Compare the2026 Subaru AscentVS 2026 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.

The Subaru Ascent’s rear backup camera has a standard washer for maintaining a clear view under various conditions. In contrast, the Mazda CX-90 does not offer a rear camera washer, meaning its effectiveness relies on manual cleaning by the user when necessary.

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.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Subaru Ascent is safer than the Mazda CX-90:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Subaru Ascent is safer than the Mazda CX-90:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

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.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Ascent’s reliability 21 points higher than the Mazda CX-90 and 35 points higher than the Mazda CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Ascent second among upper midsize suvs in their 2025 Initial Quality Study. The CX-90 isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 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 38 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mazda is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Subaru vehicles are more reliable than Mazda vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Subaru first in overall reliability. Mazda is ranked 6th.

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’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the CX-90 are solid, not vented.

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 400 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, 1.6 inches more front hip room, 3.9 inches more front shoulder room, .7 inches more rear headroom, 1.7 inches more rear hip room, 2.2 inches more rear shoulder room, 1.3 inches more third row legroom, 2.2 inches more third row hip room 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.

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 third in service department satisfaction. With a 20% lower rating, Mazda is ranked 10th.

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.

Compared to traditional radio, the Subaru Ascent’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio is only offered 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 7% during 2024.