2026 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Subaru Outback
Comparison Overview
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 explodes onto the scene with a muscular 280 hp, offering a truly engaging drive that feels premium, demanding $38,800 to access that power. Its longer, bolder stance at 200.8 inches promises visual road presence. Conversely, the 2026 Subaru Outback masters efficiency and utility, starting at a more accessible $34,995 and achieving a superior 27 MPG combined. The Outback’s emphasis is clearly on practicality, evidenced by its cavernous 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, dwarfing the CX-90’s 14.9 cu ft. While the Mazda leverages a robust 332 lb-ft of torque from its standard configuration, the Subaru appeals to budget-conscious drivers with its lower entry price and better fuel economy figures, making the choice hinge on whether driving excitement or sheer utility takes precedence in your garage.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy of 27 MPG combined versus the CX-90's 25 MPG combined.
2026 Subaru Outback
Families will favor the Outback's significantly larger cargo capacity of 34.6 cu ft compared to the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft.
2026 Mazda CX-90
The Mazda CX-90 delivers enthusiast appeal with 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, substantially outperforming the Outback's 180 hp.
2026 Subaru Outback
The Outback offers better overall value by undercutting the CX-90's MSRP by $3,805 while providing better fuel efficiency.
Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...
- You prioritize acceleration and sheer power, benefiting from the 100 hp advantage (280 hp vs 180 hp).
- You prefer the solid, traditional feel of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
- You desire a premium aesthetic suggested by the higher price point and 200.8-inch length.
Choose the Subaru Outback if...
- Saving money is crucial, as the Outback starts $3,805 cheaper than the CX-90.
- You regularly haul large items, utilizing the Outback's massive 34.6 cu ft cargo space.
- Maximizing miles between fill-ups is a priority, leveraging the 31 MPG highway rating.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-90 | Subaru Outback |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.8" | 191.7" |
| Width | 78.5" | 74.0" |
| Height | 68.3" | 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) | 23/28 MPG | 25/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 425.5/518.0 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 2026 Mazda CX-90 and 2026 Subaru Outback.
Which vehicle is significantly faster in a straight line?
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is substantially faster, boasting 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. This easily overshadows the 2026 Subaru Outback’s 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque.
Is the size difference between the two crossovers noticeable for parking?
Yes, the CX-90 is considerably larger, measuring 200.8 inches long compared to the Outback's 191.7 inches. This extra 9.1 inches in length could make parallel parking the Mazda slightly more challenging.
How much more fuel-efficient is the Subaru Outback?
The Outback offers better highway cruising economy at 31 MPG compared to the CX-90's 28 MPG, and it matches the Mazda's 23 MPG in city driving while yielding a better overall 27 MPG combined rating.
What is the main advantage of the CX-90’s transmission setup?
The CX-90 uses a standard 8-speed shiftable automatic, which enthusiasts often prefer for more defined shifts and direct connection compared to the Outback’s continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).
If I frequently carry lots of gear, which crossover provides more utility?
The 2026 Subaru Outback is the undisputed champion for utility here, offering 34.6 cu ft of cargo space. The CX-90 only provides 14.9 cu ft in its base configuration, making the Outback far superior for hauling.
Are both models capable in bad weather?
Both vehicles come standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), making them well-equipped for handling diverse weather conditions like snow or rain.
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