2026 Mazda CX-5 vs 2026 Subaru Outback:
Safety comparison — crash avoidance & crash test ratings
Side-by-side comparison of standard crash-avoidance technologies and NHTSA/IIHS crash test ratings. Driver assistance and convenience features are covered in the full comparison.
Quick take
Both vehicles score closely on overall safety (100 vs 100). The difference comes down to individual crash-avoidance features and test ratings. Both vehicles are evenly matched on the 4 core crash-avoidance technologies. The Subaru Outback achieves a higher IIHS designation (Not awarded vs Top Safety Pick+). Overall, the Subaru Outback has the stronger safety package, leading on 1 of 6 measured features versus 0 for the Mazda CX-5 (5 tied). Check the full comparison for cost of ownership, powertrain, and livability scores — safety is one of five pillars in the MotiveGrid Score.
Crash avoidance(0–0–4)
(Wins–Losses–Ties for Mazda CX-5 vs Subaru Outback)
Crash test ratings(0–1–1)
(Wins–Losses–Ties for Mazda CX-5 vs Subaru Outback)
Data reflects standard equipment at the base MSRP. Optional packages like Ford BlueCruise, GM Super Cruise, and Tesla FSD are not scored (Tesla FSD is the lone curated exception). Crash test data from NHTSA and IIHS. ADAS data verified against manufacturer spec pages.
See the full Mazda CX-5 vs Subaru Outback comparison — all five pillars including cost of ownership, powertrain, driver assistance, and livability: