Head-to-head
2026 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander edges it, 94.8 to 90.4, on fuel & range, safety, space & cargo. The Mazda CX-90 is ahead on price and performance.
A
2026 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…
vs
A2026 Toyota Highlander
The 2026 Toyota Highlander is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid and gas large SUV with 3 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
2026 Toyota Highlander
Slight edgeThe Toyota Highlander edges it, 94.8 to 90.4, on fuel & range, safety, space & cargo. The Mazda CX-90 is ahead on price and performance.
Fuel & range 2026 Toyota Highlander leads by 35
Price 2026 Mazda CX-90 leads by 13.8
Safety 2026 Toyota Highlander leads by 3.8
| Category · weight | 2026 Mazda CX-90overall 90.4 | 2026 Toyota Highlanderoverall 94.8 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricew 4 | 100 | 86.2 | |||||||||||||||
Base MSRP of the trim (or the model's lowest trim). Lower is better. | |||||||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 65 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | |||||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 90.8 | 94.6 | |||||||||||||||
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 | 90.6 | 95.9 | |||||||||||||||
Seats, cargo volume behind the 1st and 2nd rows, rear legroom. | |||||||||||||||||
| Performancew 2 | 98.9 | 95.7 | |||||||||||||||
Horsepower, torque and horsepower per ton. | |||||||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 96.7 | 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 | 90.4 | 94.8 | |||||||||||||||
Trim vs trim · 6 of 7 categories compared
Mazda CX-90: base trim 3.3 Turbo Select AWD · Toyota Highlander: base trim XLE 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 2026 Toyota Highlander wins
- It has drawn fewer owner complaints (4 against 15 filed with NHTSA).
- It costs $1,250 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($1,900 against $3,150).
- It is rated 35 combined against 26 (EPA mpg or MPGe).
Where the 2026 Mazda CX-90 answers
- It lists 21 standard driver-assist features against 12.
- It starts $6,270 lower ($39,300 against $45,570 base MSRP).
What they share
- 5 NHTSA stars.
- A Safety Signal of 100.
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 AWD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | $39,300 | $45,570 |
| 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) | 23 mpg | 21 mpg |
| MPG (combined) | 25 mpg | 24 mpg |
| MPG (highway) | 28 mpg | 28 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 | 68.3 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 | 74.2 cu-ft | 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 | 7 |
| 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) | 4,846 lbs | 4,376 lbs |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 4,846 lbs | 4,376 lbs |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | 6,854 lbs | 5,970 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 M+S | 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 Connected Services |
| Connected services trial (premium tier) | — | 12 months |
| Connected services trial (standard tier) | — | 60 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
120 features · differences first, then sharedSafety19 differ · 26 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go | std | — |
| Lane Departure Warning System | std | — |
| Lane-keep Assist | std | — |
| Downhill Assist Control (DAC) | — | std |
| Auto-hold Function | std | — |
| Backup camera with projected path | — | std |
| Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) | — | std |
| Blind Spot Monitoring with Vehicle Exit Warning | std | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | std | — |
| High Beam Control (HBC) | std | — |
| Hill Descent Control | 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 | — |
| 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 |
| Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) (individual tires) | — | std |
| Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) | std | std |
| Trailer Sway Control (TSC) | std | std |
| Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) | 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 |
| Traction Control (TRAC) | std | std |
| Anti-theft system with alarm and engine immobilizer | std | std |
Infotainment21 differ · 21 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Assistance Button (SOS) | — | std |
| Stolen Vehicle Locator | — | std |
| Wi-Fi Connect — includes AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot and Integrated Streaming (Apple Music® and Amazon Music) compatibility | — | 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 |
| 10.25" Full Color Center Display | std | — |
| 12.3-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia with wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ compatibility, USB media port, four USB charge ports, hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology, SiriusXM® with 3-month trial subscription | — | opt |
| 6-speaker audio system | — | std |
| 8-speaker sound system | std | — |
| 8.0-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia with wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ compatibility, SiriusXM® with 3-month trial subscription | — | std |
| Alexa Built-In | 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 |
| Five USB ports (one USB-A media port and four USB-C charging ports) and two 12V outlets | — | std |
| Mazda Connect 4G LTE Wi-Fi powered by AT&T | std | — |
| Over-the-Air (OTA) updates | — | std |
| Paddle Shifters | std | — |
| Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging with charge indicator light | — | std |
| Service Connect — receive personalized maintenance updates and vehicle health reports | — | std |
| USB Inputs - Center Console Type C x 4 (Front x 2 and Rear x 2) | std | — |
Convenience2 differ · 5 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Height-adjustable hands-free power liftgate with jam protection | — | std |
| Power Rear Liftgate with programmable height adjustment | 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 |
| Power windows with auto up/down in all positions and jam protection | std | std |
| Two 12V outlets | std | std |
