Mazda CX-60 vs Subaru Outback

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Mazda CX-60 at 5 stars (2022) and the Subaru Outback at 5 stars (2021). ANCAP tested these in different years (2022 vs 2021). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Mazda CX-60 and 88% for the Subaru Outback, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Mazda CX-60, against 6 on the Subaru Outback.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Mazda CX-60 and 9 in the Subaru Outback.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Feature Showdown

The Mazda CX-60 features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Subaru Outback gets a 12.1-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Mazda CX-60 stands out with head-up display — features our data doesn't list for the Subaru Outback. The Subaru Outback counters with panoramic roof, heated front seats and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Mazda CX-60 gets cloth upholstery while the Subaru Outback offers synthetic leather.

Drivetrain

The Mazda CX-60 uses a Petrol producing 138kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.4 seconds.

The Subaru Outback responds with a Petrol making 137kW and 254Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels.

The Mazda CX-60 has the clear power advantage at 138kW vs 137kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Mazda CX-60 measures 4,740mm long on a 2,870mm wheelbase, 140mm shorter than the Subaru Outback at 4,880mm (2,745mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-60 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 570L in the Mazda CX-60 and 530L in the Subaru Outback, giving the Mazda CX-60 a 40L advantage.

For towing, the Subaru Outback leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Mazda CX-60's turning circle is 0.3 m tighter, 10.8 m against 11.1 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Mazda CX-60 costs about $2,138 a year (7.5 L/100km) and fuel for the Subaru Outback about $2,309 a year (8.1 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $171 a year less for the Mazda CX-60.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Mazda CX-60) and 5 years / Unlimited (Subaru Outback). Capped-price servicing: no data (Mazda CX-60), 5 years (Subaru Outback).

Where each one leads

The Mazda CX-60: the lower starting price ($45,640 against $48,990), more power (138kW against 137kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (570L against 530L) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($2,138 a year against $2,309).

The Subaru Outback: the higher braked towing limit (2,000kg against 1,800kg).

The Verdict

Subaru Outback scores higher, 76 vs 75

The Subaru Outback scores 76 to the Mazda CX-60's 75 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 1 of the 5 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: technology (Subaru Outback ahead by 13 points), performance (Mazda CX-60 ahead by 13 points), fuel economy (Mazda CX-60 ahead by 5 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Mazda CX-60 costs about $171 less (7.5 L/100km against 8.1 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 570L in the Mazda CX-60, 530L in the Subaru Outback.

Common questions