2025 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Subaru Ascent

$38,045 · Crossover

$40,795 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

When choosing between the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and the 2026 Subaru Ascent, many buyers struggle to balance on-road refinement against rugged capability. The Mazda CX-90 enters with a clear advantage in power, boasting 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque compared to the Ascent's 260 hp and 277 lb-ft, though both sip regular unleaded fuel. For efficiency, the CX-90 edges out the competition with a combined 25 MPG versus the Ascent's 22 MPG. However, the Ascent offers a slightly higher roofline at 71.6 inches and beats the CX-90’s 14.9 cubic feet of cargo space with 17.8 cubic feet. While the CX-90 is slightly longer at 200.8 inches, the Ascent is notably taller, suggesting a different approach to utility despite its $40,795 starting MSRP, which is $2,750 more than the CX-90’s $38,045 entry point.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 is the better choice for daily commuting due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 25 combined MPG versus the Ascent's 22 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Ascent

Families needing maximum interior vertical space will prefer the 2026 Subaru Ascent, which is 3.4 inches taller and offers more usable cargo capacity at 17.8 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 is more engaging for driving enthusiasts with its higher output of 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 presents better initial value, starting at $38,045 compared to the Subaru Ascent's higher $40,795 MSRP.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You prioritize a punchier driving experience, thanks to the 280 hp engine.
Saving money at the pump is key, as the CX-90 gets 25 combined MPG.
You prefer a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission over a CVT.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

You frequently haul bulky gear, as the Ascent offers 17.8 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You need maximum headroom or prefer a boxier, taller stance (71.6 inches high).
You value the assurance of standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive paired with a CVT setup.

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
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 2026 Subaru Ascent.

Which crossover is more powerful for highway merging?

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 has the edge here, producing 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. This significantly outguns the 2026 Subaru Ascent’s 260 hp and 277 lb-ft.

How much cargo space difference is there between the two?

The Subaru Ascent provides noticeably more storage room with 17.8 cubic feet, whereas the Mazda CX-90 trails slightly behind at 14.9 cubic feet.

Are these vehicles expensive to fuel regularly?

Both utilize regular unleaded gasoline, keeping the entry cost of fuel down. The CX-90 is slightly more efficient overall, achieving 25 combined MPG versus the Ascent's 22 combined MPG.

Is the CX-90 or the Ascent the better value proposition?

Based strictly on the starting price, the CX-90 is the better value, beginning at $38,045, while the Ascent starts at $40,795.

How does their size impact maneuverability in the city?

The Subaru Ascent is generally more compact in footprint, being 4 inches shorter in length (196.8 inches vs. 200.8 inches) but wider and taller, which might make parking feel different.

What transmission differences should a driver be aware of?

The CX-90 uses a standard 8-speed shiftable automatic, offering more traditional gear shifts. Conversely, the Ascent employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT) transmission.