Head-to-head
2026 Ford Expedition vs 2026 Mazda CX-90
The Mazda CX-90 edges it, 90.5 to 86.3, on tech & comfort, fuel & range. The Ford Expedition is ahead on performance and space & cargo. Raise the performance weight from 2 to 4.2 and it flips.
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2026 Ford Expedition
The 2026 Ford Expedition is sold in the U.S. as a gas large SUV with 2 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Expedition 2WD, is EPA-rated at…
vs
A2026 Mazda CX-90
The 2026 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, is…
Verdict · default weights
2026 Mazda CX-90
Slight edgeThe Mazda CX-90 edges it, 90.5 to 86.3, on tech & comfort, fuel & range. The Ford Expedition is ahead on performance and space & cargo. Raise the performance weight from 2 to 4.2 and it flips.
Tech & comfort 2026 Mazda CX-90 leads by 36.2
Fuel & range 2026 Mazda CX-90 leads by 20.2
Performance 2026 Ford Expedition leads by 27.2
| Category · weight | 2026 Ford Expeditionoverall 86.3 | 2026 Mazda CX-90overall 90.5 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricenot compared | No data | No data | |||||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 79.8 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | |||||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 94.4 | 91.9 | |||||||||||||||
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 | 100 | 76.7 | |||||||||||||||
Seats, cargo volume behind the 1st and 2nd rows, rear legroom. | |||||||||||||||||
| Performancew 2 | 100 | 72.8 | |||||||||||||||
Horsepower, torque and horsepower per ton. | |||||||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 63.8 | 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 | 86.3 | 90.5 | |||||||||||||||
Trim vs trim · 5 of 7 categories compared
Ford Expedition: base trim XL SSV 4WD · Mazda CX-90: base trim 3.3 Turbo Select AWD. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Raise the performance weight from 2 to 4.2 and the answer flips.
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 2026 Mazda CX-90 wins
- It lists more comfort and tech equipment (29 points against 18.5 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½).
- It is rated 26 combined against 18 (EPA mpg or MPGe).
- It has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 100 against 85).
Where the 2026 Ford Expedition answers
- It lists 34 standard driver-assist features against 21.
- It has drawn fewer owner complaints (11 against 15 filed with NHTSA).
What they share
- 5 NHTSA stars.
- 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
54 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Ford ExpeditionXL SSV 4WD | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | — | $39,300 |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | twin turbo | twin turbo |
| Cylinder count | 6 | 6 |
| Engine displacement | 3,500 cc | 3,283 cc |
| Engine type (full description) | 3.5L EcoBoost V6 | e-SKYACTIV G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbocharged |
| Fuel injection system | gdi mpi | Electrically Controlled Fuel Injection |
| Valve configuration | TI-VCT | — |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 400 hp | 280 hp |
| Torque | 480 lb-ft | 332 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | — | 23 mpg |
| MPG (combined) | — | 25 mpg |
| MPG (highway) | — | 28 mpg |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | 3.73 | 3.692 |
| Transmission speeds | 10 | 8 |
| Transmission type | automatic | manual |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | 8.7 in | 8 in |
| Overall height | 78 in | 68.3 in |
| Overall length | 210 in | 201 in |
| Overall width | 80 in | 78.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 123 in | 123 in |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 1st row | 109 cu-ft | 74.2 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 60.8 cu-ft | 40 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 3rd row | 21.6 cu-ft | 14.9 cu-ft |
| Total interior volume | — | 142 cu-ft |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | 8 | 8 |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | 40.7 in | 39.7 in |
| Second-row headroom | 40 in | 39.3 in |
| Third-row headroom | 37.4 in | 36.9 in |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | 43.9 in | 41.7 in |
