2025 Toyota Grand Highlander vs 2026 Mazda CX-90
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander and the 2026 Mazda CX-90 is in cargo volume, where the Grand Highlander offers a superior 20.6 cubic feet compared to the CX-90's 14.9 cubic feet. Conversely, the CX-90 asserts dominance in powertrain metrics, generating 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, substantially eclipsing the Grand Highlander’s 265 hp and 310 lb-ft. The Mazda also claims a lower base MSRP at $38,800 against Toyota's $40,860. Fuel economy is nearly tied, with the CX-90 slightly ahead at 25 combined MPG versus 24 combined MPG, though the Grand Highlander uses FWD as standard while the CX-90 uses AWD. Despite the performance gap, the Grand Highlander is marginally longer at 201.4 inches versus 200.8 inches, highlighting its focus on interior volume.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mazda CX-90
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 wins for commuters due to its slightly better combined 25 MPG rating and standard All-Wheel Drive capability.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander is the family winner based on its significantly larger 20.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to 14.9 cubic feet in the CX-90.
2026 Mazda CX-90
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 appeals more to enthusiasts by producing higher output with 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Mazda CX-90
The Mazda CX-90 provides a better initial value proposition, starting at an MSRP of $38,800 against the Grand Highlander’s $40,860.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...
- Maximum utility is required, evidenced by its class-leading 20.6 cubic feet of standard cargo space.
- A preference exists for a front-wheel-drive platform paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
- Reliability and established brand equity are primary purchasing factors, indicated by the Toyota badge.
Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...
- Higher engine performance is desired, as it delivers 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.
- A standard All-Wheel Drive system is necessary for varied driving conditions.
- The budget is tighter, with a lower entry MSRP of $38,800.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota Grand Highlander | Mazda CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 201.4" | 200.8" |
| Width | 78.3" | 78.5" |
| Height | 70.1" | 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 | 2.4 L | 3.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 6 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm | 280 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 310 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 automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front 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) | 21/28 MPG | 23/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 373.8/498.4 mi. | 425.5/518.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.8 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. |
| 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 and 2026 Mazda CX-90.
Which vehicle offers more passenger/cargo space?
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander is the clear choice for utility, offering 20.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the third row. The 2026 Mazda CX-90 offers significantly less, measuring only 14.9 cubic feet in the same configuration.
How do the base engine performance figures compare?
The 2026 Mazda CX-90's base engine provides superior metrics, generating 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander produces 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
Is there a significant difference in fuel economy?
The fuel economy ratings are close, but the 2026 Mazda CX-90 achieves a slight advantage with 25 combined MPG (23 city/28 highway). The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander is rated at 24 combined MPG (21 city/28 highway).
What is the MSRP difference between the two models?
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 has a lower starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) at $38,800. The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander has a higher entry point, listed at $40,860.
What defines the difference in standard drivetrain configuration?
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander comes standard with front-wheel drive. In contrast, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 standardizes All-Wheel Drive for better traction management.
Are the overall exterior dimensions very different?
The vehicles are dimensionally similar; however, the Grand Highlander is slightly longer at 201.4 inches compared to the CX-90’s 200.8 inches, which likely contributes to its greater cargo space.
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