Head-to-head
2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Mazda CX-90
The Mazda CX-90 wins clearly, 94.1 to 86.9, on safety, tech & comfort. The Ford Explorer is ahead on fuel & range and performance.
F
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
B2025 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 winThe Mazda CX-90 wins clearly, 94.1 to 86.9, on safety, tech & comfort. The Ford Explorer is ahead on fuel & range and performance.
Safety 2025 Mazda CX-90 leads by 22.5
Tech & comfort 2025 Mazda CX-90 leads by 19
Fuel & range 2025 Ford Explorer leads by 8.8
| Category · weight | 2025 Ford Exploreroverall 86.9 | 2025 Mazda CX-90overall 94.1 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricenot compared | No data | No data | |||||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 98.7 | 89.9 | |||||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | |||||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 71.8 | 94.3 | |||||||||||||||
NHTSA 5-Star rating, WhichTrim Safety Signal (open recalls by severity), owner complaints, standard driver-assist features (from the press kit, or from what the manufacturer filed with NHTSA where there is none). Open park-outside / do-not-drive advisories cost 25 points. | |||||||||||||||||
| Space & cargow 2 | 96.9 | 92.1 | |||||||||||||||
Seats, cargo volume behind the 1st and 2nd rows, rear legroom. | |||||||||||||||||
| Performancew 2 | 98.4 | 92.9 | |||||||||||||||
Horsepower, torque and horsepower per ton. | |||||||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 81 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
Standard (1) and optional (0.5) infotainment, convenience, climate and interior features from the manufacturer's press kit. | |||||||||||||||||
| Warrantynot compared | No data | No data | |||||||||||||||
| Overall | 86.9 | 94.1 | |||||||||||||||
Trim vs trim · 5 of 7 categories compared
Ford Explorer: base trim Active RWD · Mazda CX-90: base trim 3.3 Turbo Select Package AWD. 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.
Where the gap is
the biggest differences, from the scorecard's own numbersWhere the 2025 Mazda CX-90 wins
- It has drawn fewer owner complaints (49 against 109 filed with NHTSA).
- It has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 89 against 43).
- It lists more comfort and tech equipment (42 points against 34 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½).
Where the 2025 Ford Explorer answers
- It lists 31 standard driver-assist features against 27.
- It costs $500 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($2,800 against $3,300).
What they share
- 5 NHTSA stars.
Ranked by how far apart the two score on each measure, so a price gap and a horsepower gap are compared on the same scale. Every figure is on this page.
Specifications side by side
52 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Ford ExplorerActive RWD | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select Package AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | twin turbo | twin turbo |
| Cylinder count | 4 | 6 |
| Engine displacement | 2,261 cc | 3,283 cc |
| Engine type (full description) | 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4 | e-SKYACTIV G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbocharged |
| Fuel injection system | gdi mpi | Electrically Controlled Fuel Injection |
| Valve configuration | DOHC 16-Valve | — |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 300 hp | 280 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft | 332 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | — | 24 mpg |
| MPG (combined) | — | 25 mpg |
| MPG (highway) | — | 28 mpg |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | 3.58 | 3.692 |
| Transmission speeds | 10 | 8 |
| Transmission type | automatic | manual |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | 7.6 in | 8 in |
| Overall height | 69.6 in | 68.2 in |
| Overall length | 199 in | 201 in |
| Overall width | 78.9 in | 78.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 119 in | 123 in |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 1st row | 85.8 cu-ft | — |
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 46 cu-ft | 40 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 3rd row | 16.3 cu-ft | 14.9 cu-ft |
| Total interior volume | 153 cu-ft | 142 cu-ft |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | 7 | 8 |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | 40.7 in | 39.7 in |
| Second-row headroom | 40.5 in | 39.3 in |
| Third-row headroom | 38.9 in | 36.9 in |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | 43 in | 41.7 in |
| Second-row legroom | 39 in | 39.4 in |
| Third-row legroom | 32.2 in | 30.4 in |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | — | 4,735 lbs |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 4,303 lbs | 4,735 lbs |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | — | 6,854 lbs |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | independent | Double-Wishbone |
| Rear suspension type | independent | Multi-Link |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Electric Power-Assisted Steering | Rack and Pinion |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | — | 38.1 ft |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | — | 328 mm |
| Front brake type | ventilated disc | ventilated disc |
| Parking brake type | electric | Electric parking brake |
| Rear brake diameter | — | 350 mm |
| Rear brake type | solid disc | ventilated disc |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 18 in | 19 in |
| Wheel material | aluminum | alloy |
| Wheel width | — | 8.5 in |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | P255/65R18 | 265/55 R19 |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | 17.9 gal | 18.5 gal |
| Minimum recommended octane | 87 | 87 |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | FordPass Connect | Mazda Connected Services |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | 62.1 in | 59.2 in |
| Second-row shoulder room | 61.9 in | 58.1 in |
| Third-row shoulder room | 54.6 in | 53.3 in |
Green marks the better value where the direction is unambiguous (more room, more power, lower price). Blank rows are specs the press kit does not publish.
