Subaru Outback vs Mazda CX-80
What's the difference?

Subaru Outback

$48,990 - $62,690

2026 price

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Mazda CX-80

$47,888 - $90,985

2025 price

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Summary

2026 Subaru Outback

2025 Mazda CX-80

By Byron Mathioudakis

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Flat 4, 2.5L

Turbo 6, 3.3L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

8.1L/100km (combined)

8.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Brilliant packaging
Dynamic sophistication
Ease, comfort and fun

Well-mannered SUV on the road
Decent standard kit for a lower grade
Reasonably frugal for a six-cylinder turbo-petrol

Dislikes

Average warranty
Divisive design
No manual option

Drab design for a premium SUV
Heavy steering at lower speeds
Air conditioning system needs work

2026 Subaru Outback Summary

It’s 2026 and over 30 years and through six generations the Subaru Outback as we knew it… is gone.

Gone is the defiantly wagon-esque crossover style that was one of the first, as well as likely the most-successful, for the boxy beast you see here.

RIP, original Subaru Outback.

But, don’t worry, folks, because, except for a couple of issues, things only get better by and large, with the big new seventh-gen model.

And, in the most important ways, the 2026 Outback is a true Subaru at heart, so let’s dive straight in!

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2025 Mazda CX-80 Summary

Despite the similar naming conventions, the new Mazda CX-80 large SUV isn’t a revamped version of the popular CX-8 model even though it technically replaces it.

The CX-80 is actually a seven-seat version of the mid-size CX-60. If you're confused, you're not the only one. The CX-80 joins a loooong list of SUVs that Mazda has brought to our market (including the CX-80 and 90) and while it offers more passenger space than its predecessor, does bigger mean better when it comes to family hauling?

My family of three have spent three weeks with the one-up-from-entry grade Touring G40e to find out for you.

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Interested in a Mazda CX-80?

Deep dive comparison

2026 Subaru Outback 2025 Mazda CX-80

Verdict

Over 30 years and seven generations of Outback in Australia, the latest might just be the best.

It's great to drive, even better to sit in, very easy to live and willing to go further than most equivalent large SUVs at its price point.

The styling is definitely divisive, with purists unhappy that the long, crossover wagon silhouette is now gone, but what we have instead is a family-friendly vehicle that pleases on so many fronts.

We’d go as far as saying the latest Outback might be the most-rounded Subaru currently available, and great value to boot. And the base AWD is all the SUV most people will ever need.

That’s not bad for something this square!

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Verdict

The Mazda CX-80 Touring G40e will do everything you ask of it and outside of pricey ongoing costs, there’s not much to annoy. It’s too large for my small family of three and if it’s kid stowage that you’re looking for, a people mover might offer better practicality and comfort than what this does. Would it be a model that you jump through hoops to get? Maybe not, but it still has a place as family hauler and is easy to drive.

Subaru Outback vs Mazda CX-80 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Subaru Outback vs Mazda CX-80
What's the difference?