Demand for 3-row midsize hybrid SUVs continues to rise, whether that’s for conventional hybrids or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). These SUVs can be pricey, so saving a bit on gas helps take the sting out of that monthly payment.
Finding a new vehicle to take home can be challenging enough, but adding a factor like which type of hybrid to buy can complicate the decision. Let’s use this comparison of the Mazda CX-90 PHEV and Toyota Highlander Hybrid to help provide some clarity.
2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV
Mazda has completed the makeover of its SUV lineup, and the flagship, the Mazda CX-90 PHEV, has been worth the wait. The CX-90 is a handsome upgrade over the CX-9 it replaced, featuring an upscale design and all-wheel drive (AWD) for all versions.
Mazda is known for providing great value, and the non-hybrid version of the CX-90 does precisely that. However, the CX-90 PHEV aims to take on the SUV market’s premium segment without necessarily having a premium price. Speaking of premium, the 2025 version gets a new midgrade trim, Premium Sport, which is distinguished by its mainly black exterior details. Additionally, all three trims now enjoy a 12.3-inch infotainment display, wireless phone integration and charging, and parking sensors at both ends of the vehicle.
2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Highlights
Upping the power: The CX-90 PHEV puts out a combined 323 horsepower — quite a bit more than its non-hybrid sibling that puts out 280 hp from its 3.3-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder.
Plug-in capability: The CX-90 can travel 26 miles solely on battery power, which is more than enough to get most folks to the store and back with a run to pick up a child from practice or an extracurricular activity. EV mode on the Highlander Hybrid is more restricted.
Talk to me: Mazda Connect, the brand’s voice control for the infotainment system, Pandora integration, and emergency notifications are now standard in all Mazda CX-90 hybrids.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CX-90 PHEV models for sale near you.
2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The Highlander Hybrid enjoys an advantage over many competitors: It doesn’t look like a hybrid. Other than a small badge, it looks just like its gas-only sibling. While being a hybrid isn’t bad, sometimes they come with some unique styling quirks that make them easy to spot.
The Highlander Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to an electric motor to produce a total of 243 hp. For 2025, the Highlander Hybrid comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD). You’ll also have the option to celebrate a quarter century of the Highlander with the Limited 25th Edition package, which gives you silver accents, 25th Edition branding all over the Hybrid Limited model, a panoramic view monitor, and a choice of Heavy Metal or Wind Chill Pearl paint.
A spacious cabin features room for up to eight in a 3-row configuration. As good people haulers do, it offers plenty of technology to keep passengers comfortable and entertained during transit and safe with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5. The popular Nightshade appearance package is available on the Hybrid XLE trim.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid Highlights
Custom experience: Scrolling through the Highlander Hybrid’s drive modes changes its personality. Normal and Eco modes are suitable for daily duties, Sport mode makes it feel more spry, and EV mode allows electric-only driving at very low speeds for very short distances, like in parking lots and in reverse.
Safety standard: All Highlander Hybrid models come with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which features driving aids like adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
Fuel efficiency: If you’re buying a hybrid, you’re expecting good gas mileage. The Highlander Hybrid doesn’t disappoint with 35 mpg combined.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Highlander Hybrid models for sale near you.
Similarities
The Mazda CX-90 PHEV and Toyota Highlander Hybrid feature attractive exterior styling, a spacious 3-row interior, and an impressive array of safety and convenience technology.
Pricing
New 2025 MAZDA CX-90 PHEV Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (43085)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$51,400 |
$49,719 |
|||
$56,355 |
$54,546 |
|||
$59,405 |
$57,836 |
New 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (43085)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$47,770 |
$46,513 |
|||
$48,770 |
$46,887 |
|||
$52,225 |
$51,321 |
|||
$54,430 |
$52,361 |
|||
$55,425 |
$54,039 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 MAZDA CX-90 PHEV vehicles and New 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV | 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder hybrid | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder hybrid |
| Horsepower | 323 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 243 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 175 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | CVT |
| Fuel Economy | 25 mpg combined; 56 MPGe electric plus gas | 35 city/35 highway/35 combined |
| Also Available | Turbo inline 6-cylinder | AWD; 2.4-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety Rating | 5-Star | 5-Star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 8 | 8 |
| Wheelbase | 122.8 inches | 112.2 inches |
| Overall Length | 200.8 inches | 194.9 inches |
| Width | 77.6 inches | 76.0 inches |
| Height | 68.2 inches | 68.1 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.1 feet | 37.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front Row | 39.7 inches | 39.6 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.3 inches | 39.4 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 36.9 inches | 36.1 inches |
| Legroom, Front Row | 41.7 inches | 42.0 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 39.4 inches | 38.7 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 30.4 inches | 28.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front Row | 57.2 inches | 59.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 58.1 inches | 58.4 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 53.3 inches | 55.0 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 14.9 cubic feet | 16.0 cubic feet |
Conclusion
The Highlander Hybrid’s significant advantage is its price. It starts out about $4,000 cheaper than the Mazda CX-90. However, it’s not as powerful, and unlike the Mazda, it can’t travel an appreciable distance on battery power alone. Determining which traits matter most to you will help you land the right one in your driveway.