Equipment, feature by feature
152 features · differences first, then sharedSafety22 differ · 40 listed
| Feature | Ford ExplorerActive RWD | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select Package AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection | std | — |
| Pre-Collision Assist – Forward Collision Warning | std | — |
| Evasive Steering Assist | std | — |
| Lane Departure Warning System | — | std |
| Rear View Monitor (dynamic guide lines) | std | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | std | — |
| Auto-hold Function | — | std |
| Curve Control | std | — |
| Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) , Traction Control (TCS) and Trailer Stability Control | — | std |
| Electric Parking Brake (EPB) | — | std |
| Electric Parking Brake with Auto Hold | std | — |
| Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist+ (standard ADAS suite including Intersection Assist, Post-Collision Braking, Dynamic Brake Support) | std | — |
| Kinematic Posture Control (KPC) | — | std |
| Perimeter Alarm | std | — |
| Post-Collision Braking | std | — |
| Rear Seat Alert | — | std |
| Rear View Monitor (static guide lines) | — | std |
| Roll Stability Control | — | std |
| Safety Canopy® Rollover Sensor | std | — |
| Side-Wind Stabilization | std | — |
| Smart Brake Support (Automatic Emergency Braking) | — | std |
| SOS Post-Crash Alert System™ | std | — |
| Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) with Stop and Go | std | std |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | std | std |
| Frontal, Knee, Curtain, and Side Impact Airbags | std | std |
| Frontal, Knee, Curtain, and Side Impact Airbags | std | std |
| Frontal, Knee, Curtain, and Side Impact Airbags | std | std |
| Lane-keep Assist | std | std |
| Driver Attention Alert | std | std |
| Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) , Traction Control (TCS) and Trailer Stability Control | std | std |
| Hill Descent Control | std | std |
| LATCH system - rear seat (2nd row) child safety seat lower anchors & upper tethers | std | std |
| Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) w/ Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) | std | std |
| Blind Spot Monitoring with Vehicle Exit Warning | std | std |
| Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) , Traction Control (TCS) and Trailer Stability Control | std | std |
| Frontal, Knee, Curtain, and Side Impact Airbags | std | std |
| High Beam Control (HBC) | std | std |
| Hill Launch Assist | std | std |
| Engine immobilizer anti-theft system | std | std |
| Roll Stability Control | std | std |
Infotainment13 differ · 18 listed
| Feature | Ford ExplorerActive RWD | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select Package AWD |
|---|---|---|
| E911 automatic emergency notification | — | std |
| Remote Services: remote engine start / remote door lock / unlock / remote hazard light | opt | std |
| Mazda Roadside Assistance | — | std |
| 10.25" full-color center display | — | std |
| 911 Assist® | std | — |
| Android Auto™ integration (wired) | — | std |
| Apple CarPlay® integration (wired) | — | std |
| Ford Digital Experience – 13.2" Color LCD Touchscreen in IP Center-Stack with Alexa Built-In, Google Assistant/Maps/Play, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ Wireless Compatibility | std | — |
| Ford Power-Up Software Update Capability | std | — |
| Paddle Shifters | — | std |
| SiriusXM® with 360L (3-month prepaid subscription) | std | — |
| Type C x 6 (Front x 2, 2nd Row x 2, 3rd Row x 2) | std | — |
| USB - Type A x 4 (Front x 2 and Rear x 2) | — | std |
| Mazda Connect 4G LTE Wi-Fi powered by AT&T** | std | std |
| Remote Services: remote door lock / unlock / remote hazard light | std | std |
| 8-speaker sound system | std | std |
| Navigation services: vehicle finder / send to car*** / map online update via Mazda Tool Box | std | std |
| Steering wheel-mounted audio, phone and cruise controls | std | std |
Convenience7 differ · 8 listed
| Feature | Ford ExplorerActive RWD | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select Package AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Saver | std | — |
| Power Liftgate | std | — |
| Power Rear Liftgate with programmable height adjustment | — | std |
| Power Windows with one-touch auto up/down feature (4) | — | std |
| SecuriCode® Keyless Entry Keypad | opt | — |
| Universal Garage Door Opener (UGDO) | opt | — |
| Powerpoints (12V) – three (3) | std | — |
| Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry & Start System | std | std |
