2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

$40,050 · Crossover

$38,045 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical difference between the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Mazda CX-90 lies in their torque output, where the CX-90 generates 332 lb-ft compared to the Explorer's 310 lb-ft, despite the Explorer claiming 300 horsepower to the Mazda's 280 hp. Fuel economy also favors the CX-90 slightly, achieving a combined 25 MPG versus the Explorer's 24 MPG. Pricewise, the Mazda starts $2,005 lower at an MSRP of $38,045 compared to the Ford's $40,050. Dimensionally, the Explorer is 2.0 inches shorter in length (198.8 inches vs 200.8 inches) but boasts a superior cargo capacity of 18.2 cu ft, eclipsing the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft. Furthermore, the Explorer employs a 10-speed automatic transmission, while the CX-90 uses an 8-speed unit, and their standard drivetrains differ, with the Explorer being RWD and the CX-90 being AWD.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 is the better commuter due to its slightly superior 25 MPG combined fuel economy and standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD).

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer is superior for families because it offers substantially more cargo capacity at 18.2 cubic feet compared to the CX-90's 14.9 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-90

Enthusiasts will favor the CX-90 because it achieves higher torque output at 332 lb-ft, suggesting better off-the-line pull than the Explorer's 310 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 presents better immediate value by having a lower starting MSRP of $38,045, which is $2,005 less than the Ford Explorer.

Choose the Ford Explorer if...

You require the maximum available cargo volume, as the Explorer provides 18.2 cu ft.
You prefer the shifting behavior of a 10-speed automatic transmission over an 8-speed.
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) is the preferred standard configuration for handling dynamics.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

Standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) capability is a requirement for traction.
Maximizing torque output (332 lb-ft) is prioritized over peak horsepower (280 hp).
Achieving the lowest possible entry price point below $40,000 is necessary.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Explorer	Mazda CX-90
Length	198.8"	200.8"
Width	78.9"	78.5"
Height	69.9"	68.2"
Wheelbase	119.1"	122.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags (with Head Protection Chamber)	✓	—
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 Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	—
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	2.3 L	3.3 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 6
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	300 hp @ 5500 rpm	280 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	310 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	Ford	Mazda
Transmission Type	10-speed automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/29 MPG	24/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	358.0/519.1 mi.	444.0/518.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.9 gal.	18.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

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

In Car Entertainment

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

Power Feature

Feature	Ford	Mazda
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Front Head Room	40.7 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	43.0 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.8 in.	59.2 in.
Front Hip Room	59.2 in.	56.2 in.
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Rear Head Room	40.5 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.0 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.9 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	59.1 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	Ford	Mazda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P255/65R18	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	Ford	Mazda
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Explorer and 2025 Mazda CX-90.

Which crossover offers better highway fuel efficiency?

The Mazda CX-90 is marginally better on the highway, rated at 28 MPG Highway compared to the Ford Explorer's 29 MPG Highway. However, the CX-90 has a much better City rating at 24 MPG versus the Explorer's 20 MPG, leading to its higher combined 25 MPG rating.

How do the drivetrain layouts compare between the two vehicles?

The 2025 Ford Explorer comes standard with a Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) configuration, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. In contrast, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 features standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) mated to an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Is the Ford Explorer significantly larger than the Mazda CX-90?

Dimensionally, the vehicles are close, but the CX-90 is 2.0 inches longer at 200.8 inches, while the Explorer is 1.7 inches taller at 69.9 inches. The Explorer is also 0.4 inches wider.

Which vehicle provides more utility for carrying cargo?

The Ford Explorer is the definitive choice for cargo utility, offering 18.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The Mazda CX-90 provides 14.9 cubic feet in the same configuration, making the Explorer's cargo area over 20% larger.

Despite having less horsepower, does the CX-90 feel more powerful than the Explorer?

The CX-90 delivers 332 lb-ft of torque, which exceeds the Explorer’s 310 lb-ft of torque, indicating it may feel stronger in immediate acceleration or towing situations. However, the Explorer leads in outright horsepower figures at 300 hp versus the CX-90's 280 hp.

Are there major differences in required fuel type or initial cost?

Both the Ford Explorer and the Mazda CX-90 can run on regular unleaded gasoline, offering parity in ongoing fuel costs. The Mazda maintains an initial cost advantage, starting at $38,045 against the Explorer’s $40,050 MSRP.