2026 Mazda CX-90 vs. Toyota Highlander
2026 Mazda CX-90 vs. Toyota Highlander
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 vs. Toyota Highlander are both three-row SUVs offering family-friendly space, modern technology, and strong safety features. The CX-90 focuses on performance and premium design, while the Highlander emphasizes practicality and efficiency.
TL;DR
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is a compelling choice for drivers who want a more engaging and upscale three-row SUV, while the Highlander stands out for its hybrid efficiency and practical family-focused design.
Key Takeaways
- The CX-90 offers standard i-Activ AWD, a turbocharged inline-six, and available plug-in hybrid power.
- The Highlander offers gas and hybrid powertrains, with the hybrid reaching up to 35 MPG combined.
- Both SUVs offer three rows and seating for up to eight passengers.
- The CX-90 starts at a lower MSRP than the 2026 Highlander.
- The CX-90 earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation for 2026, while the Highlander has several Good crashworthiness ratings but a Marginal rating in the updated moderate overlap front test.
What’s the Difference Between the 2026 Mazda CX-90 and 2026 Toyota Highlander?
Let’s compare the 2026 Mazda CX-90 vs. Toyota Highlander. The CX-90 emphasizes performance with standard AWD and available 280-hp or 340-hp turbocharged inline-six engines. A plug-in hybrid option is also available for drivers seeking added efficiency.
The Highlander takes a more conventional family SUV approach. Its gas model uses a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, while the hybrid prioritizes fuel efficiency. For 2026, all Highlander gas models receive standard all-wheel drive.
Is the CX-90 Bigger Than the Highlander?
The CX-90 is slightly longer than the current Highlander. The CX-90 measures 200.8 inches long and has a 122.8-inch wheelbase. Toyota lists the Highlander at approximately 194.9 inches in length in its comparison specifications, with a 112.2-inch wheelbase.
That additional length and wheelbase help give the CX-90 a substantial cabin while keeping it within the midsize SUV category. Both vehicles provide three rows, but the CX-90 has a slightly larger overall footprint.
2026 Mazda CX-90 vs. Toyota Highlander Interior
Both the 2026 Mazda CX-90 vs. Toyota Highlander are designed around families, with flexible seating, multiple storage areas, and three-row configurations. The CX-90 leans toward a premium cabin experience, while the Highlander emphasizes straightforward usability and everyday comfort.
2026 Mazda CX-90 Interior
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 features a stylish, upscale cabin with quality materials and available Nappa leather upholstery. Most models offer a second-row bench seat, while higher trims add comfortable captain's chairs. The third row is best suited for children, while cargo space ranges from 16 cubic feet behind the third row to 75 cubic feet with all rear seats folded, giving families plenty of flexibility.
2026 Toyota Highlander Interior
The 2026 Toyota Highlander offers a comfortable, practical cabin with quality materials and available upscale features like leather seating, ventilated front seats, and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. Families can choose an available second-row bench for seating up to eight, while the third row is best suited for children due to limited legroom. With 23 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 57 cubic feet behind the second row, the Highlander provides useful room for family gear and luggage.
2026 Mazda CX-90 vs. Toyota Highlander Exterior
The CX-90 vs. Highlander both have the proportions expected from modern three-row SUVs, but their styling philosophies are different.
2026 Mazda CX-90 Exterior
The CX-90 uses Mazda's signature design language, with a long hood, wide stance, sculpted bodywork, and restrained detailing. The result is an SUV that looks more athletic and premium than many traditional family crossovers.
Standard features on the 2026 CX-90 include LED lighting, a power liftgate, roof rails, and 19-inch alloy wheels on the Turbo Select. Higher trims add larger 21-inch wheels and additional exterior detailing.
2026 Toyota Highlander Exterior
The Highlander has a more conventional midsize SUV appearance. Its design emphasizes a broad stance, prominent grille, sculpted body lines, and available 20-inch wheels on sport-oriented trims.
For 2026, Toyota makes all-wheel drive standard across the gas Highlander lineup, adding confidence for drivers who regularly deal with changing road conditions.
2026 Mazda CX-90 vs. Toyota Highlander Pricing
Price is an important consideration when comparing two well-equipped three-row SUVs. However, both the 2026 Mazda CX-90 vs. Toyota Highlander offer a great bang for your buck.
How Much Does the 2026 Mazda CX-90 Cost?
