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2019 Subaru Ascent vs. 2018 Mazda CX-9: Driving two class leaders side-by-side

As the de facto replacement for the family sedan, we expect a lot out of modern crossovers. They need to excel at family-hauling duties while delivering reasonable performance and fuel economy. They have to offer all-wheel drive and the latest safety technology. They ought to be ruggedly handsome, and they can't be so prohibitively expensive that the families they are targeting can't afford them. It's a tall order, and some automakers have hit closer to the proverbial bullseye than others. By some stroke of luck, we managed to snag a 2018 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring as our chariot to take the four-hour drive from Seattle to McMinnville, Ore., where we got our first drive of the 2019 Subaru Ascent. As one of our favorite vehicles in this class, the CX-9 would serve as a good comparison to the Ascent. And, on paper, the similarities are abundant: Both come from automakers with a clear, go-your-own-way approach to vehicle engineering, are powered by turbocharged four-cylinder engines, and offer three rows of seating in a relatively compact package. Put simply, we expect the Ascent and CX-9 to be cross-shopped by a lot of new-car buyers looking for a new family car. What we found is that the CX-9 is the better choice for the buyer who values a sporty driving experience above all else, while the Ascent is probably better for families looking for a healthier dose of practicality. Either option will ably serve the suburban American family they are targeting, but the ways they go about that life of servitude are quite different. It's worth noting that pretty much every automaker in America is selling a vehicle in this class, which means there are a heck of a lot of vehicles from which to choose. For a few other options, check out this spec-sheet comparison here, and for anything else, be sure to visit the handy Autoblog compare tool. With that out of the way, let's break it down a bit more granularly. Styling: View 36 Photos Looks-wise, we prefer the Mazda. A crossover is going to be generally box-shaped, but that doesn't mean it has to be boring. The CX-9's bodywork flows gracefully from nose to tail, with just the right amount of flashiness in the form of headlights that take the form of cat-like eyes, a five-point grille surrounded in chrome, and gently arcing bodyside lines. It all works to form what we think is the most attractive midsize crossover overall. We don't hate the Subaru Ascent's looks, but it's definitely more boring than the CX-9.

Mazda halts Mazda3 sales for fuel tank problem

Mazda is issuing a stop sale and recall on 14,406 examples of the 2015-2016 Mazda3 in the US with build dates between May 21, 2015, and August 24, 2015, due to a possible fuel leak. There are no reports or accidents or injuries from this problem. According to the company, a defective fuel shut-off valve can allow gasoline to move from the tank and fill the charcoal emissions canister. If it gets too full, there can be a leak, which obviously carries the risk of a possible fire. The engine might stall, as well. Affected owners will be notified to bring their Mazda3 in "as soon as possible." Dealers will inspect the vehicles, and if a problem is found, the fuel tank and charcoal emissions canister will be replaced. During the downtime, customers will get a free rental or loaner car, as well. Those who are particularly concerned can also call Mazda roadside assistance to have their vehicle delivered for the check and possible repair. Related Video: Mazda Issues Stop Sale and Stop Delivery for Mazda3 Fuel Tank Recall WASHINGTON, DC (October 2, 2015) – Mazda Motor Corporation will conduct a Safety and Emission Recall Campaign for certain 2015-2016 Mazda3 vehicles (built from May 21, 2015 through August 24, 2015), which could have a safety-related problem. A defect in the fuel shut-off valve may allow fuel to flow from the fuel tank into the charcoal emissions canister. With this condition, the check engine light may illuminate, and if the fuel exceeds the canister capacity, fuel leakage could occur, increasing the risk of a fire and/or engine stalling. Approximately 14,270 vehicles in the U.S. and 136 vehicles in Puerto Rico are affected. Owners of subject vehicles will be notified by mail in early October. They will be informed to bring their vehicle to the nearest Mazda dealer as soon as possible. Dealers will inspect the fuel tank to determine if the defect exists on the vehicle. If the defect exists, the dealer will replace the fuel tank and charcoal canister at no cost to the customer. A rental or loaner vehicle will be provided at no cost to the owner, until the vehicle is repaired for this concern. If there are no concerns, the vehicle will be returned to the customer. Should a customer not want to drive the vehicle to the dealership, they may contact Mazda's 24-hour Roadside Assistance service at 800-866-1998 and have the vehicle picked up and delivered to the dealership. There have been no reports of accidents or injury related to this issue.

Mazda announces mild-hybrid variant of MX-30 crossover in Japan

Mazda hinted its first series-produced electric car, the MX-30 introduced in late 2019, might not be sold in the United States. We could see it on our shores with another powertrain under its coupe-like sheetmetal, however. The company announced a mild-hybrid variant of the crossover during a press conference held in Japan. Technical details about the gasoline-electric MX-30 are hazy, but Mazda said it's powered by the same basic mild-hybrid system available in the Mazda3 and the CX-30. That means the drivetrain is built around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a small electric motor that captures the kinetic energy generated while braking. It uses this electricity to power the car's electronics, and it injects it into the driveline to deliver bursts of extra power. Fuel economy and performance figures haven't been released yet. We expect the mild-hybrid model will be quicker than the heavier electric version, and its driving range will be appreciably greater. The electric model is equipped with a relatively small, 35.5-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack that delivers a 124-mile range. Mazda explained using a smaller pack yields total CO2 emissions on par with a turbodiesel-powered Mazda3. The biggest visual difference between the two variants is an e-Skyactiv-G emblem on the hatch. Both model wear the same sporty design characterized by a steeply-raked roof line and a set of rear-hinged half doors reminiscent of the rotary-powered RX-8. It's the same story inside, where the hybrid and the EV are all but identical. Significantly, the hybrid MX-30 is expected to cost less than the electric model, which carries a base price of ˆ33,490 (about $40,000) in Germany. All told, it's better positioned than the EV to stick the landing if it's sent to the United States. Mazda hasn't yet published a list of the countries where it will sell the hybrid MX-30. Autoblog asked the company for additional details, and received word back that the company hasn't yet "made any announcements on MX-30 for the U.S. market." Related Video:     Featured Gallery 2021 Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv-G Green Mazda Crossover Electric Hybrid