2025 Toyota Highlander vs 2026 Mazda CX-90
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the proven reliability of the 2025 Toyota Highlander and the stylish newcomer, the 2026 Mazda CX-90, often boils down to priorities: badge familiarity versus driving engagement and standard equipment. Buyers grappling with a $40,320 MSRP (Highlander) versus the sharper $38,800 entry price (CX-90) need to look closely at performance. The CX-90 offers a slight edge in power, boasting 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque compared to the Highlander’s 265 hp and 310 lb-ft. However, this doesn't translate to better fuel economy, as both manage 25 MPG combined, though the Highlander leads slightly on the highway at 29 MPG versus the Mazda’s 28 MPG. The CX-90's standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) versus the Highlander's standard Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) is a critical distinction. While the Highlander is slightly shorter at 194.9 inches, the Mazda gains 5.9 inches in length, impacting maneuverability.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Highlander
The 2025 Toyota Highlander is marginally better for commuters due to its slightly superior Highway MPG rating of 29 MPG.
2025 Toyota Highlander
The 2025 Toyota Highlander provides 1.1 cubic feet more cargo space (16 cu ft vs 14.9 cu ft), which is crucial for family hauling.
2026 Mazda CX-90
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 appeals more to enthusiasts with its higher output of 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Mazda CX-90
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 offers a better initial value proposition by coming in $1,520 cheaper and including All-Wheel Drive standard.
Choose the Toyota Highlander if...
- You prioritize maximum highway efficiency, achieving 29 MPG city/highway.
- You need slightly more usable interior space, given its 16 cu ft cargo capacity.
- You prefer the tried-and-true simplicity of a FWD configuration for daily driving.
Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...
- You want stronger performance figures, delivering 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque.
- You require All-Wheel Drive capability standard right out of the box.
- You are looking for a lower starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price at $38,800.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota Highlander | 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 | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
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 shiftable 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) | 22/29 MPG | 23/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 393.8/519.1 mi. | 425.5/518.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.9 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Toyota | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.2 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: 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 | 39.4 in. | 39.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.7 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.7 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.0 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 | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P235/65R V | 265/55R19 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| 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. |
| 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 and 2026 Mazda CX-90.
Is the 2026 Mazda CX-90 significantly more powerful than the 2025 Toyota Highlander?
Yes, the CX-90 has a noticeable power advantage, producing 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque compared to the Highlander's 265 hp and 310 lb-ft. This extra grunt should make highway merging easier in the Mazda.
Which vehicle is better for winter driving conditions, the Highlander or the CX-90?
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is generally better equipped for varied conditions because it comes standard with All-Wheel Drive. The 2025 Toyota Highlander comes standard with Front-Wheel Drive, which might require an upgrade path for similar capability.
How do the size and footprint of these two crossovers compare?
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is the physically larger vehicle, measuring 200.8 inches long and 78.5 inches wide. The 2025 Toyota Highlander is slightly smaller overall, coming in at 194.9 inches long and 76.0 inches wide.
What is the difference in base price between the 2025 Highlander and the 2026 CX-90?
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 starts at a lower MSRP of $38,800. The 2025 Toyota Highlander has a higher starting price point of $40,320, meaning the CX-90 is $1,520 cheaper initially.
Does one car save more money at the gas pump over the long run?
While both share a 25 MPG combined rating, the Highlander’s slightly better 29 MPG highway rating might lead to marginal long-term savings for drivers with longer highway commutes. Both utilize regular unleaded fuel.
Is the cargo space significantly different between these two three-row crossovers?
There is a small but measurable difference in the stated cargo capacities. The 2025 Toyota Highlander offers 16 cubic feet behind the seats, whereas the 2026 Mazda CX-90 is listed with 14.9 cubic feet.
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