If you’re in the U.S. and hunting for a spacious, feature-packed three-row SUV that’s not a minivan, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander vs Mazda CX-90 comparison is one you can’t ignore. Both are big on comfort, loaded with tech, and ready to haul kids, gear, and groceries without breaking a sweat.
Both are large on consolation, loaded with tech, and ready to haul children, gear, and groceries with out breaking a sweat. But they take distinct processes — one is a practical human beings-mover, the other leans into luxury and driving a laugh. Here’s how they stack up in 5 key areas.
1. Electricity: Mazda Brings the Muscle
The Mazda CX-ninety is the handiest one right here with a six-cylinder engine, giving it a critical side in smoothness and grunt.
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CX-90 gasoline models get a 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six with up to 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
All-wheel force and an eight-velocity computerized are fashionable.
Meanwhile, the Grand Highlander sticks with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 265 hp. It’s punchy enough for daily use, but not as delicate as Mazda’s silky inline-six. Front-wheel drive comes wellknown, AWD is optional.

2. Hybrids: Toyota is going traditional, Mazda goes Plug-In
Toyota offers two hybrid selections — a 245-hp base hybrid and a 362-hp Hybrid Max — but neither plugs in.
Mazda’s CX-90 PHEV pairs a 2.5-liter engine with an electric powered motor for 323 hp and up to twenty-five miles of electrical-only using.
Fuel economy:
- CX-ninety PHEV: 56 MPGe / 25 mpg blended
- Grand Highlander Hybrid: as much as 36 mpg blended (FWD)
- Hybrid Max: as low as 22 mpg blended with AWD
If you need short daily commutes with out the use of fuel, Mazda wins. In case you want a hybrid below $45k, Toyota’s your choose.

3. Space: Toyota Takes the Crown
0.33-row consolation is a dealbreaker for plenty households, and here Toyota dominates:
Grand Highlander third row: 33.Five inches legroom
- CX-90 1/3 row: 30.Four inches
- Shipment space is any other win for Toyota:
- In the back of 0.33 row: 20.6 cu-ft (Toyota) vs. 15.9 cu-toes (Mazda)
- Max capability: 97.5 cu-feet (Toyota) vs. Seventy five.2 cu-feet (Mazda)
For road trips, sports tools, or Costco hauls — the Grand Highlander is your friend.
4. Seating alternatives: Mazda gives a Six-Seater
Each SUVs can seat up to 8, but only Mazda gives a six-seat format with plush 2nd-row captain’s chairs in better trims.
The Toyota’s 2d row is greater realistic thanks to a removable center console, making it easier to reach the 0.33 row — excellent for parents with small children.

5. Price: Mazda begins lower, Toyota’s Hybrid Is inexpensive
Toyota offers two hybrid selections — a 245-hp base hybrid and a 362-hp Hybrid Max — but neither plugs in.
Mazda’s CX-90 PHEV pairs a 2.5-liter engine with an electric powered motor for 323 hp and up to twenty-five miles of electrical-only using.
Grand Highlander base fee: $41,360 ($42,960 with AWD)
Mazda undercuts Toyota at the low give up, however Toyota’s base hybrid ($forty four,710) is heaps less than Mazda’s PHEV ($49,945). Pinnacle trims for each push into the excessive $50K variety.
Final Thoughts:
In case you need sporty coping with, a easy six-cylinder, and a plug-in alternative, the Mazda CX-ninety is your SUV.
In case you need most area, realistic circle of relatives functions, and a greater less expensive hybrid, go together with the Toyota Grand Highlander.
Both are awesome alternatives — it just depends if your own family values riding pleasure or ordinary practicality extra.
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