| Second-row legroom | 41.1 in | 39.4 in |
| Third-row legroom | 36.5 in | 30.4 in |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | 5,668 lbs | 4,846 lbs |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 5,668 lbs | 4,846 lbs |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | — | 6,854 lbs |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | Independent short- and long-arm (SLA) with stabilizer bar | Double-Wishbone |
| Rear suspension type | Independent multi-link with stabilizer bar | Multi-Link |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Electronic power-assisted | Rack and Pinion |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | 41 ft | 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 | 8.5 in |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | P265/70R18 | 265/55 R19 M+S |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | 23.6 gal | 18.5 gal |
| Minimum recommended octane | 87 | 87 |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | Ford Connectivity Package | Mazda Connected Services |
| Connected services trial (standard tier) | 12 months | — |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | 64.9 in | 59.2 in |
| Second-row shoulder room | 64.8 in | 58.1 in |
| Third-row shoulder room | 64.2 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
129 features · differences first, then sharedSafety35 differ · 45 listed
| Feature | Ford ExpeditionXL SSV 4WD | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) – Pedestrian Protection | std | — |
| 360° monitor with See-Through View and Trailer Hitch View | std | — |
| Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) – Forward Collision Warning | std | — |
| All Rows: Safety Canopy® Side-Curtain with Rollover Sensor | std | — |
| First Row: Driver and Passenger Dual Stage Airbags | std | — |
| First Row: Front-Seat Mounted Side-Impact Airbags | std | — |
| Lane Departure Warning System | — | std |
| Rear View Monitor (dynamic guide lines) | std | — |
| Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist 2.0 – Driver Alert | std | — |
| Front Parking Sensors | std | — |
| Hill Descent Control™ (4x4 only) | std | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | std | — |
| AdvanceTrac® w/RSC® (Roll Stability Control™) | std | — |
| Auto-hold Function | — | std |
| Blind Spot Monitoring with Vehicle Exit Warning | — | std |
| BLIS® with Cross-Traffic Alert / BLIS® with Trailer Coverage | std | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | std |
| Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control (TCS) and Trailer Stability Control | — | std |
| Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist 2.0 – Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, Predictive Speed Assist, Stop & Go | std | — |
| Ford Security Package (1-year included with activation) | std | — |
| Hill Descent Control | — | std |
| LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether Anchors for Children) on all Second Row and Third Row Outboard Side Seating Positions | std | — |
| LATCH system - rear seat (2nd row) child safety seat lower anchors & upper tethers | — | std |
| LATCH system - rear seat (3rd row) child safety anchor top upper tethers | — | std |
| Personal Safety System™ (dual-stage front airbags, belt pretensioners, belt energy-management retractors, belt usage sensors, driver seat position sensor, crash severity sensor, restraint control module, Front-Passenger Sensing System) | std | — |
| Post-Collision Braking | std | — |
| Pro-Trailer Backup Assist | std | — |
| Pro-Trailer Hitch Assist | std | — |
| Rear View Monitor (static guide lines) | — | std |
| Reverse Brake Assist | std | — |
| Roll Stability Control | — | std |
| Safety Canopy® Side-Curtain with Rollover Sensor | std | — |
| Smart Brake Support (Automatic Emergency Braking) | — | std |
| SOS Post-Crash Alert System™ | std | — |
| Individual Tire Pressure Monitoring System (iTPMS) | std | — |
| Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go | std | std |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | std | std |
| Lane-keep Assist | std | std |
| Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control (TCS) and Trailer Stability Control | std | std |
| Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) w/ Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) | std | std |
| Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control (TCS) and Trailer Stability Control | std | std |
| High Beam Control (HBC) | std | std |
| Hill Launch Assist | std | std |
| Rear Seat Alert | std | std |
| Engine immobilizer anti-theft system | std | std |
Infotainment18 differ · 18 listed
| Feature | Ford ExpeditionXL SSV 4WD | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Remote Start | std | — |
| Ford app – Remotely start, lock and unlock vehicle | std | — |
| Ford Connectivity Package – Unlimited Wi-Fi Hotspot | std | — |
| Ford app – Locate parked vehicle | std | — |
| 10.25" Full Color Center Display | — | std |
| 13.2" Center Stack Display | std | — |
| 24" Panoramic Display with Steering Wheel Controls | std | — |
| 8-speaker sound system | — | std |
| Alexa Built-In | — | std |
| Android Auto™ integration (wired) | — | std |
| Apple CarPlay™ integration (wired) | — | std |
| Ford Connectivity Package (1-year included) – 5G Connectivity, Unlimited Wi-Fi Hotspot, Audio and Video Streaming, Productivity, Voice Assistant, Entertainment | std | — |
| Ford Connectivity Package (One-time purchase – 7 years) | opt | — |
| Mazda Connect 4G LTE Wi-Fi powered by AT&T | — | std |
| Paddle Shifters | — | std |
| SiriusXM with 360L (3-month prepaid subscription standard; 3-year plan optional) | std | — |
| Steering Wheel – Audio and Cruise Controls | std | — |
| USB Inputs - Center Console Type C x 4 (Front x 2 and Rear x 2) | — | std |
Convenience5 differ · 5 listed
| Feature | Ford ExpeditionXL SSV 4WD | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry & Start System | — | std |
| Ford Split Gate – Power Upper Liftgate and Power Lower Tailgate | std | — |
| Power Rear Liftgate with programmable height adjustment | — | std |
| Power Windows with one-touch auto up/down feature (4) | — | std |
| 12V power outlet | — | std |
Climate1 differ · 2 listed
| Feature | Ford ExpeditionXL SSV 4WD | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd Row AC vents | — | std |
| Air conditioning - automatic climate control operation with three zones | std | std |
Seating8 differ · 9 listed
| Feature | Ford ExpeditionXL SSV 4WD | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd-row bench seats with 60/40 split fold-down reclining | — | std |
| 3rd row seats - 3 seats (60/40 split fold-down) | — | std |
| 4-way manual front passenger seat | — | std |
| 8-way power adjustable driver's seat w/ power lumbar support (without memory) | — | std |
| Front Row – Cloth Captain's Chairs | std | — |
| Max Seating Capacity | — | std |
| Seat Material - Leatherette | — | std |
| Third Row 60/40 PowerFold® (fold flat) with Power Recline | std | — |
| 8-way power adjustable driver's seat w/ power lumbar support and 2-position memory | std | std |
Interior6 differ · 9 listed
| Feature | Ford ExpeditionXL SSV 4WD | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 7-inch TFT LCD meter display | — | std |
| Interior Mid Panel - Hard Black | — | std |
| Steering wheel - leather-wrapped w/ bright ring decoration | — | std |
| Manual Adjusted Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column | std | — |
| Rearview mirror - manual day/night | — | std |
| Floor mats - carpeted front, 2nd-row and 3rd-row | — | std |
| Sun visors - dual covered vanity mirrors w/ illumination | std | std |
| Storage - overhead console with sunglasses holder | std | std |
| Trip computer - Odometer, Trip meter A & B | std | std |
Exterior18 differ · 22 listed
| Feature | Ford ExpeditionXL SSV 4WD | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 19X8.5J inch aluminum alloy wheels with Silver Metallic Finish | — | std |
| 265/55 R19 tires w/ Alloy - Silver | — | std |
| Badging - AWD | — | std |
| Badging - Inline6 - Chrome | — | std |
| Front Grill Mesh - Honeycomb - with Black Finish | — | std |
| Headlights - LED with Auto-Leveling | — | std |
| Off-Road Underbody Shield (51A) | opt | — |
| Rear window defogger with timer | — | std |
| Roof Rails - aluminum with satin chrome finish | — | std |
| Running Boards, Fixed – Black | std | — |
| Signature Grille Lighting | std | — |
| Signature Wing - Chrome | — | std |
| Wheel arch Molding - Black | — | std |
| Windshield Wipers - Rain-Sensing, Variable-Intermittent | — | std |
| Headlamps – Autolamp (Automatic On/Off) | std | — |
