2024 Subaru Outback vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2024 Subaru Outback maintained its rugged charm with a few updates to the Wilderness trim, including a new front fascia and LED fog lights. The dark gray cladding contrasted beautifully with the Autumn Green Metallic color of the Touring XT model, offering a surprisingly appealing aesthetic. The Outback's various trims featured different levels of black and chrome exterior fittings, with the Touring trim showcasing the most chrome, which was tastefully done. Wheel designs varied across trims, with the Wilderness trim sporting matte black 17-inch alloy wheels, while the Onyx Edition and higher trims upgraded to 18-inch wheels with a machine finish. Inside, the top-trim Touring XT impressed with its Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery, providing a luxurious feel unexpected from a brand known for capability over luxury.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90, on the other hand, exuded a luxury SUV vibe with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. The sculptural sheet metal created a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, contributing to its low, long, athletic appearance. Inside, the CX-90 continued the premium theme with polished metallic trim, Nappa leather with contrast stitching, and clearly marked switchgear. However, some ergonomic issues, such as a confusing electronic shifter and a non-touchscreen infotainment system, detracted from the overall experience. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-90's interior felt upscale and sophisticated compared to other midsize three-row crossover SUVs.

The 2024 Subaru Outback was powered by a "Boxer" horizontally opposed engine, with the base model featuring a 2.5-liter flat-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The XT trims, including the Wilderness, were equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer four-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, significantly enhancing towing capacity to 3,500 lbs. The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Lineartronic CVT were standard, providing a comfortable ride and adequate steering feel. The Outback's ground clearance ranged from 8.7 inches to 9.2 inches on the Wilderness trim, making it suitable for off-road adventures.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 featured a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine, producing 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque in the 3.3 Turbo models. The 3.3 Turbo S variant offered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft, with an increase to 340 hp using premium gas. The power was channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard AWD system, which biased power to the rear wheels for improved dynamics. The CX-90's towing capacity was 5,000 pounds, and it offered 8.1 inches of ground clearance. However, the drivetrain lacked refinement, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behavior, especially when cold. Despite these issues, the CX-90 excelled in ride and handling, with a firm suspension that provided a connected driving experience.

The 2024 Subaru Outback offered generous interior space, with more headroom and legroom than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The cargo area measured 32.6 cubic feet with all seats in place and 75.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Feature availability was impressive, with dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat standard on most trims. The hands-free power liftgate and power moonroof were available on higher trims, and the raised roof rails with retractable cross bars added practicality.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel in the Premium Plus trim. However, the three-zone climate control system struggled to cool the cabin efficiently. The panoramic sunroof provided ample natural light, and the second-row captain's chairs offered comfort, though limited seat-track travel could be an issue with rear-facing child seats. The third row was best suited for children, and cargo space was limited to 14.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 74.2 cubic feet with the second row folded. Storage options were minimal, with an emphasis on style over practicality.

The 2024 Subaru Outback featured a mix of old-school and modern technology, with a CD player available on the Touring trim and both USB-C and USB-A ports on most trims. The 11.6-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen was standard on higher trims, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Subaru Starlink multimedia platform was functional but dated, with climate controls integrated into the touchscreen. Wi-Fi capability, Bluetooth, HD Radio, and SiriusXM connectivity were standard, with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system available on most trims.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, with a traditional gauge cluster and display. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, requiring the use of a knob and buttons for the native Mazda Connect platform. The voice recognition system was subpar, but a new Google Built-in infotainment system was expected in future models. The 12-speaker Bose audio system provided a rewarding listening experience, and the Active Driving Display offered helpful information.

The 2024 Subaru Outback earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included the EyeSight suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency steering. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on higher trims, and the Touring trim added a wide-angle camera, digital rearview mirror, and driver-attention monitor.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, front cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system. The Cruising and Traffic Support system provided hands-on driving aid, though it had some issues with speed reduction and lane markings.