2025 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander

$38,045 · Crossover

$41,360 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander often comes down to prioritizing driving dynamics versus sheer space. If you want a more engaging drive right off the bat, the Mazda leads with 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, slightly ahead of the Toyota’s 265 hp and 310 lb-ft. The Mazda also boasts better overall fuel efficiency at 25 combined MPG versus the Toyota's 24 MPG. However, the Toyota dominates in utility, offering a massive 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft. Furthermore, the CX-90 undercuts the Grand Highlander's starting MSRP by a notable $3,315, making it the significantly more affordable entry point into the premium three-row segment, even though both use regular unleaded fuel.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 offers superior combined fuel economy at 25 MPG, potentially saving money on daily trips.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Toyota Grand Highlander

The 2026 Grand Highlander provides substantially more utility with 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the CX-90's 14.9 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-90

The CX-90 has the edge in power, boasting 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque versus the Grand Highlander's 265 hp and 310 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda undercuts the Toyota on price significantly, starting at $38,045 versus the Grand Highlander's $41,360 MSRP.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You value a lower entry price, as the CX-90 starts $3,315 less expensive.
You prefer a sportier engine with 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.
You drive daily and want slightly better fuel economy at 25 combined MPG.

Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...

Maximum hauling capability is critical, thanks to its 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space.
You prioritize height and headroom, as the Grand Highlander is nearly two inches taller (70.1 inches).
You prefer standard Front Wheel Drive over the CX-90's standard All-Wheel Drive setup.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-90	Toyota Grand Highlander
Length	200.8"	201.4"
Width	78.5"	78.3"
Height	68.2"	70.1"
Wheelbase	122.8"	116.1"

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	✓	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓
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	265 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	310 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 automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front 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	21/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	444.0/518.0 mi.	373.8/498.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	17.8 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	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Infotainment Display	10.3 in	12.3 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	✓	—
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.	41.5 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.2 in.	60.2 in.
Front Hip Room	56.2 in.	56.5 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Rear Head Room	39.3 in.	40.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.4 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	58.8 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.5 in.	57.0 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	Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 8.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	265/55R19	255/65R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

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 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander.

How does the cargo space really compare between these two crossovers?

This is a major difference; the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander offers 20.6 cu ft of cargo capacity behind the third row. In contrast, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 provides only 14.9 cu ft in the same configuration, making the Toyota significantly more practical for large hauls.

Which vehicle feels more powerful when driving?

The Mazda CX-90 delivers more power, sporting 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. The Grand Highlander's engine produces 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, meaning the Mazda should feel slightly quicker off the line.

Is the price difference of $3,315 worth the trade-off in specs?

The CX-90 wins on pure value, starting at $38,045 versus the Grand Highlander's $41,360. Whether it's worth it depends on if you need the Grand Highlander's extra cargo volume or height, as the Mazda saves you money upfront.

What are the differences in drivetrain configuration?

The Mazda CX-90 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), paired with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. The Toyota Grand Highlander comes standard with Front Wheel Drive (FWD) and an 8-speed automatic transmission.

How close are the fuel economy ratings for daily commuting?

They are very close, but the CX-90 has a slight edge at 25 combined MPG (24 City/28 Highway). The Grand Highlander rates slightly lower at 24 combined MPG (21 City/28 Highway), suggesting minimal fuel cost variation for most drivers.

Are these vehicles similarly sized on the road?

They are almost identical in length (200.8 inches for the Mazda vs. 201.4 inches for the Toyota), but the Grand Highlander is notably taller at 70.1 inches compared to the CX-90's 68.2 inches.