2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2025 Subaru Ascent

$30,500 · Crossover

$39,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the smaller, efficient 2025 Mazda CX-50 and the roomier, powerful 2025 Subaru Ascent often comes down to prioritizing price versus passenger capacity. The CX-50 starts appealingly lower at an MSRP of $30,500 compared to the Ascent's $39,995, creating a significant $9,495 upfront savings. Furthermore, the Mazda sips fuel better, achieving a combined 28 MPG versus the Ascent's 22 MPG, which saves money long-term. However, if you need size, the Ascent is considerably taller at 71.6 inches versus the CX-50's 63.5 inches. Power delivery heavily favors the Subaru, boasting 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque against the Mazda’s 187 hp and 185 lb-ft. While the Mazda offers a slightly more efficient footprint at 185.8 inches long, buyers must weigh that immediate cost savings against the Ascent's superior muscle and larger presence.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda CX-50

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 wins for commuters due to its superior 28 combined MPG efficiency and lower entry price.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Ascent

The 2025 Subaru Ascent is the family choice because its larger dimensions and likely superior passenger volume are key for hauling kids and gear.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru Ascent

Enthusiasts will prefer the 2025 Subaru Ascent because it delivers a substantial 73 horsepower advantage.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-50

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 offers better overall value by saving buyers $9,495 at the dealership and delivering 6 more MPG.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

You want to keep the starting MSRP under $31,000, as the CX-50 begins at $30,500.
Fuel economy is paramount; the CX-50 achieves 28 combined MPG versus the Ascent’s 22 MPG.
You prefer a slightly nimbler vehicle; the CX-50 is over 11 inches shorter in length.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

You require higher output, benefiting from the Ascent's 260 horsepower.
You need maximum vertical space, as the Ascent stands 71.6 inches tall compared to 63.5 inches for the Mazda.
You frequently tow or need strong acceleration, thanks to the Ascent's 277 lb-ft of torque.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-50	Subaru Ascent
Length	185.8"	196.8"
Width	75.6"	76.0"
Height	63.5"	71.6"
Wheelbase	110.8"	113.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	187 hp @ 6000 rpm	260 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	185 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	25/31 MPG	20/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	397.5/492.9 mi.	386.0/501.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 gal.	19.3 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Infotainment Display	10.3 in	11.6 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Front Head Room	39.1 in.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	42.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	61.1 in.
Front Hip Room	53.6 in.	57.8 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Rear Head Room	38.6 in.	40.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.8 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	60.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.1 in.	57.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P225/65R17	245/60R
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Front Suspension Type	Independent	—
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	—	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and 2025 Subaru Ascent.

How much more powerful is the Subaru Ascent than the Mazda CX-50?

The 2025 Subaru Ascent boasts 260 horsepower, which is significantly more than the 2025 Mazda CX-50's 187 horsepower. This 73 hp difference will be noticeable when merging or climbing hills.

Is the major price difference between these two crossovers justified by added space in the Ascent?

Yes, the Ascent costs $9,495 more, but it provides a much larger structure. The Ascent is 196.8 inches long compared to the CX-50's 185.8 inches, likely translating to more interior room for passengers.

Which crossover is better on gas for daily commuting?

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 is the clear winner for efficiency, offering a combined 28 MPG versus the Ascent’s 22 combined MPG. This 6 MPG advantage will lead to fewer stops at the pump.

Do both vehicles come standard with All-Wheel Drive?

Yes, based on the provided specifications, both the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and the 2025 Subaru Ascent come equipped with All-Wheel Drive as the standard drive type.

If I want the lowest ownership cost initially, which should I choose?

You should strongly consider the 2025 Mazda CX-50, as its starting MSRP is $30,500, making it nearly $9,500 less expensive than the Subaru Ascent.

How do the transmissions differ between these two SUVs?

The CX-50 uses a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission. In contrast, the Ascent utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).