2026 Subaru Outback vs. 2026 Mazda CX-70
Ready to compare two midsize SUVs with very different personalities? The 2026 Subaru Outback and 2026 Mazda CX-70 both bring standard all-wheel drive, useful space, modern technology, and strong everyday appeal. Subaru redesigned the Outback with a more upright SUV shape, a practical cabin, updated screens, and trims built for comfort or trail use. Mazda gives the CX-70 a sleeker two-row layout with strong powertrain options and a more road-focused feel.
Design & Style
Fresh bodywork helps the 2026 Subaru Outback look more confident than before. Its taller stance, broad front end, practical roofline, and wide cargo area make it feel ready for daily errands, long trips, and weekend plans. Wilderness models add rugged trim details, extra ground clearance, and a more adventurous look. Touring trims take a more refined path with Nappa leather seating, ventilated front seats, and added comfort touches.
Mazda shapes the 2026 CX-70 with a longer hood, smoother side profile, and sportier road presence. Its cabin feels polished, with available Nappa leather, a clean dashboard layout, and a two-row setup that opens up generous cargo space. Shoppers who like sleek styling may appreciate the CX-70’s upscale appearance. Drivers who want a more versatile, outdoor-friendly design may feel more at home in the Outback.
Technology & Safety
Subaru gives the 2026 Outback a major cabin update with a standard 12.1-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto help keep the cabin simple to use. Available features include a surround-view monitor, Hands-Free Assist on select trims, heated and ventilated seating, and a smart rear-view mirror. EyeSight Driver Assist Technology also helps support daily confidence with features built around awareness and driver support.
Mazda equips the CX-70 with a strong list of available technology as well. Buyers can find features such as a digital display, premium audio, a 360-degree View Monitor, See-through View, Trailer Hitch View, and a hands-free power liftgate on select trims. Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go adds useful support on longer drives. Still, the Outback feels especially practical because its safety, visibility, cabin layout, and standard AWD work together for a wide range of drivers.
Performance
Subaru offers two engine choices for the 2026 Outback. Premium, Limited, and Touring trims use a 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine with about 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Limited XT, Touring XT, and Wilderness trims step up to a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer engine with about 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Every Outback includes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, while Wilderness trim raises ground clearance to about 9.5 inches for rougher roads and light trails.
Mazda gives the CX-70 more peak output, which may appeal to shoppers who place power near the top of their list. Its 3.3-liter turbo inline-six makes 280 horsepower in standard form, while Turbo S versions reach 340 horsepower with recommended premium fuel. Plug-in hybrid models make 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Mazda also offers strong towing ratings on select gas trims, but the Outback counters with better trail-focused packaging, standard AWD confidence, and a trim lineup that feels more flexible for real-world use.
The Bottom Line
Practical shoppers will find a lot to like in the 2026 Subaru Outback. It blends standard AWD, strong safety technology, smart cargo space, and a redesigned SUV-like shape into a package that feels useful every day. Wilderness trim gives outdoor-minded drivers more ground clearance and rugged hardware. Touring models bring more comfort for those who want a calmer daily ride.
Mazda CX-70 makes sense for buyers who want stronger acceleration, sleek styling, and a plug-in hybrid option. Its higher-output engines and upscale cabin give it a sportier personality. Even so, the Outback feels easier to recommend for drivers who want balanced value, bad-weather confidence, practical space, and a lineup that covers commuting, family use, and weekend travel. That broad usability gives it a strong edge in this comparison.
Schedule a Test Drive Today
Thinking about the 2026 Subaru Outback for your next SUV? Contact Empire Subaru to schedule a test drive and experience its redesigned cabin, standard AWD, advanced safety features, and flexible trim lineup in person. Our team can help you compare Outback trims, review available features, and choose the model that fits your driving needs. We can also discuss financing options, trade-in support, current vehicle availability, and service needs.
Beyond sales, our team is here to support you after you drive home. Empire Subaru offers Subaru service, maintenance, parts support, and help from knowledgeable staff who understand the brand. Visit us to learn more about the Outback, explore available models, and get clear answers before making your decision. We look forward to helping you schedule your test drive today.
FAQs
Which SUV has more power, the 2026 Subaru Outback or 2026 Mazda CX-70?
Mazda CX-70 has more peak horsepower, especially with its Turbo S inline-six and plug-in hybrid options. Subaru Outback focuses more on balanced capability, standard AWD, and everyday confidence. Its available turbocharged boxer engine still gives strong power for highway driving, passing, towing, and weekend travel.
Which SUV is better for outdoor use?
Subaru Outback is the stronger choice for outdoor-focused drivers. Wilderness trim adds about 9.5 inches of ground clearance, rugged styling, trail-focused tuning, and extra capability for rough roads. Mazda CX-70 has standard AWD, but its design feels more focused on sporty pavement driving.
Why test drive the 2026 Subaru Outback at Empire Subaru?
Empire Subaru can help you compare trims, review features, explore financing, value your trade, and learn about service support. A test drive also lets you feel the Outback’s visibility, ride comfort, cabin space, and standard AWD confidence before choosing your next SUV.
