With so many options like the 2017 Mazda CX-5 and 2017 Subaru Outback to choose from, buying the right SUV can become quite the difficult task. There are many factors that need to be considered before making your final decision. Here's a comparison of a few of them that will hopefully make things easier for you to see which is better.
2017 Mazda CX-5 vs 2017 Subaru Outback: Powertrain Options
Since SUVs are a mixture of sport and utility, one of the first things we check out is whether our option have sufficient capability to handle all the daily utilities and the occasional urge to go fast. The 2017 Mazda CX-5 is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 155 horsepower. This is matched with a six-speed manual transmission with a front wheel drive (FWD) drivetrain.
An option for a more powerful 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is also available and it can put out 184 horsepower. This is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with similar drivetrain configurations as the former engine. In addition, a diesel engine is also on the way but it will not be fitted into the 2017 Mazda CX-5 until next fall.
The 2017 Subaru Outback in comparison also offers two engine options. One is a 2.5-liter flat-4 that delivers 175 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. The other is a 3.6-liter flat-6 that puts out 256 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. These are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that distributes the power through an all-wheel drive (AWD) setting.
2017 Mazda CX-5 vs 2017 Subaru Outback: Fuel Economy
The 2017 Subaru Outback certainly has more power than the 2017 Mazda CX-5 although power can sometimes be a double-edged sword. The 2017 Mazda CX-5 has an estimated fuel economy of 26 and 34 miles per gallon in the city and on the highway. The 2017 Subaru Outback on the other hand has a rating of 25 and 32 miles per gallon in the city and on the highway respectively.
While the difference appears to be slim, let us not forget that Mazda has been named the most fuel-efficient automaker in America for four consecutive years. With that being said, the numbers may go up when the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) gives its official rating. In addition, there is also the upcoming diesel engine that will certainly raise the bars for the 2017 Mazda CX-5.
2017 Mazda CX-5 vs 2017 Subaru Outback: Price And Availability
The 2017 Mazda CX-5 is set to arrive in a couple of months and its starting price is expected to be announced before launch. The 2017 Subaru Outback in comparison starts with a price tag of $25,645, tops out at $38,195 and is now available in the market.
2017 Mazda CX-5 vs 2017 Subaru Outback: The Verdict
Choosing between the 2017 Mazda CX-5 vs 2017 Subaru Outback is certainly a difficult task. The 2017 Subaru Outback has the advantage in terms of power but the 2017 Mazda CX-5 owns the court in fuel efficiency. As far as the price is concerned, the 2017 Subaru Outback offers a good deal but the 2017 Mazda CX-5 is not far behind as it is almost ready to hit the market. Waiting for the 2017 Mazda CX-5 before making a decision would probably be the best course of action in this case.
