2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2026 Subaru Ascent

$30,500 · Crossover

$40,795 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 ignites the pavement with its sculpted design and focused driving dynamics, appealing immediately to those who value engagement over sheer scale. Conversely, the 2026 Subaru Ascent asserts dominance through robust power, boasting 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, making it the clear powerhouse of this pairing. While the Ascent provides a towering presence at 71.6 inches high with massive interior space, the CX-50 remains agile and efficient, achieving 28 combined MPG, a significant 6 MPG advantage over the thirsty Ascent (22 combined MPG). The price gap is also stark: the Ascent starts at $40,795, nearly $10,295 more than the CX-50's $30,500 entry point. Though the CX-50 offers a more efficient 25/31 MPG split, the Ascent's superior power output promises thrilling acceleration that the CX-50’s 187 hp cannot match, setting up a classic showdown between dynamic efficiency and brute force capability.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 28 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Ascent

The significantly taller and longer 2026 Subaru Ascent offers more overall volume, despite its smaller provided cargo spec, suggesting better passenger comfort.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent’s substantial advantage of 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque offers a more visceral performance experience.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 delivers excellent standard AWD capability at an MSRP $10,295 lower than the Ascent.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

Your budget is firmly under $35,000, given the CX-50's $30,500 starting MSRP.
Maximizing fuel efficiency is critical, as the CX-50 achieves 28 combined MPG versus the Ascent's 22.
You prefer a slightly smaller, more nimble footprint (185.8 inches long) for navigating tighter urban environments.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

You absolutely require maximum output, as the Ascent delivers 260 horsepower.
Passenger and bulk hauling dictate height, given the Ascent's 71.6-inch overall height.
You plan on covering long highway distances where the Ascent’s larger dimensions might offer more cruising stability.

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
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 2026 Subaru Ascent.

How much more powerful is the 2026 Ascent compared to the 2025 CX-50?

The Subaru Ascent pulls ahead significantly in performance metrics, offering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This is a robust 73 horsepower and 92 lb-ft of torque advantage over the Mazda CX-50's 187 hp and 185 lb-ft.

Is the fuel economy difference between these two crossovers substantial?

Yes, the difference is quite noticeable for daily driving budgets. The Mazda CX-50 earns 28 combined MPG, whereas the more powerful Subaru Ascent is rated at only 22 combined MPG, creating a 6 MPG gap.

What is the primary factor driving the $10,295 price difference?

The price gap of $10,295 is largely due to the Ascent's greater size and significantly higher power output (260 hp vs. 187 hp) and potentially more standard features associated with the higher trim levels implied by that price difference.

How do their transmissions compare in feel?

The Mazda CX-50 utilizes a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic, which many drivers prefer for its direct feel. Conversely, the Subaru Ascent features a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), designed more for efficiency continuity than sporty shifting.

Does the smaller CX-50 compromise utility too much?

While the CX-50 has a smaller published cargo capacity at 31.4 cu ft, it remains competitive for a vehicle of its size; however, the Ascent is considerably larger overall, despite its lower specific cargo number provided (17.8 cu ft).

Are either of these vehicles able to handle poor weather conditions effectively?

Both models come standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), making both excellent choices for handling snow or wet roads. The Ascent’s extra height (71.6 inches vs. 63.5 inches) might offer a slight advantage in deeper snow accumulation.