Choosing a new family SUV? It’s a huge decision. So many options, right? But often, just a few stand out. Today, we’re looking at two big ones. The Mazda CX-90 and the Toyota Highlander. These vehicles own the midsize SUV scene. They offer power, comfort, and cool tech. But how do they truly stack up? How does the CX-90 perform, for example? And which one gives more inside room? I am happy to explore these questions fully. We’ll give you all the facts. This will help you choose wisely.
Performance Comparisons
Engine Specs and Power
Let’s start with their hearts, the engines. This is where the magic happens, you know? The Mazda CX-90 has a strong 3.3-liter engine. It’s an inline-six, quite robust. This engine truly pumps out power. We’re talking about 340 horsepower. It also delivers 369 lb-ft of torque. A mild hybrid system supports this setup. It uses 48-volts to help with efficiency. It also gives a quick boost when needed. Honestly, Mazda always makes fun cars to drive. The CX-90 certainly keeps that going. It sits on a completely new platform. This helps balance its weight better. It also improves how it handles. That makes a real difference. Mazda’s ‘Zoom-Zoom’ philosophy began years ago. It focuses on driver connection. The CX-90 embodies this idea well.
Now, let’s consider the Toyota Highlander. Its standard engine is a 2.4-liter turbo. It’s an inline-four, offering 265 horsepower. You also get 309 lb-ft of torque. The Highlander also has a hybrid model. That one combines for 243 horsepower. But the standard engine lacks that punch. To be honest, it just doesn’t feel as strong. The CX-90 clearly wins on raw power. Toyota designed the Highlander for efficiency. It gets an estimated 21 mpg in the city. On the highway, it reaches 29 mpg. That’s from the EPA, by the way. You can check these figures at the official FuelEconomy.gov site. Saving gas is super important, no doubt. But some drivers really crave power. They want a quick response, you know? That’s where the CX-90 truly shines. But here’s the thing: Not everyone thinks speed is everything. Many folks value a car’s dependability. Toyota has an amazing reputation for that. Their vehicles run forever, it seems. Some say power is just a number. They prefer proven reliability. It’s a valid point, honestly. Think about ride-sharing companies. They often pick Highlanders for durability. They just keep going and going.
Speed and Control
How a car feels when you drive it matters. Think about it, that road connection. Quick acceleration is a big deal. The Mazda CX-90 truly gets up and goes. It hits 60 mph in about 5.8 seconds. That’s super quick for an SUV its size. Its turbocharged engine makes this possible. The vehicle also feels lighter somehow. It feels more agile than rivals. Now, the Toyota Highlander is different. It takes around 7.5 seconds to hit 60. This is according to various road tests. That’s a noticeable difference in speed. It impacts how you drive every day. Imagine needing to pass someone fast. That extra power truly helps.
But here’s the thing about handling. The CX-90 truly stands alone here. Mazda wants you to enjoy driving. You can feel that in their design. Its steering feels very exact. The suspension reacts quickly to the road. It honestly drives like a smaller, sportier car. Not a big SUV at all. Drivers say they connect with the road. You really feel those turns. The Highlander can certainly drive well. However, it leans toward comfort. It gives you a softer, calmer ride. This won’t please every driver. Some people like to feel involved. They want to feel the road beneath them. Toyota aims for calm family trips. It offers a different kind of charm. It’s a classic, smooth family cruiser. Automotive critics often praise Mazda’s driving dynamics. They call them ‘driver’s cars’. Toyota often gets praise for ride comfort. It’s a matter of taste, really.
Interior Space and Comfort
Size and Storage
Let’s step inside these SUVs. For families, inside room is everything. I believe it often decides the purchase. The Mazda CX-90 stretches out a bit. It’s 198.3 inches long, to be exact. It’s 75.4 inches wide and 68.7 inches tall. This makes for a really big cabin. When seats are down, you get 74.2 cubic feet. That’s its maximum storage capacity. This is quite generous, honestly. You can pack so much gear for trips. Or just handle all your errands. Think about grocery day, for instance!