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Select starts at $40,830 before destination charges, taxes, title, and additional fees. Other gasoline trims include the Turbo Preferred at $43,450, Premium Sport at $47,480, and Premium Plus at $50,270. The CX-90 PHEV starts at $50,695. This gives shoppers a relatively accessible entry point for a three-row SUV with standard AWD.
How Much Does the 2026 Toyota Highlander Cost?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander starts at $42,260. Gas models include XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum trims, while hybrid versions include XLE, Limited, and Platinum. The CX-90 therefore has the lower starting MSRP, although actual pricing depends on trim, options, destination charges, dealer pricing, and available incentives.
Technology and Infotainment
Both the 2026 Mazda CX-90 vs. Toyota Highlander offer the technology families expect from modern vehicles, including smartphone integration, digital displays, connected services, and driver assistance systems.
2026 Mazda CX-90 Technology
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 offers a 10.3-inch or available 12.3-inch infotainment display, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An intuitive rotary controller helps reduce distractions while driving, while available upgrades include wireless charging, navigation, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and a fully digital gauge display.
2026 Toyota Highlander Technology
The 2026 Toyota Highlander offers an 8-inch touchscreen with an available 12.3-inch upgrade, along with Bluetooth and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Families can also opt for wireless charging, built-in navigation, and an 11-speaker JBL audio system, while the Platinum trim adds a head-up display.
Reliability and Warranty
Long-term reliability data for the 2026 models is limited, but both Mazda CX-90 vs. Toyota Highlander have strong reputations for durability and similar warranty coverage.
How Reliable Is the 2026 Mazda CX-90?
The CX-90 is a relatively new model, having debuted for the 2024 model year. That means there is less long-term model-specific data available compared with vehicles that have been on the market for decades. However, Mazda is a reliable name.
Mazda provides straightforward warranty coverage for new CX-90 models, including a three-year or 36,000-mile limited warranty and a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Complimentary scheduled maintenance is not included.
How Reliable Is the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
The Highlander has a longer history in the midsize SUV segment, which gives buyers more generations of ownership experience to consider. Toyota offers a three-year or 36,000-mile limited warranty and a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty for the 2026 Highlander. Complimentary maintenance is also included for two years or 25,000 miles.
Engine Performance and Handling
Let’s compare the 2026 Mazda CX-90 vs. Toyota Highlander at performance. Performance is one of the areas where the CX-90 stands out, offering strong power and responsive handling for a more engaging driving experience.
2026 Mazda CX-90 Performance
The CX-90 offers a 280-hp or 340-hp 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. A 323-hp plug-in hybrid is also available.
2026 Toyota Highlander Performance
The 2026 Highlander uses a 265-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. It delivers a smooth, comfortable ride suited to everyday family driving.
2026 Mazda CX-90 vs. Toyota Highlander Fuel Economy
Fuel efficiency can make a meaningful difference for families that commute frequently or take regular road trips, so let’s have a look at the 2026 Mazda CX-90 vs. Toyota Highlander.
2026 Mazda CX-90 Fuel Efficiency
The EPA rates the 2026 Mazda CX-90 at up to 24 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, depending on configuration. Its turbocharged engine provides a balance of power and fuel efficiency for everyday driving and longer road trips.
2026 Toyota Highlander Fuel Efficiency
The EPA estimates the 2026 Toyota Highlander at 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. This fuel economy is typical for a midsize three-row SUV and makes the Highlander a practical choice for everyday family driving.
Safety Features and Ratings
Safety is a major priority in any three-row family SUV. Both the 2026 Mazda CX-90 vs. Toyota Highlander include modern driver assistance technologies, but their independent crash test results differ.
What Safety Features Does the 2026 Mazda CX-90 Have?
All 2026 Mazda CX-90 models come with i-Activsense safety technology, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.
What Safety Features Does the 2026 Toyota Highlander Have?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander comes standard with a range of driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and traffic-sign recognition. Available upgrades include a 360-degree camera system and front and rear parking sensors.
Why Get Your Mazda CX-90 at Autex Mazda
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 combines strong performance, spacious seating, premium features, advanced technology, and standard all-wheel drive. With turbocharged and plug-in hybrid powertrain options, it gives families flexibility to choose what best fits their needs.
At Autex Mazda in Keene, NH, you can explore the CX-90 lineup and find the trim that fits your lifestyle. Comparing the 2026 Mazda CX-90 vs. Toyota Highlander, the CX-90 offers a lower starting price, stronger available performance, and an upscale interior. Visit Autex Mazda to experience the CX-90 for yourself and see why it could be the right three-row SUV for you.