Mazda CX-5 80·Subaru Outback 86on the MotiveGrid Score·Mazda CX-5 about $5,083 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is the cheaper one to own — roughly $5,083 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better.
The Mazda CX-5 is the stronger all-round pick here — cheaper to own with little given up in return.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
Mazda CX-5 vs. Subaru Outback
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Mazda CX-5 versus 2026 Subaru Outback.
Metric
Mazda CX-5
Subaru Outback
MotiveGrid Score
80
86
Cost of Ownership
84
85
Powertrain
62
62
Driver Assistance
32
32
Livability
51
69
Safety
100
100
5-Year Cost to Own
$43,467
$48,550
Depreciation (5-yr)
$12,146
$15,678
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$12,829
$12,187
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,545
$10,100
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,790
$2,175
Tires (5-yr)
$1,750
$2,150
Financing (5-yr)
$4,512
$5,265
Registration (5-yr)
$895
$995
Starting Price
$29,990
$34,995
Horsepower
187 hp
180 hp
MPG (combined)
26 mpg
28 mpg
Cargo volume
33.7 cu ft
34.6 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
1,500 lbs
2,700 lbs
Drivetrain
AWD
AWD
Gas
2026$29,990
MSRP
$29,990
Mo · 5yr
$724
$43,467 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Gas
2026$34,995
MSRP
$34,995
Mo · 5yr
$809
$48,550 / 5 years
Best on balance
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score
Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.
Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →
Subaru Outback scores higher overall.
Mazda CX-5
0
/ 100
Subaru Outback
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
CX-5
84
Outback
85
Winner: Outback
$5,083 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
CX-5
62
Outback
62
Evenly matched
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
CX-5
32
Outback
32
Evenly matched
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
CX-5
51
Outback
69
Winner: Outback
+18 pts
Easy to maneuver and park▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Mazda CX-5 is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $5,083 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Subaru Outback still wins if your priority is best on balance.
Daily commuter
Subaru Outback
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Mazda CX-5
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Subaru Outback
Marginally more cargo space
Highway driver
Mazda CX-5
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Mazda CX-5
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03
Cost of Ownership
Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation
State
Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
Mazda CX-5
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$724
$43,467 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$724/mo
Subaru Outback
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$809
$48,550 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$809/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Subaru Outback would need 97.6 years to recoup its $5,005 price premium ($51/yr in savings) — longer than most people own a car. Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Mazda CX-5 comes out about $5,083 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.