Climate1 differ · 2 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Seating12 differ · 13 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd-row bench seats with 60/40 split fold-down reclining | std | — |
| Heated front seats | — | std |
| 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat including power lumbar support | — | std |
| 3rd row seats - 3 seats (60/40 split fold-down) | std | — |
| 4-way manual front passenger seat | std | — |
| 7-passenger seating with second-row fold-down captain's chairs and fold-down inboard armrests, adjustable headrests and two cup holders mounted on the floor; and 60/40 split, fold-flat third-row seats with sliding headrests and recline function | — | 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 | — | opt |
| 8-way power adjustable driver's seat w/ power lumbar support (without memory) | std | — |
| 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat | — | std |
| Max Seating Capacity | std | — |
| Seat Material - Leatherette | std | — |
| SofTex®-trimmed front- and second-row seats; heated front seats; 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat including power lumbar support; 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat | — | std |
| 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat | std | std |
Interior12 differ · 13 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® universal garage door opener | — | 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 | — |
| Interior Mid Panel - Hard Black | std | — |
| Leather-trimmed shift knob and heated tilt/telescopic leather-trimmed steering wheel | std | — |
| Second-row sunshades | — | std |
| Silver-painted dashboard trim and painted door trim | — | std |
| Rearview mirror - manual day/night | std | — |
| Dual sun visors with sliding function and illuminated vanity mirrors | — | std |
| Floor mats - carpeted front, 2nd-row and 3rd-row | std | — |
| Storage - overhead console with sunglasses holder | std | — |
| Trip computer - Odometer, Trip meter A & B | std | — |
| Dual sun visors with sliding function and illuminated vanity mirrors | std | std |
Exterior23 differ · 28 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade and one-touch open/close | — | std |
| LED projector headlights | — | std |
| 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 | — |
| High Solar Energy-Absorbing (HSEA) glass on front side windows | — | std |
| LED fog lights | — | std |
| Outside mirrors with turn signal indicators | — | std |
| Rain-sensing washer-linked variable intermittent windshield wipers and intermittent rear wiper | std | — |
| Rear liftgate windshield washer and backup camera washer | — | std |
| Rear spoiler with LED center high-mount stop light | — | std |
| Rear window defogger with timer | std | — |
| Roof Rails - aluminum with satin chrome finish | std | — |
| Signature Wing - Chrome | std | — |
| Silver-painted roof rails | — | std |
| Wheel arch Molding - Black | std | — |
| Windshield wiper de-icer | — | std |
| Rear liftgate windshield defogger | — | std |
| Front and rear mudguards | — | std |
| Rear Roof Spoiler - Body Color | std | — |
| Heated power outside mirrors | std | std |
| LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) | std | std |
| LED taillights | std | std |
| Privacy glass on rear side, quarter and liftgate windows | std | std |
| Temporary spare tire/wheel | std | std |
Powertrain6 differ · 7 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| e-SKYACTIV® G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbocharged engine | std | — |
| Electric Parking Brake (EPB) | 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 | — |
| All-Wheel Drive | std | std |
Chassis3 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Front Double Wishbone Suspension | std | — |
| Independent rear multi-link suspension with stabilizer bar | std | — |
| Kinematic Posture Control (KPC) | std | — |
Cargo2 differ · 2 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 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 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.
Toyota Highlander
Safety Signal 100 A
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★☆ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls 0
Owner complaints 4 · 0 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Back Over Prevention (1), Visibility/Wiper (1), Power Train (1)
Top recalls
No recalls on file.
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $39,300 (base trim) | $45,570 (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | $39,300 – $58,700 9 trims | $45,570 – $54,975 7 trims |
| Powertrains | PHEV, HEV | HEV, GAS |
| EPA configuration compared | CX-90 4WD | Highlander Hybrid AWD |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 26 | 35 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $3,150 | $1,900 |
| 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 2026 Mazda CX-90 or the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
The Toyota Highlander edges it, 94.8 to 90.4, on fuel & range, safety, space & cargo. The Mazda CX-90 is ahead on price and performance. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Toyota Highlander scores 94.8 and the 2026 Mazda CX-90 90.4. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which is cheaper, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 or the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 starts lower — $39,300 against $45,570, a gap of $6,270 at the trims compared here. Both are manufacturer MSRPs before destination, options and dealer charges.
Which has the better safety record, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 or the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
2026 Mazda CX-90: 5 NHTSA stars, grade A, 0 recalls. 2026 Toyota Highlander: 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 Mazda CX-90 and the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
Where the 2026 Toyota Highlander wins: it has drawn fewer owner complaints (4 against 15 filed with NHTSA), costs $1,250 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($1,900 against $3,150), and is rated 35 combined against 26 (EPA mpg or MPGe). Where the 2026 Mazda CX-90 answers: it lists 21 standard driver-assist features against 12 and starts $6,270 lower ($39,300 against $45,570 base MSRP). What they share: 5 NHTSA stars and a Safety Signal of 100.