2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2026 Mazda CX-70

$39,995 · Crossover

$42,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Subaru Ascent kicks off the showdown with its signature symmetrical all-wheel drive capability, sporting 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, appealing to the rugged adventurer from an MSRP of $39,995. Contrasting this is the stunning 2026 Mazda CX-70, which leans heavily into dynamic performance, boasting a potent 280 hp and a substantial 332 lb-ft of torque, albeit starting at a slightly higher $42,250. While the Ascent offers a marginally better city fuel economy at 20 MPG, the Mazda pulls ahead on the highway with 28 MPG. Furthermore, Mazda dramatically outpaces Subaru in utility; the CX-70 offers a cavernous 39.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Ascent's mere 17.8 cu ft. The difference in transmission is also telling, with the Ascent using a CVT versus the CX-70's engaging 8-speed automatic.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mazda CX-70

The CX-70 wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 25 MPG and more responsive 8-speed automatic transmission.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-70

The 2026 Mazda CX-70 is the clear family choice, offering nearly double the storage capacity at 39.6 cu ft versus the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-70

Enthusiasts will prefer the CX-70's superior power output, delivering 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque compared to the Ascent’s 260 hp and 277 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent provides standard AWD performance for $39,995, making it the lower-cost entry point into this segment.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

You prioritize the lowest entry price point, starting at an MSRP of $39,995.
You prefer the predictability of a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) for consistent power delivery.
You need the slightly taller stance, measuring 71.6 inches in height for better ground clearance perception.

Choose the Mazda CX-70 if...

You demand the best acceleration figures with 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.
You frequently haul gear, benefiting from the massive 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You value an engaging drive featuring an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission and better highway mileage at 28 MPG.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru Ascent	Mazda CX-70
Length	196.8"	200.8"
Width	76.0"	-
Height	71.6"	68.2"
Wheelbase	113.8"	122.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	—
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	2.4 L	3.3 L
Number of Cylinders	flat 4	inline 6
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	260 hp @ 5600 rpm	280 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/26 MPG	24/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	386.0/501.8 mi.	444.0/518.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.3 gal.	18.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
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	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
Infotainment Display	11.6 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	8
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Length	4 months	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
Front Head Room	41.2 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	42.2 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.1 in.	59.2 in.
Front Hip Room	57.8 in.	56.2 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
Rear Head Room	40.0 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.6 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	60.3 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.5 in.	55.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	21 x 9.5 in.
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/60R	275/45R21
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
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 Subaru Ascent and 2026 Mazda CX-70.

How much more powerful is the 2026 Mazda CX-70 compared to the 2025 Subaru Ascent?

The Mazda CX-70 holds a clear advantage in raw power, producing 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. This surpasses the Subaru Ascent, which is rated at 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.

Which crossover offers better fuel economy for long highway trips?

The 2026 Mazda CX-70 provides superior highway efficiency, achieving 28 MPG on the highway compared to the 2025 Subaru Ascent's 26 MPG rating.

Is the Subaru Ascent noticeably smaller than the Mazda CX-70?

Yes, the Ascent is shorter in length by 4 inches (196.8 inches vs. 200.8 inches for the CX-70), but it is significantly taller at 71.6 inches versus the CX-70's 68.2 inches.

What is the price difference between the two AWD models?

The 2025 Subaru Ascent starts at a lower MSRP of $39,995, while the 2026 Mazda CX-70 is positioned higher in the market, starting at $42,250.

Which vehicle is better equipped for maximum hauling capacity?

The Mazda CX-70 dominates in cargo space, offering 39.6 cubic feet, which is more than double the 17.8 cubic feet provided behind the third row of the Subaru Ascent.