Head-to-head
2025 Mazda CX-90 vs 2025 Toyota Highlander
The Mazda CX-90 edges it, 92 to 88.5, on tech & comfort, performance. The Toyota Highlander is ahead on fuel & range and space & cargo.
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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…
vs
C2025 Toyota Highlander
The 2025 Toyota Highlander is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid and gas large SUV with 5 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Highlander Hybrid …
More Mazda CX-90 head-to-heads More Toyota Highlander head-to-heads Every CX-90 vs Highlander model year
Verdict · default weights
2025 Mazda CX-90
Slight edgeThe Mazda CX-90 edges it, 92 to 88.5, on tech & comfort, performance. The Toyota Highlander is ahead on fuel & range and space & cargo.
Tech & comfort 2025 Mazda CX-90 leads by 35.7
Fuel & range 2025 Toyota Highlander leads by 12.1
Space & cargo 2025 Toyota Highlander leads by 6.7
| Category · weight | 2025 Mazda CX-90overall 92 | 2025 Toyota Highlanderoverall 88.5 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricenot compared | No data | No data | |||||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 87.9 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | |||||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 86.2 | 89.5 | |||||||||||||||
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 | 91.3 | 98 | |||||||||||||||
Seats, cargo volume behind the 1st and 2nd rows, rear legroom. | |||||||||||||||||
| Performancew 2 | 98.2 | 95.7 | |||||||||||||||
Horsepower, torque and horsepower per ton. | |||||||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 100 | 64.3 | |||||||||||||||
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 | 92 | 88.5 | |||||||||||||||
Trim vs trim · 5 of 7 categories compared
Mazda CX-90: base trim 3.3 Turbo Select Package AWD · Toyota Highlander: base trim LE FWD. 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 lists more comfort and tech equipment (42 points against 27 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½).
- It lists 27 standard driver-assist features against 23.
- It has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 89 against 77).
Where the 2025 Toyota Highlander answers
- It has drawn fewer owner complaints (11 against 49 filed with NHTSA).
- It costs $600 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($2,700 against $3,300).
What they share
- 5 NHTSA stars.
- 25 combined.
- 8 seats.
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
55 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select Package AWD | Toyota HighlanderLE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | — | $39,520 |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | twin turbo | twin turbo |
| Cylinder count | 6 | 4 |
| Engine displacement | 3,283 cc | 2,393 cc |
| Engine type (full description) | e-SKYACTIV G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbocharged | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged DOHC |
| Fuel injection system | Electrically Controlled Fuel Injection | D-4S |
| Valve configuration | — | DOHC 16-Valve |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 280 hp | 265 hp |
| Torque | 332 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | 24 mpg | 22 mpg |
| MPG (combined) | 25 mpg | 25 mpg |
| MPG (highway) | 28 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | 3.692 | 3.329 |
| Transmission speeds | 8 | 8 |
| Transmission type | manual | automatic |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | 8 in | 8 in |
| Overall height | 68.2 in | 68.1 in |
| Overall length | 201 in | 195 in |
| Overall width | 78.5 in | 76 in |
| Wheelbase | 123 in | 112 in |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 1st row | — | 84.3 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 40 cu-ft | 48.4 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 3rd row | 14.9 cu-ft | 16 cu-ft |
| Total interior volume | 142 cu-ft | 142 cu-ft |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | 8 | 8 |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | 39.7 in | 41.2 in |
| Second-row headroom | 39.3 in | 39.4 in |
| Third-row headroom | 36.9 in | 36.1 in |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | 41.7 in | 42 in |
| Second-row legroom | 39.4 in | 38.7 in |
| Third-row legroom | 30.4 in | 28 in |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | 4,735 lbs | 4,155 lbs |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 4,735 lbs | 4,155 lbs |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | 6,854 lbs | 5,870 lbs |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | Double-Wishbone | Independent MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar; trailing-wishbone |
| Rear suspension type | Multi-Link | Multi-link with stabilizer bar |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Rack and Pinion | Electric Power Steering (EPS); power-assisted rack-and-pinion |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | 38.1 ft | 18.7 ft |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | 328 mm | 338 mm |
| Front brake type | ventilated disc | ventilated disc |
| Parking brake type | Electric parking brake | epb |
| Rear brake diameter | 350 mm | 338 mm |
| Rear brake type | ventilated disc | solid disc |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 19 in | 18 in |
