2026 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

$38,800 · Crossover

$47,020 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 roars into contention, offering a distinctly driver-focused experience powered by a robust 280 hp engine that promises genuine engagement on the open road. Its $38,800 starting MSRP immediately undercuts the Toyota Highlander Hybrid by a substantial $8,220. Conversely, the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid champions efficiency, boasting an impressive 35 MPG combined rating—a full 10 MPG better than the Mazda’s 25 MPG combined. While the CX-90 delivers 37 more horsepower than the Highlander's 243 hp, the Highlander compensates with slightly more practicality, offering 16 cu ft of cargo space versus the Mazda's 14.9 cu ft. Both utilize AWD and regular unleaded fuel, but they represent polar opposites: thrilling power versus relentless frugality.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the superior choice for commuters due to its stellar 35 MPG combined fuel economy.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Families will appreciate the Highlander Hybrid's slightly larger 16 cu ft cargo capacity compared to the CX-90’s 14.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 provides a true enthusiast edge with its segment-leading 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 wins on value by offering significantly more power for an $8,220 lower starting MSRP.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You prioritize driving excitement, valuing the 280 hp engine and 8-speed automatic transmission.
Budget is a primary concern, as the CX-90 saves you $8,220 instantly at the dealer lot.
You prefer the assurance of standard All-Wheel Drive coupled with robust torque figures (332 lb-ft).

Choose the Toyota Highlander Hybrid if...

Maximum fuel economy is essential, highlighted by its phenomenal 35 MPG combined rating.
You need the absolute best daily running costs due to the 10 MPG advantage over the CX-90.
You value a slightly more spacious rear storage area, offering 16 cu ft versus the competitor's 14.9 cu ft.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-90	Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Length	200.8"	194.9"
Width	78.5"	76.0"
Height	68.3"	68.1"
Wheelbase	122.8"	112.2"

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	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
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	243 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	35/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	35 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	425.5/518.0 mi.	598.5/598.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	17.1 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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Infotainment Display	10.3 in	8.0 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	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.2 in.	59.0 in.
Front Hip Room	56.2 in.	57.2 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	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Rear Head Room	39.3 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.4 in.	38.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	58.4 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	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 8.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	265/55R19	P235/65R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Diameter	—	18 in

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 Highlander Hybrid.

How much more powerful is the 2026 Mazda CX-90?

The Mazda CX-90 holds a significant performance advantage, generating 280 hp compared to the Toyota Highlander Hybrid's 243 hp. This 37 hp difference means the CX-90 delivers a noticeably punchier acceleration feel.

Is the fuel economy difference between the two crossovers worth the extra cost of the Highlander Hybrid?

Yes, if efficiency is paramount. The Highlander Hybrid achieves 35 MPG combined, beating the CX-90’s 25 MPG combined by 10 miles per gallon, which translates to substantial long-term savings.

What is the main price gap separating these two models?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 starts at $38,800, positioning it $8,220 cheaper than the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which begins at $47,020.

Do both vehicles come standard with All-Wheel Drive?

Yes, both the 2026 Mazda CX-90 and the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid come equipped with All-Wheel Drive for enhanced traction in various conditions.

Which vehicle offers better hauling capacity for weekend trips?

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers marginally more utility with 16 cubic feet of cargo capacity, whereas the CX-90 provides 14.9 cubic feet behind the third row.

What is the difference in transmission technology utilized by each crossover?

The Mazda CX-90 uses a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, appealing to traditional drivers, while the Toyota Highlander Hybrid employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT) transmission optimized for maximizing efficiency.