| Rear Window Defroster and Washer | std | — |
| Rear Roof Spoiler - Body Color | — | std |
| Spare Tire Type - Temporary | — | std |
| LED Daytime Running Lamp | std | std |
| LED taillights | std | std |
| Side mirrors - driver and passenger heated | std | std |
| Privacy glass - rear side windows and rear liftgate glass | std | std |
Powertrain11 differ · 11 listed
| Feature | Ford ExpeditionXL SSV 4WD | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD |
|---|---|---|
| i-ACTIV All-Wheel Drive | — | std |
| Terrain Management System™ – Slippery Mode | std | — |
| e-SKYACTIV® G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbocharged engine | — | std |
| Electric Parking Brake (EPB) | — | std |
| Electronic Locking Differential | std | — |
| M Hybrid Boost (48V Mild Hybrid) | — | std |
| Mazda intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive): Sports/Off Road | — | std |
| Off-Road Traction Assist | — | std |
| Terrain Management System™ (includes Selectable Drive Modes: Normal, Sport, Tow / Haul, Eco, Slippery) | std | — |
| Transmission, SKYACTIV®-Drive 8-Speed AT with manual-shift mode | — | std |
| Two-Speed Transfer Case w/Torque on Demand (TOD) | std | — |
Chassis3 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | Ford ExpeditionXL SSV 4WD | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Front Double Wishbone Suspension | — | std |
| Independent rear multi-link suspension with stabilizer bar | — | std |
| Kinematic Posture Control (KPC) | — | std |
Cargo5 differ · 5 listed
| Feature | Ford ExpeditionXL SSV 4WD | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow | std | — |
| Terrain Management System™ – Tow / Haul Mode | std | — |
| Integrated Trailer Brake Controller | 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 Expedition
Safety Signal 85 B
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★★ / ★★★★★ / ★★★☆☆
Recalls 2
Owner complaints 11 · 0 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Steering (4), Unspecified (4), Wheels (4)
Top recalls
- high Exterior Lighting 26V606000 · 41,748 vehicles
- high Electrical System 26V104000 · 4,381,878 vehicles
Mazda CX-90
Safety Signal 100 A
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★★ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls 0
Owner complaints 15 · 0 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Electrical System (9), Unspecified (3), Steering (3)
Top recalls
No recalls on file.
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Ford ExpeditionXL SSV 4WD | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | — (base trim) | $39,300 (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | — 8 trims | $39,300 – $58,700 9 trims |
| Powertrains | GAS | PHEV, HEV |
| EPA configuration compared | Expedition 4WD | CX-90 4WD |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 18 | 26 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $3,700 | $3,150 |
| EV range | — | — |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | — |
| Powertrain warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | — |
| Roadside assistance | 5 yr | — |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2026 Ford Expedition or the 2026 Mazda CX-90?
The Mazda CX-90 edges it, 90.5 to 86.3, on tech & comfort, fuel & range. The Ford Expedition is ahead on performance and space & cargo. Raise the performance weight from 2 to 4.2 and it flips. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Mazda CX-90 scores 90.5 and the 2026 Ford Expedition 86.3. 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 2026 Ford Expedition or the 2026 Mazda CX-90?
2026 Ford Expedition: 5 NHTSA stars, grade B, 2 recalls. 2026 Mazda CX-90: 5 NHTSA stars, grade A, 0 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 2026 Ford Expedition and the 2026 Mazda CX-90?
Where the 2026 Mazda CX-90 wins: it lists more comfort and tech equipment (29 points against 18.5 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½), is rated 26 combined against 18 (EPA mpg or MPGe), and has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 100 against 85). Where the 2026 Ford Expedition answers: it lists 34 standard driver-assist features against 21 and has drawn fewer owner complaints (11 against 15 filed with NHTSA). What they share: 5 NHTSA stars and 8 seats.