Always a useful topic... :-) You're talking about a brand new car of one of these? In any case... The Subaru is all-wheel drive (AWD) whatever Outback model (engine, trans) you get. The Mazda has 2WD or AWD options, 2WD at the lower price point. AWD is really nice to have on slippery boat ramps, so if you go for the Mazda, I say get the AWD (it's also nice to have for a lot of other adventures and for winter driving if you live in snow country). Either one should not be at all stressed to tow an M-15. If it were an M-17 I would say go with the extra margin the Subaru claims (2700 vs. 2200 for the Mazda). And remember a lot of it is about brakes! See if you can find info on which has the better rated (actual testing, by e.g. Car & Driver or similar) brakes. I have an older Outback (2001), which is only rated 2000 lbs. towing. I have rear overload springs and slightly better-than-stock front brakes. I would be confident towing an M-17 or equivalent; beyond confident for an M-15. Daniel may want to chime in, he tows his M-15 with a newer Impreza (same carcass and engine, different body than Outback) rated same as you are looking at (2700). I recall he said it is more than adequate. cheers, John S. On 07/19/2015 03:12 PM, Karen & Smiley wrote:
I am about ready to pull the trigger on either of these two cars that is capable of towing +2000 lbs.
Mazda CX 5 w 2.5 liter engine good to 2200 lbs
Subaru Outback w 2.5 liter engine good for 2700 lbs if trailer has brakes on it (no need for brakes below 2000 lbs)
Any actual confirmed feedback on experiences with these cars or hp of your tow vehicles engine. Thanks Smiley M15 # 616
Karen & Smiley
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