Verdict
At RM296,610, the Mazda CX-80 costs RM17,610 more than the Subaru Outback, but it brings six seats, a 17.8-kWh plug-in-hybrid battery with 65 km of EV range and a 3,120-mm wheelbase. Its 258-litre boot is dramatically smaller than the Outback’s 522 litres, however, and the Mazda weighs 2,342 kg against 1,756 kg. The Outback is the more rational five-seat load carrier, with a 9.6-second 0-100 km/h figure. Choose the CX-80 for regular extra passengers and charging access, not merely for size.
CX-80
Pick the Mazda CX-80 if you need six seats, can use its 65 km EV range and want heated, ventilated captain’s chairs in the second row.
Outback
Pick the Subaru Outback if a 522-litre boot, lower purchase price and a much lighter five-seat wagon suit your daily use better.
Key differences
- Price: Mazda CX-80 RM296,610; Subaru Outback RM279,000.
- Seating and boot space: Mazda CX-80 6 seats and 258 litres; Subaru Outback 5 seats and 522 litres.
- Plug-in hybrid system: Mazda CX-80 has a 17.8-kWh battery, 172-hp motor and 65 km EV range; Subaru Outback has no motor, battery or EV range.
- Size and weight: Mazda CX-80 is 4,995 mm long, with a 3,120-mm wheelbase and 2,342-kg weight; Subaru Outback is 4,870 mm, 2,745 mm and 1,756 kg.
- Petrol engine output: Mazda CX-80 189 hp and 261 Nm; Subaru Outback 185 hp and 245 Nm.
- Wheels: Mazda CX-80 gets 20-inch alloys with 235/50R20 tyres; Subaru Outback gets 18-inch alloys with 225/60R18 tyres.
CX-80
- Six-seat layout with individual heated and ventilated middle-row captain’s chairs.
- 17.8-kWh plug-in-hybrid battery and 65 km EV range.
- 360-degree monitor, head-up display and front parking sensors.
- RM17,610 more expensive than the Subaru Outback.
- 258-litre boot is 264 litres smaller than the Outback’s.
- 2,342 kg kerb weight is 586 kg higher than the Outback’s.
Outback
- 522-litre boot gives it 264 litres more luggage room.
- 586 kg lighter at 1,756 kg.
- Front foglamps and a space-saver spare tyre.
- Five seats versus the CX-80’s six.
- No plug-in-hybrid system or 65 km EV range.
- No head-up display or front parking sensors.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM296,610 | RM279,000✓ |
| Body type | SUV | Wagon |
| Segment | Executive | D-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM830✓ | RM878 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing and plug-in hybrid assistance | Direct Fuel Injection, Horizontally Opposed, 4-Cylinder, DOHC 16-Valve, Boxer Engine |
| Capacity | 2,488 cc | 2,498 cc |
| Horsepower | 189 hp✓ | 185 hp |
| Torque | 261 Nm✓ | 245 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid | Petrol |
| Bore | 89 mm | 94 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 12 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 172 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 270 Nm | — |
| Battery Capacity | 17.8 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 65 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 7.2 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | Lineartronic CVT |
| Gears | 8 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Subaru |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | — | 9.6 seconds |
| Top Speed | — | 206 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,995 mm | 4,870 mm |
| Width | 1,890 mm | 1,875 mm |
| Height | 1,705 mm | 1,682 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,120 mm | 2,745 mm |
| Weight | 2,342 kg | 1,756 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 70 litres | 63 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 6 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 258 litres | 522 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 235/50R20 | 225/60R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/50R20 | 225.60R18 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance SUV | Bridgestone Alenza H/L33 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Double Wishbones |
| Front Wheels | 20" Alloys | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 20" Alloys | 18" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee | Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Manual for rear doors |
| Seat Belts | 6 Three-point | 5 three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for second row seats | Available for Two Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Full LED | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Front Seats with Heating, Ventilation and Memory Function | 10-way power adjustable driver with memory, 8-way powered adjustment front passenger |
| Rear Seats | Individual Captain Seat Middle Row with Heating & Ventilation, 50:50 Split-folding Last Row | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Rear AC vents |
| Sunroof | Panoramic Sliding Roof | Front, Tilt and Slide |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Middle, 2 USB-C Third Row | — |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Middle Row, 2 Last Row | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Sunroof Shade, Rear Window Shades | Sunroof Shade |
| Audio | 12.3" Infotainment Screen with Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 12-speaker Bose Sound System | 11.6" HD Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 11-speaker Harman Kardon Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation and PIN Code Access |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree Monitor | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Backlit Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 5-year/100,000-km Free Service, 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty | — |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used CX-80 & Outback for sale
CX-80 vs Outback FAQ
Is the Mazda CX-80 or Subaru Outback better?
The CX-80 is better for six occupants and short EV-capable journeys, while the Outback is better for a five-person household that regularly needs its 522-litre boot.
What is the price difference?
The Mazda CX-80 costs RM17,610 more than the Subaru Outback.
Which has the bigger boot?
The Subaru Outback has the bigger boot at 522 litres, compared with 258 litres in the Mazda CX-80. The Mazda trades luggage space for its third row and six-seat layout.