CX-50 doubles down on precision driving dynamics with standard i-Activ AWD®, Mazda Intelligent Drive Select, and an expanded lineup that now includes a highly efficient Hybrid and potent 2.5 Turbo models. At Morrie's Auto Group, we know how our customers use their vehicles day to day — from quick trips across Golden Valley to longer drives toward Forest Lake — and both of these SUVs fit those needs in distinctive ways. Read on for a clear take on strengths, differences, and why either might be your ideal match near Minnetonka, MN.
| Feature | 2026 Mazda CX-50 | 2026 Subaru Outback |
|---|---|---|
| Standard all-wheel drive | Yes | Yes |
| Turbocharged engine available | Yes | Yes |
| Hybrid powertrain available | Yes | No |
| Panoramic moonroof available | Yes | Yes |
| Hands-free highway driving assist available | No | Yes |
| 12-inch class touchscreen | No | Yes |
| Ground clearance ? 8.5 inches available | Yes | Yes |
| Raised roof rails standard | Yes | Yes |
| Towing capacity ? 3,500 lb available | Yes | Yes |
| Surround View/360° camera available | Yes | Yes |
Exterior - Mazda Dealer serving Minnetonka, MN
Rugged and refined — that’s the design brief of Mazda’s crossover. The stance is athletic with available 20-inch machine-finish alloy wheels, a low-level cargo floor for easier loading, and tasteful cladding that looks at home pulling into a North Loop restaurant or a lakeside trailhead. For 2026, select models add gloss black Mazda emblems and badges, while Meridian Editions bring all-terrain tires, distinctive hood graphics, and extra outdoor-friendly accessories. Signature LED headlights with auto-leveling, Adaptive Front-lighting System, and a panoramic roof on key trims further elevate its premium-over-adventure persona. It reads more muscular than a compact crossover but tighter and more tailored than a traditional SUV — a look many of our customers at Morrie's Auto Group gravitate toward.
The all-new Outback goes bolder still. A taller, boxier silhouette conveys capability, with a larger grille, vertical headlamp emphasis, and an upright front fascia designed for improved scratch resistance and aerodynamics. Standard raised roof rails feature smart measurement markers and impressive ratings — up to 800 pounds static, 220 pounds dynamic, and, for the first time on a Subaru, up to 220 pounds lateral load for hanging gear. Trims offer newly available 19-inch wheels, while Wilderness models ride on 17-inch alloys wrapped in chunky all-terrain tires and add functional cladding, a front skid plate, and exclusive styling accents. The result is an SUV that looks ready to head for the Paul Bunyan Trail at a moment’s notice while still fitting comfortably in a downtown ramp.
Interior - 2026 Mazda CX-50 vs 2026 Mazda CX-50 near Minnetonka, MN
Step inside and the character of each cabin comes into focus. Mazda emphasizes a driver-centric layout with a wide 10.25-inch display and an intuitive rotary-controller interface complemented by touch functionality for Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto. Alexa Built-in, a wireless phone charger, four USB-C ports, and available Bose 12-speaker audio make daily life easier and road trips more engaging. The available power sliding panoramic moonroof brings light into an interior that can be appointed with black leather or the new White Interior Option for an upscale, minimalist look. Cargo is thoughtfully shaped — 31.4 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded — ideal for golf bags, camping crates, or that Costco run near Minnetonka, MN.
Subaru answers with a more expansive, upright feel and new tech of its own. A standard 12.1-inch center touchscreen pairs with a 12.3-inch full digital gauge cluster, while physical climate controls remain for quick adjustments with gloves. Available features include Nappa leather, ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, a power tilt/sliding moonroof, Harman Kardon audio, and a wireless device charger. Practicality is a hallmark — bottle holders accept 32-ounce bottles, and the cargo bay grows to 34.6 cubic feet, aided by a taller roof and flatter load floor. Subaru’s configurable, washable tonneau cover and clever tie-down points add everyday utility our customers appreciate when shuttling gear around town.
2026 Mazda CX-50 vs 2026 Subaru Outback Mechanical Specs
On the road, Mazda’s engineering focus is precision and poise. Every model includes i-Activ AWD® and Mazda Intelligent Drive Select with Normal, Sport, and Off-Road modes — plus Towing mode on properly equipped Turbo models — to tailor responsiveness. G-Vectoring Control Plus subtly manages torque and braking to settle the chassis during steering inputs, helping the CX-50 track faithfully through sweeping turns on Highway 12 or when merging quickly onto US-169. Available 20-inch wheels with all-season tires underscore its planted feel on smooth pavement, while Meridian Editions switch to all-terrain rubber for trail-friendly traction. The suspension tuning emphasizes body control and calm motions, and the cargo area’s wide opening and flat floor make everyday loading simple for active households near Minnetonka, MN.
