Compare the2025 Subaru AscentVS 2025 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, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available around view monitors and driver alert monitors.

There are over 18 percent more Subaru dealers than there are Mazda dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Ascent’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Subaru vehicles are better in initial quality than Mazda vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Subaru above average in initial quality. With 49 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mazda is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Subaru vehicles are more reliable than Mazda vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Subaru 1 place higher in reliability than Mazda.

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.

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:

The Ascent stops much shorter than the CX-90:

The Ascent Touring handles at .80 G’s, while the CX-90 Premium Plus pulls only .79 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

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.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the Ascent Limited is quieter than the CX-90 Premium Plus:

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 3.7 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.

The Ascent’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the CX-90’s (5000 vs. 3500 pounds).

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Subaru service is better than Mazda. J.D. Power ranks Subaru 7th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 16% lower rating, Mazda is ranked 14th.

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 exterior PIN entry system. The CX-90 doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system.

The Ascent’s power window, power lock, power mirror 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.

The Subaru Ascent has a standard Homelink wireless remote control system for garage door operation and device management, conveniently located on the rear view mirror. Homelink® eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries. Homelink® is only available on the CX-90 Premium.

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

The Subaru Ascent outsold the Mazda CX-90 by almost two to one during 2023.