2023 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2024 Subaru Ascent Review

Picture of the 2023 Mazda CX-9

2023 Mazda
CX-9

MSRP*: $38,750 to $48,460
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Picture of the 2024 Subaru Ascent

2024 Subaru
Ascent

MSRP*: $34,395 to $48,695
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MPG - City 20 MPG 19 - 20 MPG
MPG - Hwy 26 MPG 25 - 26 MPG
Seating Capacity 6 seats 7 - 8 seats
Cargo Space 71.2 ft3 72.8 - 75.6 ft3
Engine
  • 227-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 260-hp, 2.4-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
Transmission Automatic Continuously Variable
Drivetrain All Wheel Drive All Wheel Drive
Horsepower 227 hp 260 hp
Towing Capacity 3,500 lbs 2,000 - 5,000 lbs
Exterior Length 199.4 in 196.8 in
Exterior Width 77.5 in 76.0 in
Leg Room Front 41.0 in
Rear 39.4 in
Front 42.2 in
Rear 38.6 in
Head Room Front 40.1 in
Rear 38.5 in
Front 40.4 - 41.2 in
Rear 38.7 - 40.0 in

*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.

Comparison Review

Comfort
The Mazda CX-9 offers rear passengers about the same room to stretch out as the Subaru Ascent, with comparable head- and legroom. The Subaru Ascent offers just a little more front head- and legroom than the Mazda CX-9, offering the driver and front passenger a bit more room and comfort.

Convenience
You'll be making about the same number of stops at the gas station with the Mazda CX-9 as you will with the Subaru Ascent, as they are both able to travel similar distances on a tank of gas.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The Mazda CX-9 is somewhat more expensive than the Subaru Ascent.

Dimensions
The Mazda CX-9 is a little wider than the Subaru Ascent, so getting in and out of the car in a crowded parking lot may be a little more of a squeeze. When looking at overall length, the Mazda CX-9 takes up about the same amount of space in your garage as the Subaru Ascent.

Handling
The Mazda CX-9 has a larger turning radius than the Subaru Ascent, making it slightly more difficult to maneuver in and out of tight spots.

Performance
In terms of towing capacity, the Subaru Ascent is clearly the choice over the Mazda CX-9 for pulling heavy loads. The Mazda CX-9 has a little less horsepower than the Subaru Ascent.

Powertrain
With somewhat higher torque, the Mazda CX-9 transmits power to its wheels a bit more effectively than the Subaru Ascent.

Utility
The Mazda CX-9 has less seating than the Subaru Ascent, making the Subaru Ascent the better choice, if you need to chauffeur many passengers. You'll be able to fit about the same amount of groceries in the Mazda CX-9 as you will in the Subaru Ascent.