2025 Mazda CX-90 vs 2025 Toyota 4Runner

$38,045 · Crossover

$41,270 · SUV

Comparison Overview

Deciding between a stylish, road-focused crossover like the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and the rugged, traditional SUV utility of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner presents a classic dilemma: refinement versus pure capability. The CX-90 starts at a compelling $38,045, significantly undercutting the 4Runner's $41,270 MSRP by $3,225, making the Mazda immediately attractive on budget. However, the CX-90 trades utility for efficiency, achieving a combined 25 MPG compared to the 4Runner's 22 MPG, and boasts higher standard horsepower at 280 hp versus the Toyota's 278 hp. While the 4Runner offers a massive 48.4 cu ft of cargo space, the CX-90 is more efficient in daily driving. The differences in height—68.2 inches for the Mazda versus 72.6 inches for the Toyota—also highlight their opposing design philosophies for the modern family hauler.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda CX-90

The CX-90 wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 25 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota 4Runner

The 4Runner provides substantially more utility for families, offering 48.4 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its slightly higher 280 hp output and 332 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-90

The CX-90 offers a better immediate value proposition by being $3,225 cheaper while providing higher fuel economy.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You prioritize running costs and efficiency, as the CX-90 achieves 25 combined MPG.
Your budget is tight, as the Mazda undercuts the Toyota's MSRP by $3,225.
You prefer smoother on-road manners derived from its crossover platform and 280 hp engine.

Choose the Toyota 4Runner if...

Maximum hauling capability is essential, given the 4Runner's dominant 48.4 cu ft cargo volume.
You need greater ground clearance implied by its 72.6-inch height.
You value traditional SUV ruggedness over the CX-90's crossover refinement.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-90	Toyota 4Runner
Length	200.8"	194.9"
Width	78.5"	78.0"
Height	68.2"	72.6"
Wheelbase	122.8"	112.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
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	✓	✓
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	✓	—
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	—
Front Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Base Engine Displacement	3.3 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	280 hp @ 5000 rpm	278 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	317 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

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

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/28 MPG	20/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	444.0/518.0 mi.	380.0/494.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	19.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
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	✓	✓
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	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Infotainment Display	10.3 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	8
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Memory Card Slot	✓	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.2 in.	58.0 in.
Front Hip Room	56.2 in.	55.2 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	6-way
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Rear Head Room	39.3 in.	37.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.4 in.	34.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	57.8 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.5 in.	56.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	265/55R19	P245/70R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	—	17 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
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.	2 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 25000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and 2025 Toyota 4Runner.

How significant is the difference in size between the CX-90 and the 4Runner?

The CX-90 is slightly longer at 200.8 inches versus the 4Runner’s 194.9 inches, but the 4Runner is noticeably taller at 72.6 inches compared to the Mazda's 68.2 inches. This height difference reflects the 4Runner's traditional body-on-frame design.

If I do a lot of highway driving, which vehicle makes more financial sense?

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 is the clear winner for highway efficiency, boasting a 28 MPG highway rating. The Toyota 4Runner achieves only 26 MPG highway, meaning the Mazda requires fewer fuel stops over long distances.

Does the horsepower difference affect everyday driving between these two vehicles?

The CX-90 has a slight edge in power, producing 280 hp to the 4Runner's 278 hp, and slightly more torque at 332 lb-ft versus 317 lb-ft. While both are capable, the CX-90 should feel marginally quicker in merging scenarios.

Is the $3,225 price difference worth sacrificing the 4Runner's cargo space?

That depends entirely on your needs; the 4Runner offers over three times the cargo capacity (48.4 cu ft vs. 14.9 cu ft). If you frequently carry large gear, the price difference is a small premium for that massive utility gain.

Do both vehicles use the same type of fuel?

Yes, fortunately, both the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and the 2025 Toyota 4Runner are specified to run on regular unleaded gasoline, which helps keep the running costs manageable for both models.

Which vehicle is fundamentally more performance-oriented?

While the Mazda has superior horsepower figures, the 4Runner's base Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) configuration paired with its taller stance hints at a more dedicated off-road or towing orientation, despite the Mazda's AWD standard feature.