2024 Mazda CX-90 vs 2024 Subaru Outback

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 presented itself as a formidable contender in the luxury SUV market, challenging the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Mazda had elevated its design and material quality, surpassing traditional Japanese competitors like Honda, Nissan, and Toyota. The CX-90's exterior was a supersized version of Mazda's elegant design language, featuring a prominent grille, wide-set front end, and large wheels that demanded attention. Inside, the top-tier models boasted interiors with brown suede upholstery, wood inlays, and matte black plastic, rivaling luxury brands like BMW.

In contrast, the 2024 Subaru Outback maintained its rugged charm with a few updates, such as a new front fascia and LED fog lights for the Wilderness trim. The Outback's design was consistent with its 2023 facelift, featuring tasteful chrome accents and varying wheel designs across trims. The Premier XT trim showcased a surprisingly appealing Autumn Green Metallic colour. Inside, the top-trim model impressed with Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery, offering a level of luxury unexpected from Subaru, which traditionally focused on capability over luxury.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 introduced two new powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid option and a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system. The base turbo I6 delivered 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, while the upgraded version in the GT-P and Signature trims offered 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. All models featured all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The CX-90's driving modes—Normal, Sport, and Off-Road—allowed for varied driving experiences, though the transmission showed some inconsistency in Sport mode. The PHEV model combined a 2.5-litre engine with a 17.8-kWh battery, producing 323 horsepower and offering a 42-kilometre electric range.

The 2024 Subaru Outback, true to its roots, was powered by a "Boxer" engine. The base model featured a 2.5-litre flat-four engine with 182 horsepower, while the XT trims, including the Wilderness, boasted a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This turbo setup increased towing capacity to 1,587 kilograms. Subaru's Symmetrical AWD and Lineartronic CVT were standard, with the CVT mimicking eight distinct gears. The Outback's suspension and ground clearance, especially in the Wilderness trim, made it a capable off-road vehicle.

The Mazda CX-90 offered various seating configurations, accommodating six to eight passengers depending on the trim. Cargo space varied slightly, with the six-seater models providing 2,129 litres of total cargo space. Despite improvements over the CX-9, the CX-90's capacity was still less than some competitors. However, it featured ample storage options, comfortable seating, and a panoramic sunroof, enhancing its appeal.

The Subaru Outback, despite its sleek design, did not compromise on interior space. It offered more headroom and legroom than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Cargo space measured 923 litres with all seats in place and 2,141 litres with the rear seats folded. The Outback came equipped with features like dual-zone climate control, heated seats, and a power moonroof, with higher trims offering additional amenities like a heated steering wheel and power liftgate.

Mazda's approach to technology in the CX-90 focused on minimizing distractions. The Mazda Connect system used a rotary control knob instead of a touchscreen, which some found frustrating. However, personalization software using facial recognition and standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (wireless in higher trims) were notable features. The CX-90's rotary controller worked with these systems, though touchscreen controls were preferred.

The Subaru Outback featured a mix of old and new technology. The Premier XT trim included a CD player and both USB-C and USB-A ports. Most trims had an 11.6-inch infotainment screen, with the Starlink platform offering standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Climate controls were integrated into the touchscreen, with some hard buttons for essential functions. A 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was standard on most trims.

Mazda's i-Activsense suite came standard on the CX-90, including features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The CX-90 also offered lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist. While not yet crash-tested, it was expected to perform well based on the CX-9's ratings.

The Subaru Outback earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The EyeSight suite was standard, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and pre-collision braking. New for 2024, reverse automatic braking and a wide-angle camera enhanced safety, with higher trims adding features like a digital rearview mirror and driver-attention monitor.