2024 Mazda CX-90 vs 2023 Subaru Outback

The 2023 Subaru Outback underwent a significant facelift, featuring a new front end with redesigned LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark gray vertical cladding. This design gave the Outback a more aggressive appearance, especially with the addition of a jutting simulated skid plate, fog lights in oversized housings, and asymmetrical wheel arch trim reminiscent of the Wilderness model. The Onyx Edition, with its black wheels and trim, complemented the bold cladding, making it a more appealing choice for those who preferred a darker paint color to tone down the design's excesses. The Outback was available in six trim levels, with the Onyx Edition becoming more accessible due to its availability with the base powertrain, starting at $33,495.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-90 embraced a luxury image, drawing inspiration from the smaller CX-30 and CX-5 models. The CX-90's elegant design language was supersized, stretching over 200 inches, with a big grille, wide-set front end, and large wheels ranging from 19 to 21 inches. Tasteful chrome trim added to its elegance, making it an imposing yet refined SUV. Inside, the CX-90's top-shelf models boasted interiors that could rival luxury brands, featuring brown suede upholstery, wood inlays, and matte black plastic bits. The CX-90 was available in 11 different trim levels, spread across three powertrains, with the Turbo S model offering a true performance option starting at over $50,000.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured horizontally opposed engines, known for their flat design, which helped reduce the vehicle's center of gravity. The standard engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, but the 3,781-pound test vehicle felt underpowered, especially during passing and climbing. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 28 mpg, but real-world testing returned 25.6 mpg. For those seeking more power, the Outback XT offered a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The XT models, while heavier and less fuel-efficient, provided a more satisfying driving experience. All Outback models came with a CVT and standard AWD, with features like X-Mode traction and hill descent control enhancing off-road capabilities.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 introduced two new powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid option and a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. The Turbo S model delivered 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, providing an exhilarating driving experience with its exceptional exhaust note. The CX-90 featured AWD and an eight-speed automatic transmission, with driving modes like Normal, Sport, and Off-Road. The PHEV model combined a 2.5-liter engine with a 17.8-kWh battery, producing 323 horsepower and offering an all-electric range of 26 miles. Both CX-90 models excelled in handling, thanks to a double-wishbone front suspension and agile steering, making them feel nimble despite their size.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a purposeful roof rack, flat door sill trim, and a dashboard storage shelf. The Touring trim offered a comfortable interior with a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and premium Nappa leather upholstery. The Outback provided ample legroom and cargo space, with 32.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 75.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The vehicle's high ground clearance made entry and exit easy, while the robust roof rack was ready for various accessories.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 offered a range of seating configurations, with the ability to seat up to eight passengers. The Turbo S model featured a two-seat third row, providing slightly more cargo space, with a total of 75.2 cubic feet. The CX-90's interior boasted clever storage options, including a large center console, spacious door pockets, and well-placed cupholders. The use of high-quality materials, comfortable seats, and a panoramic sunroof added to the overall comfort, although the CX-90's cargo capacity fell short compared to some competitors.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured a Starlink 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The system included physical controls for volume, tuning, and climate control, while other functions were embedded in the touchscreen. The voice recognition system was less impressive, struggling with basic commands. Additional technologies included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera, although a surround-view camera was not available.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 focused on reducing distractions with its Mazda Connect infotainment system, which used a rotary control knob and hard buttons instead of a touchscreen. While the intention was to enhance safety, the system's quirks could be frustrating. However, the CX-90 offered personalization software with facial recognition, adjusting settings to the driver's preferences. The vehicle came standard with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with touchscreen controls available for these systems.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized safety with its EyeSight system, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The system also featured new pedestrian, cyclist, and automatic steering functions. The Outback earned top safety marks from the IIHS, but the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist systems felt artificial. The rear automatic braking system had limitations, particularly in certain driveways.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 came standard with i-Activsense, Mazda's suite of advanced driver assistance systems. This included features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The CX-90's cruising and traffic support system blended lane-centering with adaptive cruise control, providing a hands-on driver support system. While crash test ratings were not yet available, the CX-90 was expected to perform well based on the CX-9's previous accolades.