The Toyota Highlander is just a bit different. It’s 196.3 inches long, for example. It measures 76 inches wide. And it’s 68.1 inches tall. The Highlander offers more cargo room overall. You get 84.3 cubic feet with seats folded. That’s a slight edge over the CX-90. But truly, the difference is not huge. Both SUVs fit families very comfortably. No massive gap makes one clearly better. Imagine loading a stroller and luggage. Both of them handle that job easily. Always measure your biggest items. This helps you visualize the space. It saves frustration later on.
Passenger Comfort
Passenger comfort is super important too. The CX-90 feels more upscale, from my perspective. It uses nicer materials inside. The overall design feels quite fancy. Front seats give excellent support. They are truly comfortable, even on long drives. The second row fits adults just fine. The third row is okay for short rides. It’s definitely better suited for kids. Or for quick trips with extra passengers. Imagine a long trip with adults squeezed back there. No one wants that, right?
The Highlander also offers a comfy cabin. Its interior feels well put together. The tech is also easy to figure out. Second-row seats feel very roomy. The third row gives slightly more legroom. This helps compared to the CX-90. This makes it a better pick for larger families. Especially if you carry many people often. Toyota built it with that in mind. For carpools, that extra space helps. It’s great for multi-generational travel too. Some folks say its third row is easier to get into. This helps older kids or even adults. Others say the Highlander’s third row still feels tight. It depends on who you’re carrying.
Technology and Features
Infotainment Systems
Both SUVs are full of smart tech. The Mazda CX-90 has a 10.25-inch screen. You control it with a simple dial. Many find this dial easier to use. It feels more natural than touching a screen. It handles Apple CarPlay and Android Auto easily. So your phone connects right up. The CX-90 also has a great sound system. This makes any drive much better. Especially on those long family trips. Who doesn’t love good road trip tunes?
The Toyota Highlander does something different. It offers a bigger 12.3-inch touchscreen. This screen is in the nicer models. The system responds quickly to touch. It also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. But some people find it less straightforward. It might take time to learn, especially new users. However, it has many safety tools. These are part of Toyota’s Safety Sense. You get adaptive cruise control, for example. It warns if you drift lanes. It also brakes automatically in emergencies. Frankly, these safety features are amazing. A huge benefit for any family, really. Some drivers prefer physical buttons. They find them less distracting on the road. Others love big touchscreens, it’s a modern feel.
Safety Ratings
Safety is the most important thing. Especially when choosing a family SUV. Both the CX-90 and Highlander did well. They performed well in crash tests, thankfully. The CX-90 earned five stars. That’s from the NHTSA, the government’s safety group. It also got a Top Safety Pick+. That award is from IIHS, another top safety group. The Highlander also earned top safety scores. It received five stars from NHTSA too. And it’s a Top Safety Pick+ winner. Both cars offer tons of safety tech. That’s truly reassuring for any family. You just don’t compromise on safety. It’s good to know both brands care. They really put safety first. Accident data shows modern SUVs are safer. Advanced driver-assist systems help prevent crashes.
Fuel Efficiency and Cost of Ownership
Fuel Economy
Thinking about gas mileage is huge now. It’s on everyone’s mind, honestly. The Mazda CX-90 gets 24 mpg in the city. It achieves 28 mpg on the highway. That’s what the EPA estimates, by the way. It’s decent for an SUV its size. But it doesn’t quite hit Highlander’s numbers. The Toyota Highlander’s standard engine is different. It gets 21 mpg in the city. On the highway, it reaches 29 mpg. But here’s the thing: The hybrid Highlander is a game changer. It delivers an amazing 36 mpg city. And 35 mpg on the highway, wow! This big difference truly affects your wallet. Especially if you drive a ton. Imagine filling up way less often. That sounds pretty fantastic, doesn’t it? Calculate your yearly fuel costs. You might be surprised by the savings.
Cost of Ownership
Owning a car means thinking about costs. Maintenance and repairs add up, you know? Honestly, Toyota cars are known to last. They’re famous for being super reliable. Their long-term care costs are usually less. Studies often confirm this for Toyota vehicles. They tend to have lower average repair bills. This is compared to many other brands. Mazda also makes trustworthy cars. But it might not offer the same savings. This is worth a real thought. Especially for those who plan to keep their SUV for many years. It could save you significant money. Fleet companies often choose Toyota. They track maintenance rigorously. Low ownership costs are key for them.
