2025 Mazda CX-90 vs 2025 Subaru Ascent

$38,045 · Crossover

$39,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 bursts onto the scene with a spirited 280 horsepower and a muscular 332 lb-ft of torque from its standard inline-six engine setup, immediately promising a more engaging drive than the 2025 Subaru Ascent’s 260 horsepower. Mazda injects premium dynamism into this three-row crossover segment, evident in its sporty 8-speed automatic transmission versus the Ascent's CVT. While the Ascent offers greater utility, boasting a generous 17.8 cu ft of cargo space compared to the CX-90’s 14.9 cu ft, the CX-90 counters with superior efficiency, achieving a combined 25 MPG against the Ascent's 22 MPG. Both vehicles offer standard All-Wheel Drive, but the CX-90 is slightly longer at 200.8 inches, prioritizing road presence, whereas the taller Ascent (71.6 inches) leans into cavernous interior room. For drivers prioritizing raw power and better fuel economy, the Mazda steals the dynamic edge.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda CX-90

The CX-90 delivers superior fuel economy at 25 MPG combined, which directly benefits daily commuting costs over the Ascent’s 22 MPG combined.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Ascent offers significantly more functional storage capacity, providing 17.8 cu ft versus the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft, crucial for hauling family gear.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-90

The CX-90’s turbocharged engine produces 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, notably outperforming the Ascent’s 260 hp and 277 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-90

Despite the lower MSRP of $38,045, the CX-90 offers substantially higher horsepower figures, making it the stronger performance buy for less money.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You demand stronger acceleration and torque, benefiting from the 332 lb-ft the CX-90 offers.
You want better everyday efficiency, leveraging the CX-90's 25 MPG combined rating.
You prefer the traditional, responsive feel of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

Maximum cargo hauling is essential, as the Ascent provides 17.8 cu ft versus 14.9 cu ft.
You need a slightly more upright and commanding driving position, reflected by the Ascent’s 71.6-inch height.
You prefer avoiding the higher trim levels often necessary to match the CX-90's standard power output.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-90	Subaru Ascent
Length	200.8"	196.8"
Width	78.5"	76.0"
Height	68.2"	71.6"
Wheelbase	122.8"	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	✓	✓
Third Row 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling 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	✓	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

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	✓	✓

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	✓	✓

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	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
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 (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Memory Card Slot	✓	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
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	39.7 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: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

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	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓

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	✓	✓
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
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-90 and 2025 Subaru Ascent.

How significant is the performance difference between the two AWD crossovers?

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 holds a noticeable advantage with 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque compared to the Ascent's 260 hp and 277 lb-ft. This extra power, coupled with the CX-90's dedicated 8-speed automatic, suggests a more eager and refined driving experience, even with both vehicles featuring standard All-Wheel Drive.

Which vehicle is better suited for long-haul highway trips regarding fuel usage?

The Mazda CX-90 is the clear winner for fuel efficiency, achieving a 28 MPG highway rating. This surpasses the Subaru Ascent's 26 MPG highway figure, meaning the CX-90 will incur lower fuel expenses over extended driving periods.

How does cargo space compare when comparing the exterior dimensions?

Despite the CX-90 being a longer vehicle at 200.8 inches versus the Ascent’s 196.8 inches, the taller 2025 Subaru Ascent manages to offer superior cargo volume with 17.8 cu ft compared to the CX-90’s 14.9 cu ft.

Is the price difference justified by the feature sets provided?

The CX-90 starts at a lower MSRP of $38,045 compared to the Ascent's $39,995. Given that the Mazda also offers higher power figures as standard equipment, it presents a stronger case for standard feature value, especially in performance.

What is the difference in the transmission types offered?

Mazda utilizes a conventional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission in the CX-90, often favored for its direct shifting feel. Conversely, the Subaru Ascent employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), which prioritizes smooth, gearless acceleration, though some drivers find it less engaging.

Are both vehicles designed to run on standard pump fuel?

Yes, both the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and the 2025 Subaru Ascent specify regular unleaded fuel compatibility for their respective powertrains, eliminating the need for premium fuel in either vehicle.