2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid vs 2026 Mazda CX-90
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid captivates with its masterful efficiency, boasting an outstanding 36 combined MPG, while the 2026 Mazda CX-90 counters with raw, accessible power, delivering 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. This comparison pits sublime economy against energetic performance in the three-row segment. The Toyota, priced at $44,210, prioritizes fuel savings, offering 11 more MPG than the $38,800 Mazda. However, the CX-90 utilizes a responsive 8-speed automatic transmission versus the Toyota's CVT, translating its power advantage into a more engaging drive. Dimensionally, both are massive, with the Grand Highlander standing taller at 72.1 inches, affording it a significant cargo advantage of 20.6 cubic feet compared to the CX-90's 14.9 cubic feet. The $5,410 cost savings offered by the CX-90 make it a compelling alternative to the hybrid efficiency king.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
The Grand Highlander Hybrid's superior 36 combined MPG drastically cuts down running costs for daily drives.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
With 20.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, the Toyota swallows significantly more gear than the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft.
2026 Mazda CX-90
The CX-90 offers 280 horsepower and a traditional 8-speed automatic, providing a more spirited driving connection.
2026 Mazda CX-90
The Mazda undercuts the Toyota on price by $5,410 while still providing substantial power.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid if...
- You prioritize maximizing fuel economy, leveraging the 36 combined MPG rating.
- Maximum utility is essential, benefiting from the segment-leading 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space.
- You prefer the familiar, efficient engineering standard associated with Toyota hybrid systems.
Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...
- You want the thrill of 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque delivered through an 8-speed automatic.
- Saving $5,410 on the initial purchase price is a major purchasing factor.
- You prefer the dynamic feel of a traditional geared automatic transmission over a CVT.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid | Mazda CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 201.4" | 200.8" |
| Width | 78.3" | 78.5" |
| Height | 72.1" | 68.3" |
| Wheelbase | 116.1" | 122.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Toyota | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic 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 Assist | ✓ | — |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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) | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Toyota | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 3.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 6 |
| Base Engine Type | hybrid | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 245 hp @ 6000 rpm | 280 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Torque | — | 332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
Drive Train
| Feature | Toyota | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Toyota | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 37/34 MPG | 23/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 36 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 636.4/584.8 mi. | 425.5/518.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.2 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Toyota | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 10.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 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 | 41.5 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.2 in. | 59.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.5 in. | 56.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
Rearseats
| Feature | Toyota | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.2 in. | 39.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.8 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.0 in. | 55.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Toyota | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 255/65R18 | 265/55R19 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Wheel Size | — | 19 x 8.5 in |
| 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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 8 yr./ 100000 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 Grand Highlander Hybrid and 2026 Mazda CX-90.
How big is the size difference between the 2025 Grand Highlander Hybrid and the 2026 CX-90?
The vehicles are nearly identical in length, at 201.4 inches for the Toyota and 200.8 inches for the Mazda. However, the Grand Highlander is substantially taller, measuring 72.1 inches versus the CX-90's 68.3 inches, which aids its superior cargo volume.
Is the horsepower gap between the two vehicles noticeable in real-world driving?
Yes, the 2026 CX-90 leads with 280 horsepower compared to the Toyota's 245 hp, suggesting the Mazda will feel quicker off the line and merge with greater authority.
Why is the Toyota so much more fuel-efficient than the Mazda?
The Grand Highlander uses a dedicated hybrid powertrain achieving 36 combined MPG, while the CX-90 utilizes a standard gasoline engine delivering 25 combined MPG, representing an 11 MPG advantage for the Toyota.
Which vehicle offers better utility for hauling large items?
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid wins easily here, providing 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, significantly more than the 14.9 cubic feet offered by the 2026 Mazda CX-90.
How does the price point influence the overall value proposition?
The CX-90 enters the fray $5,410 cheaper than the Grand Highlander Hybrid, making its slightly lower performance figures and poorer MPG more palatable for budget-conscious buyers seeking AWD capability.
Do both vehicles require premium fuel?
Fortunately, neither vehicle demands premium fuel, as both the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid and the 2026 Mazda CX-90 are specified to run on regular unleaded gasoline.
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