Head-to-head
2026 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander edges it, 91.6 to 86.7, on fuel & range, safety. The Mazda CX-90 is ahead on performance and space & cargo. Raise the performance weight from 2 to 3.7 and it flips.
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 …
Verdict · default weights
2026 Toyota Highlander
Slight edgeThe Toyota Highlander edges it, 91.6 to 86.7, on fuel & range, safety. The Mazda CX-90 is ahead on performance and space & cargo. Raise the performance weight from 2 to 3.7 and it flips.
Fuel & range2026 Toyota Highlander leads by 35.2
Performance2026 Mazda CX-90 leads by 33.6
Safety2026 Toyota Highlander leads by 10.2
| Category · weight | 2026 Mazda CX-90overall 86.7 | 2026 Toyota Highlanderoverall 91.6 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricew 4 | no data | no data |
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 64.8 | 100 |
| Safetyw 4 | 89.8 | 100 |
| Space & cargow 2 | 100 | 87.5 |
| Performancew 2 | 100 | 66.4 |
| Tech & comfortw 3 | no data | no data |
| Warrantyw 2 | no data | no data |
| Overall | 86.7 | 91.6 |
Mazda CX-90: base trim 3.3 Turbo Select AWD · Toyota Highlander: model-level data. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Raise the performance weight from 2 to 3.7 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.
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Specifications side by side
51 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | $39,300 | — |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | twin turbo | — |
| Cylinder count | 6 | — |
| Engine displacement | 3,283 cc | — |
| Engine type (full description) | e-SKYACTIV G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbocharged | — |
| 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 | — |
| Transmission speeds | 8 | — |
| Transmission type | 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 | — |
| Rear suspension type | Multi-Link | — |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Rack and Pinion | — |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | 38.1 ft | — |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | 328 mm | — |
| Front brake type | ventilated disc | — |
| Parking brake type | Electric | — |
| Rear brake diameter | 350 mm | — |
| Rear brake type | ventilated disc | — |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 19 in | — |
| Wheel material | alloy | — |
| Wheel width | 8.5 in | — |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | 265/55 R19 | — |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | 18.5 gal | — |
| Minimum recommended octane | 87 | — |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | Mazda Connected Services | — |
| 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
88 features · differences first, then sharedSafety21 differ · 21 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) with Stop and Go | std | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | std | — |
| Lane Departure Warning System | std | — |
| Lane-keep Assist | 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 | — |
| Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) w/ Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) | std | — |
| Auto-hold Function | std | — |
| Blind Spot Monitoring with Vehicle Exit Warning | std | — |
| Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control (TCS) and Trailer Stability Control | std | — |
| Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control (TCS) and Trailer Stability Control | std | — |
| Electric Parking Brake (EPB) | std | — |
| Front and Rear Seat Belt Pretensioners with Load Limiters | std | — |
| High Beam Control (HBC) | std | — |
| Hill Launch Assist | std | — |
| Rear Seat Alert | std | — |
| Rear View Monitor (static guide lines) | std | — |
| Smart Brake Support (Automatic Emergency Braking) | std | — |
| Engine immobilizer anti-theft system | std | — |
Infotainment13 differ · 13 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Mazda Connect 4G LTE Wi-Fi powered by AT&T | std | — |
| 10.25" Full Color Center Display | std | — |
| 8-speaker sound system | std | — |
| Alexa Built-In | std | — |
| Android Auto™ integration (wired) | std | — |
| Apple CarPlay™ integration (wired) | std | — |
| Mazda Connect 4G LTE Wi-Fi powered by AT&T | std | — |
| Mazda Roadside Assistance | std | — |
| Multi-Function Commander Control | std | — |
| Paddle Shifters | std | — |
| Remote Services: remote engine start / remote door lock / unlock / remote hazard light | std | — |
| Steering wheel-mounted audio, phone and cruise controls | std | — |
| USB Inputs - Center Console (2 ports) Type C x 4 (Front x 2 and Rear x 2) | std | — |
Convenience3 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry & Start System | std | — |
| Power Rear Liftgate with programmable height adjustment | std | — |
| 12V power outlet | std | — |
Climate2 differ · 2 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Air conditioning - automatic climate control operation with three zones | std | — |
| 3rd Row AC vents | std | — |
Seating6 differ · 6 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd-row bench seats with 60/40 split fold-down reclining | std | — |
| 8-way power adjustable driver's seat w/ power lumbar support and 2-position memory | 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 | — |
Interior12 differ · 12 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd row Rear knee clearance - 4.6 in | std | — |
| 7-inch TFT LCD meter display | std | — |
| Engine Starter Ring - Black | std | — |
| Interior Mid Panel - Hard Black | std | — |
| IP Decoration panel - Silver | std | — |
| Leather wrapped shift knob and steering wheel | std | — |
| Rearview mirror - manual day/night | std | — |
| Steering wheel - Mechanical tilt & telescopic | std | — |
| Sun visors - dual covered vanity mirrors w/ illumination | 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 | — |
Exterior19 differ · 19 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — |
| Body-colored power side mirrors with integrated LED turn signals | 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 taillights | std | — |
| Rain Sensing, Variable Intermittent Windshield Wipers | std | — |
| Rhodium White Premium paint | opt | — |
| Roof Rails - aluminum with satin chrome finish | std | — |
| Side Mirrors - driver and passenger heated | std | — |
| Signature Wing - Chrome | std | — |
| Wheel arch Molding - Black | std | — |
| Privacy glass on rear side windows & rear lift gate | std | — |
| Rear Roof Spoiler - Body Color | std | — |
| Spare Tire Type - Temporary | std | — |
Powertrain7 differ · 7 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| i-ACTIV All-Wheel Drive | 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 | — |
Chassis3 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select AWD | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Toyota Highlander
Safety Signal100 A
NHTSA overall★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover★★★★☆ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls0
Owner complaints2 · 0 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained aboutBack 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 Highlander | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $39,300 (base trim) | — |
| Price range across trims | $39,300 – $58,700 9 trims | — |
| Powertrains | PHEV, HEV | HEV, GAS |
| EPA configuration compared | CX-90 4WD | Highlander Hybrid AWD |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 26 | 35 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $3,000 | $1,800 |
| 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 Toyota Highlander?
The Toyota Highlander edges it, 91.6 to 86.7, on fuel & range, safety. The Mazda CX-90 is ahead on performance and space & cargo. Raise the performance weight from 2 to 3.7 and it flips. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Toyota Highlander scores 91.6 and the 2026 Mazda CX-90 86.7. 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 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 differences between the 2026 Mazda CX-90 and the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
This page puts 51 specifications and 88 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.