Subaru’s mechanical recipe layers stability and confidence atop proven hardware. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with X-MODE® remains standard, now with a steering wheel-mounted toggle on certain trims for hands-on trail adjustments. Ground clearance is 8.7 inches across the lineup, with Outback Wilderness rising to 9.5 inches and adding electronically controlled dampers for improved rough-road compliance. A revised all-wheel-drive system locks the center differential faster to reduce wheelspin, and steering response benefits from a dual-pinion electronic rack related to the WRX for better on-center feel and turn-in. These changes make the new Outback steadier over broken pavement and gravel and more reassuring when threading through construction zones or detouring along county roads on the way home from downtown.
Powertrain - Mazda Dealership near Minnetonka, MN
Mazda offers three distinct personalities under the hood. The naturally aspirated Skyactiv-G 2.5L makes 187 hp and 185 lb-ft and pairs with a smooth-shifting Skyactiv-Drive 6-speed automatic for balanced, everyday performance. Step up to the 2.5 Turbo and output swells to up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on premium fuel — or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular — transforming passing power and enabling up to 3,500 pounds of towing when properly equipped. The CX-50 Hybrid blends a 2.5L engine with three electric motors and an eCVT for a combined 219 hp, standard Electric AWD, and an EPA-estimated 38 mpg combined, ideal for high-mileage commuters and families looking to reduce fuel stops between Little League and cabin weekends. Paddle shifters on Turbo trims and Mi-Drive modes make it easy to tailor response to your route.
Subaru’s powertrains deliver a broad torque band and familiar smoothness. The revised 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® four produces 180 hp and 178 lb-ft, matched to a Lineartronic® CVT with 8-speed manual shift mode. It’s a proven, efficient setup that complements everyday driving. For those wanting extra punch — whether for towing, hill climbs, or highway merges — the 2.4-liter turbocharged SUBARU BOXER® engine provides a robust 260 hp and 277 lb-ft, also paired with a Lineartronic® CVT and paddle shifters. The flat BOXER® layout keeps weight low for added stability, and the turbo models historically enable up to 3,500 pounds of towing on certain trims — great for small campers or a pair of PWC trailers. Factor in X-MODE® traction programming, and the Outback remains a confident partner for light off-pavement adventures.
Safety - 2026 Mazda CX-50 vs 2026 Subaru Outback
Safety technology is a signature strength for both. Mazda equips every CX-50 with the i-Activsense® suite, including Smart Brake Support with pedestrian detection, Blind Spot Monitoring, Driver Attention Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Vehicle Exit Warning. Available features expand the envelope: Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Traffic Sign Recognition, Traffic Jam Assist on upper trims, and the 360° View Monitor with See-Through View for tight parking ramps. The 2026 model line — including the Hybrid — has been recognized among Mazda’s roster of 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ winners, reflecting strong crashworthiness and advanced prevention capabilities. Clear alerts, natural-feeling assistance, and comprehensive coverage make it an easy vehicle to recommend to families we serve at Morrie's Auto Group.
Subaru’s latest EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology takes a big leap for 2026. Core features like Front Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, Lane Departure Warning, and a new haptic-feedback steering wheel, alerts come standard. On select trims, the system adds driver-supervised Hands-Free Driving Assist up to 85 mph, Pre-Curve Speed Reduction, Highway Automatic Resume Assist, and Highway Active Lane Change Assist. Emergency Stop Assist with Safe Lane Selection — a Subaru first — can even guide the vehicle safely to the shoulder, activate hazards, and unlock doors if the driver is unresponsive. Additional radar sensors and a wider-angle mono camera broaden the detection of cyclists and pedestrians. The result is a more capable co-pilot that reduces fatigue on long stretches of I-94 or I-35 while keeping the driver squarely in the loop.
Request more 2026 Mazda CX-50 vs 2026 Subaru Outback near Minnetonka, MN information
When you line up the 2026 Mazda CX-50 vs 2026 Subaru Outback, the good news is that there is no wrong pick — just the right fit for how you drive near Minnetonka, MN. If you prize premium road feel, intuitive controls, and the option for either a torque-rich turbo or an impressively efficient Hybrid, Mazda’s crossover makes a compelling case with standard i-Activ AWD®, Mi-Drive modes, and the available 360° View Monitor. If your checklist leans toward maximum utility, generous cargo space, and advanced driver assistance — including available Hands-Free Driving Assist — the Outback’s bold redesign, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and upgraded EyeSight® system will hit the mark. Our team at Morrie's Auto Group can help you test both on familiar roads, compare cargo solutions for your gear, and set up driver-assistance features to match your preferences. Visit us near Minnetonka, MN, to experience the details that matter, side by side, and let our experts at Morrie's Auto Group make the process easy from first drive to delivery.