2019 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2019 Subaru Outback

Both the 2019 Mazda CX-5 and the new Outback are available with two engines. They’re comparable in a lot of ways, but the Mazda SUV has a slight edge.

• Base Engines: Both vehicles come standard with different 2.5L four-cylinder engines, but Mazda’s offers more power, with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, outclassing the Outback’s 175 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. The difference in output does not come at the expense of mpg ratings, though: both SUVs’ base engines offer up to 28 mpg combined city/highway.

• Optional Engines: The 2019 Mazda CX-5’s optional engine is a 2.5L four-cylinder that bumps its output to 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The Outback’s available 3.5L V6 makes 256 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. With the optional powertrains, the Outback falls behind offering only up to 22 mpg combined city/highway, while the Mazda CX-5’s available engine enables it to achieve as much as 24 mpg combined city/highway.

There’s no question that both of these midsize SUVs offer lots of great features to enhance your drivers around Lisle, but the Mazda pulls ahead here as well. While Bluetooth, voice-activated audio controls, and daytime running lights all come standard on both, the Mazda CX-5 has some standard features that will cost extra on the Outback, including:

• Limited slip differential
• Bling spot monitoring
• Rear cross traffic alert
• Leather steering wheel
• Signaling exterior mirrors

In addition, the Mazda CX-5 has some optional features that you can’t even get on the 2019 Outback, such as rain-sensing windshield wipers. And given the 2019 Mazda CX-5’s lower price, the difference in features is even more impressive.