2026 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Subaru Ascent
Choosing between two standout three-row SUVs is a good problem to have, and that is exactly the crossroads many families face when weighing the 2026 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Subaru Ascent. Both bring confident all-wheel drive, flexible seating for up to eight, and the kind of refinement that makes daily life easier and road trips more relaxing. Here near Minnetonka, MN, our guests want vehicles that feel composed on I-394 yet ready for a cabin weekend up north, and both of these SUVs deliver. One emphasizes premium craftsmanship and available electrification, the other leans into rugged confidence with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and generous ground clearance. At Morrie's Auto Group, we know features are only half the story; how a vehicle fits your routine matters just as much. Whether you prioritize upscale design and a responsive inline-six or prefer Subaru’s long-running reputation for durability, you will find a lot to like in each contender. Read on for a clear, side-by-side look designed to help you pick your perfect match for life around the Twin Cities.
| Feature | 2026 Mazda CX-90 | 2026 Subaru Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Standard all-wheel drive | Yes | Yes |
| Seating for up to 8 | Yes | Yes |
| Available panoramic moonroof | Yes | Yes |
| Plug-in hybrid option | Yes | No |
| 5,000-pound max towing when properly equipped | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™ | Yes | Yes |
| Off-road drive modes | Yes | Yes |
| Head-Up Display | Yes | No |
| Premium branded audio available | Yes | Yes |
| 360° surround view camera | Yes | No |
Exterior - Mazda Dealer serving Minnetonka, MN
Design cues tell their own story before you ever turn the key. Mazda’s KODO design philosophy gives the CX-90 flowing surfaces and elegant proportions that look sculpted by light. Subtle details like dark chrome molding on select trims, available 21-inch alloy wheels with Black Metallic finish, and color choices such as Rhodium White Premium, Jet Black Mica, and Deep Crystal Blue Mica lend a sophisticated presence. Subaru counters with an athletic stance and purposeful lines that broadcast capability. The Ascent’s available 20-inch alloy wheels, bold grille treatments, and confident roofline underscore its go-anywhere mindset. Trims like the Onyx Edition Touring bring black-finish accents for a stealthy look, while colors such as Sapphire Blue Pearl supply a crisp, modern vibe. Both SUVs feature LED lighting for visibility and style, and both offer an available panoramic moonroof that stretches light across all three rows. From school pickups in Golden Valley to a packed Saturday schedule of activities, each vehicle communicates its mission clearly: Mazda leans artful and urbane, Subaru stands ready for whatever the day brings without shouting about it.
Interior - 2026 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Mazda CX-90 near Minnetonka, MN
Step inside and you will notice different personalities expressed with equal attention to detail. The Mazda emphasizes serenity: a low-cowl dash, available Nappa leather-trimmed seating, and a wide center display integrate with Mazda Connect™ to keep the cabin uncluttered. The available Bose® premium audio system, thoughtful Piano Black accents, and available Mazda Driver Personalization System reinforce a tailored ambiance. Family-friendly touches abound as well, with USB-C charging available in the second and third rows and multiple power outlets to keep everyone powered up. On the Subaru side, practicality meets comfort with generous room and smart storage. The Ascent offers seven- or eight-passenger seating, up to 153.2 cubic feet of passenger volume, and up to 75.6 cubic feet of cargo space. Its tall, user-friendly 11.6-inch STARLINK Multimedia system supports Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ wirelessly and is complemented by straightforward controls and easy-clean materials like available StarTex® upholstery. Both SUVs offer available second-row captain’s chairs, heated and ventilated seating on upper trims, and an available panoramic moonroof that brightens long drives. If you want an interior that feels artisanal and quiet, the Mazda fits the bill; if you prize expansive space and unfussy utility, the Subaru plays to its strengths.
