2026 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2026 Mazda CX-90

$40,800 · Crossover

$38,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant measurable divergence between the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse and the 2026 Mazda CX-90 is the power output, with the Traverse producing 328 hp compared to the CX-90's 280 hp, a 48 hp advantage. Conversely, the CX-90 edges out the Traverse in efficiency, achieving a combined 25 MPG versus the Traverse's 23 MPG. In terms of pricing, the CX-90 presents a lower entry point at an MSRP of $38,800, undercutting the Traverse's $40,800 price tag. Physical size differences are also notable: the Traverse measures 204.5 inches long, offering 22.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity, substantially larger than the CX-90's 14.9 cubic feet. Despite the Traverse's higher horsepower, the CX-90 delivers superior torque delivery at 332 lb-ft versus the Traverse's 326 lb-ft, and crucially includes standard All-Wheel Drive.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 provides better daily commuting economics with its superior 25 combined MPG and standard All-Wheel Drive system.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Chevrolet Traverse

The Chevrolet Traverse is the definitive choice for families due to its substantially larger 22.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the CX-90's 14.9 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Chevrolet Traverse

The Traverse appeals more to performance-focused drivers by offering 328 hp, significantly exceeding the CX-90's 280 hp output.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-90

The CX-90 offers better value by delivering superior fuel economy and standard AWD for a $2,000 lower starting MSRP of $38,800.

Choose the Chevrolet Traverse if...

Maximum utility is required, evidenced by 22.9 cu ft of cargo space versus 14.9 cu ft in Car 2.
The driver prioritizes peak horsepower, as the Traverse leads with 328 hp.
Regular unleaded fuel compatibility is essential, which both share, but Car 1 is the choice for sheer size.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

Fuel efficiency is paramount, as the CX-90 achieves 25 combined MPG versus 23 MPG for Car 1.
Standard All-Wheel Drive capability is desired, unlike the Traverse's standard Front Wheel Drive configuration.
The buyer seeks a lower initial investment, starting at $38,800 compared to Car 1's $40,800 MSRP.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Chevrolet Traverse	Mazda CX-90
Length	204.5"	200.8"
Width	79.6"	78.5"
Height	69.6"	68.3"
Wheelbase	121.0"	122.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Chevrolet	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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running 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	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Chevrolet	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	3.3 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 6
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	328 hp @ 5500 rpm	280 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	326 lb-ft @ 3500 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	Chevrolet	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	Chevrolet	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/27 MPG	23/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	388.0/523.8 mi.	425.5/518.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.4 gal.	18.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Chevrolet	Mazda
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt Steering Wheel	✓	—
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	—
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Sun Sensor	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Chevrolet	Mazda
Infotainment Display	17.7 in	10.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	8
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Memory Card Slot	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Mazda
Front Head Room	42.6 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	44.3 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	62.3 in.	59.2 in.
Front Hip Room	58.7 in.	56.2 in.
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Mazda
Rear Head Room	40.0 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.5 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	62.2 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	58.6 in.	55.5 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Chevrolet	Mazda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/65R18	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	Chevrolet	Mazda
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Chevrolet	Mazda
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse and 2026 Mazda CX-90.

Which vehicle is larger overall between the 2026 Traverse and the 2026 CX-90?

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is notably larger, measuring 204.5 inches in length compared to the Mazda CX-90's 200.8 inches. This dimensional difference translates directly into significantly better cargo capacity for the Traverse.

Does the horsepower advantage of the Traverse outweigh the CX-90's torque advantage?

The Traverse boasts 328 hp versus the CX-90's 280 hp, while the CX-90 generates slightly more torque at 332 lb-ft compared to the Traverse's 326 lb-ft. The Traverse is tuned for higher peak power, whereas the CX-90's torque delivery may feel stronger at lower RPMs.

How does the standard drivetrain affect pricing and efficiency?

The Traverse comes standard with FWD and has a higher MSRP of $40,800, achieving 23 combined MPG. In contrast, the CX-90 includes AWD standard at a $38,800 MSRP and achieves 25 combined MPG.

What is the difference in daily running costs for these two crossovers?

Based purely on EPA estimates, the CX-90 costs less to fuel, achieving 25 combined MPG versus the Traverse's 23 combined MPG, both using regular unleaded fuel.

If I frequently haul large gear, which crossover provides more utility?

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is the superior choice for cargo volume, offering 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row or maximum seating. The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is significantly restricted, providing only 14.9 cubic feet of cargo space.

Are both vehicles limited to the same fuel type?

Yes, based on the provided specifications, both the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse and the 2026 Mazda CX-90 are designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline, simplifying fuel choice for owners.