2026 Honda Ridgeline vs 2026 Mazda CX-90

$40,595 · Crossover

$38,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the 2026 Honda Ridgeline and the 2026 Mazda CX-90 boils down to whether you prioritize versatile utility or refinement and efficiency in your everyday crossover. The Ridgeline kicks off at an MSRP of $40,595 and offers a unique, open-air capability with its 7.3 cu ft of cargo space, though it lags slightly in fuel economy, achieving 21 combined MPG. Conversely, the Mazda CX-90 starts lower at $38,800 and pulls ahead significantly in efficiency, delivering 25 combined MPG, which translates to substantial savings over time. While both vehicles boast 280 horsepower, the CX-90 flexes superior low-end grunt with 332 lb-ft of torque versus the Ridgeline’s 262 lb-ft. This difference in torque, coupled with the Mazda's better city mileage (23 MPG vs. 18 MPG for the Honda), makes the CX-90 the more pragmatic choice for routine driving despite the Ridgeline's established brand reputation.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy rating of 25 combined MPG compared to the Ridgeline's 21 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 offers nearly double the usable enclosed cargo volume at 14.9 cu ft compared to the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-90

The CX-90's higher torque output of 332 lb-ft provides a more engaging driving experience than the Ridgeline's 262 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 has a lower starting MSRP of $38,800 and better fuel efficiency, leading to a lower overall cost of ownership.

Choose the Honda Ridgeline if...

You need the specific utility offered by the Ridgeline's unique bed structure, even if the enclosed cargo volume is smaller (7.3 cu ft).
You prefer the familiarity and function of a 9-speed automatic transmission paired with its standard AWD system.
You are comfortable with a slightly larger footprint, evidenced by its 210.2-inch length, potentially offering a different on-road feel.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You prioritize maximizing miles between fill-ups, benefiting from the CX-90's excellent 23/28 MPG city/highway rating.
You require significantly more secure interior storage, as the CX-90 provides 14.9 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You want stronger acceleration from a stop, thanks to the CX-90's superior 332 lb-ft of torque.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda Ridgeline	Mazda CX-90
Length	210.2"	200.8"
Width	78.6"	78.5"
Height	70.8"	68.3"
Wheelbase	125.2"	122.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Honda	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	✓	✓
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	✓	—
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	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	3.3 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 6
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	280 hp @ 6000 rpm	280 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm	332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	24	24
Camshaft Type	Single overhead cam (SOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/24 MPG	23/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	21 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.0/468.0 mi.	425.5/518.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.5 gal.	18.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

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

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Infotainment Display	9.0 in	10.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	215W	—
Speaker System	7	8
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Memory Card Slot	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Honda	Mazda
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Front Head Room	40.1 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	62.0 in.	59.2 in.
Front Hip Room	59.1 in.	56.2 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Rear Head Room	38.8 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.7 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.5 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.6 in.	55.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/60R	265/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	19 x 8.5 in

Suspension

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Honda	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	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 12000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Honda Ridgeline and 2026 Mazda CX-90.

Which vehicle is better for hauling gear around town, the Ridgeline or the CX-90?

For enclosed, secure hauling, the Mazda CX-90 is better, offering 14.9 cu ft of cargo capacity. The Honda Ridgeline has only 7.3 cu ft of dedicated cargo space in its composite bed.

How much more power does the CX-90 have than the Ridgeline?

Both vehicles are rated at 280 horsepower, but the CX-90 produces significantly more pulling power with 332 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Ridgeline's 262 lb-ft.

Is the fuel economy difference noticeable between these two AWD crossovers?

Yes, the difference is substantial; the CX-90 achieves 25 combined MPG, while the Ridgeline returns only 21 combined MPG, meaning the Mazda saves on fuel every week.

Which vehicle has a higher starting price?

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline has the higher starting MSRP at $40,595. The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is the more budget-friendly entry point at $38,800.

Does the difference in vehicle height affect usability?

The Ridgeline is taller at 70.8 inches compared to the CX-90's 68.3 inches, which might slightly affect clearance in tight parking garages, though both are comparable crossovers.