2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2025 Subaru Outback near Riverside, CA

2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2025 Subaru Outback near Riverside, CA View Inventory

2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2025 Subaru Outback

As crossover SUVs continue to surge in popularity near Riverside, CA, discerning buyers are often left deciding between two perennial standouts: the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and the 2025 Subaru Outback. Each vehicle offers a unique approach to blending everyday utility with adventure-ready capability. However, when stacking these two against each other, the 2025 Mazda CX-50, available at CardinaleWay Mazda Corona, emerges as the superior offering for customers who value modern technology, enhanced safety, and refined comfort. This comparison will examine areas that matter most to drivers around the Riverside, Chino, and Ontario markets, from interior appointments to powertrain performance, while underscoring why our team recommends the CX-50 for those who refuse to compromise.

Feature 2025 Mazda CX-50 2025 Subaru Outback
Standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Yes Yes
Turbocharged Engine Available Yes Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control Yes Yes
Panoramic Moonroof Available Yes No
Wireless Apple CarPlay™ / Android Auto™ Yes Yes
360º View Monitor with See-through View Yes No
Alexa Built-in Yes No
Ventilated Front Seats Available Yes No
Towing Capacity up to 3,500 lbs Yes Yes (Wilderness)
IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ (2024 CX-50 models) Yes No

Exterior - Mazda Dealer serving Riverside, CA

Modern crossovers should project an image of both durability and contemporary style. The 2025 Mazda CX-50 stands apart with bold proportions, a powerful stance, and refined design elements that seamlessly blend city sophistication with off-road readiness. LED headlamps, signature grille detailing, and available roof rails give the CX-50 an athletic presence, while its thoughtfully placed cladding and sculpted lines capture attention on streets from Chino to Ontario. In contrast, the 2025 Subaru Outback retains its familiar rugged appearance but lacks the sense of poise and premium flair found in its Mazda rival. The CX-50’s available 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, panoramic moonroof, and elegant color options add to its curb appeal and functional allure. Utility is enhanced by a flush-floor cargo layout and programmable rear power liftgate, making gear loading more convenient than in the Outback, which emphasizes function but not the same level of design finesse or convenience features.

Riverside, CA - 2025 Mazda CX-50's Exterior

Interior - 2025 Mazda CX-50 near Riverside, CA

Mazda has long been known for combining sophisticated design with remarkable function, and the 2025 Mazda CX-50 is no exception. The available panoramic moonroof bathes the cabin in natural light, a feature the Outback notably lacks, giving drivers and passengers alike an open, welcoming atmosphere for both city commutes and weekend getaways. Premium materials, including available leather-trimmed seats and ventilated front seats, speak to thoughtful luxury and comfort, providing a driving experience that feels detailed and personal versus the Outback’s more utilitarian approach. For tech-savvy drivers near Riverside, the CX-50 excels with a user-centric infotainment system offering wireless Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ connectivity, as well as Alexa Built-in for next-level convenience—features the Outback can’t fully match across its lineup. Additionally, the CX-50’s 360º View Monitor with See-through View delivers peace of mind in tight parking situations, setting a higher standard for visibility and driver assistance than the Outback’s more limited camera system.

Riverside, CA - 2025 Mazda CX-50's Interior
Mazda CX-50 vs Subaru Outback Mechanical Specs

Capability is core in a crossover, and the 2025 Mazda CX-50 rises to the challenge with standard i-Activ AWD® on every trim, combined with Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control Plus for a smoother, more intuitive driving feel. The CX-50 benefits from Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive), allowing drivers to tailor performance for Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and, on Turbo models, Towing situations. The Subaru Outback offers X-MODE® and standard all-wheel drive as well, but Mazda’s system provides a more refined, engaging experience whether navigating daily traffic in Riverside or heading out for an adventure. Ground clearance in the CX-50 remains competitive (up to 8.6 inches), while the Outback tops out slightly higher, but the Mazda’s platform delivers sharper handling and a more car-like ride quality. Towing capability in the CX-50 reaches up to 3,500 lbs when properly equipped, matching the Outback Wilderness, yet comes with more advanced drive mode controls and confidence-inspiring stability.

Riverside, CA - 2025 Mazda CX-50's Mechanical
Powertrain - Mazda Dealership near Riverside, CA

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 offers two powerful engines: a standard SKYACTIV®-G 2.5 liter with up to 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque, and an available turbo variant producing up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on premium fuel. This delivers brisk acceleration and strong torque for overtaking or towing, all while maintaining Mazda’s signature smoothness. The Outback offers a comparable turbocharged engine, yet the Mazda powertrain provides a more connected, enthusiastic driving character, aided by its responsive 6-speed automatic transmission and G-Vectoring Control Plus. With the upcoming CX-50 Hybrid offering even greater efficiency without sacrificing performance, drivers of Ontario and Riverside can select an option that best fits their lifestyle. The Towing Mode on the CX-50 Turbo ensures stability when hauling, a key perk for those who appreciate not only power but smart engineering.

Safety - Mazda CX-50 vs Subaru Outback

Confidence behind the wheel starts with advanced protection, and Mazda places safety at the forefront with the i-Activsense® suite standard on every 2025 CX-50. This includes innovations such as adaptive radar cruise control, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane-keep Assist, Smart Brake Support, and the available 360º View Monitor. The CX-50 earned the 2024 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ (for models produced after August 2023), a testament to Mazda’s commitment to continuous improvement and crashworthiness. By comparison, while the 2025 Subaru Outback is equipped with EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology and is a NHTSA 5-Star rated vehicle, it does not currently hold the same latest IIHS accolade for the new model year. Features such as Front Cross Traffic Alert and Traffic Jam Assist on the Mazda provide extra layers of security—ideal for busy thoroughfares near Corona or bustling neighborhoods around Chino. With available Connected Services and Vehicle Finder via the MyMazda App, the CX-50 also brings valuable peace of mind in everyday scenarios.

Request more 2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2025 Subaru Outback near Riverside, CA information

For drivers near Riverside, CA seeking a crossover that elevates every journey, the 2025 Mazda CX-50 stands out with its blend of sophisticated design, innovative technology, and uncompromising safety. The clear advantages in interior refinement, standout driver assistance, connectivity features, and superior handling ensure it rises above the 2025 Subaru Outback in meaningful ways. At CardinaleWay Mazda Corona, we are confident that the CX-50’s modern amenities and robust engineering will exceed your expectations, whether you’re exploring the city, heading out to nearby wilderness, or simply enjoying the daily commute. Visit us to experience firsthand why the 2025 Mazda CX-50 is the crossover for those who demand more—and settle for nothing less.