Mazda CX-90 vs Subaru Solterra
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Mazda CX-90 starts from $74,385 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Solterra opens at $76,990. That makes the Mazda CX-90 the more affordable entry point by $2,605.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $81,824 and $84,689 respectively.
The Subaru Solterra qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mazda CX-90, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Subaru Solterra by roughly $7,605 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mazda CX-90 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and wireless charging that you will not find on the Subaru Solterra. The Subaru Solterra counters with Apple CarPlay, head-up display, heated front seats and V2L. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mazda CX-90 uses a Petrol producing 254kW and 500Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.8 seconds.
The Subaru Solterra responds with a Electric Motor making 252kW and 455Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.9 seconds.
The Mazda CX-90 has the clear power advantage at 254kW vs 252kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru Solterra is 0.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda CX-90 measures 5,100mm long on a 3,120mm wheelbase, 410mm longer than the Subaru Solterra at 4,690mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-90 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 257L in the Mazda CX-90 and 452L in the Subaru Solterra, giving the Subaru Solterra a 195L advantage. The Mazda CX-90 seats 7 vs 5.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.0m diameter
Average
Based on 12.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,337/year for the Mazda CX-90 and $816/year for the Subaru Solterra. That is a $1,521 annual difference in favour of the Subaru Solterra.
Estimated annual total: $2,337 (Mazda CX-90) vs $816 (Subaru Solterra). The Subaru Solterra saves you roughly $1,521 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-90) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Solterra). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda CX-90 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru Solterra if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Subaru Solterra takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. The Subaru Solterra will save you roughly $1,521 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru Solterra has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mazda CX-90 and Subaru Solterra?
The Mazda CX-90 is the cheapest at $74,385 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru Solterra by $2,605.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda CX-90 uses the least fuel at 8.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mazda CX-90 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru Solterra has the largest boot at 452L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda CX-90 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda CX-90 makes the most power at 254kW. The Subaru Solterra is quickest to 100km/h in 6.9s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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