2025 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Subaru Outback

$38,045 · Crossover

$34,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and the 2026 Subaru Outback lies in power output, with the CX-90 producing 280 horsepower compared to the Outback's 180 horsepower—a 100 hp deficit for the Subaru. Pricing begins at $34,995 for the Outback, positioning it $3,050 below the CX-90's $38,045 MSRP. Conversely, the Outback achieves superior fuel efficiency with a combined 27 MPG versus the Mazda's 25 MPG, a difference magnified by the Outback's highway rating of 31 MPG. Cargo utility heavily favors the Outback, offering 34.6 cubic feet compared to the CX-90's restrictive 14.9 cu ft. Both utilize standard All-Wheel Drive, though the CX-90's 332 lb-ft of torque vastly outperforms the Outback's 178 lb-ft, demonstrating a fundamental difference in performance engineering between the two crossovers.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Outback

The 2026 Subaru Outback wins for commuters due to its superior combined 27 MPG fuel economy and marginally lower starting price of $34,995.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Outback

Families benefit significantly from the 2026 Subaru Outback's 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, more than double the 14.9 cu ft offered by the Mazda CX-90.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 dominates performance metrics, delivering 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque versus the Outback's 180 hp and 178 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Outback

The 2026 Subaru Outback offers better overall efficiency (27 MPG combined) and a $3,050 lower entry price, optimizing the cost-to-utility ratio.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

If maximum acceleration and towing capability are prioritized, given its 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque.
If a larger physical footprint is necessary, evidenced by its 200.8-inch length compared to the Outback's 191.7 inches.
If a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission is preferred over the continuously variable transmission in Car 2.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

If maximizing usable storage space is critical, as the 34.6 cu ft cargo area is superior to Car 1's 14.9 cu ft.
If fuel economy is paramount, as Car 2 achieves 27 MPG combined (25 City/31 Highway).
If the initial purchase price needs to be kept low, with an MSRP of $34,995 versus Car 1's $38,045.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-90	Subaru Outback
Length	200.8"	191.7"
Width	78.5"	74.0"
Height	68.2"	67.5"
Wheelbase	122.8"	108.1"

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	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	3.3 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 6	flat 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	280 hp @ 5000 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 4800 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	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	444.0/518.0 mi.	450.0/558.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	18.0 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	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Infotainment Display	10.3 in	12.1 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)	—	✓
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.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	43.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.2 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	56.2 in.	55.5 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	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.	40.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.4 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.5 in.	55.1 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	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.5 in	18 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	265/55R19	225/60R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

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 Outback.

What is the primary performance difference between the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and the 2026 Subaru Outback?

The Mazda CX-90 holds a substantial 100 horsepower advantage, generating 280 hp compared to the Outback's 180 hp. This results in the CX-90 having 332 lb-ft of torque versus the Outback's 178 lb-ft, making the CX-90 significantly more potent.

Which crossover provides better utility for hauling gear?

The 2026 Subaru Outback is vastly superior for cargo needs, providing 34.6 cubic feet of space. In contrast, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 is highly constrained, offering only 14.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

How does the starting MSRP compare for these two models?

The 2026 Subaru Outback has a lower barrier to entry at $34,995. The 2025 Mazda CX-90 starts $3,050 higher, with an MSRP of $38,045.

Are these AWD crossovers different in terms of fuel efficiency?

Yes, the Subaru Outback offers better efficiency, achieving a combined 27 MPG with 25 city and 31 highway miles per gallon. The Mazda CX-90 trails slightly with a combined 25 MPG rating (24 city/28 highway).

Do either of these vehicles require premium fuel?

No, both the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and the 2026 Subaru Outback are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel.

What are the dimensional differences between the two vehicles?

The Mazda CX-90 is the larger vehicle overall, measuring 200.8 inches long and 78.5 inches wide. The Subaru Outback is narrower at 74.0 inches and shorter in length at 191.7 inches.