2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2026 Mazda CX-90

$46,820 · Crossover

$38,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

When facing the choice between ultimate efficiency and more spirited performance in a three-row crossover, the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid and the 2026 Mazda CX-90 present a clear split. Buyers prioritizing fuel savings will love the Highlander Hybrid, achieving an excellent 35 MPG combined, significantly better than the CX-90's 25 MPG combined. This efficiency comes at a cost, as the Toyota only produces 243 hp compared to the Mazda’s punchier 280 hp. The price difference is substantial, with the CX-90 starting at $38,800—a savings of $8,020 over the Highlander Hybrid's $46,820 MSRP. While the Toyota is slightly smaller at 194.9 inches long, the Mazda offers marginally more passenger room, despite having slightly less cargo space at 14.9 cu ft versus the Highlander's 16 cu ft. Your daily drive profile will ultimately dictate which 37 hp gap matters more: the fuel bill gap or the performance gap.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The Highlander Hybrid’s superior 35 MPG combined economy drastically lowers daily commuting fuel costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

While nearly identical in size, the Highlander Hybrid offers slightly more usable cargo capacity at 16 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 delivers 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, making its 8-speed automatic transmission more engaging than the CVT.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-90

The CX-90 provides a significant $8,020 lower starting MSRP while still offering standard All-Wheel Drive.

Choose the Toyota Highlander Hybrid if...

Your primary concern is maximizing miles per gallon, aiming for the 35 MPG combined rating.
You prefer a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission for smooth, consistent acceleration.
You want the slightly higher, measured cargo volume of 16 cubic feet.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You value outright power, benefiting from the 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque.
Saving over $8,000 on the initial purchase price ($38,800 MSRP) is a major factor.
You prefer the shift points and engagement provided by a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Toyota Highlander Hybrid	Mazda CX-90
Length	194.9"	200.8"
Width	76.0"	78.5"
Height	68.1"	68.3"
Wheelbase	112.2"	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 Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	—
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

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	243 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
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Toyota	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	35/35 MPG	23/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	35 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	598.5/598.5 mi.	425.5/518.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.1 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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Toyota	Mazda
Infotainment Display	8.0 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
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

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

Rearseats

Feature	Toyota	Mazda
Rear Head Room	39.4 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.7 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.4 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.0 in.	55.5 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

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

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 Highlander Hybrid and 2026 Mazda CX-90.

How big is the real-world fuel economy difference between these two AWD crossovers?

The difference is substantial: the 2025 Highlander Hybrid delivers 35 MPG combined, while the 2026 CX-90 achieves 25 MPG combined. This 10 MPG gap translates directly into significant long-term savings for the Toyota driver.

Is the CX-90’s extra power noticeable compared to the Highlander Hybrid?

Yes, the Mazda CX-90 has 280 hp versus the Highlander Hybrid’s 243 hp. Additionally, the CX-90 boasts 332 lb-ft of torque, which should make merging and passing feel more effortless than in the hybrid.

Which vehicle is physically larger?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is the physically larger vehicle, measuring 200.8 inches long compared to the Highlander Hybrid’s 194.9 inches. The Mazda is also wider at 78.5 inches.

What is the price difference and is the Mazda cheaper upfront?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is substantially cheaper, starting at $38,800. This represents an $8,020 savings compared to the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid’s MSRP of $46,820.

Do both vehicles use standard gasoline?

Yes, both the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid and the 2026 Mazda CX-90 are designed to run on regular unleaded fuel, meaning neither requires premium gasoline for daily operation.

How do their cargo areas compare?

The Highlander Hybrid offers slightly more dedicated cargo space at 16 cubic feet, edging out the CX-90's 14.9 cubic feet. However, the overall exterior dimensions suggest the Mazda has a longer body.