2025 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Mazda CX-90

$40,050 · Crossover

$38,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2026 Mazda CX-90 often boils down to prioritizing raw power versus standard capability. If you need the punchiest engine, the Explorer delivers 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, beating the CX-90’s 280 hp and 332 lb-ft, though the Mazda offers superior low-end grunt. Surprisingly, the leaner CX-90 achieves a slightly better combined 25 MPG versus the Explorer's 24 MPG, despite the Ford having a smaller base engine in this comparison. The Explorer is shorter in height at 69.9 inches compared to the CX-90's 68.3 inches, but the Mazda is slightly longer overall at 200.8 inches. For pure hauling gear, the Explorer offers significantly more space with 18.2 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft, all starting at an MSRP of $40,050 for the Ford versus the Mazda's $38,800.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mazda CX-90

The CX-90's slightly better combined 25 MPG and standard All-Wheel Drive make it slightly more efficient and capable for daily unpredictable commutes.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Ford Explorer

The 2025 Ford Explorer wins for families due to its substantially larger 18.2 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Ford Explorer

The Explorer’s higher 300 hp output appeals more directly to driving enthusiasts seeking peak horsepower figures.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 provides better fuel economy (25 MPG combined) and standard AWD for $1,250 less than the base Explorer.

Choose the Ford Explorer if...

You need maximum utility, as the Explorer offers 18.2 cu ft of cargo space.
You prefer Rear Wheel Drive architecture for potentially different handling dynamics.
Peak horsepower is important to you, with the Explorer boasting 300 hp.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You prioritize traction in all weather, given the standard All Wheel Drive system.
You want better fuel efficiency, achieving 25 MPG combined versus 24 MPG.
You are looking for a lower entry price, starting at $38,800.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Explorer	Mazda CX-90
Length	198.8"	200.8"
Width	78.9"	78.5"
Height	69.9"	68.3"
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	23/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	358.0/519.1 mi.	425.5/518.0 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 2026 Mazda CX-90.

Which crossover is better for towing based on these specs?

While neither vehicle's towing capacity is explicitly listed, the Explorer's superior 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque generally suggest a higher towing ceiling compared to the CX-90’s power figures.

Is the difference in engine specs significant for daily driving?

The CX-90 has higher torque (332 lb-ft vs. 310 lb-ft), which aids in feeling quicker off the line at lower city speeds, even though the Explorer has higher peak horsepower (300 hp vs. 280 hp).

How does the driving feel differ based on the drive type?

The Ford Explorer utilizes Rear Wheel Drive as standard, which often provides a sportier feel and better balance, whereas the CX-90’s standard All Wheel Drive prioritizes stability and grip, especially in slippery conditions.

Which vehicle offers more room inside?

The Ford Explorer wins significantly on rear cargo volume, providing 18.2 cubic feet, which is over 3 cubic feet more than the Mazda CX-90’s 14.9 cubic feet.

Are the transmissions comparable?

The Explorer comes equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission, while the CX-90 uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic; both are geared for efficiency but the Explorer has more ratios to work with.