2026 Outback vs 2026 CX-50 in Birmingham, AL

2026 SUBARU Outback
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SUV Comparison: 2026 Subaru Outback vs 2026 Mazda CX-50

Comparing the 2026 Subaru Outback vs the 2026 Mazda CX-50 shows that the Outback is the stronger overall choice for Birmingham, AL, drivers who want more passenger room, greater cargo flexibility, standard all-wheel-drive capability, and an extensive collection of standard technology and safety features. The Mazda CX-50 is a capable compact SUV with responsive driving manners and several powertrain options, but the Outback offers a more spacious, adventure-ready design that feels equally prepared for commuting, family travel, and weekends away. Visit Hallmark Subaru to compare Outback trims and experience the difference from the driver’s seat.

Interior Comparison

2026 Subaru Outback

2026 Mazda CX-50

  • Rows: Two
  • Max Seating: Five
  • Max Cargo Capacity: 80.5 cubic feet
  • Upholstery Options: StarTex upholstery, Leather-trimmed upholstery, and Nappa leather-trimmed upholstery
  • Rows: Two
  • Max Seating: Five
  • Max Cargo Capacity: 56.3 cubic feet
  • Upholstery Options: Half leatherette-trimmed seats and Leather-trimmed seats

Why This Matters

The Outback and CX-50 both offer comfortable two-row cabins, but the Outback gives passengers and cargo more room to spread out. That extra flexibility makes the Outback especially appealing for families, pet owners, road-trip travelers, and drivers who regularly carry outdoor equipment or bulky everyday items. The CX-50 provides a more compact, driver-focused cabin, while the Outback is the stronger choice for shoppers who prioritize space and everyday versatility.

Exterior Comparison

2026 Subaru Outback

2026 Mazda CX-50

Ground Clearance:

  • 8.7 inches standard and up to 9.5 inches on Wilderness

Approach/Departure Angles:

  • Approach Angles: Up to 20 degrees (Wilderness)
  • Departure Angles: Up to 23.6 degrees (Wilderness)

Wheel/Tire Options:

  • All-season tires on most trims
  • 17-inch matte black-finish aluminum-alloy wheels on Wilderness
  • All-terrain tires on Wilderness
  • 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels on select trims
  • 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels on XT trims

Exterior Lighting:

  • Standard LED fog lights on most trims
  • Standard LED Steering Responsive Headlights
  • Standard LED Daytime Running Lights

Off-Road and Utility Features:

  • Standard windshield wiper de-icer and heated side mirrors
  • Standard raised roof rails on most trims
  • Standard power rear gate

Ground Clearance:

  • Up to 8.6 inches

Approach/Departure Angles:

  • Approach Angle: Up to 18.5 degrees
  • Departure Angle: Up to 24.8 degrees

Wheel/Tire Options:

  • 18-inch alloy wheels
  • Available all-terrain tires on Meridian models
  • 20-inch alloy wheels
  • 17-inch alloy wheels

Exterior Lighting:

  • High Beam Control
  • Available signature LED lighting
  • Daytime running lights
  • LED headlights
  • Automatic on/off headlights

Off-Road and Utility Features:

  • Available Towing mode on turbo models
  • Available power rear liftgate
  • Mi-Drive with Sport and Off-Road modes
  • i-ACTIV All-Wheel Drive
  • Roof rails

Why This Matters

Both SUVs are designed for drivers who enjoy outdoor travel, but the Outback places greater emphasis on capability throughout the entire lineup. Its standard terrain-management technology and generous ground clearance help it feel prepared for gravel roads, muddy campsites, steep driveways, and changing weather without requiring a specialized trim. The CX-50 also offers confident all-wheel-drive performance, but the Outback gives adventure-minded drivers a more complete capability package from the start.

Power and Performance

2026 Subaru Outback

2026 Mazda CX-50

  • Max Towing Capacity: 3,500 Pounds
  • Max Towing Capacity: 3,500 Pounds
  • Base Engine: 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder
  • Horsepower: 180
  • Torque: 178 lb-ft
  • Transmission: Lineartronic®CVT
  • EPA-estimated fuel economy: 25 mpg in the city / 31 mpg on the highway
  • Base Engine: SKYACTIV®-G 2.5 DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder
  • Horsepower: 187
  • Torque: 185 lb-ft
  • Transmission: SKYACTIV®-Drive six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode
  • EPA-estimated fuel economy: 24 mpg in the city / 30 mpg on the highway / 26 mpg combined
  • Engine: 2.4-liter turbocharged SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder
  • Horsepower: 260
  • Torque: 277 lb-ft
  • Transmission: Lineartronic®CVT
  • EPA-estimated fuel economy: 21 mpg in the city / 27 mpg on the highway
  • Engine: SKYACTIV®-G 2.5 turbocharged four-cylinder
  • Horsepower: 227
  • Torque: 310 lb-ft
  • Transmission: SKYACTIV®-Drive six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode
  • EPA-estimated fuel economy: 23 mpg in the city / 29 mpg on the highway / 25 mpg combined

Why This Matters

The Outback and CX-50 both give shoppers a choice between everyday performance and stronger turbocharged power. The CX-50 may appeal to drivers who prefer a conventional automatic transmission, while the Outback delivers more standard towing capability and includes its full traction-management system with every powertrain. That makes the Outback especially well-suited for drivers who want confident all-weather performance, useful towing capacity, and dependable capability without moving to a higher trim.

