Mazda CX-90 vs the field
Every head-to-head WhichTrim has scored for the CX-90: 16 comparisons against 13 rivals across the 2025–2026 model years, each on price, fuel, safety, space, performance, tech and warranty from EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer data — the weights yours to change on any of them.
By rival
13 rivals · verdicts at default weightsJeep Grand CherokeeCX-90 leads 2–0
Toyota Highlanderlevel 1–1
Ford ExplorerCX-90 leads 2–0
Kia TellurideTelluride leads 1–0
Hyundai PalisadePalisade leads 1–0
Honda PilotPilot leads 1–0
Toyota 4RunnerCX-90 leads 1–0
Toyota SequoiaCX-90 leads 1–0
Ford ExpeditionCX-90 leads 1–0
Jeep WagoneerWagoneer leads 1–0
Honda ProloguePrologue leads 1–0
Clear win 6+ points · Edge 2–6 · Toss-up under 2. Open any pair for the scorecard, the biggest gaps in words and the sliders.
Where the CX-90 wins and loses
16 scored head-to-headsThe CX-90 leads on price in 7 of 7, safety in 11 of 16, tech & comfort in 9 of 15; it trails on fuel & range in 12 of 16, space & cargo in 10 of 14, performance in 8 of 14. Category scores are 0–100 from the data on each pair page; a lead here means the CX-90 scored higher in that category, whatever the weights.
| Category | CX-90 leads | Trails | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | 7 of 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel & range | 4 of 16 | 12 | 0 |
| Safety | 11 of 16 | 5 | 0 |
| Space & cargo | 4 of 14 | 10 | 0 |
| Performance | 6 of 14 | 8 | 0 |
| Tech & comfort | 9 of 15 | 6 | 0 |
Common questions about the Mazda CX-90 head-to-heads
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the Mazda CX-90 or the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The Mazda CX-90 wins clearly, 98 to 60.1, on tech & comfort, safety, space & cargo. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is ahead on fuel & range and performance. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Mazda CX-90 comes out ahead in the newest scored pairing (2026 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee). Open the full comparison to change the weights.
Which is better, the Mazda CX-90 or the 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 comes out ahead in the newest scored pairing (2026 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Toyota Highlander). Open the full comparison to change the weights.
Which is better, the Mazda CX-90 or the Ford Explorer?
The Mazda CX-90 wins clearly, 96 to 88.4, on safety, tech & comfort. The Ford Explorer is ahead on fuel & range. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Mazda CX-90 comes out ahead in the newest scored pairing (2026 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Mazda CX-90). Open the full comparison to change the weights.
Which is better, the Mazda CX-90 or the Kia Telluride?
The Kia Telluride edges it, 94 to 92, on tech & comfort, space & cargo, fuel & range. The Mazda CX-90 is ahead on safety. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2025 Kia Telluride comes out ahead in the newest scored pairing (2025 Kia Telluride vs 2025 Mazda CX-90). Open the full comparison to change the weights.
Which is better, the Mazda CX-90 or the Hyundai Palisade?
The Hyundai Palisade wins clearly, 95.4 to 87.8, on fuel & range, tech & comfort, space & cargo. The Mazda CX-90 is ahead on safety and performance. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Hyundai Palisade comes out ahead in the newest scored pairing (2026 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Hyundai Palisade). Open the full comparison to change the weights.
Where does the Mazda CX-90 win and lose against its rivals?
The CX-90 leads on price in 7 of 7, safety in 11 of 16, tech & comfort in 9 of 15; it trails on fuel & range in 12 of 16, space & cargo in 10 of 14, performance in 8 of 14. Every count comes from the category scores on the pair pages linked above, which use EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press-kit data.
How does WhichTrim decide which vehicle wins?
Each of seven categories — price, fuel and range, safety, space and cargo, performance, tech and comfort, warranty — is scored 0–100 from the data on the page. Relative measures give 100 to the better vehicle and a proportional share to the other; NHTSA stars and the Safety Signal use their own scales. The overall score is the weighted mean at the default weights (price 4, safety 4, fuel 3, tech 3, space 2, performance 2, warranty 2). A margin of 6 points or more is a clear win, 2 to 6 an edge, under 2 a toss-up. Every pair page has sliders to set your own weights.