If you have lived in Easley, SC, for any amount of time, you already know winter has its own personality here. Some mornings greet you with crisp sunshine that begs for a scenic drive toward Table Rock State Park. Other mornings surprise you with a thin sheet of ice across your windshield that you definitely did not ask for. It is a season that keeps drivers alert and occasionally humble. So it is no wonder that local adventurers look for a vehicle that can take on those shifts in weather without fuss.
Two names usually rise to the top when people start comparing winter-ready crossovers. The 2026 Mazda CX-50 and the Subaru Outback. Both carry reputations for dependability and capability. Both have followings built on outdoor credibility. And both seem to appear in almost every conversation among Easley drivers who enjoy heading off to the mountains when the temperatures dip.
From a dealership’s perspective the choice has become far more interesting in recent years. Subaru built its foundation on confident year-round handling. Mazda stepped into the adventure segment with something that feels intentionally engineered for real drivers. This is a matchup worth talking about.
What follows is an experienced editor’s look at how each vehicle behaves when winter arrives in Pickens County and what that means for your next adventure.
Winter in Easley Needs a Certain Kind of Vehicle
AWD is helpful in cold weather. That part is simple. What is less simple is how the rest of a vehicle works together when the roads turn slick or the temperature drops. Winter handling is never only about traction. It also depends on balance, steering confidence, and how well the vehicle anticipates small changes in surface grip. You have probably felt the difference between a crossover that reacts late to slippery spots and one that gives you a steady, reassuring feel through the wheel.
Mazda designed the 2026 Mazda CX-50 with that steady feel in mind. Every trim comes with AWD and a set of driver-focused systems that manage weight shifts and grip in subtle ways. The G-Vectoring Control Plus system gently adjusts power delivery to help stabilize turns. It is quiet and almost, but you can sense it when you guide the vehicle along a curving road after a night of frost. It feels composed, which is not always common among adventure crossovers.
Subaru takes a different approach. The Subaru Outback’s symmetrical AWD system has been a longtime winter favorite. It distributes power evenly, which helps the vehicle move predictably across uneven or icy surfaces. That predictability is part of its charm and is a big reason so many mountain enthusiasts swear by it.
The debate comes down to which version of winter confidence you prefer. Subaru leans toward a classic, dependable feel. Mazda leans toward a more refined and responsive approach.
Design That Sets the Tone Before You Even Start Driving
Most crossovers talk tough in their styling, but not all actually feel secure on the road. The 2026 Mazda CX-50 stands out because its wide stance helps it sit lower relative to other vehicles in the segment, which gives it a planted presence. That planted feel turns into real stability when the pavement gets wet or icy. The sculpted hood and tapered lines give it a crisp look that makes it seem ready for a weekend adventure even while sitting still in your driveway.
The Subaru Outback stays true to its familiar silhouette. That shape is part of why people love it. It has a more traditional wagon-inspired frame with upright windows and a taller look. When you see a Subaru Outback, you instantly know it is built with utility at the forefront. It is designed to carry gear and handle rough roads without looking out of place.
Both vehicles embrace the outdoors, but they do so in very different visual languages. Mazda gives the 2026 Mazda CX-50 the kind of appearance that fits right into the foothills around Easley in a more athletic way. Subaru keeps things straightforward and practical.
How Each One Feels on Winter Roads
This is the part that matters to anyone who has taken a cold morning drive down a winding section of Highway 11. The roadway might look safe, but the temperature tells another story. You want a crossover that communicates clearly through the wheel and pedals.
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 feels composed. The steering stays tight even at lower speeds, which helps you sense the surface beneath the tires. The suspension absorbs bumps without making the cabin feel disconnected. Mazda’s AWD system works with different drive modes, including Sport and Off Road. The Off Road setting helps manage power on loose or low-grip surfaces so you do not get that sudden lurch when traction shifts. The 2026 Mazda CX-50 also offers towing support on its turbo models. That means you can bring along extra equipment during your winter outings without giving up stability.
The Subaru Outback takes a slightly softer approach. The suspension is designed for comfort, though it still handles rough ground well. Its driving feel is gentle, which appeals to people who want a smoother ride on long drives. Subaru’s X-Mode feature helps in slippery situations, and the Subaru Outback’s ground clearance is always a strong point for winter travel over uneven terrain.
The difference here lies in personality. Mazda gives you a sense that the vehicle is paying attention to every turn. Subaru gives you a sense that the vehicle will steadily press on regardless of changing conditions.
Cabin Experience When the Weather Turns Chilly
Spending time inside the vehicle matters almost as much as how it drives. Warm seats. Clear controls. Smart visibility. These things make winter trips far more pleasant, no matter if you are heading to Greenville before sunrise or driving into the mountains for a quiet morning hike.
Mazda puts great effort into interior craftsmanship. The 2026 Mazda CX-50 cabin feels tailored with clean lines and a layout that keeps your eyes on the road rather than hunting for buttons. Heated seats appear across multiple trims, and higher trims bring in ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic roof that brightens the cabin even on gray winter days. The 10.25-inch display sits at the right height, and the integration with built-in navigation tools makes it easier to stay oriented during long drives.
The Subaru Outback’s interior favors durability and simplicity. The materials feel rugged, which many outdoor-focused drivers appreciate. Subaru uses a more upright design, which gives the cabin an airy feeling. It is functional and easy to keep clean after a day on muddy trails.
Both interiors are winter-friendly, though the 2026 Mazda CX-50 leans toward a more refined atmosphere. The Subaru Outback favors practicality.
Adventure Capability Through the Eyes of a Local Driver
Easley residents have a unique blend of needs. Some of us want a crossover that can handle the occasional snowy day in the upstate. Others want something that feels ready for Pisgah National Forest or a weekend in Brevard. The 2026 Mazda CX-50 supports both. Models equipped with the turbocharged engine offer up to 3500 pounds of towing capability, and the Off Road mode makes trailhead access smoother. The hybrid version provides efficiency along with AWD to help with traction on cold days.
The Subaru Outback remains a favorite for long camping trips and mixed terrain outings. Its roof rack system is known for being friendly to kayaks and cargo carriers. It has a long-running history with outdoor enthusiasts, and it continues to hold that appeal.
The key point is that the 2026 Mazda CX-50 has stepped confidently into territory once owned entirely by Subaru. Mazda has created something with a strong sense of purpose that fits the Easley landscape extremely well.
Choosing between the 2026 Mazda CX-50 and the Subaru Outback comes down to the kind of winter driving you want to experience. If you prefer a crossover that feels attentive on curves and offers a refined interior, you will likely lean toward the CX-50. If you want something more traditional with well-known winter capability, the Subaru Outback may still speak to you.
From years of watching drivers compare these two vehicles side by side, it is clear that the 2026 Mazda CX-50 has reshaped expectations in this segment. Mazda created a crossover that thrives on real-world winter conditions around Easley while still offering a composed and enjoyable driving experience.
The Subaru Outback remains a strong option, but the 2026 Mazda CX-50 brings a fresh attitude that many drivers are drawn to once they try it.
Reading comparisons is helpful, but nothing replaces driving the 2026 Mazda CX-50 for yourself. Visit McKinney Mazda in Easley, SC, to schedule a test ride and experience how it handles winter roads firsthand. Our team is ready to help you explore trim features and everything you need for your next season of adventure.