| Wheel material | alloy | alloy |
| Wheel width | 8.5 in | — |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | 265/55 R19 | P235/65R18 |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | 18.5 gal | 17.9 gal |
| Minimum recommended octane | 87 | 87 |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | Mazda Connected Services | Toyota Safety Connect / Drive Connect / Remote Connect / Service Connect / Wi-Fi Connect |
| Connected services trial (premium tier) | — | 12 months |
| Connected services trial (standard tier) | — | 120 months |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | 59.2 in | 59 in |
| Second-row shoulder room | 58.1 in | 58.7 in |
| Third-row shoulder room | 53.3 in | 55 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
148 features · differences first, then sharedSafety22 differ · 36 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select Package AWD | Toyota HighlanderLE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Backup camera with projected path / Backup camera with dynamic gridlines | — | std |
| Frontal, Knee, Curtain, and Side Impact Airbags | std | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | std | — |
| Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) , Traction Control (TCS) and Trailer Stability Control | std | — |
| Hill Descent Control | std | — |
| LATCH system - rear seat (2nd row) child safety seat lower anchors & upper tethers | std | — |
| 3-point seatbelts for all seating positions; driver's-side Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) and Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (ALR/ELR) on all passenger seatbelts | — | std |
| Adjustable front seatbelt shoulder anchors and driver and front passenger seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters | — | std |
| Auto-hold Function | std | — |
| Backup camera with projected path | — | std |
| Child-protector rear door locks and power window lockout control | — | std |
| Driver and front passenger seatbelt warning | — | std |
| Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) , Traction Control (TCS) and Trailer Stability Control | std | — |
| Electric Parking Brake (EPB) | std | — |
| Kinematic Posture Control (KPC) | std | — |
| LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) includes lower anchors and tethers on outboard second-row seats and tether anchor on middle of second- and third-row seats | — | std |
| Rear passenger seatbelt reminder | — | std |
| Rear Seat Alert | std | — |
| Rear View Monitor (static guide lines) | std | — |
| Roll Stability Control | std | — |
| Smart Brake Support (Automatic Emergency Braking) | std | — |
| Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ — Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Road Sign Assist (RSA) and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) | — | std |
| Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ — Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) | std | std |
| Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) | std | std |
| Eight airbags — driver airbag, front passenger airbag, driver knee airbag, seat cushion airbag (passenger), front side airbags, curtain shield airbags | std | std |
| Eight airbags — driver airbag, front passenger airbag, driver knee airbag, seat cushion airbag (passenger), front side airbags, curtain shield airbags | std | std |
| Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ — Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA) | std | std |
| Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ — Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) | std | std |
| Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) | std | std |
| Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) | std | std |
| Eight airbags — driver airbag, front passenger airbag, driver knee airbag, seat cushion airbag (passenger), front side airbags, curtain shield airbags | std | std |
| Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) | std | std |
| Star Safety System™ — includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Smart Stop Technology® (SST) | std | std |
| Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ — Automatic High Beams (AHB) | std | std |
| Anti-theft system with alarm and engine immobilizer | std | std |
| Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) (individual tires) | std | std |
Infotainment18 differ · 19 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select Package AWD | Toyota HighlanderLE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| E911 automatic emergency notification | std | — |
| Remote Services: remote engine start / remote door lock / unlock / remote hazard light | std | — |
| Remote Services: remote door lock / unlock / remote hazard light | std | — |
| 8-speaker sound system | std | — |
| Mazda Roadside Assistance | std | — |
| Navigation services: vehicle finder / send to car*** / map online update via Mazda Tool Box | std | — |
| 10.25" full-color center display | std | — |
| 6-speaker audio system | — | std |
| 8.0-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia with wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ compatibility, SiriusXM® with 3-month trial subscription | — | std |
