2026 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Subaru Ascent
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2026 Mazda CX-90 and the 2026 Subaru Ascent often boils down to balancing performance aspirations against raw utility. If you prioritize spirited driving dynamics, the CX-90 pulls ahead immediately with 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque from its standard setup, significantly outperforming the Ascent's 260 hp and 277 lb-ft. However, the Ascent offers better practicality; it boasts a taller stance at 71.6 inches versus the Mazda's 68.3 inches, providing slightly better overhead room, and crucially offers 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the CX-90's smaller 14.9 cu ft behind the third row. Fuel economy also favors the Mazda, achieving a combined 25 MPG versus the Ascent's 22 MPG, although both utilize regular unleaded fuel. Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether you value the CX-90's superior power or the Ascent's cargo advantage for family hauling.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mazda CX-90
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 wins for commuters due to its better fuel economy, achieving 25 combined MPG versus the Ascent's 22 MPG.
2026 Subaru Ascent
The 2026 Subaru Ascent is better for families as it provides more usable space with 17.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft.
2026 Mazda CX-90
Enthusiasts will prefer the CX-90 because it delivers significantly more power with 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Mazda CX-90
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 offers a better performance-per-dollar ratio, starting at a lower MSRP of $38,800.
Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...
- You value superior acceleration and passing power, thanks to the 280 hp engine.
- You want better efficiency on your daily drives, as the CX-90 achieves 28 MPG highway.
- You prefer the traditional feel of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
Choose the Subaru Ascent if...
- You frequently haul gear, benefiting from the Ascent's larger 17.8 cu ft cargo capacity.
- You prefer a taller driving position, as the Ascent sits 3.3 inches higher in height.
- You are looking for standard All-Wheel Drive at the absolute lowest entry price point, as the Ascent's MSRP is higher but includes AWD across the line.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-90 | Subaru Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.8" | 196.8" |
| Width | 78.5" | 76.0" |
| Height | 68.3" | 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) | 23/28 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 425.5/518.0 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 2026 Mazda CX-90 and 2026 Subaru Ascent.
Which crossover is quicker, the 2026 CX-90 or the 2026 Ascent?
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is significantly quicker off the line, producing 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. The Subaru Ascent is rated at 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, making the CX-90 the clear performance leader between the two.
How do their standard powertrains differ in terms of fuel type and transmission?
Both vehicles conveniently run on regular unleaded gasoline, which saves on fuel costs compared to premium-only models. The CX-90 uses a conventional 8-speed automatic transmission, while the Ascent employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).
If I carry a lot of luggage, which vehicle offers more space?
The 2026 Subaru Ascent provides better maximum utility with 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space available. The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is tighter in the rear area, offering only 14.9 cubic feet.
Is the starting price significantly different between these two AWD crossovers?
Yes, the Mazda CX-90 has a lower starting MSRP at $38,800 compared to the Subaru Ascent’s starting price of $40,795. This makes the CX-90 approximately $1,995 cheaper right out of the gate.
Does one of these have better highway fuel economy?
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 holds the edge in fuel economy, rated at 28 MPG highway versus the Ascent's 26 MPG highway. This translates to fewer stops at the pump during long road trips.
How much taller is the Subaru Ascent than the Mazda CX-90?
The Subaru Ascent has a taller, more commanding presence, standing at 71.6 inches high. The Mazda CX-90 is slightly lower at 68.3 inches, which might appeal to drivers who prefer a lower center of gravity.
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