Tech and Entertainment

2026 Subaru Outback

2026 Mazda CX-50

Infotainment Screen Options:

  • Standard 12.3-inch configurable fully digital instrument cluster
  • Standard Subaru 12.1-inch Multimedia System
  • Available Subaru 12.1-inch Multimedia System with Navigation

Audio System Options:

  • Available Harman Kardon® premium audio system
  • Standard six-speaker audio system

Other Standard Tech Features:

  • Standard auto-on/off wiper-linked headlights
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration
  • Standard power rear gate with automatic close, height memory, and vehicle lock button
  • Available 360-Degree Surround-View Monitor
  • Standard Keyless Access with Push-Button Start
  • Bluetooth® audio streaming and hands-free phone connectivity
  • Standard illuminated rear USB-A and USB-C charging ports
  • Available smart auto-dimming rearview compass mirror with HomeLink
  • Multi-touch gesture control
  • Standard illuminated front USB-A and USB-C ports
  • Standard 4G LTE Wi-Fi capability

Infotainment Screen Options:

  • 10.25-inch full-color display
  • 7-inch LCD Meter Display

Audio System Options:

  • Eight-speaker audio system
  • Available Bose® 12-speaker surround sound system with Centerpoint and AudioPilot

Other Standard Tech Features:

  • Wireless phone charger
  • Mazda Connected Services one-year trial
  • Steering-wheel-mounted audio, phone, and cruise controls
  • Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio capability
  • Mazda Connect infotainment system
  • Infotainment system voice command
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration
  • Alexa Built-in
  • Multifunction Commander control Infotainment system voice command

Why This Matters

The Outback and CX-50 both keep drivers connected, but the Outback provides a more comprehensive standard display setup and makes several everyday conveniences standard across the lineup. The CX-50 offers helpful connectivity and a familiar control layout, while the Outback places a stronger emphasis on easy access to information, cargo-loading convenience, and technology that supports daily travel. For shoppers who want a well-equipped SUV without moving to a higher trim, the Outback offers the stronger standard package.

Safety Features

2026 Subaru Outback

2026 Mazda CX-50

  • LATCH system
  • EyeSight Driver Assist Technology
  • MySubaru Connected Services
  • High Beam Assist
  • Rear-Vision Camera
  • DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System
  • Traction Control System
  • Blind-Spot Warning with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Warning
  • Brake Override System
  • Reverse Automatic Braking
  • Brake Assist
  • Vehicle Dynamics Control
  • 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System
  • LATCH rear seat child-safety-seat anchors and upper tether anchors
  • Secondary Collision Reduction
  • Lane Departure Warning System with Lane-keep Assist
  • Anti-lock Brake System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist
  • Rear Seat Alert
  • Smart Brake Support - Forward with Head-on Collision Mitigation
  • Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go
  • Dynamic Stability Control with Traction Control System
  • Vehicle Exit Warning
  • Emergency Lane Keeping with Road Keep Assist
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert
  • Hill Launch Assist
  • Rear View Monitor
  • Driver Attention Alert
  • Blind Spot Monitoring

Why This Matters

The Outback and CX-50 both provide extensive safety support, but the Outback includes several advanced awareness and braking technologies across every trim. That broader standard coverage can help drivers feel more confident during highway travel, parking maneuvers, lane changes, and busy daily commutes. The CX-50 also offers a strong safety package, while the Outback gives shoppers more advanced support without requiring an upgrade to a higher trim.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose the 2026 Subaru Outback if you want:

  • More passenger and cargo space for everyday flexibility.
  • Standard all-wheel-drive capability with terrain-management technology.
  • A broader collection of standard driver-assistance features.
  • Greater standard ground clearance for outdoor travel.
  • A comfortable SUV that balances commuting, family use, and adventure.

Considering the 2026 Mazda CX-50?

  • May appeal to drivers who prefer a smaller SUV.
  • May appeal to shoppers who enjoy a more driver-focused cabin.
  • May be a good fit for those who prioritize responsive on-road handling.
  • May appeal to buyers looking for distinctive, sport-inspired styling.
  • May suit drivers who spend most of their time commuting and running daily errands.

Why More Drivers Choose the Outback

The 2026 Subaru Outback stands out because it does not ask drivers to choose between comfort and capability. It has the cargo space for busy households, the all-wheel-drive confidence for winters, and the ground clearance for weekend plans that go beyond city streets. That makes it a smart fit for Birmingham drivers who want one SUV that can handle daily routines and outdoor escapes.

The CX-50 brings style and available power, but the Outback feels more complete for the way many shoppers use an SUV every day. Its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, strong safety technology, roomy interior, and long-running reputation for adventure make it a more natural choice for drivers who want confidence in every season.

Test Drive the 2026 Subaru Outback Today

Finding the right adventure-ready SUV is easier when you can compare them side by side. At Hallmark Subaru in Birmingham, AL, our team can help you explore the 2026 Subaru Outback and 2026 Mazda CX-50, compare Outback trims, review Wilderness capability, experience the latest technology and safety features, and value your trade to find the Subaru that best fits your lifestyle.

Visit Hallmark Subaru today to test drive the 2026 Subaru Outback and see why so many drivers choose it for its spacious interior, legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, advanced safety, impressive capability, and everyday versatility.

* Bluetooth® word marks and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Subaru or Mazda is under license. A compatible Bluetooth®-enabled phone must first be paired. Phone performance depends on software, coverage, and carrier.

* All fuel economy mpg listings in the content above are EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary.

*Disclaimer: This content was drafted with AI assistance for initial drafting, reviewed by a subject-matter expert for accuracy, and edited by our team of writers and editors.

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