2021 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2021 Subaru Ascent
The third-row SUV market is growing, but the Mazda CX-9 has been offering up sophisticated style, reliable performance, and a roomy ride for some time now, and it stands out as one of the best buys in the market. Yet competitors keep rising up. The Subaru Ascent is getting some notice for its 2021 model, which is leading many potential buyers to compare the 2021 Mazda CX-9 to the 2021 Subaru Ascent to try to determine which is the better deal.
Here’s a closer look at how these two models compare to help you make the right choice for your needs:
Exterior Styling
Mazda has always edged out its competitors in terms of style. Mazda vehicles always look like they belong in a more luxurious class, even though they are quite affordable. The same is true for the 2021 Mazda CX-9. The sweeping profile features graceful lines along an aerodynamic design. The details are subtle, yet they work together to create an overall design that turns heads. The geometric grille is accented with chrome detailing that doesn’t seem flashy or desperate for attention. A chrome body bar runs down the length of the SUV, providing more stylish detailing. All of the elements work together elegantly for a sophisticated look.
The 2021 Subaru Ascent is attractive, but it doesn’t stand out much from its SUV brethren. The rough, angular lines are uninspired, and the chrome detailing garish without looking brilliant. The overall design is adequate, but that’s not what will get you inspired when you’re searching for your next vehicle.
Interior Styling and Features
You’re going to find a bit more passenger room in the 2021 Subaru Ascent, which seats eight, than you will in the 2021 Mazda CX-9, which seats seven. But the CX-9 proves to be the more stylish vehicle inside and out, and it has some beautiful features.
The center console on the Mazda CX-9 is designed with all the details in mind. Everything is chosen and placed carefully, not only to ensure the easy reach of all the needed controls, but also to create a sophisticated look. There’s a head’s up display that doesn’t clutter the center console, which includes subtly designed controls and hidden storage compartments.
In contrast, the center console on the Subaru Ascent looks more like a command center. There is a huge infotainment display screen, which is flanked by numerous buttons. The whole thing is cased in a garish chrome outline and then topped by a smaller dashboard display. The design choices here are not sophisticated. Like with the exterior of the Ascent, the interior is adequate, but uninspiring.
Power and Performance
Both the 2021 Mazda CX-9 and the 2021 Subaru Ascent will give you great performance. You’ll have to look more closely at the specs to determine which offers you the exact mechanics you want for your driving style.
The 2021 Mazda CX-9 comes standard with a 2.5-liter intercooled turbocharged engine that puts out 277 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Meanwhile, the 2021 Subaru Ascent comes with a 2.4-liter intercooled turbocharged engine that puts out 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Though the Ascent offers some more horsepower, anyone who hauls heavy loads or drives regularly over tough terrain will tell you that it’s the torque that really counts when you need strength.
That’s the difference that helps with the increased trailering load on the Mazda CX-9. With the Mazda, you can get a maximum trailering capacity of 3,500 pounds, with either a dead weight hitch or a weight distributing hitch. With the Ascent, you get a meager 2,000 pounds for maximum towing capacity. That’s a big difference when you need to tow something.
The Mazda CX-9 comes with an automatic transmission with overdrive, while the Subaru Ascent comes with a continuously variable transmission with overdrive. CVT technology is still relatively new, and many owners have reported big problems with these transmissions after only a few years.
Convenience and Safety Features
Today’s SUV include some nice convenience features that make driving fun, and they are safer than ever, and the 2021 Mazda CX-9 and the 2021 Subaru Ascent are no exception.
Some of the features included on the all-new Mazda CX-9 include distance pacing cruise control, tri-zone climate control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, speed-sensitive volume control, keyless entry, push button start, a tail gate with rear power locks. The infotainment system includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as two USB charging ports and 2 12V charging ports. A navigation system is also optional. You’ll get many but not all of these features on the Subaru Ascent.
The Mazda CS-9 also comes loaded with safety features. It has advanced smart city brake support with pedestrian detection, a lane departure warning system, lane-keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, high beam control, and radar cruise control with stop and go. Again, on the Subaru Ascent, you get some, but not all of those features.
Overall, you get a lot more in the 2021 Mazda CX-9 to enjoy your ride and to stay safe.
Choosing the Right SUV for You
We know which SUV is the best. But you may have different needs in your next vehicle, or you may have different tastes for what you like in a vehicle. The best way for you to determine whether the 2021 Mazda CX-9 or the 2021 Subaru Ascent is right for you is to see both of them in person and to take a test drive.
The friendly and knowledgeable sales associates at Seacoast Mazda are ready to introduce you to the 2021 Mazda CX-9. We’ll help you learn what this stylish SUV has to offer inside and out. After you fall in love with it, we’ll help you find the right financing offers to make it affordable for your budget. We’ll help you through every part of the process from start to finish to make it as easy on you as possible. Visit us today to learn more about the 2021 Mazda CX-9!