The 2026 Mazda CX-70 and the 2026 Subaru Outback are two well-known models that offer many standard features, ranging from all-wheel drive (AWD) to wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The CX-70 stretches out longer and roomier since it’s based on the CX-90 3-row SUV, and the Outback sizes up as a more adventuresome off-roader. Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you decide which one best fits your needs.
2026 Mazda CX-70
The Mazda CX-70 debuted in 2025, so there are no major changes for the 2026 model year. The CX-70 continues to uphold its stylish interior and classy exterior.
2026 Mazda CX-70 Highlights
Power and ride: All CX-70 models come standard with a 280-horsepower turbocharged 3.3-liter 6-cylinder engine, or you can upgrade to the 340-horsepower version. The base inline-6 is adventurous enough for most drivers. Like other Mazda models, the CX-70 features Kinematic Posture Control that limits body roll into turns. In simple terms, the system counteracts the forces into a curve to keep the CX-70 balanced, both increasing its agility and keeping occupants safe.
Features and options: The CX-70 offers a refined interior and numerous convenient features as standard, including power-folding second-row seats, a rear power liftgate, and innovative storage solutions. Drivers are treated to leather-trimmed heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear outboard seats. Some luxury models don’t come with that kind of equipment as standard.
Safety: Mazda’s CX-70 has excellent safety features, including a surround-view camera that provides drivers with a view of what is ahead, behind, and beside them on the 12.3” full-color center display. i-ACTIVSENSE is Mazda’s suite of safety features that supports smart braking, adaptive cruise control, and traffic assistance.
Size: The CX-70 is considerably larger than the Outback, with 9.1 inches more length and a wheelbase that stretches more than a foot longer. There’s more cargo room in the CX-70, but rear legroom is similar.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CX-70 models near you.
2026 Subaru Outback
The 2026 Subaru Outback is completely redesigned for this model year. It’s bigger, boxier, and looks more like an upright SUV than anything in its wagon-like past. In a nod to the past, Subaru brings back physical knobs for climate control. Yet there are things that may attract new drivers, such as a more streamlined interior design with horizontal displays for the screens. The base engine is the familiar 2.5-liter Boxer 4-cylinder, and Symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD) is still standard.
Outback Highlights
Redesigned body style: The Outback still has 8.7 inches of ground clearance but its new design gains 2 inches in roofline height, giving passengers, especially those in the back seat, more headroom. The cargo area also benefits from the additional space, about 2 cubic feet. Although not new, another nice touch that’s usually an option on similar SUVs is standard raised roof rails with integrated crossbars and tie-downs. These rails can support rooftop tents for camping, holding up to 800 pounds when parked, of course.
Refreshed interior: The 2026 Outback adjusts the interior to feel both minimalistic and modern. To achieve this, the Outback regains physical control knobs and push buttons for climate control, which sit below the new 12.1-inch touchscreen that’s oriented horizontally instead of vertically. Drivers can monitor pertinent information on the 12.3-inch display, including maps. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard, as is the latest version of Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance system. Subaru adds a pre-curve speed control and emergency stop assist to help drivers navigate around obstacles.
Wilderness package: For off-roading, this package will not disappoint. While the Wilderness badging and copper color accents are nice, what is most impressive is the 9.5 inches of ground clearance and the 20-degree approach angle, helping you off-road with confidence. A surround-view camera adds to the driver’s ability to navigate rough terrain. Even the suspension gets a tune-up, adding electronic dampers that provide extra stability and comfort by adjusting to road or trail conditions.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Outback models near you.
Pricing
New 2026 MAZDA CX-70 Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$43,780 |
$42,000 |
|||
$47,810 |
$45,700 |
|||
$51,100 |
$48,900 |
|||
$54,770 |
$52,300 |
|||
$58,200 |
$55,700 |
New 2026 Subaru Outback Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$36,445 |
$33,700 |
|||
$43,165 |
$40,100 |
|||
$45,815 |
$42,500 |
|||
$46,445 |
$43,200 |
|||
$46,845 |
$43,800 |
|||
$49,405 |
$46,200 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2026 MAZDA CX-70 vehicles and New 2026 Subaru Outback vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2026 MAZDA CX-70 | 2026 Subaru Outback | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 3.3-liter turbo 6-cylinder | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Towing Capacity | 3,500 pounds | N/A |
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 5,000 rpm | 180 hp @ 5,800 rpm |
| Torque | 332 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm | 178 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm |
| Transmission | automatic, 8-speed e-skyactiv-drive w/manual mode | automatic, cvt w/lineartronic & 8-speed manual mode |
| Fuel Economy | N/A | 25 city/31 highway/27 combined mpg |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 122.8 inches | 108.1 inches |
| Overall Length | 201.6 inches | 191.7 inches |
| Width | 84.9 inches | 82.9 inches |
| Height | 68.2 inches | 68.3 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.1 feet | 36.5 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.7 inches | 40.2 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.3 inches | 40.5 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | N/A | N/A |
| Legroom, Front | 41.7 inches | 43.0 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 39.4 inches | 39.5 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | N/A | N/A |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 59.2 inches | 57.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 58.1 inches | 57.4 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | N/A | N/A |
| Cargo Behind Last Seat | 39.6 feet | 34.6 feet |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | N/A | N/A |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | 75.3 feet | 80.5 feet |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
If you prefer a vehicle that offers a little more finesse and a more premium feel, we’d suggest the Mazda CX-70, which starts at $43,780. For the cost-conscious, the Outback starts at $36,455 and comes with many standard features. These two vehicles will appeal to different drivers based on personal preferences. That is why we recommend getting behind the wheel to see whether the CX-70 or Outback is right for you.
