2025 Mazda CX-70 vs 2026 Subaru Ascent
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mazda CX-70 establishes an immediate advantage over the 2026 Subaru Ascent primarily through power output and fuel efficiency. The CX-70 generates a significant 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque compared to the Ascent's 260 hp and 277 lb-ft. This performance edge is paired with better economy; the CX-70 achieves a combined 25 MPG (24/28 City/Highway) versus the Ascent's 22 combined MPG (20/26 City/Highway). In terms of size, the CX-70 is substantially longer at 200.8 inches versus the Ascent's 196.8 inches. However, the Ascent counters with superior utility, offering a massive 39.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the CX-70's 17.8 cu ft, despite the CX-70's larger exterior footprint. With MSRPs nearly identical at $40,445 (CX-70) and $40,795 (Ascent), powertrain statistics heavily favor the Mazda, while utility favors the Subaru.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mazda CX-70
The Mazda CX-70 offers superior fuel economy at 25 MPG combined, reducing long-term operational costs for daily driving.
2026 Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent provides significantly more usable space with 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the CX-70's 17.8 cu ft.
2025 Mazda CX-70
The CX-70 delivers higher performance figures, boasting 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Mazda CX-70
The CX-70 provides 20 more horsepower and 3 MPG better efficiency for a marginally lower starting MSRP of $40,445.
Choose the Mazda CX-70 if...
- You prioritize on-road performance, as the 280 hp engine significantly outperforms the Ascent's 260 hp.
- Fuel economy is a primary concern, given the CX-70's 25 combined MPG versus the Ascent's 22 combined MPG.
- You desire a longer vehicle stance (200.8 inches) paired with a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission.
Choose the Subaru Ascent if...
- Maximum utility is required, evidenced by the Ascent's 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You prefer a slightly taller vehicle for ingress/egress, as the Ascent stands at 71.6 inches high.
- You want the capability of AWD paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) rather than an 8-speed automatic.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-70 | Subaru Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.8" | 196.8" |
| Width | - | 76.0" |
| Height | 68.2" | 71.6" |
| Wheelbase | 122.8" | 113.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mazda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | โ | โ |
| Lane Departure Warning | โ | โ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | โ | โ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | โ | โ |
| Driver Attention Alert | โ | โ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | โ | โ |
| Front Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Rear Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | โ | โ |
| Electronic Stability Control | โ | โ |
| Traction Control System | โ | โ |
| LATCH System | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | โ | โ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | โ | โ |
| Automatic Headlights | โ | โ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | โ | โ |
| LED Headlights | โ | โ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | โ | โ |
| Daytime Running Lights | โ | โ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | โ | โ |
| Engine Immobilizer | โ | โ |
| Brake Assist | โ | โ |
| Adaptive Headlights | โ | โ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | โ | โ |
Engine
| Feature | Mazda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.3 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 6 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 5000 rpm | 260 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | โ | โ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mazda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | โ | โ |
Fuel
| Feature | Mazda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/28 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 444.0/518.0 mi. | 386.0/501.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 19.3 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mazda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | โ | โ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Electric Power Steering | โ | โ |
| Rear View Camera | โ | โ |
| Front Parking Sensors | โ | โ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | โ | โ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | โ | โ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | โ | โ |
| Front Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Rear Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Front Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | โ | โ |
| Front Seatback Storage | โ | โ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | โ | โ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | โ | โ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Interior Air Filtration | โ | โ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | โ | โ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mazda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 11.6 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | โ | โ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| USB Port | โ | โ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | โ | โ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | โ | โ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | โ | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mazda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | โ |
| Keyless Entry | โ | โ |
| Heated Mirrors | โ | โ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mazda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.7 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 42.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.2 in. | 61.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.2 in. | 57.8 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | โ | โ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | โ |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 4-way | โ |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | โ | โ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | โ | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mazda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.3 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.4 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 60.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 55.5 in. | 57.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | โ | โ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | โ | โ |
| Folding Center Armrest | โ | โ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | โ | โ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mazda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 265/55R19 | 245/60R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Mazda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | โ | โ |
| Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
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-70 and 2026 Subaru Ascent.
Which vehicle is more powerful between the 2025 CX-70 and the 2026 Ascent?
The 2025 Mazda CX-70 is significantly more powerful, producing 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the 2026 Subaru Ascent is rated at 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.
How much cargo space separates these two crossovers?
There is a substantial difference in listed cargo capacity. The 2026 Subaru Ascent offers 39.6 cu ft, while the 2025 Mazda CX-70 offers only 17.8 cu ft.
Is the Mazda CX-70 more fuel-efficient than the Subaru Ascent?
Yes, the CX-70 holds a measurable efficiency lead, achieving a combined 25 MPG compared to the Ascent's 22 combined MPG. This translates to 28 highway MPG for the Mazda versus 26 for the Subaru.
What are the base pricing differences for these all-wheel-drive models?
The MSRPs are very close, with the 2025 Mazda CX-70 starting at $40,445. The 2026 Subaru Ascent is priced slightly higher at $40,795.
Do both vehicles utilize the same type of automatic transmission?
No, the transmissions differ; the CX-70 uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. The Ascent utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).
Which vehicle is physically larger?
The 2025 Mazda CX-70 is longer at 200.8 inches, whereas the 2026 Subaru Ascent is notably taller, measuring 71.6 inches in height against the CX-70โs 68.2 inches.
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