Compare the2023 Subaru AscentVS 2024 Mazda CX-90

The Ascent has standard Whiplash-Reducing Front Seats, which use a specially designed seat to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Whiplash-Reducing Front Seats system allows the backrest to travel backwards to cushion the occupants and the headrests move forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The CX-90 doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

Both the Ascent and the CX-90 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available blind spot warning systems, around view monitors, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

For its performance in IIHS driver-side and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, updated side impact, headlight, daytime pedestrian crash prevention, and nighttime pedestrian crash prevention testing, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Ascent its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2023, a rating granted to only 29 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The CX-90 has not been tested, yet.

There are over 16 percent more Subaru dealers than there are Mazda dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Ascent’s warranty.

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the Ascent lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability without compromising ground clearance. The CX-90 doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Subaru Ascent uses regular unleaded gasoline. The CX-90 PHEV requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

The Ascent has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The CX-90 doesn’t offer a CVT.

For better stopping power the Ascent’s standard front brake rotors are larger than those on the CX-90:

For greater off-road capability the Ascent has a greater minimum ground clearance than the CX-90 (8.7 vs. 8 inches), allowing the Ascent to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Ascent’s minimum ground clearance is .6 inch higher than on the CX-90 PHEV Premium/Turbo S (8.7 vs. 8.1 inches).

The Subaru Ascent may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 300 to 650 pounds less than the Mazda CX-90.

The Ascent is 4 inches shorter than the CX-90, making the Ascent easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Ascent has 11.6 cubic feet more passenger volume than the CX-90 (153.2 vs. 141.6).

The Ascent has 1.5 inches more front headroom, .5 inches more front legroom, 1.9 inches more front shoulder room, .7 inches more rear headroom, 2.2 inches more rear shoulder room, 1.3 inches more third row legroom and 3.9 inches more third row shoulder room than the CX-90.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the Ascent’s middle and third row seats recline. The CX-90’s third row seats don’t recline.

The Ascent’s cargo area provides more volume than the CX-90.

The Ascent’s cargo area is larger than the CX-90’s in almost every dimension:

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Ascent. The CX-90 doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the Ascent’s available exterior PIN entry system (not available on Ascent Base). The CX-90 doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system.

The Ascent’s power window and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The CX-90’s power window (except driver window) switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Subaru Ascent, based on reliability, safety and performance.