2019 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2019 Subaru Ascent
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2019 Mazda CX-9 and 2019 Subaru Ascent contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2019 Mazda CX-9 and the 2019 Subaru Ascent.
When comparing the 2019 Mazda CX-9's and the 2019 Subaru Ascent's specifications and ratings, the 2019 Mazda CX-9 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency. The 2019 Subaru Ascent has the advantage in the areas of resale value, interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2019 Mazda CX-9's and the 2019 Subaru Ascent's specifications and ratings, the 2019 Subaru Ascent is a better car than the 2019 Mazda CX-9.
Pricing: A used 2019 Mazda CX-9 ranges from $18,699 to $29,796 while a used 2019 Subaru Ascent is priced between $19,484 to $30,998.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2019 Mazda CX-9 loses 47 percent of its value and the 2019 Subaru Ascent loses 44.1 percent of its value. This means the 2019 Subaru Ascent retains 2.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2019 Mazda CX-9.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2019 Mazda CX-9’s base engine makes 250 horsepower, and the 2019 Subaru Ascent base engine makes 260 horsepower. The CX-9 is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 532 miles. The Ascent is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 521 miles. This gives the 2019 Mazda CX-9 the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2019 Subaru Ascent. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the 2019 Subaru Ascent has the advantage of offering more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The 2019 Mazda CX-9 has the advantage in the area of rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2019 Mazda CX-9 and the 2019 Subaru Ascent have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$32,280
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$30,316
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$23,245 - $35,310
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$31,995
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$30,316
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$23,245 - $35,310
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$23,955
Price Range:
$18,699 - $29,796
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$24,868
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$16,878 - $34,673
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
121
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
76,945
# Good or Great Deals:
32
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$25,282
Price Range:
$19,484 - $30,998
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$24,868
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$16,878 - $34,673
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
298
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
86,351
# Good or Great Deals:
87
Mazda CX-9 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.6 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Subaru Ascent Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2019 Mazda CX-9
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
6.7
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
5.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.6 - 8.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
64.4%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2019 Subaru Ascent
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
5.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.6 - 8.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.9
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1 - 33.1
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
19.6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1 - 33.1
Mazda CX-9 Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 17Ranking
2 out of / 16Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 16Ranking
5 out of / 34Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 17Ranking
6 out of / 34Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 34Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
14 out of / 34Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 34Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
22 out of / 34Ranking
25 out of / 34Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 32Ranking
28 out of / 67Ranking
28 out of / 67Ranking
28 out of / 67Ranking
28 out of / 34Ranking
28 out of / 32Ranking
29 out of / 32Ranking
30 out of / 32Ranking
31 out of / 34Ranking
31 out of / 34Ranking
31 out of / 34Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
44 out of / 67Ranking
53 out of / 67Subaru Ascent Rankings
Ranking
5 out of / 34Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
14 out of / 30Ranking
15 out of / 34Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 28Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 34Ranking
19 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
22 out of / 32Ranking
26 out of / 34Ranking
28 out of / 34Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
29 out of / 34Ranking
29 out of / 32Ranking
30 out of / 34Ranking
36 out of / 67Ranking
48 out of / 67Ranking
48 out of / 56Ranking
51 out of / 67Summary Review
Mazda’s CX-9 is a three-row crossover SUV that’s slightly smaller but more engaging to drive than most of its direct competitors.
Summary Review
The Subaru Ascent joined the crossover SUV lineup at Subaru in 2018. It quickly earned the praise of reviewers.
Pros and Cons
- Outstanding standard features make CX-9 a near-premium vehicle
- The Turbocharged engine is a reviewer’s favorite
- Aging infotainment setup
- Smaller than most of its segment peers
Pros and Cons
- Excellent on-road and off-road capability
- Seven or eight-seat configurations available
- Class-leading diver-assist technology
- Below-average reliability scores (unusual for a Subaru)
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2019 Mazda CX-9 Trim Levels
Grand Touring, Signature, Sport, Touring
2019 Subaru Ascent Trim Levels
Base, Limited 7-Passenger, Limited 8-Passenger, Premium 7-Passenger, Premium 8-Passenger, Touring
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
250 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
310 foot-lbs @ 2000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.059 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
260 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
277 foot-lbs @ 2000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.059 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
22 / 28 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
418 / 532 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
21 / 27 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
405 / 521 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Android Auto:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
41 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Cargo Space:
14.4 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
71.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
149.5 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
40 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
60.3 inches
Cargo Space:
17.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
86.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
171.3 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4217 lbs
Width:
77.5 inches
Height:
69 inches
Length:
199.4 inches
Wheelbase:
115.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4430 lbs
Width:
85.7 inches
Height:
71.6 inches
Length:
196.8 inches
Wheelbase:
113.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P255/60R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/60R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Jet Black Mica
Blue
Deep Crystal Blue Mica
Brown
Titanium Flash Mica
Gray
Machine Gray Metallic
Silver
Sonic Silver Metallic
White
Snowflake White Pearl Mica
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Not available
Brown
Not available
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Interior Colors
Beige
Sand
Black
Black
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Slate Black
