2025 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Honda Ridgeline

$38,045 · Crossover

$40,595 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 rockets off the line with 332 lb-ft of torque from its mild-hybrid inline-six, presenting a sleek, polished three-row crossover experience starting at $38,045. Conversely, the 2026 Honda Ridgeline brings rugged versatility with its truck bed design, though it starts slightly higher at $40,595 and makes do with 262 lb-ft of torque. The Mazda shines in efficiency, achieving a respectable 25 MPG combined, significantly beating the Ridgeline’s 21 MPG combined. While the Ridgeline boasts greater overall length at 210.2 inches and height at 70.8 inches, suggesting more capability, the CX-90 offers nearly double the usable enclosed space with 14.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft. Both vehicles deliver 280 hp, but the CX-90's superior fuel economy makes it the pragmatic choice for daily driving.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 25 MPG combined versus the Ridgeline's 21 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mazda CX-90

The CX-90 offers significantly more enclosed cargo room at 14.9 cu ft compared to the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft, better serving typical family hauling needs.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Honda Ridgeline

The Ridgeline offers a unique unibody truck experience, appealing to enthusiasts who prioritize ultimate utility over pure on-road handling dynamism.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 provides 280 hp and better efficiency for a lower starting MSRP of $38,045.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You prioritize minimizing fuel stops, thanks to its 25 MPG combined rating versus the Ridgeline's 21 MPG.
You need enclosed, secure storage, leveraging the 14.9 cu ft of cargo capacity over the Ridgeline's open bed.
You prefer a lower entry price point, with the CX-90 starting at $38,045 compared to $40,595.

Choose the Honda Ridgeline if...

You require the utility of an open truck bed for hauling dirty or tall items not suited for an enclosed crossover space.
You prefer the slightly taller stance, reflected in its 70.8-inch height compared to the CX-90's 68.2 inches.
You value the 9-speed automatic transmission, offering an extra gear ratio over the CX-90's 8-speed unit.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-90	Honda Ridgeline
Length	200.8"	210.2"
Width	78.5"	78.6"
Height	68.2"	70.8"
Wheelbase	122.8"	125.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	Honda
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	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

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

Drive Train

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

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Honda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/28 MPG	18/24 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	21 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	444.0/518.0 mi.	351.0/468.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	19.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mazda	Honda
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	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

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

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

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

Rearseats

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

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Mazda	Honda
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 Mazda CX-90 and 2026 Honda Ridgeline.

How much better is the fuel economy between the CX-90 and the Ridgeline?

The Mazda CX-90 holds a clear advantage with a combined fuel economy rating of 25 MPG, utilizing regular unleaded fuel. This provides a 4 MPG boost over the 2026 Honda Ridgeline, which is rated at 21 MPG combined.

Do both crossovers offer similar power despite their different configurations?

Yes, both vehicles deliver an identical 280 horsepower output, meaning acceleration off the line should feel comparable on paper. However, the Mazda CX-90 delivers considerably more twist with 332 lb-ft of torque compared to the Ridgeline’s 262 lb-ft.

Which vehicle is better equipped for serious hauling or utility tasks?

The Honda Ridgeline is purpose-built for utility with its truck body style, even though its dedicated cargo area measures only 7.3 cu ft. The Mazda CX-90 offers more protected, enclosed storage at 14.9 cu ft but lacks the open-air capability of a truck bed.

What is the difference in starting price for these two AWD vehicles?

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 has a more accessible entry price, starting at $38,045. The 2026 Honda Ridgeline commands a slightly higher entry MSRP of $40,595 for the base AWD model.

Are there significant differences in their physical footprint on the road?

The Honda Ridgeline is slightly larger overall, measuring 210.2 inches long and 70.8 inches tall. The Mazda CX-90 is marginally shorter in length at 200.8 inches and lower in height at 68.2 inches.

Do either of these vehicles require premium gasoline?

Both the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and the 2026 Honda Ridgeline are engineered to run on less expensive regular unleaded fuel, keeping running costs predictable for daily driving.