Mazda CX-50 86·Subaru Outback 86on the MotiveGrid Score·Mazda CX-50 about $5,863 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 is the cheaper one to own — roughly $5,863 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Subaru Outback counters with more cargo room (34.6 vs 31.4 cu ft).
Go with the Mazda CX-50 for the better long-term value; consider the Subaru Outback if you prioritize more cargo space.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
Mazda CX-50 vs. Subaru Outback
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Mazda CX-50 versus 2026 Subaru Outback.
Metric
Mazda CX-50
Subaru Outback
MotiveGrid Score
86
86
Cost of Ownership
90
85
Powertrain
67
62
Driver Assistance
32
32
Livability
60
69
Safety
99
100
5-Year Cost to Own
$42,687
$48,550
Depreciation (5-yr)
$11,631
$15,678
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$12,187
$12,187
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,535
$10,100
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,790
$2,175
Tires (5-yr)
$2,150
$2,150
Financing (5-yr)
$4,499
$5,265
Registration (5-yr)
$895
$995
Starting Price
$29,900
$34,995
Horsepower
187 hp
180 hp
MPG (combined)
27 mpg
28 mpg
Cargo volume
31.4 cu ft
34.6 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
2,000 lbs
2,700 lbs
Drivetrain
AWD
AWD
Gas
2026$29,900
MSRP
$29,900
Mo · 5yr
$711
$42,687 / 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 →
Mazda CX-50
0
/ 100
Subaru Outback
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
CX-50
90
Outback
85
Winner: CX-50
$5,863 cheaper / 5 yrs
Low maintenance cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
CX-50
67
Outback
62
Winner: CX-50
+5 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
CX-50
32
Outback
32
Evenly matched
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
CX-50
60
Outback
69
Winner: Outback
+9 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Mazda CX-50 is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $5,863 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Subaru Outback still wins if your priority is best on balance.
Daily commuter
Mazda CX-50
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Mazda CX-50
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Subaru Outback
Slightly more cargo room
Highway driver
Mazda CX-50
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Mazda CX-50
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-50
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$711
$42,687 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$711/mo
Subaru Outback
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$809
$48,550 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$809/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Mazda CX-50 comes out about $5,863 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.
