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HomeCompareExplorer vs CX-90
Head-to-head

2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 wins clearly, 93.4 to 81.3, on safety. The Ford Explorer is ahead on fuel & range.

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2025 Ford Explorer

The 2025 Ford Explorer is sold in the U.S. as a gas large SUV with 6 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Explorer RWD, is EPA-rated at 24 …

vs
A

2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 is sold in the U.S. as a plug-in hybrid and hybrid large SUV with 3 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the CX-90 4WD PHE…

Verdict · default weights

2025 Mazda CX-90

Clear win

The Mazda CX-90 wins clearly, 93.4 to 81.3, on safety. The Ford Explorer is ahead on fuel & range.

Safety2025 Mazda CX-90 leads by 28.2
Fuel & range2025 Ford Explorer leads by 9.4
Category · weight2025 Mazda CX-90overall 93.42025 Ford Exploreroverall 81.3
Pricew 4no datano data
Fuel & rangew 389.398.7
Safetyw 496.568.3
Space & cargow 2no datano data
Performancew 2no datano data
Tech & comfortw 3no datano data
Warrantyw 2no datano data
Overall93.481.3

Mazda CX-90: model-level data · Ford Explorer: model-level data. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.

Change what matters to you →Scores are 0–100 per category from the data on this page. The weights are yours to set.
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Specifications side by side

Trim-level specs appear here once the manufacturer's press kit is on file for both vehicles. EPA and NHTSA data are compared above.
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Safety record

NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAP

Mazda CX-90

Safety Signal94 A
NHTSA overall★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover★★★★☆ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls2
Owner complaints40 · 2 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained aboutForward Collision Avoidance (10), Engine (9), Electrical System (9)

Top recalls

  • minorElectrical System25V568000 · 104,854 vehicles
  • minorElectrical System24V814000 · 80,915 vehicles

Ford Explorer

Safety Signal35 F
NHTSA overall★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover★★★★★ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls22 · 1 critical
Owner complaints97 · 7 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained aboutElectrical System (21), Unspecified (17), Service Brakes (16)

Top recalls

  • criticalFuel System, Gasoline24V634000 · 24 vehicles
  • highSeats26V451000 · 387,911 vehicles
  • highEngine And Engine Cooling26V343000 · 1,536 vehicles
  • highSeat Belts26V159000 · 561 vehicles
  • highEngine And Engine Cooling26V122000 · 47,804 vehicles
  • highVisibility25V730000 · 56,841 vehicles

Ownership

EPA, manufacturer warranty
Mazda CX-90Ford Explorer
Price
Price range across trims
PowertrainsPHEV, HEVGAS
EPA configuration comparedCX-90 4WD PHEVExplorer RWD
Combined mpg / MPGe2524
EPA annual fuel cost$3,100$2,600
EV range
Basic warranty
Powertrain warranty
Roadside assistance

Common questions

Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kits

Which is better, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 or the 2025 Ford Explorer?

The Mazda CX-90 wins clearly, 93.4 to 81.3, on safety. The Ford Explorer is ahead on fuel & range. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2025 Mazda CX-90 scores 93.4 and the 2025 Ford Explorer 81.3. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.

Which has the better safety record, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 or the 2025 Ford Explorer?

2025 Mazda CX-90: 5 NHTSA stars, grade A, 2 recalls. 2025 Ford Explorer: 5 NHTSA stars, grade F, 22 recalls. Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.