2025 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2026 Mazda CX-90

$40,700 · Crossover

$38,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the massive 2025 Chevy Traverse and the slightly smaller 2026 Mazda CX-90 often boils down to prioritizing outright size versus standard all-wheel drive efficiency. If maximizing passenger and cargo space is your main goal, the Traverse is the clear choice; it stretches 204.5 inches long and offers a substantial 22.9 cu ft of cargo space behind the third row, compared to the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft. However, the Mazda compensates by including standard AWD, contributing to a slightly better combined MPG of 25 versus the Traverse's 23 MPG (based on FWD specs). Power delivery is interesting too: the Traverse boasts 328 hp, significantly more than the CX-90's 280 hp, though the Mazda delivers more torque at 332 lb-ft versus the Chevy's 326 lb-ft. With an MSRP difference of nearly $2,000—the Traverse starts at $40,700 and the CX-90 at $38,800—buyers must weigh that extra space and horsepower against the standard AWD system and lower entry price.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mazda CX-90

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 wins for commuters due to its better combined fuel economy of 25 MPG and standard All-Wheel Drive, offering better efficiency and capability than the Traverse's 23 MPG combined FWD setup.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse is the family champion because its 204.5-inch length translates directly into superior usability, providing 22.9 cu ft of cargo space compared to the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Chevrolet Traverse

The Traverse appeals more to power enthusiasts because it produces significantly more horsepower at 328 hp compared to the CX-90's 280 hp output.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-90

The CX-90 offers better baseline value, starting at $38,800 MSRP while including standard AWD, beating the Traverse's starting price of $40,700 for a FWD configuration.

Choose the Chevrolet Traverse if...

You absolutely need the most room possible, as the Traverse offers 22.9 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly more than the competition.
You prefer maximum straight-line power, as the Traverse delivers 328 hp from its engine.
You are shopping on a tight budget for the largest possible footprint, as its 204.5-inch length maximizes interior volume for its class.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You prioritize fuel savings, as the CX-90 achieves a better combined 25 MPG versus the Traverse's 23 MPG (FWD rating).
All-weather traction is essential, because the CX-90 includes standard All-Wheel Drive right at its $38,800 starting MSRP.
You prefer a slightly more balanced torque delivery, as the CX-90 provides 332 lb-ft to the Traverse's 326 lb-ft.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Chevrolet Traverse	Mazda CX-90
Length	204.5"	200.8"
Width	79.6"	78.5"
Height	69.6"	68.3"
Wheelbase	121.0"	122.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Chevrolet	Mazda
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	—
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Chevrolet	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	3.3 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 6
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	328 hp @ 5500 rpm	280 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	326 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm	332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Chevrolet	Mazda
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Chevrolet	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/27 MPG	23/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	388.0/523.8 mi.	425.5/518.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.4 gal.	18.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Chevrolet	Mazda
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt Steering Wheel	✓	—
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	—
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Sun Sensor	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Chevrolet	Mazda
Infotainment Display	17.7 in	10.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	8
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Memory Card Slot	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Chevrolet	Mazda
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Mazda
Front Head Room	42.6 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	44.3 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	62.3 in.	59.2 in.
Front Hip Room	58.7 in.	56.2 in.
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Mazda
Rear Head Room	40.0 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.5 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	62.2 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	58.6 in.	55.5 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Chevrolet	Mazda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/65R18	265/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	19 x 8.5 in

Suspension

Feature	Chevrolet	Mazda
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Chevrolet	Mazda
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse and 2026 Mazda CX-90.

Is the extra horsepower in the Traverse worth sacrificing the CX-90's torque advantage?

The Traverse leads in raw power with 328 hp versus the CX-90’s 280 hp, which you will notice during passing maneuvers. However, the CX-90 counters with slightly higher torque (332 lb-ft vs. 326 lb-ft), meaning the Mazda might feel strong right off the line despite the lower peak horsepower rating.

How much bigger is the Traverse in real-world space compared to the CX-90?

The Traverse is substantially larger overall, measuring 204.5 inches long compared to the CX-90’s 200.8 inches. This difference is felt most in the cargo hold, where the Traverse provides 22.9 cu ft versus the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft behind the rear seats.

Which car uses regular unleaded fuel, and how do their efficiency ratings differ?

Both the 2025 Traverse and the 2026 CX-90 are designed to run on regular unleaded fuel. The CX-90 edges out the Traverse in efficiency, achieving a combined 25 MPG with its standard AWD system, while the Traverse achieves 23 MPG combined in its FWD base configuration.

Considering the MSRP, why is the Mazda cheaper if it has standard AWD?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 starts at $38,800 MSRP, making it cheaper than the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse starting at $40,700. This price structure means you are paying less for the Mazda while gaining the benefit of standard AWD, whereas the Traverse base model comes standard only with FWD.

If I am driving mostly in the city, which vehicle offers better city fuel economy?

The Mazda CX-90 offers slightly better city fuel economy, rated at 23 MPG city, compared to the Chevrolet Traverse's 20 MPG city rating when both are considered in their baseline front-wheel-drive trims.

Are the transmissions very different between these two crossovers?

No, both vehicles utilize an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, suggesting a similar approach to gear management, though the specific tuning and shift logic will differ between Chevy and Mazda engineering teams.