Climate3 differ · 4 listed
| Feature | Ford ExplorerActive RWD | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select Package AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd Row AC vents | — | std |
| Cabin Particulate Air Filter | std | — |
| Second Row HVAC Controls | opt | — |
| Air conditioning - automatic climate control operation with three zones | std | std |
Seating10 differ · 12 listed
| Feature | Ford ExplorerActive RWD | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select Package AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd-row bench seats with 60/40 split fold-down reclining | — | std |
| 2nd-row bench seats with easy slide and tilt rear-access mechanism | — | std |
| 2nd-row captain's chairs with armrests and center walk through, reclining seatback | std | — |
| 3rd row seats - 3 seats (60/40 split fold-down) | — | std |
| 4-way manual front passenger seat | — | std |
| 8-way power adjustable passenger seat | opt | — |
| Max Seating Capacity 8 passenger | — | std |
| Seat material - Leather (1st and 2nd row outboard seating positions) - Black or Greige | — | std |
| Third Row 50/50 Split-Fold-Flat (Manual) | std | — |
| Unique Cloth Seating | std | — |
| 8-way power adjustable driver's seat w/ power lumbar support | std | std |
| Heated front seats with 3 level adjustments | std | std |
Interior15 differ · 21 listed
| Feature | Ford ExplorerActive RWD | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select Package AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Steering wheel - heated | opt | — |
| 7-inch TFT LCD meter display | — | std |
| Compass | std | — |
| Engine Starter Ring - Bright (satin chrome Finish) | — | std |
| Fully digital Cluster/Meter Display - 12.3 in | std | — |
| Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor® | std | — |
| Interior Mid Panel - Hard Black | — | std |
| IP Decoration panel - Silver | — | std |
| Leather Steering wheel with Bright ring decoration | — | std |
| Leather wrapped shift knob and steering wheel | — | std |
| Room Lamp (F: w/ spot light, C: w/ spot light, R: w/o spot light) | — | std |
| Rotary Gear Shift Dial | std | — |
| Storage - 2nd-row center console with armrest and storage for bench seats | — | std |
| Cargo area light | — | std |
| Storage - front seatback pockets (driver and passenger*) | — | std |
| Rearview mirror - manual day/night | std | std |
| Steering wheel - Mechanical tilt & telescopic | std | std |
| Sun visors - dual covered vanity mirrors w/ illumination | std | std |
| Floor mats - carpeted front, 2nd-row and 3rd-row | std | std |
| Storage - overhead console with sunglasses holder | std | std |
| Trip computer - Odometer, Trip meter A & B | std | std |
Exterior26 differ · 32 listed
| Feature | Ford ExplorerActive RWD | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select Package AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Power sunroof, sliding with one-touch open/close and interior sunshade | opt | — |
| LED Low and High Beam Headlamps with Courtesy Delay | std | — |
| 19X8.5J inch aluminum alloy wheels with Silver Metallic Finish | — | std |
| 265/55 R19 tires | — | std |
| Active Grille Shutters | std | — |
| Badging - AWD | — | std |
| Badging - Inline6 - Chrome | — | std |
| Bumper - Front and Rear lower color Black | — | std |
| Easy Fuel® Capless Fuel Filler | std | — |
| Front Grille Mesh - Honeycomb - with Black Finish | — | std |
| Garnish (B pillar/C Pillar/Sail) Molding - Black | — | std |
| Headlights - Auto On/Off feature | — | std |
| Headlights - LED with Auto-Leveling | — | std |
| LED Fog Lamps with Skid Plate Elements, Front – Silver-Painted | opt | — |
| LED Signature Lighting (Front Fascia) | opt | — |
| Rhodium White Premium exterior color | — | opt |
| Roof Rails - aluminum with satin chrome finish | — | std |
| Roof-Rack Side Rails | std | — |
| Side Mirrors - body-color, [dual power remote with LED turn signal indicators] | — | std |
| Signature Wing - Chrome | — | std |
| Tire Inflator and Sealant Kit | std | — |
| Wheel arch Molding - Black | — | std |
| Windshield Wipers - Rain-Sensing, Variable-Intermittent | — | std |
| Windshield wipers - rear intermittent with washer | — | std |
| Brake light - center high-mount | — | std |
| Spare Tire Type - Temporary | — | std |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | std | std |
| Side Mirrors - driver and passenger heated | std | std |
| Taillights - LED combination | std | std |
| Privacy glass - rear side windows and rear liftgate glass | std | std |
| Rear window defogger with timer | std | std |
