2026 Subaru Outback vs 2026 Mazda CX-50
At Jones Bel Air Subaru, we meet shoppers every day who want a rugged wagon-SUV with confidence in foul weather, long-haul comfort, and technology that genuinely reduces fatigue. That’s exactly why the 2026 Subaru Outback vs 2026 Mazda CX-50 conversation matters for drivers near Glen Burnie, MD. While both vehicles bring standard all-wheel drive and a capable stance, the all-new seventh-generation Outback arrives with upgraded EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, available Hands-Free Driving Assist on supported highways, a larger and faster 12.1-inch touchscreen, and smart packaging that adds space and utility. The CX-50 continues Mazda’s reputation for a refined drive and tasteful design, including turbo power on upper trims, but the Outback pushes capability and safety innovation further with dual-function X-MODE®, standard 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and raised roof rails rated for serious adventure loads. We sell the Outback and support it with factory-trained service and genuine accessories, so you can count on our team’s product depth and local ownership experience to help you choose the configuration that fits your routines and weekend plans.
| Feature | 2026 Outback | 2026 CX-50 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive | Yes | Yes |
| 8.7 inches of ground clearance (standard) | Yes | No |
| Available Hands-Free Driving Assist (driver supervised) up to 85 mph | Yes | No |
| Dual-function X-MODE® with Hill Descent Control | Yes | No |
| SUBARU BOXER® engine architecture | Yes | No |
| 12.1-inch touchscreen center display (standard) | Yes | No |
| 12.3-inch full digital gauge cluster (standard) | Yes | No |
| Surround View Monitor available | Yes | Yes |
| Emergency Stop Assist with Safe Lane Selection available | Yes | No |
| Raised roof rails with 800-lb static load and 220-lb lateral capacity | Yes | No |
Exterior - Subaru Dealer serving Glen Burnie, MD
Subaru sharpened the Outback’s iconic profile with a taller, more upright front fascia, vertically placed headlamps at the corners for a wide stance, and scratch-resistant lower cladding that suits gravel and trailheads. A flatter roofline and broader rear pillar communicate strength while opening the cargo area, and a new rear light signature emphasizes ride height and width. Standard raised roof rails bring adventure-ready engineering: an 800-pound static load rating, 220-pound dynamic rating, clearly marked crossbar positions, and a lateral rating up to 220 pounds for hanging a hammock or clothesline at camp. Available 19-inch alloy wheels and distinctive exterior colors such as Crystal White Pearl, Geyser Blue, Deep Emerald Green Metallic, and Crimson Red Pearl extend the personality. The Mazda CX-50 looks every bit the outdoorsy crossover with rugged proportions; Meridian editions add 18-inch alloys with all-terrain tires, gloss black emblems, and unique accents, while Premium trims offer 20-inch wheels and a panoramic moonroof. Both exteriors deliver capability-first styling, but Subaru’s roof system engineering, scratch-conscious surfaces, and aerodynamic updates reveal a practical focus that pays off for owners who regularly load gear, navigate trailhead parking, and live with four-season weather.
Interior - 2026 Subaru Outback near Glen Burnie, MD
Inside, the Outback’s calm, contemporary cabin makes daily use effortless and road trips more relaxing. Every model receives Subaru’s new 12.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch full digital gauge cluster for crisp, low-glare visibility; climate functions move to hard buttons and knobs for easier gloved use, and cloud-based voice recognition supports quick tasks without hunting through menus. Thoughtful upgrades include larger door bottle pockets sized for 32-ounce bottles, redesigned cupholders, and a configurable, washable cargo cover made from recycled materials. Available amenities are wide-ranging: leather-trimmed or StarTex® water-repellent upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, a power tilt/sliding moonroof, and an available Harman Kardon premium audio system. Cargo grows to 34.6 cubic feet, aided by a steeper rear glass rake for better packing. The Mazda CX-50 counters with a premium-feeling cockpit, Alexa Built-in, a 10.25-inch display, and an available Bose 12-speaker system; upper trims add ventilated fronts, a panoramic moonroof, and upscale material choices. For drivers from Newark, DE, and Parkville, MD, who value the Outback’s bigger screen, standard digital instruments, and expanded cargo solutions, Subaru’s design choices translate into everyday ease that’s hard to match.
