Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.Can a Redefined Outback Unseat Mazda's Ruggedized CX-50?The market for rugged-looking crossovers has exploded in recent years. Buyers want vehicles that can handle a muddy campsite, snowy back road, or gravel forest trail without sacrificing everyday comfort. Two of the most compelling options in this growing segment are the 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness Edition and the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Meridian Edition. Both promise adventure-ready capability, standard all-wheel drive, and distinctive styling.The CX-50 was a totally new model when it was introduced in 2022 as a 2023 model. Based on the popular CX-5, the CX-50 was geared more toward those who wanted to go a bit off-pavement versus wholly off-road. The Meridian Edition ratcheted up the rugged look and added minor improvements for traction and foul weather. The Outback, a legend in the space, was totally redesigned for 2026, and the Wilderness Edition is its off-pavement crown jewel. Bigger, more powerful, and boxier than before, it's the trim level the outdoorsy folks will gravitate toward.AdvertisementAdvertisementFor the purposes of this comparison, we've chosen the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Meridian Turbo ($40,400 base MSRP) to pit against the 2026 Subaru Wilderness ($47,040 base MSRP). So, which one is right for you?Off-Road Capability: Advantage SubaruSubaruThe "soft-roader" label might not seem very flattering, but most in this category don't push the boundary between pavement and trail very effectively. That's not the case with the Outback. The 2026 Outback Wilderness boasts 9.5 inches of ground clearance, significantly more than the CX-50 Meridian's 8.6 inches. Subaru also equips the Wilderness with upgraded X-Mode settings, hill descent control, all-terrain tires, and a suspension specifically tuned for rough terrain. The latest model even adds adaptive dampers that improve both ride quality and trail performance. If you hit the trail on a regular basis, the Outback Wilderness is the right choice to make.Like many adventure-themed trims in today's crossover market, the CX-50 Meridian Edition focuses more on subtle styling cues than major hardware upgrades. Visual changes that set it apart include gloss-black roof rails, darker details, and unique badging. Turbocharged models also receive a matte-black hood graphic, though naturally aspirated versions go without it. The Meridian's most meaningful enhancement is its set of 18-inch gloss-black wheels wrapped in Falken WildPeak Trail all-terrain tires. Those tires provide additional grip on loose surfaces and mild trails, accounting for most of the Meridian Edition's increased off-road capability compared to a standard CX-50.On-Road Driving Experience: Advantage MazdaMazda has built its reputation on making practical vehicles enjoyable to drive, and the CX-50 Meridian doesn't wander too far into ruggedness so that it's on-pavement chops are compromised. The CX-50 offers sharper steering, more responsive handling, and a generally more engaging driving experience than most compact crossovers. Even with its all-terrain tires, the Meridian retains the sporty character that separates Mazda from many competitors. Reviewers consistently praise the CX-50 for feeling more premium and composed than its rivals. With the turbocharged engine and up to 256 horsepower, the CX-50 moves with alacrity, and its driving character is rewarding and fun.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe Outback Wilderness has improved significantly for 2026, especially with its adaptive suspension, but its strengths lie with cabin comfort and trail capability rather than driving excitement on civilized roads. The steering is less communicative than the CX-50's, and the taller ride height creates a softer feel through corners. It's not nearly as responsive as the CX-50 Meridian in just about every way, although it does provide a comfortable ride that's compliant over most pavement imperfections.Interior Space and Practicality: Advantage SubaruThe Subaru provides more passenger room and cargo capacity than the CX-50. Passenger volume measures over 112 cubic feet compared to roughly 100 cubic feet in the Mazda. Cargo space is also significantly larger, with more than 80 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded. The improved layout and electronics are far better than any current Subaru, and the physical controls are excellent, a huge improvement over the last Outback. Seats are wide and supportive, great for long periods of time in the saddle. Row two provides 39.5 inches of headroom, more than the CX-50. The large glass all around provides excellent visibility, as well.The infotainment system in the Outback Wilderness and accompanying instrument display are better than ever. You can also upgrade to the larger 12.1" landscape infotainment screen. These are vast improvements in terms of intuitiveness and response time, making the tech setup in the Outback more modern than the more primitive version in the CX-50.The CX-50's cabin feels more upscale, with attractive materials and a premium, almost bespoke styling, but it can't match the Subaru's roominess and rugged utility. It lacks the occupant space of the Outback, especially in terms of rear headroom (38.6 inches). It's almost an inch less, so it's not as accommodating for taller occupants. The front seats in the CX-50 are superb, as is the driving position. The physical controls are a little more intuitive in the CX-50, especially the clean row of climate control buttons and knobs. 56 cubic feet of total cargo space gets eclipsed by the Outback's more capacious boot.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe tech set in the CX-50 needs to be updated to be more modern. While the 10.25" touchscreen is decently sized, you can't upsize it to something larger if you want. It's only touchscreen capable with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and the screen is further away from the driver in order to keep the focus on driving, unlike the Subaru's setup. The CX-50's Commander control knob on the center console is, at least, easy to use.Power and Performance: Advantage MazdaThe CX-50 Meridian can be equipped with either Mazda's naturally aspirated 187-horsepower engine or the optional turbocharged version producing up to 256 horsepower (on premium fuel). The CX-50 Merdidan turbo model will launch to 60 mph in the low 7s, while the base engine feels noticeably less energetic. It's not nearly as quick as the Outback, but its level of driver engagement, throttle response, and steering feedback surpass the Subaru.The Outback Wilderness comes standard with Subaru's turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer-four producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. That gives it strong acceleration and effortless passing power. 0-60 happens in a quite remarkable 5.8 seconds, noticeably quicker than the more driver-focused CX-50.Final ThoughtsIf your priorities include trail capability, cargo space, winter-weather confidence, and outdoor versatility, the 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness Edition is the better soft-roader. It offers genuine off-road upgrades that go beyond appearance and remains one of the most capable adventure-oriented crossovers on the market. However, if your adventures are mostly limited to dirt roads and weekend camping trips, and you value driving enjoyment, upscale design, and a more refined on-road experience, the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Meridian Edition is the better daily companion.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Jun 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the Features section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
