2026 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Mazda CX-90
Comparison Overview
The most significant initial difference lies in torque output, where the Mazda CX-90 generates 332 lb-ft compared to the Ford Explorer's 310 lb-ft, despite the Explorer boasting higher peak horsepower at 300 hp versus the CX-90's 280 hp. Fuel economy is marginally better in the CX-90, achieving 25 combined MPG against the Explorer’s 24 combined MPG, although the Explorer offers better highway efficiency at 29 MPG. Price sensitivity shows the Explorer at $38,330, undercutting the CX-90's $38,800 MSRP by $470. Dimensions reveal the Explorer is slightly shorter in length (198.8 inches vs 200.8 inches) but noticeably taller (69.9 inches vs 68.3 inches), translating to a larger cargo volume of 16.3 cu ft versus 14.9 cu ft for the CX-90. The foundational drivetrain difference is RWD for the Explorer versus standard AWD for the CX-90.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mazda CX-90
The CX-90 provides better low-end pulling power with 332 lb-ft of torque and superior city fuel economy at 23 MPG.
2026 Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer offers a more useful 16.3 cu ft of cargo capacity, exceeding the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft.
2026 Ford Explorer
The Explorer generates higher peak output with 300 horsepower compared to the CX-90's 280 horsepower.
2026 Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer undercuts the Mazda CX-90 on MSRP by $470 while offering 20 more horsepower.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- You prioritize maximum horsepower, as the Explorer achieves 300 hp.
- You frequently drive on the highway and want better highway MPG (29 MPG vs 28 MPG).
- Maximizing cargo space is essential, as the Explorer offers 16.3 cu ft versus 14.9 cu ft.
Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...
- You require standard All-Wheel Drive capability from the base model.
- You desire higher torque figures for acceleration, featuring 332 lb-ft versus 310 lb-ft.
- You prioritize city fuel economy (23 MPG vs 20 MPG) in your driving mix.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Explorer | Mazda CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 198.8" | 200.8" |
| Width | 78.9" | 78.5" |
| Height | 69.9" | 68.3" |
| Wheelbase | 119.1" | 122.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags (with Head Protection Chamber) | ✓ | — |
| 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 Preparation System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | — |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.3 L | 3.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 6 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm | 280 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 310 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 | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/29 MPG | 23/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 358.0/519.1 mi. | 425.5/518.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.9 gal. | 18.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 8 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Infotainment Display | — | 10.3 in |
| Memory Card Slot | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.7 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.0 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.8 in. | 59.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 59.2 in. | 56.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 6-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 | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.5 in. | 39.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.0 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.9 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 59.1 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 | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P255/65R18 | 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 | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Ford | 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 | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Ford Explorer and 2026 Mazda CX-90.
Which vehicle provides better overall power delivery based on these specifications?
While the 2026 Ford Explorer has a 20 hp advantage (300 hp vs 280 hp), the 2026 Mazda CX-90 delivers more torque at 332 lb-ft versus 310 lb-ft, suggesting stronger initial acceleration response.
How do the base drivetrain configurations differ between the two crossovers?
The core difference is the drive type: the Ford Explorer is fundamentally rear-wheel drive (RWD), whereas the Mazda CX-90 comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD) for enhanced traction in varied conditions.
Is the price difference significant enough to impact the value proposition?
The Explorer is $470 cheaper at $38,330 compared to the CX-90’s $38,800 MSRP. Given the Explorer's higher horsepower, this smaller price gap favors the Explorer on a purely spec-to-cost metric.
Which model is physically larger, and does it translate to more utility?
The CX-90 is slightly longer by 2.0 inches (200.8 in), but the Explorer is taller by 1.6 inches (69.9 in). This difference results in the Explorer offering 1.4 cubic feet more cargo capacity (16.3 cu ft vs 14.9 cu ft).
Which vehicle performs better in terms of fuel consumption efficiency?
The Mazda CX-90 has a better combined rating at 25 MPG compared to the Explorer's 24 MPG. However, the Explorer pulls ahead on the highway, achieving 29 MPG versus the CX-90’s 28 MPG.
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