| Android Auto™ integration (wired) | std | — |
| Apple CarPlay® integration (wired) | std | — |
| Drive Connect — includes Cloud Navigation with Google Points of Interest (POI) data, Intelligent Assistant with Hey, Toyota, and Destination Assist | — | std |
| Paddle Shifters | std | — |
| Remote Connect — remotely interact with your vehicle through the Toyota app via your smartwatch | — | std |
| Safety Connect® — includes Emergency Assistance button, enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification and Stolen Vehicle Locator | — | std |
| Service Connect — receive personalized maintenance updates and vehicle health reports | — | std |
| Steering wheel-mounted audio, phone and cruise controls | std | — |
| USB - Type A x 4 (Front x 2 and Rear x 2) | std | — |
| Wi-Fi Connect — includes AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot and Integrated Streaming (Apple Music® and Amazon Music) compatibility | std | std |
Convenience6 differ · 7 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select Package AWD | Toyota HighlanderLE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Five USB ports (one USB-A media port and four USB-C charging ports) and two 12V outlets | — | std |
| Height-adjustable power liftgate with jam protection | — | std |
| Power door locks with shift-linked automatic lock/unlock feature | — | std |
| Power Rear Liftgate with programmable height adjustment | std | — |
| Power windows with auto up/down in all positions and jam protection | — | std |
| Power Windows with one-touch auto up/down feature (4) | std | — |
| Smart Key System on front doors and liftgate with Push Button Start, remote keyless entry system with lock, unlock, panic and liftgate functions; and remote illuminated entry | std | std |
Climate1 differ · 2 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select Package AWD | Toyota HighlanderLE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd Row AC vents | std | — |
| Three-zone automatic climate control with air filter, separate second-row control panel, individual temperature settings for driver, front passenger and rear-seat passengers, and second- and third-row vents | std | std |
Seating9 differ · 10 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select Package AWD | Toyota HighlanderLE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd-row bench seats with 60/40 split fold-down reclining | std | — |
| Heated front seats | std | — |
| 2nd-row bench seats with easy slide and tilt rear-access mechanism | std | — |
| 3rd row seats - 3 seats (60/40 split fold-down) | std | — |
| 4-way manual front passenger seat | std | — |
| 8-passenger seating with 60/40 split, sliding and reclining fold-flat second-row bench seats; 60/40 split, fold-flat third-row seats with sliding headrests and recline function | — | std |
| Fabric-trimmed front- and second-row seats; 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat; 4-way manual-adjustable front passenger seat | — | std |
| Max Seating Capacity 8 passenger | std | — |
| Seat material - Leather (1st and 2nd row outboard seating positions) - Black or Greige | std | — |
| Fabric-trimmed front- and second-row seats; 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat; 4-way manual-adjustable front passenger seat | std | std |
Interior25 differ · 26 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select Package AWD | Toyota HighlanderLE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 14 cup/bottle holders | — | std |
| 7-in. color LCD Multi-Information Display (MID) with odometer, trip/average fuel economy, cruising range, average speed, AWD torque distribution (AWD models only), cruise control guide, audio details, hands-free incoming call notices, telephone information | — | std |
| 7-inch TFT LCD meter display | std | — |
| Black interior door handles | — | std |
| Digital clock | — | std |
| Engine Starter Ring - Bright (satin chrome Finish) | 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 | — |
| Leather-trimmed shift knob and tilt/telescopic leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio, Multi-Information Display (MID), Bluetooth® hands-free phone, voice command, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Lane Steering Assist (LSA) and multimedia information controls | — | std |
| Overhead console with conversation mirror, sunglasses storage and map lights | — | std |
| Room Lamp (F: w/ spot light, C: w/ spot light, R: w/o spot light) | std | — |
| Silver-painted dashboard trim and painted door trim | — | std |
| Soft-touch in-dash split-level shelf | — | std |
| Soft-touch roll-top center console with removable utility tray | — | std |
| Storage - 2nd-row center console with armrest and storage for bench seats | std | — |
| Steering wheel - Mechanical tilt & telescopic | std | — |
| Sun visors - dual covered vanity mirrors w/ illumination | std | — |
| Cargo area light | std | — |
| Dual sun visors with sliding function and illuminated vanity mirrors | — | std |
| Floor mats - carpeted front, 2nd-row and 3rd-row | std | — |
| Storage - front seatback pockets (driver and passenger*) | std | — |
| Storage - overhead console with sunglasses holder | std | — |
| Trip computer - Odometer, Trip meter A & B | std | — |
| Day/night rearview mirror | std | std |
