Head-to-head
2026 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Mazda CX-90
The Mazda CX-90 wins clearly, 95.5 to 79.3, on safety, tech & comfort. The Ford Explorer is ahead on fuel & range.
F
2026 Ford Explorer
The 2026 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
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
Clear winThe Mazda CX-90 wins clearly, 95.5 to 79.3, on safety, tech & comfort. The Ford Explorer is ahead on fuel & range.
Safety2026 Mazda CX-90 leads by 29.7
Tech & comfort2026 Mazda CX-90 leads by 20.8
Fuel & range2026 Ford Explorer leads by 6.3
| Category · weight | 2026 Mazda CX-90overall 95.5 | 2026 Ford Exploreroverall 79.3 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricew 4 | no data | no data |
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 91.1 | 97.4 |
| Safetyw 4 | 95.5 | 65.8 |
| Space & cargow 2 | no data | no data |
| Performancew 2 | no data | no data |
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 100 | 79.2 |
| Warrantyw 2 | no data | no data |
| Overall | 95.5 | 79.3 |
Mazda CX-90: base trim 3.3 Turbo Select AWD · Ford Explorer: base trim Active Base RWD. 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
53 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD | Ford ExplorerActive Base RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | $39,300 | — |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | twin turbo | twin turbo |
| Cylinder count | 6 | 4 |
| Engine displacement | 3,283 cc | — |
| Engine type (full description) | e-SKYACTIV G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbocharged | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 with Auto Start-Stop |
| Fuel injection system | Electrically Controlled Fuel Injection | — |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 280 hp | — |
| Torque | 332 lb-ft | — |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | 23 mpg | — |
| MPG (combined) | 25 mpg | — |
| MPG (highway) | 28 mpg | — |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | 3.692 | 3.58 |
| Transmission speeds | 8 | 10 |
| Transmission type | automatic hybrid | automatic hybrid |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | 8 in | — |
| Overall height | 68.3 in | — |
| Overall length | 202 in | — |
| Overall width | 78.5 in | — |
| Wheelbase | 123 in | — |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 1st row | 74.2 cu-ft | — |
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 40 cu-ft | — |
| Cargo volume behind 3rd row | 14.9 cu-ft | — |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | 8 | — |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | 39.7 in | — |
| Second-row headroom | 39.3 in | — |
| Third-row headroom | 36.9 in | — |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | 41.7 in | — |
| Second-row legroom | 39.4 in | — |
| Third-row legroom | 30.4 in | — |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | 4,846 lbs | — |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 4,846 lbs | — |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | 6,854 lbs | — |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | Double-Wishbone | Independent |
| Rear suspension type | Multi-Link | Independent |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Rack and Pinion | Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | 38.1 ft | — |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | 328 mm | — |
| Front brake type | ventilated disc | — |
| Parking brake type | Electric | Electric Parking Brake with Auto Hold |
| Rear brake diameter | 350 mm | — |
| Rear brake type | ventilated disc | — |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 19 in | 18 in |
| Wheel material | alloy | Aluminum |
| Wheel width | 8.5 in | — |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | 265/55 R19 | P255/65R18 |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | 18.5 gal | 17.9 gal |
| Minimum recommended octane | 87 | — |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | Mazda Connected Services | Ford Connectivity Package |
| Connected services trial (premium tier) | — | 84 months |
| Connected services trial (standard tier) | — | 12 months |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | 59.2 in | — |
| Second-row shoulder room | 58.1 in | — |
| Third-row shoulder room | 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
148 features · differences first, then sharedSafety32 differ · 43 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD | Ford ExplorerActive Base RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) – Pedestrian Detection | — | std |
| Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) – Forward Collision Warning | — | std |
| Airbags – All Rows: Safety Canopy® Side-Curtain with Rollover Sensor | — | std |
| Airbags – First Row: Driver and Passenger Dual-Stage Front | — | std |
| Airbags – First Row: Front-seat Side | — | std |
| Evasive Steering Assist | — | std |
| Driver Attention Alert | std | — |
| Hill Descent Control | std | — |
| LATCH system - rear seat (2nd row) child safety seat lower anchors & upper tethers | std | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | std |
| Airbags – First Row: Driver Knee | — | 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+ (base ADAS suite) | — | std |
| Front and Rear Seat Belt Pretensioners with Load Limiters | std | — |
| Intersection Assist | — | std |
| LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether Anchors for Children) on Second and Third Row Outboard Seating Positions | — | std |
| Perimeter Alarm | — | std |
| Personal Safety System™ (driver and front passenger – dual-stage front airbags, belt pretensioners, 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 |
| Rear Seat Alert | std | — |
| Rear View Camera with Backup Assist Grid Lines | — | std |
| Rear View Monitor (static guide lines) | std | — |
| Safety Canopy® Side-Curtain with Rollover Sensor | — | std |
| Side-Wind Stabilization | — | std |
| Smart Brake Support (Automatic Emergency Braking) | std | — |
| SOS Post-Crash Alert System™ | — | std |
| Speed Sign Recognition | — | std |
| Individual Tire Pressure Monitoring System (ITPMS) | — | std |
| Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering | std | std |
| Rear Cross Traffic Braking | std | std |
| Lane-Keeping System – Lane-Keeping Alert / Driver Alert | std | std |
| Lane-Keeping System – Lane-Keeping Assist | std | std |
| Trailer Sway Control | std | std |
| AdvanceTrac™ with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™) | std | std |
| Auto High-Beam Headlamps | std | std |
| BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert, Exit Warning and Trailer Coverage | std | std |
| Four-Wheel Disc Brakes with Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Electric Brake Boost and ESC | std | std |
| Hill Start Assist | std | std |
| SecuriLock® Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) | std | std |
Infotainment22 differ · 24 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD | Ford ExplorerActive Base RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Ford App – Remotely lock and unlock vehicle | — | std |
| Ford App – Locate parked vehicle | — | std |
| 10.25" Full Color Center Display | std | — |
| 5G Modem | — | std |
| 8-speaker sound system | std | — |
| 911 Assist® | — | std |
| Alexa Built-In | std | — |
| Android Auto™ integration (wired) | std | — |
| Apple CarPlay™ integration (wired) | std | — |
| Audio – AM/FM Stereo, MP3 Capable, Six (6) Speakers, Speed-Compensated Volume, SiriusXM® with 360L | — | std |
| Ford Connectivity Package (1-year Included) | — | std |
| Ford Connectivity Package (One-time purchase – 7 years) (91D) | — | opt |
| Ford Digital Experience – 13.2" Color LCD Touchscreen in IP Center-Stack with Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ Wireless Compatibility | — | std |
| Ford Power-Up Software Update Capability | — | std |
| Mazda Connect 4G LTE Wi-Fi powered by AT&T | std | — |
| Mazda Roadside Assistance | std | — |
| Multi-Function Commander Control | std | — |
| Remote Services: remote engine start / remote door lock / unlock / remote hazard light | std | — |
| SelectShift® Capability with Paddle Shifters | std | — |
| SiriusXM with 360L (3-year plan) (94B) | — | opt |
| USB Inputs - Center Console (2 ports) Type C x 4 (Front x 2 and Rear x 2) | std | — |
| USB Ports, First Row and Second Row (Ford Digital Experience standard); Third Row USB included on 200A+ | — | std |
| Unlimited Wi-Fi Hotspot (via Ford Connectivity Package) | std | std |
| Steering Wheel with Mounted Features – Audio Controls | std | std |
Convenience4 differ · 5 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD | Ford ExplorerActive Base RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Power Rear Liftgate with programmable height adjustment | std | — |
| Manual Liftgate | — | std |
| 12V power outlet | std | — |
| Powerpoints (12V) – three (3) | — | std |
| 4-Door Intelligent Access (Lock/Unlock) with Push-Button Start | std | std |
Climate2 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD | Ford ExplorerActive Base RWD |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd Row AC vents | std | — |
| Cabin Particulate Air Filter | — | std |
| Tri-Zone Electronic Temperature Control | std | std |
Seating9 differ · 9 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD | Ford ExplorerActive Base RWD |
|---|---|---|
| 10-way Power Driver's Seat | std | — |
| 2nd-row bench seats with 60/40 split fold-down reclining | std | — |
| 8-way power adjustable driver's seat w/ power lumbar support | std | — |
| 3rd row seats - 3 seats (60/40 split fold-down) | std | — |
| Max Seating Capacity - 8 passengers | std | — |
| Seat Material - Leatherette | std | — |
| Seats – Second Row 35/30/35 Bench with E-Z Entry and Armrests (17U) | — | opt |
| Second Row Captain's Chairs with E-Z Entry and Armrests | — | std |
| Unique Cloth Seating | — | std |
Interior13 differ · 17 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD | Ford ExplorerActive Base RWD |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd row Rear knee clearance - 4.6 in | std | — |
| 7-inch TFT LCD meter display | std | — |
| Compass | — | std |
| Engine Starter Ring - Black | std | — |
| Instrument Panel Cluster – 12.3" Color LCD Productivity Screen | — | std |
| Interior Mid Panel - Hard Black | std | — |
| IP Decoration panel - Silver | std | — |
| Rearview mirror - manual day/night | std | — |
| Rotary Gear Shift Dial | — | std |
| Steering wheel - Mechanical tilt & telescopic | std | — |
| Steering Wheel – Vinyl Wrapped / Leather-Wrapped | std | — |
| Day/Night Rearview Mirror – Manually Adjustable | — | std |
| Steering Column – Manual Tilt/Telescoping | — | std |
