2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2026 Mazda CX-90

$39,995 · Crossover

$38,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Subaru Ascent and the 2026 Mazda CX-90 often boils down to prioritizing space versus efficiency and power. If you haul a lot of gear, the Ascent offers a more generous 17.8 cu ft of cargo space compared to the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft, despite the Ascent being slightly shorter overall at 196.8 inches. However, the CX-90 pulls ahead significantly in the engine bay, boasting 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque versus the Ascent's 260 hp and 277 lb-ft. Furthermore, the Mazda offers better fuel economy, achieving 25 MPG combined compared to the Subaru's 22 MPG combined, all while starting at a slightly lower MSRP of $38,800 versus $39,995. Buyers must decide if the extra utility space of the Ascent is worth sacrificing the Mazda's superior performance figures and efficiency.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 wins for commuters due to its superior efficiency, netting 25 MPG combined compared to the Ascent's 22 MPG combined.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Ascent

Families needing maximum storage will favor the Subaru Ascent for its larger 17.8 cu ft of standard cargo capacity over the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-90

Enthusiasts will prefer the CX-90 because it delivers significantly more power with 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 offers better performance and fuel economy for a lower starting price of $38,800 versus the Ascent's $39,995.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

You need the maximum available utility, benefiting from the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You prefer the traditional feel of a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.
You prioritize a slightly taller stance (71.6 inches) for perceived ride height or clearance.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You want better fuel economy, as the CX-90 achieves 28 MPG on the highway versus the Ascent's 26 MPG.
You want stronger acceleration from the higher torque output of 332 lb-ft.
You are looking for the lower entry price point, starting at $38,800.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru Ascent	Mazda CX-90
Length	196.8"	200.8"
Width	76.0"	78.5"
Height	71.6"	68.3"
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	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
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	23/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	386.0/501.8 mi.	425.5/518.0 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	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
Infotainment Display	11.6 in	10.3 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	—
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Memory Card Slot	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

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	4-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

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	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	19 x 8.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/60R	265/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Subaru	Mazda
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
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-90.

Which car is more powerful, the 2025 Ascent or the 2026 CX-90?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is the clear performance leader in this comparison, producing 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. The Subaru Ascent offers a respectable 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.

If fuel costs are a concern, which crossover should I choose?

The Mazda CX-90 is the more fuel-efficient option, delivering 25 MPG combined, while the Subaru Ascent returns 22 MPG combined. This difference of 3 MPG will add up over a year of driving.

How much interior storage space difference is there between the two vehicles?

The Subaru Ascent has a notable advantage in standard cargo room, offering 17.8 cu ft behind the third row. The Mazda CX-90 provides 14.9 cu ft in the same configuration, meaning the Ascent carries about 2.9 cu ft more gear.

Are both vehicles equipped with All-Wheel Drive?

Yes, both the 2025 Subaru Ascent and the 2026 Mazda CX-90 come standard with an All-Wheel Drive system.

Which crossover has a lower starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 has the edge on initial cost, beginning at $38,800 compared to the 2025 Subaru Ascent's MSRP of $39,995.

How do the transmissions differ between the two models?

The Ascent utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission, which focuses on smooth, non-shifting acceleration. In contrast, the CX-90 uses a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, offering distinct gear changes.