2024 Mazda CX-90 vs 2025 Subaru Outback

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 presented a bold step towards luxury, rivaling brands like Acura and Lexus. Its exterior design, inspired by smaller models like the CX-30 and CX-5, was expanded to over 200 inches, creating an imposing presence. The SUV featured a large grille, wide front end, and wheels ranging from 19 to 21 inches, complemented by tasteful chrome trim. Inside, the top-tier models boasted brown suede upholstery, wood inlays, and matte black plastic, offering a luxurious feel that could compete with high-end brands like BMW.

In contrast, the 2025 Subaru Outback maintained its unique wagon style, standing out in a market dominated by crossovers. Its rugged design included chunky wheel-arch flares and skid plate-like fascias, emphasizing its off-road capabilities. The Crimson Red Pearl paint paired with a black leather interior added a touch of elegance. Subaru focused on practicality, with earthy shades enhancing its adventurous appeal. The Outback's design was functional, catering to those who needed a vehicle capable of handling dirt roads and rugged terrains.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 introduced two new powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. The base turbo I6 delivered 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, while the Turbo S variant offered 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel. All models featured all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The CX-90 excelled in handling, with a double-wishbone front suspension and agile cornering capabilities, reminiscent of Mazda's sporty heritage.

The 2025 Subaru Outback offered two engine options: a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 182 horsepower and a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine producing 260 horsepower. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive. The Outback's ground clearance and X-Mode settings enhanced its off-road performance. While the turbocharged engine provided better acceleration, the Outback prioritized comfort and smoothness on the road, with a soft suspension and powerful brakes.

The Mazda CX-90 provided various seating configurations, accommodating up to eight passengers. Cargo space varied slightly depending on the seating arrangement, with a maximum of 75.2 cubic feet. The interior featured clever storage solutions, comfortable seats, and high-quality materials, though it fell short in capacity compared to some competitors.

The Subaru Outback's wagon shape offered practicality, with easy entry and exit and a low roof height for loading. It provided 32.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat up and 75.6 cubic feet with it folded. The Outback's passenger volume was larger than many crossovers, offering more front headroom and legroom. Buyers could choose between different trims, each offering unique driving experiences and towing capacities.

Mazda's CX-90 focused on reducing distractions with a rotary control knob and hard buttons instead of a touchscreen. While the intention was to enhance safety, the system's quirks often led to frustration. However, the personalization software and standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay provided some relief, with touchscreen controls available for these systems.

The Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen with large icons, though the Starlink infotainment system was slow to respond. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, and the Harman Kardon audio system performed well. The dashboard offered a mix of physical controls and touchscreen functions, appealing to both tech-savvy and traditional buyers.

The Mazda CX-90 came standard with i-Activsense, a suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) including blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. While crash test ratings were not yet available, the CX-90 was expected to perform well based on its predecessor's accolades.

Subaru's EyeSight technology in the Outback included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keep assist. While effective, the system exhibited more side-to-side movement than desired. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The 2025 Outback was expected to maintain its Top Safety Pick designation and five-star overall safety rating.