| Illuminated Visor Vanity Mirrors (Driver and Front Passenger) | std | std |
| Floor Mats – Black Carpet, Front and Second Rows | std | std |
| Overhead Console with Sunglasses Storage | std | std |
| Trip Computer | std | std |
Exterior24 differ · 27 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD | Ford ExplorerActive Base RWD |
|---|---|---|
| 18" Spare Wheel and Jack Kit (76U) | — | opt |
| 19X8.5J inch aluminum alloy wheels with Silver Metallic Finish | std | — |
| 265/55 R19 tires w/ Alloy - Silver | std | — |
| Active Grille Shutters | — | std |
| Badging - AWD | std | — |
| Badging - Inline6 - Chrome | std | — |
| Configurable Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) | — | 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 - LED with Auto-Leveling | std | — |
| LED Daytime Running Lamp | std | — |
| LED Low and High Beam Headlamps with Courtesy Delay / Wiper-Activated | — | std |
| LED Taillamps | — | std |
| LED taillights | std | — |
| Mirrors, Sideview – LED Turn Signal Indicators | std | — |
| Rain-Sensing Wipers (Front Only) | std | — |
| Rhodium White Premium paint | opt | — |
| Roof Rails - aluminum with satin chrome finish | std | — |
| Signature Wing - Chrome | std | — |
| Tire Inflator and Sealant Kit | — | std |
| Wheel arch Molding - Black | std | — |
| Rear-Window Defroster and Washer | — | std |
| Spare Tire Type - Temporary | std | — |
| Mirrors, Sideview – Heated Glass | std | std |
| Privacy Glass – Second Row, Third Row and Liftgate | std | std |
| Rear Spoiler – Body-Color | std | std |
Powertrain13 differ · 13 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD | Ford ExplorerActive Base RWD |
|---|---|---|
| i-ACTIV All-Wheel Drive | std | — |
| Battery Saver | — | std |
| e-SKYACTIV® G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbocharged engine | std | — |
| Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) | — | std |
| Engine – 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 with Auto Start-Stop | — | std |
| i-Stop | std | — |
| Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor® | — | std |
| M Hybrid Boost (48V Mild Hybrid) | std | — |
| Mazda intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive): Sports/Off Road | std | — |
| Off-Road Traction Assist | std | — |
| Selectable Drive Modes | — | std |
| Transmission – 10-Speed Automatic | — | std |
| Transmission, SKYACTIV®-Drive 8-Speed AT with manual-shift mode | std | — |
Chassis4 differ · 4 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD | Ford ExplorerActive Base RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Front Double Wishbone Suspension | std | — |
| Independent Front and Rear Suspension | — | std |
| Independent rear multi-link suspension with stabilizer bar | std | — |
| Kinematic Posture Control (KPC) | std | — |
Cargo3 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD | Ford ExplorerActive Base RWD |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
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Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPMazda CX-90
Safety Signal100 A
NHTSA overall★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover★★★★★ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls0
Owner complaints7 · 0 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained aboutElectrical System (3), Unspecified (2), Steering (2)
Top recalls
No recalls on file.
Ford Explorer
Safety Signal35 F
NHTSA overall★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover★★★★★ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls14 · 2 critical
Owner complaints33 · 2 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained aboutElectrical System (9), Unspecified (9), Engine (6)
Top recalls
- criticalEngine And Engine Cooling26V532000 · 6 vehicles
- criticalEngine25V828000 · 6 vehicles
- highEngine And Engine Cooling26V548000 · 10,001 vehicles
- highSeats26V451000 · 387,911 vehicles
- highEngine And Engine Cooling26V343000 · 1,536 vehicles
- highVisibility26V202000 · 55 vehicles
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD | Ford ExplorerActive Base RWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $39,300 (base trim) | — (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | $39,300 – $58,700 9 trims | — 12 trims |
| Powertrains | PHEV, HEV | GAS |
| EPA configuration compared | CX-90 4WD | Explorer RWD |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 26 | 24 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $3,000 | $2,600 |
| EV range | — | — |
| Basic warranty | — | — |
| Powertrain warranty | — | — |
| Roadside assistance | — | — |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 or the 2026 Ford Explorer?
The Mazda CX-90 wins clearly, 95.5 to 79.3, on safety, tech & comfort. The Ford Explorer is ahead on fuel & range. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Mazda CX-90 scores 95.5 and the 2026 Ford Explorer 79.3. 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 Mazda CX-90 or the 2026 Ford Explorer?
2026 Mazda CX-90: 5 NHTSA stars, grade A, 0 recalls. 2026 Ford Explorer: 5 NHTSA stars, grade F, 14 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 differences between the 2026 Mazda CX-90 and the 2026 Ford Explorer?
This page puts 53 specifications and 148 equipment items side by side, with the better value marked on every row where the direction is unambiguous and the differences listed before the things both cars share.