2025 Subaru Outback vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2025 Subaru Outback stood out in a dwindling market of wagons in the United States. It embraced the crossover aesthetic with its robust wheel-arch flares, skid plate-like fascias, and a substantial roof rack, all of which conveyed its off-road capabilities. The test model's Crimson Red Pearl paint complemented its black leather interior, though the Outback was arguably more striking in earthy tones. Subaru's focus on off-road enthusiasts paid off, as the Outback, along with the Crosstrek and Forester, became top sellers by adopting a rugged yet practical design.

Subaru's 2025 Outback maintained its appeal with minimal changes. Base and Premium trims featured cloth upholstery and 17-inch wheels, while Onyx and Wilderness models boasted StarTex synthetic leather for easy cleaning. The Limited trim gained a power moonroof, DriverFocus anti-distraction tech, navigation, and a 360-degree heated steering wheel. The Touring XT trim, which was tested, offered Nappa leather upholstery and ventilated front seats. The Outback's interior was well-executed, with minimal chrome and glossy black plastic, and featured easy-to-read gauges flanking a digital display.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90, available in three variants—3.3 Turbo, 3.3 Turbo S, and PHEV—offered a range of trim levels and pricing from $39,575 to $59,480. The test vehicle, a 3.3 Turbo with Premium Plus trim, featured Soul Red paint and an MSRP of $51,450. Its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels gave it a luxury SUV appearance. The sculptural sheet metal created a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, while the short front overhang, long hood, and rear-axle cabin placement contributed to its athletic look.

Inside, the CX-90's interior exuded elegance with polished metallic trim, Nappa leather with contrast stitching, and clearly marked switchgear. While some materials reflected its competitive price, the cabin felt upscale. However, ergonomic issues arose, such as a confusing electronic shifter and a counterintuitive climate panel. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-90 exuded sophistication compared to other midsize three-row crossovers, offering a premium look and feel.

The 2025 Subaru Outback featured Subaru's signature horizontally opposed "Boxer" engine, available in two forms. The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, while the XT trims benefited from a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine delivering 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both engines ran on regular unleaded gas and were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The turbocharged engine provided smart acceleration, though it wasn't a performance car. The Outback's 8.7 inches of ground clearance and X-Mode optimized traction on slippery surfaces, with the Wilderness model offering 9.5 inches of clearance and additional off-road features.

The Outback's ride was smooth and comfortable, with a soft suspension and thick tire sidewalls that absorbed bumps and potholes. Its steering was light, throttle smooth, and brakes powerful, making it a pleasant companion on rough roads. However, the stop/start technology was intrusive, and the CVT, while generally unobtrusive, was slow to respond during throttle transitions.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's drivetrain, featuring a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine, fell short of expectations. In the 3.3 Turbo models, it generated 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, while the 3.3 Turbo S delivered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft (340 hp with premium gas). Power was channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD, with a rear-wheel bias for improved dynamics. The CX-90 offered Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and 8.1 inches of ground clearance.

The CX-90's ride and handling impressed, but drivetrain refinement was lacking, especially during cold starts. Power delivery and transmission behavior were unpredictable, and unwanted engine surge occurred during sudden traffic changes. The CX-90's lack of isolation from noise and impact harshness added to the refinement issues. Despite these flaws, the CX-90's suspension was firm and communicative, providing a dynamic driving experience. Switching from Sport to Normal mode improved driving smoothness and highlighted Mazda's dynamic character.

The 2025 Subaru Outback's wagon shape offered practicality with easy entry and exit, thanks to its lower-slung chassis. The low center of gravity, aided by the flat-four engine design, allowed for quick direction changes. The Outback provided ample cargo space, with 32.6 cubic feet with the rear seat up and 75.6 cubic feet with the bench folded. While smaller than some crossovers, the flat floor and square shape maximized usability. The Outback's total passenger volume of 109 cubic feet surpassed its crossover competition, offering more front headroom and legroom, though the rear seat was slightly smaller.

Buyers were encouraged to test drive different Outback versions, as the Limited, Touring, and Wilderness trims offered distinct driving experiences. The turbocharged engine option increased towing capacity from 2,700 to 3,500 pounds, making it a versatile choice for those with towing needs.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior, despite California's cool summer, struggled with its three-zone climate control system, taking too long to cool the cabin. The 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus trim featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain's chairs, and a heated steering wheel. However, the front-seat ventilation was as ineffective as the air conditioning. Once cooled, the eight-way power-adjustable front seats were comfortable for long trips.

A panoramic sunroof provided natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed elevated seating positions. However, limited seat-track travel and long rear doors posed challenges for loading children and rear-facing child seats. The third row, accessible via sliding second-row seats, was best suited for children on longer trips.

The CX-90's electronic shifter didn't offer additional storage space, with a focus on style over practicality. Storage options included a smartphone charging tray, a shallow bin under the center armrest, a sizable glove compartment, and limited door panel storage. The hands-free power liftgate revealed 14.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, with small trays under the load floor. Folding the third row provided 40 cubic feet of cargo room, with a maximum of 74.2 cubic feet with the second-row seats flattened.

The 2025 Subaru Outback's technology package was a mixed bag. The 11.6-inch touchscreen, standard on most Outbacks, was bright with large icons, but the Starlink infotainment system was slow to respond, especially at startup. The TomTom-based navigation system required patience, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included (wireless except for the base model's twin 7-inch displays). The Harman Kardon 12-speaker audio system performed well, though Starlink disturbances limited audio to the rear speakers.

The dashboard appealed to those less comfortable with excessive technology, but tech-savvy buyers might be put off by the numerous buttons and knobs. Despite physical controls, common tasks like climate control and audio required touchscreen interaction. The 2025 Outback Touring included a CD player and both USB-A and USB-C ports for device compatibility.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard offered a traditional presentation of technology. A 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel paired with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, forming a traditional gauge cluster and display. While panoramic curved displays were common in the segment, Mazda's approach was refreshing. However, the infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only with wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, requiring the use of a knob and buttons for the native Mazda Connect platform.

Mazda's voice recognition system fell short of modern expectations, with hit-and-miss results even when following prompts. The automaker planned to introduce a new Google Built-in infotainment system in the 2026 Mazda CX-5, expected to arrive in a future CX-90 refresh. The test vehicle's 12-speaker Bose audio system provided a rewarding listening experience, and the Active Driving Display offered helpful data. The system visually alerted drivers to vehicles in blind spots, enhancing safety.

The 2025 Subaru Outback featured Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist technology, utilizing two cameras to monitor the road and enable features like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency steering. While the EyeSight system kept the Outback in its lane, it exhibited more side-to-side movement than desired. Onyx and higher trims included blind-spot monitoring with lane-change assist and rear cross-traffic alert, which worked effectively. The DriverFocus system, monitoring for driver distraction, occasionally issued false notifications but was preferable to a non-functional system.

The 2024 Outback earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, and the 2025 model was expected to perform equally well. It also received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 excelled in safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings in all NHTSA crash tests for the PHEV model. Gas-only models received four-star ratings in frontal-impact testing. Mazda equipped the CX-90 with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, front cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system.

Cruising and Traffic Support, available on higher trims, paired adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist for highway use. While effective, it wavered on freeways with exit and entrance ramps and struggled with lane markings on rural roads. The system's speed reduction feature was reactive, causing irritation. Despite this, the CX-90's driver aids met expectations, with effective lane-keeping technologies and a comprehensive blind-spot monitoring system. However, the numerous warning chimes could be overwhelming.