| Rear Roof Spoiler - Body Color | std | std |
Powertrain9 differ · 9 listed
| Feature | Ford ExplorerActive RWD | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select Package AWD |
|---|---|---|
| i-ACTIV All-Wheel Drive | opt | std |
| Terrain Management System™ | std | — |
| Auto Start-Stop Technology | std | — |
| e-SKYACTIV® G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbocharged engine | — | std |
| i-Stop | — | std |
| M Hybrid Boost (48V Mild Hybrid) | — | std |
| Mazda intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive): Sports/Off Road | — | std |
| Off-Road Traction Assist | — | std |
| Transmission, SKYACTIV®-Drive 8-Speed AT with manual-shift mode | — | std |
Chassis5 differ · 5 listed
| Feature | Ford ExplorerActive RWD | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select Package AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) | std | — |
| Front and Rear Stabilizer Bars | std | — |
| Front Double Wishbone Suspension | — | std |
| Independent Front and Rear Suspension | std | — |
| Independent rear multi-link suspension with stabilizer bar | — | std |
Cargo3 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | Ford ExplorerActive RWD | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select Package AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Class III Trailer Tow Package | std | — |
| Storage - cargo area storage boxes and under floor storage | — | std |
| Towing Capacity up to 3,500 lbs. | — | std |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPFord Explorer
Safety Signal 43 F
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★★ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls 22 · 1 critical · 2 filed unfixed
Owner complaints 109 · 8 crashes · 1 fires
Most complained about Electrical System (23), Service Brakes (20), Unspecified (19)
Top recalls
- critical Power Train 25V164000 · 269 vehicles
- high Seats 26V451000 · 387,911 vehicles · filed unfixed
- high Engine And Engine Cooling 26V343000 · 1,536 vehicles
- high Seat Belts 26V159000 · 561 vehicles
- high Engine And Engine Cooling 26V122000 · 47,804 vehicles
- high Trailer Hitches 25V687000 · 1,412 vehicles
Mazda CX-90
Safety Signal 89 B
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★☆ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls 2
Owner complaints 49 · 2 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Forward Collision Avoidance (11), Unspecified (10), Engine (10)
Top recalls
- moderate Electrical System 25V568000 · 104,854 vehicles
- moderate Electrical System 24V814000 · 80,915 vehicles
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Ford ExplorerActive RWD | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select Package AWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | — (base trim) | — (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | — 8 trims | — 9 trims |
| Powertrains | GAS | PHEV, HEV |
| EPA configuration compared | Explorer RWD | CX-90 4WD PHEV |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 24 | 25 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2,800 | $3,300 |
| EV range | — | — |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi (make terms) | — |
| Powertrain warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi (make terms) | — |
| Roadside assistance | 5 yr | — |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2025 Ford Explorer or the 2025 Mazda CX-90?
The Mazda CX-90 wins clearly, 94.1 to 86.9, on safety, tech & comfort. The Ford Explorer is ahead on fuel & range and performance. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2025 Mazda CX-90 scores 94.1 and the 2025 Ford Explorer 86.9. 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 Ford Explorer or the 2025 Mazda CX-90?
2025 Ford Explorer: 5 NHTSA stars, grade F, 22 recalls (2 filed with no repair available). 2025 Mazda CX-90: 5 NHTSA stars, grade B, 2 recalls. Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.
What are the biggest differences between the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Mazda CX-90?
Where the 2025 Mazda CX-90 wins: it has drawn fewer owner complaints (49 against 109 filed with NHTSA), has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 89 against 43), and lists more comfort and tech equipment (42 points against 34 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½). Where the 2025 Ford Explorer answers: it lists 31 standard driver-assist features against 27 and costs $500 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($2,800 against $3,300). What they share: 5 NHTSA stars.