2026 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
Comparison Overview
The most significant dimensional difference between the 2026 Mazda CX-90 and the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is the overall height, with the Grand Highlander measuring 70.1 inches tall compared to the CX-90's 68.3 inches, suggesting a notable difference in cabin volume. Performance metrics favor the CX-90, which boasts 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, exceeding the Grand Highlander's 265 hp and 310 lb-ft. Fuel economy shows a slight edge for the Mazda at 25 MPG combined versus 24 MPG combined for the Toyota. However, the Grand Highlander offers substantially more utility, providing 20.6 cu ft of cargo capacity behind the third row, whereas the CX-90 is restricted to 14.9 cu ft. Finally, the entry MSRP gap is $2,560, with the CX-90 starting at $38,800 against the Toyota’s $41,360.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mazda CX-90
The Mazda CX-90 offers superior fuel efficiency at 25 MPG combined compared to the Grand Highlander's 24 MPG.
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Toyota Grand Highlander provides a significantly larger 20.6 cu ft of standard cargo capacity, essential for family hauling, compared to the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft.
2026 Mazda CX-90
The Mazda CX-90 delivers greater immediate power with 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, making it the stronger driver's choice.
2026 Mazda CX-90
The Mazda CX-90 has a lower starting MSRP of $38,800, offering better entry-level pricing than the $41,360 Grand Highlander.
Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...
- You prioritize maximizing engine output, as the CX-90 provides 280 hp.
- You seek the lowest initial purchase price, with an MSRP of $38,800.
- You require standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) right from the base trim level.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...
- You require superior utility with 20.6 cu ft of cargo capacity versus 14.9 cu ft.
- You prefer the slightly taller stance provided by its 70.1-inch height.
- You are satisfied with Front Wheel Drive (FWD) as the standard configuration.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-90 | Toyota Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.8" | 201.4" |
| Width | 78.5" | 78.3" |
| Height | 68.3" | 70.1" |
| Wheelbase | 122.8" | 116.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.3 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 5000 rpm | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/28 MPG | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 425.5/518.0 mi. | 373.8/498.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 17.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.3 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Memory Card Slot | ✓ | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.7 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.2 in. | 60.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.2 in. | 56.5 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 | — |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.3 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.4 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 58.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 55.5 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 265/55R19 | 255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Mazda CX-90 and 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander.
Which crossover offers more usable space behind the rear seats?
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander offers significantly more storage, rated at 20.6 cu ft. The 2026 Mazda CX-90 trails substantially with only 14.9 cu ft of cargo capacity available in the same configuration.
How do the standard powertrains compare in terms of output?
The Mazda CX-90 has a performance advantage, producing 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. The Toyota Grand Highlander offers a lower output base engine with 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
Is the initial price difference between the two models significant?
Yes, there is a tangible difference in starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. The CX-90 starts at $38,800, which is $2,560 less than the Grand Highlander's starting price of $41,360.
What are the differences in standard drivetrain and fuel economy?
The CX-90 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive and achieves 25 MPG combined, utilizing regular unleaded fuel. The Grand Highlander is standard FWD and records 24 MPG combined on the same fuel type.
Does the height difference impact the driving experience?
The Grand Highlander stands 70.1 inches tall, almost two inches higher than the CX-90 at 68.3 inches, which might translate to a more upright driving position or slightly different road presence.
Are both vehicles optimized for highway driving according to their MPG ratings?
Both vehicles show superior Highway MPG (28 MPG for both). However, the CX-90 is slightly better overall with a 23/28 MPG split compared to the Grand Highlander's 21/28 MPG split.
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