Compare the2026 Mitsubishi OutlanderVS 2026 Mazda CX-50

The Outlander has a standard front seat center airbag, which deploys between the driver and front passenger, protecting them from injuries caused by striking each other in serious side impacts. The CX-50 doesn’t offer front seat center airbags.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the Outlander’s standard Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The CX-50 doesn’t offer Hill Descent Control.

Both the Outlander and the CX-50 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive, lane departure warning systems and around view monitors.

The Outlander comes with a full 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The CX-50’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 2 years or 24,000 miles sooner.

Mitsubishi’s powertrain warranty covers the Outlander 5 years and 40,000 miles longer than Mazda covers the CX-50. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Coverage on the CX-50 ends after only 5 years or 60,000 miles.

The Outlander’s corrosion warranty is 2 years longer than the CX-50’s (7 vs. 5 years).

Mitsubishi pays for scheduled maintenance on the Outlander for 2 years and 30,000 miles. Mitsubishi will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance (up to 3 visits). Mazda doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the CX-50.

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the Outlander has a 120-amp alternator. The CX-50’s standard 100-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Outlander’s reliability 23 points higher than the CX-50.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Mitsubishi vehicles are better in initial quality than Mazda vehicles. With 3 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Mitsubishi higher than Mazda.

The Outlander’s 1.5 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 21 lbs.-ft. more torque (206 vs. 185) than the CX-50’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder. The Outlander’s 1.5 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 43 lbs.-ft. more torque (206 vs. 163) than the CX-50’s optional 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid.

On the EPA test cycle the Outlander gets better mileage than the CX-50:

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Mitsubishi Outlander uses regular unleaded gasoline. The CX-50 with the 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder engine requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

The Outlander has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The CX-50 doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

For better stopping power the Outlander’s brake rotors are larger than those on the CX-50:

The Outlander’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the CX-50 are solid, not vented.

For better traction, the Outlander has larger standard tires than the CX-50 (235/60R18 vs. 225/65R17). The Outlander SE/SEL’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the CX-50 (255/45R20 vs. 245/45R20).

The Outlander ES/Trail’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 60 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the CX-50’s standard 65 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Outlander ES/Trail has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the CX-50.

The Outlander has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The CX-50 doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

For superior ride and handling, the Mitsubishi Outlander has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Mazda CX-50 has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The Outlander has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the Outlander flat and controlled during cornering. The CX-50’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

For greater off-road capability the Outlander ES/Trail has a greater minimum ground clearance than the CX-50 Hybrid Preferred (8.3 vs. 7.8 inches), allowing the Outlander to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The front grille of the Outlander uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The CX-50 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Outlander has standard seating for 7 passengers; the CX-50 can only carry 5.

The Outlander has 25.2 cubic feet more passenger volume than the CX-50 (125.5 vs. 100.3).

The Outlander has 1.5 inches more front headroom, .4 inches more front hip room, 2 inches more front shoulder room, .5 inches more rear headroom, .1 inches more rear legroom, 1.2 inches more rear hip room and 2.3 inches more rear shoulder room than the CX-50.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the Outlander’s middle and third row seats recline. The CX-50’s rear seats don’t recline.

The Outlander’s cargo area provides more volume than the CX-50.

While the CX-50 Hybrid can only tow 1500, any Outlander can tow a minimum of 2000 pounds.

The Outlander SEL’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The CX-50 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The Outlander S-AWC has standard headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The CX-50 doesn’t offer headlight washers.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the Outlander to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The CX-50 doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

Compared to traditional radio, the Mitsubishi Outlander’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio is only offered on the CX-50 Premium/Turbo.

The Outlander is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The CX-50 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Mitsubishi Outlander and the Mazda CX-50, based on reliability, safety and performance.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Outlander third among compact suvs in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The CX-50 isn’t in the top three.