2025 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Ford Explorer
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 ignites the segment with its premium, longitudinally-mounted engine architecture, delivering a robust 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque from its standard setup. Conversely, the 2026 Ford Explorer counters with a sharper peak output of 300 horsepower, leveraging its potent, rear-wheel-drive-based platform for a spirited feel. The Mazda offers superior fuel economy at 25 MPG combined compared to the Explorer's 24 MPG combined, though the Explorer pulls ahead slightly on the highway with 29 MPG versus the Mazda's 28 MPG. Design-wise, the CX-90 is slightly longer at 200.8 inches, while the taller Explorer boasts a bit more vertical presence at 69.9 inches. Buyers prioritizing torque and efficiency lean toward the CX-90's 332 lb-ft and 8-speed automatic, while those craving raw power benefit from the Explorer's 300 hp and 10-speed gearbox.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mazda CX-90
The Mazda CX-90 is the better commuter due to its higher combined MPG rating of 25 versus the Explorer's 24.
2026 Ford Explorer
The 2026 Ford Explorer provides more utility with a greater cargo capacity of 16.3 cubic feet compared to the CX-90's 14.9 cubic feet.
2026 Ford Explorer
Enthusiasts will appreciate the Ford Explorer's higher peak horsepower rating of 300 hp and its standard RWD bias.
2025 Mazda CX-90
The Mazda CX-90 secures the value edge by offering a lower starting MSRP of $38,045 against the Explorer's $38,330.
Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...
- You prefer maximizing fuel efficiency, as the CX-90 achieves 25 MPG combined.
- You value high torque output, with the CX-90 delivering 332 lb-ft.
- You prefer the smoother feel of an 8-speed automatic transmission over a 10-speed unit.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- You desire the highest available horsepower figure, which is 300 hp in the Explorer.
- You require maximum immediate storage space, benefiting from the 16.3 cu ft cargo volume.
- You prefer the driving dynamics associated with a rear-wheel-drive-based platform.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-90 | Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.8" | 198.8" |
| Width | 78.5" | 78.9" |
| Height | 68.2" | 69.9" |
| Wheelbase | 122.8" | 119.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags (with Head Protection Chamber) | — | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.3 L | 2.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 5000 rpm | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 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 | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/28 MPG | 20/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 444.0/518.0 mi. | 358.0/519.1 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 17.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.3 in | — |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Memory Card Slot | ✓ | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.7 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 43.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.2 in. | 61.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.2 in. | 59.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.3 in. | 40.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.4 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 61.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 55.5 in. | 59.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 265/55R19 | P255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and 2026 Ford Explorer.
Which vehicle offers better everyday fuel economy for city driving?
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 has a slight advantage in city driving efficiency, achieving 24 MPG compared to the 2026 Ford Explorer's 20 MPG city rating. This efficiency comes despite the CX-90 using regular unleaded fuel, just like its rival.
What is the key performance difference between the standard engines?
The Ford Explorer delivers 300 horsepower, beating the Mazda CX-90's 280 horsepower. However, the Mazda compensates with higher torque, delivering 332 lb-ft versus the Explorer's 310 lb-ft.
How do these crossovers compare in size and interior space?
The Mazda CX-90 is slightly longer at 200.8 inches, but the Ford Explorer is taller at 69.9 inches and offers 1.4 cubic feet more cargo space (16.3 cu ft vs 14.9 cu ft).
Do these vehicles require premium fuel?
Fortunately for budgeting, both the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and the 2026 Ford Explorer are designed to run effectively on regular unleaded fuel.
Which vehicle utilizes a more advanced transmission system?
The 2026 Ford Explorer utilizes a 10-speed automatic transmission, while the 2025 Mazda CX-90 employs an 8-speed shiftable automatic. This gives the Explorer more ratios to manage engine speed.
Is there a significant starting price difference between the two?
Yes, the Mazda CX-90 starts at a lower price point of $38,045 compared to the Ford Explorer's MSRP of $38,330, providing a $285 initial cost saving for the Mazda.
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