Exterior29 differ · 36 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select Package AWD | Toyota HighlanderLE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| LED projector headlights | — | std |
| 18-in. painted alloy wheels and P235/65R18 tires | — | std |
| 19X8.5J inch aluminum alloy wheels with Silver Metallic Finish | std | — |
| 265/55 R19 tires | std | — |
| Badging - AWD | std | — |
| Badging - Inline6 - Chrome | std | — |
| Black-painted front grille with silver-painted surround | — | std |
| Bumper - Front and Rear lower color Black | std | — |
| Color-keyed heated power outside mirrors with turn signal and blind spot warning indicators, and manual folding feature | — | std |
| Color-keyed side rocker panels and lower molding | — | 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 | — |
| High Solar Energy-Absorbing (HSEA) glass on front side windows | — | std |
| LED fog lights | — | std |
| Rain-sensing washer-linked variable intermittent windshield wipers and intermittent rear wiper | std | — |
| Rear liftgate windshield washer and backup camera washer | — | std |
| Rear lower bumper in material black | — | std |
| Rear spoiler with LED center high-mount stop light | — | std |
| Rhodium White Premium exterior color | opt | — |
| Roof Rails - aluminum with satin chrome finish | std | — |
| Signature Wing - Chrome | std | — |
| Washer-linked variable intermittent windshield wipers and intermittent rear wiper | — | std |
| Wheel arch Molding - Black | std | — |
| Windshield wiper de-icer | — | std |
| Windshield wipers - rear intermittent with washer | std | — |
| Brake light - center high-mount | std | — |
| Rear Roof Spoiler - Body Color | std | — |
| Color-keyed heated power outside mirrors | std | std |
| LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) | std | std |
| LED taillights | std | std |
| Outside mirrors with turn signal and blind spot warning indicators | std | std |
| Privacy glass on rear side, quarter and liftgate windows | std | std |
| Rear liftgate windshield defogger | std | std |
| Spare Tire/Wheel: Temporary | std | std |
Powertrain8 differ · 8 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select Package AWD | Toyota HighlanderLE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | std | — |
| Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) | — | 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 | — |
Chassis2 differ · 2 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select Package AWD | Toyota HighlanderLE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Front Double Wishbone Suspension | std | — |
| Independent rear multi-link suspension with stabilizer bar | std | — |
Cargo2 differ · 2 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select Package AWD | Toyota HighlanderLE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 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, NCAPMazda 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
Toyota Highlander
Safety Signal 77 C
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★☆ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls 4
Owner complaints 11 · 2 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Vehicle Speed Control (3), Forward Collision Avoidance (3), Unspecified (2)
Top recalls
- high Seats 26V128000 · 686,588 vehicles
- high Seat Belts 25V872000 · 39 vehicles
- moderate Back Over Prevention 25V744000 · 1,024,407 vehicles
- moderate Electrical System 25V595000 · 591,377 vehicles
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select Package AWD | Toyota HighlanderLE FWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | — (base trim) | $39,520 (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | — 9 trims | $39,520 – $53,675 13 trims |
| Powertrains | PHEV, HEV | HEV, GAS |
| EPA configuration compared | CX-90 4WD PHEV | Highlander |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 25 | 25 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $3,300 | $2,700 |
| EV range | — | — |
| Basic warranty | — | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Powertrain warranty | — | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| Roadside assistance | — | 2 yr |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 or the 2025 Toyota Highlander?
The Mazda CX-90 edges it, 92 to 88.5, on tech & comfort, performance. The Toyota Highlander is ahead on fuel & range and space & cargo. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2025 Mazda CX-90 scores 92 and the 2025 Toyota Highlander 88.5. 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 Toyota Highlander?
2025 Mazda CX-90: 5 NHTSA stars, grade B, 2 recalls. 2025 Toyota Highlander: 5 NHTSA stars, grade C, 4 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 Mazda CX-90 and the 2025 Toyota Highlander?
Where the 2025 Mazda CX-90 wins: it lists more comfort and tech equipment (42 points against 27 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½), lists 27 standard driver-assist features against 23, and has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 89 against 77). Where the 2025 Toyota Highlander answers: it has drawn fewer owner complaints (11 against 49 filed with NHTSA) and costs $600 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($2,700 against $3,300). What they share: 5 NHTSA stars, 25 combined, and 8 seats.