2019 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2019 Subaru Ascent

Are you looking for a midsize SUV with three rows of seating? The 2019 Mazda CX-9 and the 2019 Subaru Ascent are two different options for you. Both of these SUVs are capable and they have a lot to offer you, but which one is better?

Below, we are going to do an in-depth comparison of the 2019 Mazda CX-9 and the 2019 Subaru Ascent. We will compare the exterior, interior and technology, and the performance. Then, you will be able to determine which of these vehicles is the right one for you.

EXTERIOR COMPARISON

The exterior of the 2019 Mazda CX-9 looks smooth and sophisticated. It also looks alive with the KODO Soul of Motion design. This design makes the vehicle look like it is moving even when it is standing still. The CX-9 has an elongated hood and tapered roofline to give it a striking and athletic look. The design of every Mazda is a work of art because the work starts with artisans that shape clay into the beautiful and ideal form. These artisans then collaborate with digital modelers to bring the Mazda CX-9 to life.

The 2019 Subaru Ascent was built using high-strength steel in its construction. It has a rigidity and durability that keep you safer as you are driving. You also have vibration resistance with the design and construction of the Ascent. This vehicle was also designed to take on tough terrain with 8.7 inches of ground clearance and an all-wheel drive system.

INTERIOR AND TECHNOLOGY

Next, let’s take a look at the interior of these vehicles and the features that they offer. The 2019 Mazda CX-9 offers you one of the best interiors in its class. It is made with luxurious materials and it gives you an elegant and modern feel. The CX-9 can seat up to seven people with spacious seating. When it comes to seating, you get standard cloth seats with a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, a four-way manually adjustable front passenger seat, and a tilt-slide feature for easier access to the rear seats. The Mazda CX-9 also offers you a standard leather-wrapped steering wheel. You can upgrade to get leather-trimmed seats, premium Nappa leather seats, heated front and second row seats, ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.

When it comes to technology, the 2019 CX-9 also has a lot to offer. This vehicle comes with the Mazda Connect infotainment system, which is known to be one of the best infotainment interfaces. You also get a standard 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, USB ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. You also get some standard safety features in the 2019 Mazda CX-9. These standard safety features include Smart City Brake Support, a rearview camera, rear cross traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring.

There are also some technology and safety features that are available for upgrade in the 2019 CX-9. If you want to upgrade, you can get an 8-inch touchscreen, a 12-speaker Bose surround-sound system, a navigation system, a sunroof, a proximity key, and more. You can also get adaptive headlights, lane departure warning, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and automatic emergency braking.

In the 2019 Subaru Ascent, you can find seating for eight people in the base model. However, if you choose to get second-row captain’s chairs, the seating goes down to seven people. This vehicle has standard cloth upholstery. If you want to upgrade your interior, you can add features like leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, heated front seats, and heated second row seats.

Standard technology features in the Ascent include Bluetooth, the Starlink infotainment system, four USB ports, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. You also get a few standard safety features including a rearview camera, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning.

If you want to upgrade for additional technology and features, you can get a navigation system, an 8-inch touchscreen, a panoramic moonroof, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and more USB ports. You can also get some additional driver assistance features like blind spot monitoring, automatic high beams, and rear cross traffic alert.

Overall, these vehicles offer you some good features and technology. However, the interior of the 2019 Mazda CX-9 feels more high-end. In the Mazda CX-9, you also get a larger touchscreen and a very intuitive infotainment system.

PERFORMANCE

Next, let’s take a look at the performance that each of these vehicles can offer you. The 2019 Mazda CX-9 is home to a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and it gives you up to 250-horsepower. The Mazda CX-9 is also fun to drive with a quick acceleration and excellent handling. The CX-9 comes with standard front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is an available option. When it comes to fuel efficiency, you can expect to get 22 city miles per gallon and 28 highway miles per gallon.

In the 2019 Subaru Ascent, you can find a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that has a continuously variable transmission standard. This engine produces 260-horsepower. In the Subaru Ascent, you get all-wheel drive standard. You can also get 21 city and 27 highway miles per gallon when it comes to efficiency.

When it comes to performance, these vehicles are very similar. You get similar horsepower in both of these vehicles, and they both offer you a good driving experience. For fuel efficiency, the Mazda CX-9 gives you the slightly better option with one more mile per gallon in the city and on the highway.

WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Both of these SUVs have some great features to offer you. They both have a great design as well as some great technology and features. However, the 2019 Mazda CX-9 has a more high-end feel overall. The CX-9 offers you a luxurious interior, more standard technology, and a beautiful exterior design. They Mazda CX-9 also offers you slightly better fuel economy than the Subaru Ascent. The 2019 Mazda CX-9 wins this comparison.