Subaru Outback vs Mazda CX-50 Mechanical Specs
Every 2026 Outback includes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance across the lineup, plus a revised dual-function X-MODE® with Hill Descent Control that now toggles from a steering-wheel switch so drivers can keep eyes up on rutted approaches. The system integrates with a faster-locking center differential and steering-angle data for better stability at turn-in, while a WRX-derived dual-pinion electronic power steering rack sharpens response without sacrificing high-speed calm. Ride quality and cabin hush improve too, with roof and headliner sound-absorbing materials, aerodynamic tweaks, and a structure designed to reduce lateral sway by 42% compared with the prior model. By contrast, the CX-50 equips standard i-Activ AWD® and Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) with Off-Road mode, a capable arrangement that suits gravel and variable weather, though its ground clearance ranges from 8.3 to 8.6 inches depending on wheel size. For shoppers near Glen Burnie, MD who prize four-season stability with trail access, the Outback’s consistency across trims makes choosing simpler. Our team at Jones Bel Air Subaru will help you dial in the right tires and accessories for your weekend plans and weekday commuting.
Powertrain - Subaru Dealership near Glen Burnie, MD
The Outback offers two SUBARU BOXER® engines for 2026. A revised 2.5-liter delivers 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft, pairing with a Lineartronic® CVT that features an 8-speed manual mode for confident control on grades or while passing. Choose XT or Wilderness for the direct-injection 2.4-liter turbocharged SUBARU BOXER® at 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft, which leverages the brand’s low center of gravity and symmetrical power delivery for confident, consistent traction on loose surfaces. The Wilderness adds 9.5 inches of ground clearance and electronically controlled dampers to keep suspension composure on rocks and washboard, and X-MODE® software is tuned for low-friction surfaces. Mazda responds with three compelling powertrains in the CX-50 family: a naturally aspirated SKYACTIV®-G 2.5L (187 hp/185 lb-ft), a turbocharged 2.5L (up to 256 hp/320 lb-ft on premium), and a hybrid that pairs a 2.5L with eAWD for a combined 219 hp. Each has merits, but the Outback’s BOXER layout, quick-locking AWD calibration, and chassis steering upgrades together provide a planted, predictable feel on mountain switchbacks and during sudden weather shifts—precisely the kind of composure that long-distance drivers and trail-goers appreciate.
Safety - Subaru Outback vs Mazda CX-50
Subaru advanced its award-winning EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology for 2026, integrating a wider-angle mono camera with the system’s dual cameras and adding new radar sensors. The result is an expanded toolset: Front Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, Lane Departure Warning and Sway Warning, and standard Emergency Stop Assist. On select trims, driver-supervised Hands-Free Driving Assist operates on supported highways at speeds up to 85 mph to reduce fatigue, while Pre-Curve Speed Control, Active Lane Change Assist, and Automatic Resume Assist broaden utility. Emergency Stop Assist with Safe Lane Selection can even move the vehicle to the shoulder, activate hazards, notify emergency services, and unlock the doors if the driver becomes unresponsive. A vibrating haptic steering wheel communicates alerts intuitively, and available Surround View Monitor improves low-speed awareness. The CX-50’s i-Activsense® suite brings Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Keep Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and an available 360° View Monitor—robust technologies that support confident driving. Still, for families near Glen Burnie, MD, the Outback’s driver-supervised hands-free capability and its Emergency Stop Assist with Safe Lane Selection reflect Subaru’s leadership in practical, life-improving safety. Jones Bel Air Subaru is ready to show you how these systems work on your test drive.
Request more 2026 Subaru Outback vs 2026 Mazda CX-50 near Glen Burnie, MD information
Stepping back, the Outback’s refinements in packaging, roof-system engineering, standard instrumentation, and next-generation safety make it the right call for shoppers comparing the 2026 Subaru Outback vs 2026 Mazda CX-50. The Mazda lineup offers engaging dynamics and well-equipped trims, but Subaru’s across-the-board 8.7 inches of ground clearance, standard 12.3-inch digital gauges, standard 12.1-inch touchscreen, and available driver-supervised Hands-Free Driving Assist set the pace in this class. We sell and service the Outback—not the CX-50—so our product specialists can help match trims, engines, and accessories to how you actually drive, from weekday commuting to trailhead rendezvous and ski-lot mornings. If you are weighing the 2026 Subaru Outback vs 2026 Mazda CX-50 for year-round confidence, cargo-minded versatility, and technology that genuinely eases time behind the wheel, the Outback’s holistic approach makes a strong case. Visit us to see the latest colors and trims, explore the advanced EyeSight® feature set in person, and take the next step toward a vehicle designed for the life you lead.
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