Future Trends and Predictions
What about the road ahead for these SUVs? Their competition will definitely change. More buyers care about our planet. So, hybrid and electric cars are growing fast. Toyota is already way ahead here. Their hybrid tech is fully proven. It’s been around for a while. Mazda is also looking at electric options. They have some interesting new models coming. I believe both companies will offer more green cars. This will happen over the next 5 to 10 years. Customers will get so many more choices. Car makers must keep inventing. They need to win over more buyers. The shift to eco-friendly cars is real. It will truly shape these models. It’s an exciting time for car design. I am excited to see what comes next. Auto analysts predict rapid EV adoption. Battery technology will keep improving. Charging infrastructure will expand widely. This will make electric SUVs more practical. Maybe we’ll see hydrogen fuel cell SUVs too.
In Conclusion
Okay, let’s bring this all together. How do the CX-90 and Highlander truly compare? And which SUV offers more family room? For pure performance, the CX-90 wins. It has a mighty engine, for starters. It offers fun, precise handling. Its acceleration is also much faster. The Highlander has less power overall. But it truly shines in fuel efficiency. Its amazing hybrid option changes everything. It’s perfect for buyers who care about the environment.
Regarding inside room, both are spacious. The Highlander has a bit more cargo space. Its third row feels slightly more comfy. However, the CX-90 feels more premium inside. It also gives you a more exciting drive. That’s a big deal for some drivers. Ultimately, your choice is deeply personal. What matters most to you? If driving fun and power are key, pick CX-90. But if you need gas savings and practical space, the Highlander might be your perfect match. It truly comes down to your needs. Take both for a test drive. Feel the difference for yourself. That’s always the best advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which SUV has better fuel efficiency?
The Toyota Highlander, especially its hybrid model, uses less gas. It beats the Mazda CX-90 in fuel economy.
Is the Mazda CX-90 more powerful than the Toyota Highlander?
Yes, the CX-90’s engine makes more horsepower and torque. It surpasses the Highlander’s standard engine.
Which vehicle is better for families?
Both SUVs work well for families. Your choice depends on if you need more interior room or better performance.
Are there significant safety differences between the two?
No, both SUVs have excellent safety ratings. They include many advanced safety features.
What can we expect from future models of these SUVs?
Future models will likely offer more hybrid and electric choices. The market is shifting towards greener cars.
Does the Mazda CX-90 offer a hybrid option similar to the Highlander?
The CX-90 has a mild-hybrid system. The Highlander offers a full hybrid option for greater fuel savings.
Which SUV offers a smoother ride?
The Toyota Highlander typically provides a softer ride. It focuses more on passenger comfort.
Which SUV has more upscale interior materials?
The Mazda CX-90 generally feels more luxurious inside. It uses higher-quality cabin materials.
Is the third row usable for adults in either SUV?
The Highlander’s third row offers slightly more legroom. It is better for occasional adult use.
Which SUV is better for long road trips?
Both are great. The CX-90 offers more power. The Highlander has better fuel economy.
How do their infotainment systems compare?
The CX-90 uses a rotary controller. The Highlander has a larger touchscreen. Both support popular smartphone apps.
Are there differences in warranty coverage?
Warranty details can vary. Always check the specific manufacturer’s latest terms.
Which SUV generally holds its value better?
Historically, Toyota vehicles often maintain their resale value well. Mazda also performs strongly.
Do these SUVs offer all-wheel drive?
Yes, both the CX-90 and Highlander offer all-wheel drive options. This improves traction in various conditions.
Which one is easier to park?
Their sizes are similar. Both feature parking aids. Neither is significantly easier to park.
Does the CX-90 feel sporty?
Yes, the Mazda CX-90 is known for its sportier driving feel. It emphasizes driver connection.
What is Toyota’s Safety Sense?
It’s a suite of safety features from Toyota. This includes things like adaptive cruise control.
Can both SUVs tow a trailer?
Yes, both models offer towing capabilities. Always check specific capacities for your needs.
What about road noise inside each vehicle?
Both offer quiet cabins. The Highlander might feel slightly calmer due to its softer suspension.
Which car has a better reputation for long-term reliability?
Toyota historically has a very strong reputation for long-term reliability. Mazda also performs well.
