2025 Toyota 4Runner vs 2026 Mazda CX-90

$41,270 · SUV

$38,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between a rugged body-on-frame SUV like the 2025 Toyota 4Runner and a sophisticated crossover like the 2026 Mazda CX-90 presents a classic trade-off: capability versus efficiency. If you need genuine off-road potential, the 4Runner’s stature (72.6 inches tall) and massive 48.4 cu ft of cargo space are major assets, even though its combined MPG sits at 22. Conversely, the CX-90 delivers better efficiency at 25 MPG combined, making it cheaper for daily driving. While the 4Runner boasts 317 lb-ft of torque, the CX-90 edges it out slightly with 332 lb-ft, despite having similar horsepower figures around 280 hp. Furthermore, the CX-90's lower starting MSRP of $38,800 offers immediate savings compared to the 4Runner's $41,270, highlighting the cost difference inherent in traditional SUV architecture versus modern crossover design.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mazda CX-90

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is the better commuter due to its superior combined fuel economy of 25 MPG versus the 4Runner's 22 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota 4Runner

The 4Runner offers significantly more usable space with 48.4 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-90

Enthusiasts looking for responsive road manners will likely prefer the standard All-Wheel Drive system of the CX-90 over the 4Runner's Rear Wheel Drive base setup.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 offers better efficiency and higher torque for a lower entry price point at $38,800.

Choose the Toyota 4Runner if...

You absolutely need maximum hauling capability, evidenced by its 48.4 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You plan on driving on rough terrain where the taller 72.6-inch height might offer better clearance.
You prefer the traditional, durable feel associated with a Rear Wheel Drive setup.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

Fuel costs are a major concern, as its 28 MPG highway rating beats the 4Runner's 26 MPG highway.
You want more low-end grunt on the road, thanks to its 332 lb-ft of torque.
You appreciate getting standard All-Wheel Drive and a lower initial investment at $38,800.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Toyota 4Runner	Mazda CX-90
Length	194.9"	200.8"
Width	78.0"	78.5"
Height	72.6"	68.3"
Wheelbase	112.2"	122.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Toyota	Mazda
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear 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 Assist	✓	—
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Engine Immobilizer	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Toyota	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	2.4 L	3.3 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 6
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	278 hp @ 6000 rpm	280 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	317 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm	332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Toyota	Mazda
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Toyota	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/26 MPG	23/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	380.0/494.0 mi.	425.5/518.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.0 gal.	18.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Toyota	Mazda
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Toyota	Mazda
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	10.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	8
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Memory Card Slot	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Toyota	Mazda
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	41.8 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.0 in.	59.2 in.
Front Hip Room	55.2 in.	56.2 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way

Rearseats

Feature	Toyota	Mazda
Rear Head Room	37.8 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	34.8 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.8 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.1 in.	55.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Toyota	Mazda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P245/70R17	265/55R19
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	19 x 8.5 in
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Toyota	Mazda
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	2 yr./ unlimited mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 25000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota 4Runner and 2026 Mazda CX-90.

Which vehicle has better fuel economy for city driving?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is slightly more efficient in urban environments, delivering 23 MPG in the city compared to the 2025 Toyota 4Runner's 20 MPG city rating. This 3 MPG difference can add up over a typical work week.

Is the 4Runner much bigger than the CX-90?

Yes, the 4Runner is taller and more rugged-looking, standing 72.6 inches high versus the CX-90's 68.3 inches. However, the CX-90 is slightly longer overall at 200.8 inches compared to the 4Runner's 194.9 inches.

Which one provides more power for highway merging?

Both offer similar horsepower around 280 hp, but the 2026 Mazda CX-90 provides better low-end pulling power with 332 lb-ft of torque, slightly ahead of the 4Runner's 317 lb-ft.

If I plan to carry a lot of gear, which SUV is better?

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner wins decisively on utility space, offering 48.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The CX-90's available cargo room is much tighter at only 14.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats.

Does the difference in drive type matter for daily driving?

For standard pavement driving, the CX-90's All-Wheel Drive (AWD) provides better traction distribution than the 4Runner's base Rear Wheel Drive (RWD). However, the 4Runner's RWD is favored by dedicated off-roaders.

How significant is the price gap between these two models?

The difference in starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is notable; the CX-90 starts at $38,800, whereas the 4Runner begins at $41,270. This $2,470 difference directly impacts the overall value proposition.