Acceleration

The new Subaru Outback is available with your choice of two four-cylinder engines: a 182-horsepower motor or a turbocharged 260-horsepower engine. When equipped with the stronger optional motor, the Outback can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in around six seconds. The new Toyota 4Runner offers only one engine, a 270-horsepower V6. However, since it's a larger vehicle than the Outback, it needs 7.7 seconds to get from 0 to 60 mph. The new Mazda CX-50 has two available engines, but its brawniest motor only generates 256 horsepower. The CX-50 takes seven seconds to reach 60 mph from a standstill.

Off-Road Readiness

The new Subaru Outback comes standard with Symmetrical all-wheel drive for enhanced traction on challenging terrain. Subaru Outback Wilderness models have 9.5 inches of ground clearance, a Dual-Function X-Mode traction control system, and 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires for impressive off-road proficiency. The new Toyota 4Runner comes standard with rear-wheel drive, and you must pay more to add four-wheel drive. The new Mazda CX-50 has standard all-wheel drive, but it only has up to 8.6 inches of ground clearance.

Fuel Economy

Widely varying gas prices make it vital to drive a vehicle that won't burn too much fuel. The new Subaru Outback earns a class-leading 26 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway when properly equipped. The new Toyota 4Runner only returns 16 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. The new Mazda CX-50 earns just 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway in its most efficient configuration.