2025 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

$38,045 · Crossover

$47,020 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 bursts onto the scene with a spirited 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, making it the performance choice right off the line. Conversely, the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid commands attention with its exceptional efficiency, achieving an astounding 35 combined MPG, a full 10 MPG better than the Mazda's 25 combined MPG. While the CX-90 offers superior grunt, the Highlander Hybrid undercuts the Mazda on price by nearly $9,000, starting at $47,020 versus the CX-90's $38,045. Enthusiasts will appreciate the CX-90's potent 8-speed automatic and higher output, while commuters prioritize the Highlander's lower running costs despite its 243 horsepower. Dimensions are close, with the CX-90 being slightly longer at 200.8 inches, while the Toyota boasts marginally more cargo space at 16 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid wins for commuters due to its superior 35 combined MPG, significantly reducing fuel stops and running costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Families will lean towards the Highlander Hybrid for its slightly greater cargo capacity of 16 cu ft and the peace of mind provided by its top-tier fuel economy.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-90

Enthusiasts will favor the 2025 Mazda CX-90 for its muscular 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque delivered through a responsive 8-speed automatic transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 offers significantly better performance metrics for $8,975 less than the starting MSRP of the Highlander Hybrid.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You prioritize driving engagement, thanks to its 37 more horsepower (280 hp) than the hybrid rival.
You want to save nearly $9,000 upfront, as the CX-90 starts at $38,045 compared to the Highlander Hybrid's $47,020 MSRP.
You prefer the snappy shifts of a conventional 8-speed automatic transmission over a CVT.

Choose the Toyota Highlander Hybrid if...

Your absolute top priority is stretching every gallon, with its leading 35 combined MPG.
You need maximum usable space, as the Highlander Hybrid offers 16 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You prefer a slightly smaller footprint on the road, as the Highlander is nearly 5 inches shorter in length (194.9 inches).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-90	Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Length	200.8"	194.9"
Width	78.5"	76.0"
Height	68.2"	68.1"
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	2
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	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	243 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	35/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	35 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	444.0/518.0 mi.	598.5/598.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	17.1 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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Infotainment Display	10.3 in	8.0 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	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.2 in.	59.0 in.
Front Hip Room	56.2 in.	57.2 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	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Rear Head Room	39.3 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.4 in.	38.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	58.4 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	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 8.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	265/55R19	P235/65R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Diameter	—	18 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.
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 Highlander Hybrid.

What is the primary performance difference between the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

The Mazda CX-90 provides significantly more power with 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, offering a zestier driving experience. The Highlander Hybrid focuses on efficiency, utilizing its 243 horsepower setup to achieve 35 combined MPG.

How much more money does the Toyota Highlander Hybrid cost initially compared to the Mazda CX-90?

The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has an MSRP of $47,020, making it $8,975 more expensive than the 2025 Mazda CX-90, which starts at $38,045.

Which crossover offers better fuel economy for daily city driving?

The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the undisputed winner here, reporting identical 35 MPG ratings for both city and highway driving. The Mazda CX-90 manages only 24 MPG in city conditions.

If I need maximum hauling ability, which crossover wins?

The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid wins by a small margin in pure volume, offering 16 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Mazda CX-90's 14.9 cu ft.

Do both SUVs require premium fuel?

No, both vehicles are designed to run efficiently on regular unleaded fuel, meaning neither forces an added premium at the pump, regardless of their performance or efficiency differences.

Is the drivetrain comparable between these two AWD crossovers?

While both feature All-Wheel Drive, their transmissions differ significantly: the CX-90 uses a conventional 8-speed shiftable automatic, whereas the Highlander Hybrid employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).