2025 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
Comparison Overview
The most striking numerical divergence between the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid lies in fuel economy, where the Toyota achieves a combined 34 MPG compared to the Mazda's 25 MPG, translating to a significant 9 MPG advantage. Conversely, the CX-90 compensates with superior power output, delivering 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque versus the Toyota's 245 hp. Price is another major factor, with the Mazda's MSRP starting $6,665 lower at $38,045. While both are large AWD crossovers, the Toyota offers substantially more utility, boasting 20.6 cu ft of cargo capacity against the Mazda's 14.9 cu ft. The Grand Highlander Hybrid's higher roofline (72.1 inches vs. 68.2 inches) also suggests more vertical cabin space for passengers.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid wins for commuters due to its superior 34 combined MPG rating, significantly reducing running costs.
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
Families will benefit from the Grand Highlander Hybrid's substantially larger 20.6 cu ft cargo capacity compared to the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft.
2025 Mazda CX-90
Enthusiasts will prefer the Mazda CX-90's higher 280 hp output and 332 lb-ft of torque, offering stronger acceleration metrics.
2025 Mazda CX-90
The Mazda CX-90 presents better immediate value with an MSRP that is $6,665 lower than the Toyota, despite having less fuel efficiency.
Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...
- You prioritize peak horsepower, as the CX-90 offers 280 hp, exceeding the Toyota's 245 hp.
- Your budget is a primary concern, given the CX-90's $38,045 starting MSRP.
- You prefer a conventional 8-speed automatic transmission over a continuously variable transmission.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid if...
- Maximizing fuel economy is essential, evidenced by its 34 combined MPG rating.
- You require maximum storage space, as its 20.6 cu ft cargo volume surpasses the Mazda's capacity.
- You value a taller vehicle, as the Grand Highlander Hybrid stands 72.1 inches high versus 68.2 inches for the CX-90.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-90 | Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.8" | 201.4" |
| Width | 78.5" | 78.3" |
| Height | 68.2" | 72.1" |
| 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 | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 5000 rpm | 245 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 332 lb-ft @ 2000 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 | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all 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 | 36/32 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 34 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 444.0/518.0 mi. | 619.2/550.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 17.2 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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 8 yr./ 100000 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 Hybrid.
How much does the price difference affect long-term ownership costs between the two crossovers?
The Mazda CX-90 has an initial MSRP advantage of $6,665. However, the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid's 9 MPG efficiency advantage means it will save significant money on fuel over several years of driving, potentially closing the initial price gap.
Which vehicle is better for spirited driving performance?
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 is geared toward enthusiasts with 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. The Toyota only produces 245 horsepower, making the Mazda the stronger choice for drivers prioritizing raw power figures.
Is the 20.6 cu ft cargo capacity of the Toyota truly larger than the Mazda's 14.9 cu ft?
Yes, the specified difference is substantial. The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offers 5.7 cubic feet more cargo space than the Mazda CX-90, making it superior for hauling luggage or larger items behind the second row.
Are there major differences in exterior dimensions despite both being large crossovers?
Dimensionally, they are similar in length (200.8 vs. 201.4 inches), but the Toyota is significantly taller at 72.1 inches compared to the Mazda's 68.2 inches, impacting garage fitment and interior headroom.
Does the fuel type differ between the two AWD models?
No, both the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, simplifying fueling decisions for owners.
How do the transmissions compare between the two all-wheel drive configurations?
The Mazda utilizes a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission for more direct gear changes. In contrast, the Toyota employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), which aids its fuel efficiency targets.
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