Mazda CX-5 VS Subaru Outback – Which Car Should I Buy?

QUESTION – STEFAN (question asked on 19/12/16):

We’re looking at the Mazda CX-5 or the Subaru Outback. We drive 15,000 to 18,000 kilometres per year and travel over Hotham to the south east coast a couple of times a year. We also drive to Queensland and northern New South Wales, so we need something that can cater for a lot of distance with luggage. As we are both in our 60s, the vehicle would have to be easy to get in and out of. We have had diesel vehicles, and we liked them, so we’d like to own another diesel – we currently have a Volkswagen Jetta diesel and have had no trouble, it’s just getting hard to get in and out of. Decent comfort and build quality are a must and we intend to keep this vehicle for about six years. We also have three grandchildren that we pick up to stay with us.

ANSWER – SAMANTHA STEVENS:

While we would normally give you a blow-by-blow comparison of the two cars you are interested in, your described lifestyle tells us that the CX-5, while an excellent vehicle, would not suit you. The CX-5’s boot is upright and compact, and definitely not suited to your needs. The Outback, on the other hand, has a wide and roomy boot, and its ride height will help entry and egress. It is considered quite a big car these days, and tall enough to suit – though we recommend a thorough test drive to ensure the height works for you, as well as the comfort of the seats. Its diesel is excellent, and the second row will easily accommodate the kids.

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