Mazda CX-50 vs Subaru Outback: Best SUV for Outdoor Adventures in Florida

Florida’s outdoor enthusiasts face a tough choice between the Mazda CX-50 and Subaru Outback for their next adventure. Both SUVs have capable all-wheel-drive systems and features built for the outdoors, but they approach beaches, state parks, and camping spots in different ways. Planning to haul fishing gear to the Keys? Need to drive on sandy trails? Packing for weekend trips in the Everglades? This guide will help you determine which is the best SUV for outdoor adventures in Florida.

Design and Utility for Outdoor Gear

The Subaru Outback leads in terms of cargo space with 32.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 75.6 cubic feet when folded flat. This makes it ideal for week-long state park adventures where you need to pack for every weather condition. In comparison, the Mazda CX-50 offers 31.4 cubic feet, maxing out at 56.3 cubic feet, for camping trips with coolers, tents, fishing poles, beach chairs, and other essentials.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 counters with thoughtfully designed features. All trims include i-ACTIV AWD, LED headlights that cut through Florida’s afternoon storms, signature grille styling, optional roof rails for kayaks or paddleboards, and 20-inch aluminum wheels that handle city streets and sandy trails. A flat cargo floor and programmable power liftgate make it easy to load gear after long beach days. Turbo trims also provide 8.6 inches of ground clearance for navigating rougher off-road areas.

Both SUVs are easy to clean after sandy or muddy adventures. The CX-50 offers leather seats that wipe down quickly after salty beach trips, while the Outback uses durable materials designed for heavy use. If you’re often transporting damp wetsuits, sandy coolers, and muddy camping gear, the Outback’s cargo area is especially practical for group travel or extended trips.

Performance, Handling, and Off-Road Capabilities

Both vehicles take different approaches to engine performance for Florida’s unique driving demands. The CX-50 starts with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque, ideal for Orlando commutes and beach runs. Turbo versions deliver up to 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel for pulling boats or tackling steep boat ramps. All trims have a six-speed automatic transmission and standard i-ACTIV AWD. The Subaru Outback offers a base 182-horsepower engine or a turbocharged 2.4-liter generating 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque when you need more power.

Ground clearance makes a big difference on unpredictable terrain, from washed-out beach roads to rocky state park trails. The CX-50 offers 8.3 inches on base trims and 8.6 inches on turbo variants, while the Outback provides 8.7 inches standard and 9.5 inches on the Wilderness Edition trim for serious off-road conditions. Subaru’s X-MODE system helps manage traction and power on difficult trails, with the Wilderness trim adding a lifted suspension and all-terrain tires. The CX-50 counters with Mi-Drive’s Sport and Off-Road modes that adjust throttle response, and the Meridian Edition includes all-terrain tires for sandy conditions.

Real Florida road conditions reveal each SUV’s strengths. The Outback’s higher seating position and excellent visibility help when navigating narrow beach roads or spotting deep ruts on trails. It handles soft sand confidently, and the turbo engine provides enough power to pull boats through challenging launch areas. For long drives to distant camping spots, the Mazda CX-50’s refined handling and smooth ride make highway miles more comfortable and help you arrive refreshed.

Towing Capacity and Passenger Comfort

Towing capacity depends mostly on which engine you choose. The 2025 Subaru Outback offers up to 2,700 pounds with its standard engine or up to 3,500 pounds with the 2.4-liter turbo. The Mazda CX-50’s towing ability also varies by trim, with the 2.5-liter turbo versions towing up to 3,500 pounds. The nonturbo trims are limited to 2,000 pounds. For outdoor activities, both SUVs handle the typical gear with ease, with trims capable of towing 3,500 pounds able to pull teardrop campers, popup campers, small boats, and motorcycle trailers for weekend trips.

If comfort matters on long road journeys, consider the passenger space. The Subaru gives you 109 cubic feet of passenger room, with 42.8 inches of front legroom and 39.5 inches in the rear. The Mazda CX-50 provides a total of 100.3 cubic feet, with front legroom of 41.7 inches and rear legroom of 39.8 inches. You’ll notice these differences during long drives to the Keys or across the state, where comfort really counts.

Technology and Safety for Long Drives

Screen technology differs between these SUVs, which matters when navigating to remote Florida destinations. Mazda upgraded the CX-50’s display from 8.8 inches to 10.3 inches across all 2025 models, adding Amazon Alexa integration plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Subaru’s Outback uses an 11.6-inch vertically oriented screen on higher trims, while base trims have dual 7-inch screens. Both work well for finding hidden camping spots, but Subaru’s larger screen shines when displaying detailed maps during long navigation sessions.

Safety is also an important consideration for Florida families. The CX-50 earned the 2025 Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), while the Outback received the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s five-star rating but didn’t capture the latest IIHS award. Mazda’s i-Activsense suite includes lane departure warnings, rear cross-traffic alerts, adaptive front lighting, blind-spot monitoring, and parking sensors. Subaru’s EyeSight system provides adaptive cruise control, automatic precollision braking, lane-keeping assistance, and DriverFocus distraction mitigation.

Find Your Perfect Adventure SUV at Sport Mazda North

Your choice between the Mazda CX-50 and Subaru Outback depends on your lifestyle. The Outback is ideal for serious camping enthusiasts or those hauling gear and excels for families wanting maximum cargo space, proven reliability, and comfort during long drives. The Mazda CX-50 appeals to Florida outdoor enthusiasts wanting a premium feel with sporty handling and industry-leading safety awards.

Both are ideal for Florida outdoor adventures, but your needs will determine the smarter choice. Experience both SUVs firsthand by visiting Sport Mazda North in Longwood for a test-drive, and let our team help you find your ideal adventure companion.