2026 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

$38,800 · Crossover

$44,710 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2026 Mazda CX-90 and the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is fuel economy, with the Toyota achieving a 34 MPG combined versus the Mazda’s 25 MPG combined, a substantial 9 MPG advantage. This efficiency comes at a cost, as the Toyota’s MSRP starts at $44,710, considerably higher than the CX-90’s $38,800 entry point. Performance specs also separate the two: the CX-90 produces 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, outpacing the Toyota’s 245 hp output. However, cargo capacity strongly favors the Highlander, offering 20.6 cu ft compared to the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft. While both vehicles offer standard All-Wheel Drive, the powertrain philosophy differs, with Mazda utilizing an 8-speed automatic and Toyota opting for a CVT.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The Grand Highlander Hybrid offers significantly superior fuel economy at 34 MPG combined, reducing routine operational costs for daily travel.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The Toyota offers substantially more utility with 20.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Mazda's 14.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 generates greater output with 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, paired with a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 commands a lower initial investment, priced $5,910 less than the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

Budget constraints are a primary concern, as the MSRP is $38,800 versus the competitor's higher price.
Maximum engine output is prioritized, given its 280 hp rating and 332 lb-ft of torque.
A traditional gear shifting experience is preferred over a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid if...

Maximizing hauling capability is necessary, evidenced by its 20.6 cu ft of cargo space.
Achieving class-leading fuel efficiency is essential, demonstrated by its 34 MPG combined rating.
A taller ride height (72.1 inches) and superior rear passenger volume are required.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-90	Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
Length	200.8"	201.4"
Width	78.5"	78.3"
Height	68.3"	72.1"
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	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	hybrid
Horsepower	280 hp @ 5000 rpm	245 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	332 lb-ft @ 2000 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	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all 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	36/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	34 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	425.5/518.0 mi.	619.2/550.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	17.2 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.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	8 yr./ 100000 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 Hybrid.

What is the primary mechanical difference affecting daily driving between these two crossovers?

The Mazda CX-90 utilizes a standard 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission while delivering 280 horsepower. Conversely, the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid employs a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission, but it produces less power at 245 horsepower.

How significantly does the Grand Highlander Hybrid’s superior MPG translate to fuel savings over the CX-90?

The Toyota provides a 9 MPG advantage in combined fuel economy (34 MPG vs. 25 MPG), which will result in notably lower annual fuel expenditures compared to the CX-90, despite both using regular unleaded fuel.

Is the Mazda CX-90 significantly smaller than the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid?

While both are long crossovers, the Toyota is slightly longer by 0.6 inches (201.4 vs. 200.8 inches), but it is substantially taller at 72.1 inches compared to the Mazda’s 68.3 inches.

Why is the price difference between the two vehicles over $5,900?

The $5,910 MSRP gap ($44,710 vs. $38,800) reflects the hybrid powertrain technology in the Toyota, which boosts fuel efficiency, as well as its greater standard cargo volume (20.6 cu ft).

If towing capability were the deciding factor, which vehicle should I choose based on specs?

Since exact towing capacities are not listed, torque figures suggest better potential for towing heavy loads; the CX-90 offers a higher 332 lb-ft compared to the hybrid's implied lower output, making it the tentative performance choice.