2025 Honda Ridgeline vs 2026 Mazda CX-90

$40,150 · Crossover

$38,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Honda Ridgeline kicks off the comparison with its unique unibody construction and truck utility, delivering 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque through its 9-speed automatic transmission, appealing to those who want a blend of SUV comfort and light hauling capability. In contrast, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 brings a potent level of torque, boasting an impressive 332 lb-ft from its engine, though it sacrifices Ridgeline's minimal cargo bed for a substantial 14.9 cu ft of internal storage. The CX-90 leads efficiency, achieving 25 combined MPG versus the Ridgeline's 21 combined MPG, a difference of 4 MPG. Priced closely at $40,150 for the Ridgeline and $38,800 for the CX-90, the decision hinges on whether buyers prioritize the slightly larger dimensions (210.2 inches long) and AWD utility of the Honda or the torque advantage and superior fuel economy of the Mazda.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 wins for commuters due to its superior 25 combined MPG rating compared to the Ridgeline's 21 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-90

Families benefit from the CX-90's significantly larger 14.9 cu ft of cargo capacity, nearly double the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-90

Enthusiasts will prefer the CX-90's superior torque output of 332 lb-ft over the Ridgeline's 262 lb-ft for more spirited driving.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 offers higher torque (332 lb-ft) and better efficiency (25 MPG combined) at a lower starting MSRP of $38,800.

Choose the Honda Ridgeline if...

You require the specific utility of a truck bed, even if it is only 7.3 cu ft.
You prefer the slight handling difference afforded by the Ridgeline's 210.2-inch length and unique platform.
You desire a vehicle paired with a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

Maximizing internal passenger and cargo space is paramount, utilizing the 14.9 cu ft capacity.
Fuel economy is a top priority, as the CX-90 achieves 4 more combined MPG (25 vs 21).
You want the driving exhilaration provided by the higher torque figure of 332 lb-ft.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda Ridgeline	Mazda CX-90
Length	210.2"	200.8"
Width	78.6"	78.5"
Height	70.8"	68.3"
Wheelbase	125.2"	122.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

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

Engine

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	3.3 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 6
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	280 hp @ 6000 rpm	280 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm	332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	24	24
Camshaft Type	Single overhead cam (SOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/24 MPG	23/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	21 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.0/468.0 mi.	425.5/518.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.5 gal.	18.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

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

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Infotainment Display	9.0 in	10.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	215W	—
Speaker System	7	8
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Memory Card Slot	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Front Head Room	40.1 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	62.0 in.	59.2 in.
Front Hip Room	59.1 in.	56.2 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Rear Head Room	38.8 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.7 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.5 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.6 in.	55.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/60R	265/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	19 x 8.5 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Honda	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	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 12000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda Ridgeline and 2026 Mazda CX-90.

How much more fuel-efficient is the 2026 Mazda CX-90 than the 2025 Honda Ridgeline?

The Mazda CX-90 holds a distinct advantage in efficiency, achieving 25 combined MPG. This is 4 MPG better than the Honda Ridgeline’s rating of 21 combined MPG.

Which vehicle offers superior power delivery in terms of torque?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is the clear winner for torque, producing 332 lb-ft. The 2025 Honda Ridgeline offers 262 lb-ft, meaning the Mazda has substantially more low-end pulling power.

What is the primary difference in storage between these two crossovers?

The Mazda CX-90 focuses on enclosed space, offering a generous 14.9 cu ft of cargo capacity. The Honda Ridgeline utilizes its unique design for an external utility bed measuring 7.3 cu ft.

Are both vehicles similarly sized on the road?

They are similar in width (78.6 in vs 78.5 in), but the Honda Ridgeline is slightly longer at 210.2 inches compared to the CX-90's 200.8 inches, and the Mazda is nearly 2.5 inches shorter in height.