2026 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Subaru Ascent Mechanical Specs
Both SUVs are engineered to inspire confidence year-round. Mazda equips the CX-90 with standard i-ACTIV AWD®, a predictive system that continuously monitors wheel loads and driving inputs to apportion torque where traction is needed. Complementing that is Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) with Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and available Towing modes, so you can tailor responses to the task at hand. Kinematic Posture Control, a Mazda innovation that subtly helps reduce body lift in corners, further enhances composure with a full crew on board. Subaru, meanwhile, builds the Ascent around Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, a balanced, longitudinal layout that prioritizes stability and traction, especially under acceleration or when the surface gets messy. X-MODE® is available to optimize engine, transmission, and AWD settings for low-traction conditions, giving added assurance on gravel pull-offs or muddy boat launches near Minnetonka, MN. Both SUVs are engineered for family duty with robust suspensions, confident braking, and steering tuned for easy maneuvering in tighter parking lots. Towing support is built in from the chassis up, and available trailering camera views on the Mazda make lining up a hitch a straightforward task for weekend projects.
Powertrain - Mazda Dealership near Minnetonka, MN
Power choice is a major differentiator. Mazda offers the responsive e-SKYACTIV®-G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbocharged engine in two tunes, delivering smooth, confident power through a SKYACTIV®-Drive 8-Speed Automatic Transmission with manual-shift mode. With proper equipment, towing ranges from 3,500 to 5,000 pounds, and Mi-Drive’s Towing mode helps manage shifts and throttle when you are pulling a camper. For unmatched flexibility, Mazda also offers a plug-in hybrid variant with an estimated 27-mile electric range for short trips and seamless gasoline-electric synergy for longer journeys. Premium unleaded is recommended for the higher-output tune, while the standard tune is happy on regular fuel. Subaru takes a different approach with a turbocharged SUBARU BOXER® engine noted for its low center of gravity and smooth, tractable torque. Paired with a Lineartronic® CVT featuring an 8-speed manual mode and steering-wheel paddle shifters, the Ascent delivers confident response in traffic and steady power on climbs. Properly equipped, it can tow up to 5,000 pounds, and its drivetrain calibration harmonizes with X-MODE® for assured traction on loose surfaces. If you want the extra smoothness of an inline-six and the option to plug in, the Mazda excels; if you prefer the familiarity of Subaru’s proven turbo BOXER and CVT pairing, the Ascent makes a compelling case.
Safety - 2026 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Subaru Ascent
Safety leadership is a priority for both brands, and that is good news for families near Minnetonka, MN. The Mazda suite of i-Activsense® features includes Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane-keep Assist, and on select trims, Front Cross Traffic Alert and Brake. Available Cruising & Traffic Support can assist with steering, acceleration, and braking in certain conditions, while the available 360° View Monitor with See-through View and Trailer Hitch View helps with situational awareness in crowded parking lots or when backing toward a trailer. Recent Mazda accolades include multiple IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards, and the prior CX-90 model earned a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from NHTSA. Subaru’s standard EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology brings Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, and more. The Ascent also offers Automatic Emergency Steering, Blind-Spot Detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and the available DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System to help keep attention where it should be. A Rear Seat Reminder adds peace of mind, and strong crash-structure engineering contributes to Subaru’s long-standing reputation for occupant protection. At Morrie's Auto Group, we appreciate that both SUVs make advanced driver assistance standard rather than optional, meeting the expectations of modern families who value technology that supports safe, confident driving.
Request more 2026 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Subaru Ascent near Minnetonka, MN information
Framed as 2026 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Subaru Ascent, the choice comes down to what kind of experience you want to enjoy every day. If you are drawn to elegant design, an available 360° camera, a sophisticated inline-six, and the option to plug in for short commutes, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 will feel like it was built with you in mind. If your priorities center on confident all-weather traction, generous passenger room, X-MODE® capability, and the assurance of Subaru’s durability, the Ascent is a savvy fit. Our team at Morrie's Auto Group is here to help you experience both on familiar roads, from quick errands near Minnetonka, MN, to your favorite routes through Forest Lake or across town toward Golden Valley. Tell us how you live, what you carry, and where you go most; we will tailor a side-by-side drive that highlights the strengths that matter to you. Visit us to see how each SUV handles, hauls, and connects with your routine, and decide which one belongs in your driveway with confidence. Morrie's Auto Group looks forward to handing you the keys.