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 grey cladding contrasted beautifully with the Autumn Green Metallic paint of the Premier XT model, a colour that was both unique and appealing. The Outback's various trims offered different levels of black and chrome exterior fittings, with the Premier XT trim featuring 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 trim upgraded to 18-inch wheels. Inside, the Premier XT impressed with its Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery, offering a level of luxury unexpected from Subaru. Other trims featured different seating materials, from standard leather to Subaru’s StarTex synthetic leather.

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. Its sculptural sheet metal created a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, contributing to a low, long, athletic appearance. Inside, the CX-90 continued the premium feel with polished metallic trim and Nappa leather with contrast stitching. However, the ergonomics left something to be desired, with a confusing electronic shifter and a climate panel that was counterintuitive. Despite these issues, the CX-90's interior was convincingly upscale, offering a sophisticated look and feel that set it apart from many 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-litre flat-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The XT trims, including the Wilderness, were equipped with a more powerful 2.4-litre turbocharged engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This turbo setup increased the towing capacity to 1,587 kilograms. The Outback's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Lineartronic CVT were standard, providing a comfortable ride with adequate steering feel. The Wilderness trim offered additional off-road capabilities with 24.1 centimetres of ground clearance and all-terrain tires.

In contrast, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 offered three powertrain variants, including a turbocharged 3.3-litre inline-six engine. The standard-output model produced 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, while the high-output version delivered 319 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The CX-90's eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD system aimed to enhance driving dynamics, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. However, the drivetrain lacked refinement, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behaviour. Despite these issues, the CX-90 provided impressive ride and handling, with a taut suspension that communicated well with the road.

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 923 litres with all seats in place and 2,141 litres with the rear seats folded. The Outback featured dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel as standard, with additional features available on higher trims. The hands-free power liftgate and power moonroof were standard from the Touring trim, and the raised roof rails with retractable cross bars added practicality.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior, while luxurious, had some shortcomings in terms of practicality. The three-zone climate control system struggled to cool the cabin efficiently, and the front-seat ventilation was less effective. The CX-90 offered Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The third row was best suited for children, and the cargo space measured 451 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,129 litres with the second-row seats flattened. However, storage space was limited, with a lack of practical compartments.

The 2024 Subaru Outback featured a mix of old-school and modern technology, with a CD player available on the Premier XT trim and both USB-C and USB-A ports on all trims. The top-trim model boasted an 11.6-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Subaru Starlink multimedia platform, while dated, offered standard Bluetooth and SiriusXM connectivity. Most trims included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, providing a premium listening experience.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's technology was presented in a traditional manner, with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment screen in the Signature trim. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, with the native Mazda Connect platform requiring the use of a knob and buttons. The CX-90 featured a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a head-up display, but the voice recognition system was lacking. Mazda planned to introduce a new Google built-in infotainment system in future models.

The 2024 Subaru Outback earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The EyeSight suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies was standard, including adaptive cruise control, automatic pre-collision braking, and lane-keep assist. The Touring trim added reverse automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Premier XT trim featured a digital rearview mirror and a driver-attention monitor.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings in all NHTSA crash tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. Higher trims added steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90's driver aids were effective, though the speed reduction feature could be irritating.