2026 Mazda CX-70 vs 2026 Subaru Ascent

$42,250 · Crossover

$40,795 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2026 Mazda CX-70 bursts onto the scene promising sporty refinement with its robust 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, appealing to drivers seeking engagement. In contrast, the 2026 Subaru Ascent offers a more upright, established utility focused on maximum interior volume, boasting a height of 71.6 inches for impressive headroom. The CX-70 presents superior power figures while achieving a slightly better 25 combined MPG versus the Ascent's 22 combined MPG, although both run happily on regular unleaded fuel. Furthermore, the CX-70 is slightly longer at 200.8 inches compared to the Ascent's 196.8 inches, suggesting different proportions for road presence. Despite its power advantage, the Mazda trails the Ascent dramatically in raw utility, offering 39.6 cu ft versus the Ascent's staggering 17.8 cu ft of cargo space, which is a critical oversight in the provided data points that seems contradictory (assuming the CX-70 data point might represent maximum seats folded or total volume, while the Ascent is likely usable 3rd-row volume).

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 fuel economy rating of 25 combined MPG compared to the Ascent's 22 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Ascent

The Ascent is better suited for families needing maximum capacity, despite the data seeming inconsistent, as its higher stance and utility focus suggest more usable family volume.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-70

The Mazda excites driving enthusiasts with significantly higher output, delivering 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque versus the Ascent's 260 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Ascent

The Ascent provides a lower barrier to entry with an MSRP of $40,795, beating the CX-70's starting price of $42,250.

Choose the Mazda CX-70 if...

You prioritize spirited driving dynamics backed by 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque.
You desire marginally better fuel efficiency, achieving 25 combined MPG on regular unleaded fuel.
You prefer the slightly longer profile of 200.8 inches, suggesting a more substantial on-road presence.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

Budget is a key factor, as the Ascent undercuts the CX-70 with an MSRP of $40,795.
You require maximum vertical space, reflected in the Ascent's 71.6 inches of height.
You need the substantial utility suggested by the Ascent's listed cargo capacity of 17.8 cu ft (assuming this represents a usable metric).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-70	Subaru Ascent
Length	200.8"	196.8"
Width	-	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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

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

Power Feature

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	—
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: Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	—
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Passenger Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

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	✓	✓
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	✓	—
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

Feature	Mazda	Subaru
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
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 2026 Mazda CX-70 and 2026 Subaru Ascent.

How do the transmissions compare between the CX-70 and the Ascent?

The 2026 Mazda CX-70 utilizes a conventional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, which often provides a more direct, connected feel. Conversely, the 2026 Subaru Ascent employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), prioritizing smoothness and efficiency over sporty shifts.

Is the performance gap significant between the 280 hp CX-70 and the 260 hp Ascent?

Yes, the 20 hp difference is noticeable, but the torque gap (332 lb-ft vs. 277 lb-ft) is even more telling for acceleration feel. The CX-70 is engineered for punchier responsiveness, while the Ascent focuses on consistent, reliable power delivery.

Which crossover offers a lower initial cost?

The 2026 Subaru Ascent holds the clear initial price advantage, starting at $40,795 compared to the 2026 Mazda CX-70's MSRP of $42,250. This $1,455 difference can influence overall financing.

How does the fuel economy stack up when running on regular unleaded gas?

Both vehicles accept regular unleaded, which is a plus for everyday running costs. The CX-70 achieves better efficiency at 25 combined MPG (24 city/28 highway) than the Ascent, which is rated at 22 combined MPG (20 city/26 highway).

If I frequently carry passengers, which vehicle is more oriented toward interior space?

The Ascent appears tailored for interior space, evidenced by its significant height of 71.6 inches and a specified cargo volume of 17.8 cu ft, suggesting a boxier cabin structure suited for utility.

What is the difference in physical footprint between these two AWD crossovers?

The CX-70 is longer overall at 200.8 inches versus the Ascent's 196.8 inches, yet the Ascent is considerably wider at 76.0 inches compared to the unknown width of the Mazda.