2025 Subaru Ascent vs Mazda CX-90 | Superior AWD, Safety & Value in Naperville
Why the 2025 Subaru Ascent Outshines the Mazda CX-90
From Wheaton to Downers Grove, the Ascent is for Families Who Expect More from Their SUV
When you're shopping for a three-row SUV in Naperville or the greater Chicagoland area, you're not just looking for space, you're looking for safety, performance, reliability, and long-term value. At Gerald Subaru of Naperville, we believe the 2025 Subaru Ascent offers a smarter, safer, and more versatile option than the Mazda CX-90. Here’s why:
Built for Midwest Weather—All Year Long
The 2025 Subaru Ascent comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, giving you confidence whether you're commuting on slick city streets or heading out for a snowy ski weekend. The Mazda CX-90 offers AWD, but only on select trims, and it comes at an added cost. Subaru’s system is always active, distributing power to all wheels in real time, giving you better grip and peace of mind, rain, snow, or shine.
Proven Safety Leadership
Subaru is a leader in safety, and the Ascent continues that legacy. With EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology standard and a structure engineered for strength, the 2025 Ascent has earned top marks for crash safety. In fact, Subaru has received more IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards than Mazda, Toyota, or Honda brands since 2013 (as of January 2025). The CX-90 doesn’t match Subaru’s decade-long track record of safety accolades.
Space & Comfort for the Whole Family
The Ascent is designed with families in mind, offering roomy seating for up to 8 passengers, more rear headroom than the CX-90, and flexible cargo space. Add in standard roof rails and class-leading visibility, and you’ve got an SUV that’s ready for everyday errands or cross-country road trips.
Real Value, Not Hidden Upgrades
At Subaru, value isn't buried in fine print or buried under trim levels. The Ascent includes features like AWD, EyeSight, and Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™ as standard, while Mazda charges extra for AWD and advanced safety tech on lower CX-90 trims. The Ascent also offers better long-term value, backed by Subaru's legendary durability and higher resale values compared to many Mazda models.
Built for the Long Haul
Every Subaru Ascent is built to last and backed by Subaru’s reputation for vehicles that go the distance. According to Experian Automotive, 96% of Subaru vehicles sold in the last 10 years are still on the road today. That’s not a coincidence, that’s engineering that pays off.
Comparison: 2025 Subaru Ascent vs Mazda CX-90
| Feature | 2025 Subaru Ascent | 2025 Mazda CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | ✅ Standard on all trims | ❌ Optional on select trims |
| EyeSight® Driver Assist | ✅ Standard | ❌ Optional on base trims |
| Seating Capacity | ✅ Up to 8 passengers | ❌ Up to 7 passengers |
| Safety Awards (IIHS) | ✅ More TOP SAFETY PICK+ since 2013 | ❌ Fewer total awards |
| Resale Value | ✅ Higher resale value | ❌ Competitive but lower |
| Long-Term Reliability | ✅ 96% still on road after 10 years | ❌ Not publicly verified |
| Off-Road Capability | ✅ Symmetrical AWD with X-MODE® | ❌ No equivalent system |
| Roof Rails | ✅ Standard | ❌ Available on select trims |
| Rear Headroom | ✅ 40 inches (more spacious 2nd/3rd row) | ❌ Less rear headroom overall |
| Cargo Space (Behind 3rd Row) | ✅ 17.8 cu. ft. | ❌ 15.9 cu. ft. |
| Total Passenger Volume | ✅ 153.2 cu. ft. | ❌ 148.4 cu. ft. |
Local Expertise You Can Trust
At Gerald Subaru of Naperville, we pair award-winning vehicles with exceptional customer service, factory-trained technicians, and transparent pricing. We're proud to serve Naperville, Wheaton, Bolingbrook, and beyond and we invite you to test drive the Ascent and experience the difference.
Schedule Your Test Drive Today
Explore the 2025 Subaru Ascent in person and see why it continues to win over growing families, outdoor adventurers, and safety-conscious drivers alike.
Browse Inventory & Offers on the 2025 Subaru Ascent
• Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 2025 Awards Summary
• Subaru Global Safety Rankings, 2013–2025
• Experian Automotive Reliability Data
• Manufacturer Specifications: Subaru.com, MazdaUSA.com
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