2026 Mazda CX-90 vs. 2026 Subaru Solterra: Which One Feels Like You?

Plug-in hybrid or full electric, which one actually fits your life? That's the real question at the heart of the 2026 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Subaru Solterra debate. One gives you the flexibility to fill up at any gas station when needed; the other asks you to go all-in on battery power. Once you get past the powertrain question, though, these two SUVs start pulling apart in ways you might not expect, from how much you can pack in the back to how many people you can bring along.

369 LB-FT Brings the Muscle

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid pairs a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, 129-kW electric motor and 17.8-kWh battery for 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The 2026 Subaru Solterra takes the full-EV route with a 252-kW electric motor and 77.0-kWh battery, producing 338 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque. Subaru comes out slightly higher on horsepower, while Mazda delivers an extra 119 lb-ft of torque. More importantly, the two systems offer very different experiences: the Subaru keeps propulsion completely electric, while the Mazda combines electric assistance with gasoline power.

758 KM Keeps Plans Flexible

Range is where the different philosophies really show. The 2026 Mazda CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid offers 42 km of electric-only range and an estimated 758 km of total driving range, with a combined efficiency rating of 4.2 L/100 km. The 2026 Subaru Solterra offers approximately 446 km of battery range and a 2.1 L/100 km combined efficiency rating. The Solterra gives drivers considerably more distance without using gasoline at all. The CX-90, meanwhile, can cover shorter trips electrically while keeping its gas engine available for longer drives, which means charging does not have to dictate the rest of the trip.

12.3 Inches Front and Centre

Inside, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid puts a 12.3-inch infotainment display at the heart of its connected features, alongside Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging, navigation, in-car Wi-Fi and an 8-speaker audio system. The referenced 2026 Subaru Solterra features a 7.0-inch touchscreen, plus Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging, navigation, in-car Wi-Fi and an 11-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system. Mazda has the much larger display in this matchup, while Subaru answers with a more extensive premium speaker setup. Both cover the everyday connectivity essentials without taking exactly the same approach.

Three Rows Change the Cabin Math

This is one of the biggest differences in the 2026 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Subaru Solterra matchup. The 2026 Mazda CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid is a three-row SUV with seating for seven or eight passengers, while the 2026 Subaru Solterra uses a two-row layout for five passengers. Cargo tells another side of the story. Mazda provides 423 litres behind the third row, 1,133 litres with that row folded and up to 2,101 litres with the rear seating folded. Subaru starts with a roomier 674 litres behind its second row and expands to 1,798 litres. Subaru makes more cargo room immediately accessible in its five-seat configuration, while Mazda offers more maximum capacity and the added flexibility of a third row.

10 Airbags Add Another Layer

Both SUVs bring plenty of driver assistance to the table. The 2026 Mazda CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid includes 10 airbags, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, rear radar parking aids, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high beams and a hands-free power hatch. The 2026 Subaru Solterra features 8 airbags, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, a 360-degree camera, side-camera parking assistance and additional conveniences such as heated rear seats and memory seating. Mazda brings two additional airbags in the referenced specification, while Subaru's surround-view camera technology gives drivers another useful perspective when manoeuvring in tight spaces.

Five Specs worth Seeing Side by Side

Agincourt Mazda's CX-90: Electric When You Want, Gas When You Need

For a lot of drivers, going electric comes with a catch, what happens when a trip goes further than a battery can take you? The 2026 Mazda CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid solves that by not making you choose. Around town, it runs on electric power alone, ideal for school runs and daily commutes. On longer drives, it shifts smoothly to gas, so there's no charger-hunting or route planning required. Visit Agincourt Mazda to see the CX-90 in person, we'll have it ready whenever you are.

*All pricing is based on ON MSRP and does not include taxes and fees. Dealer pricing may differ. Prices are subject to change at any time without notice.