The 2026 Mazda CX-90 and Ford Explorer are midsize 3-row SUVs with similar starting prices and attractive interiors. These upscale interiors come with a second-row bench or can be fitted with two captain’s chairs for added comfort.
The CX-90 is the benchmark of Mazda’s SUV lineup and is in its third year. Thanks to its stylish exterior and posh interior, the CX-90 could easily be mistaken for a luxury-badged model.
The Explorer’s history is notably longer. The name has been around for decades, but this SUV continues to evolve to stay relevant in a constantly changing market. This practical SUV has a choice of powerful engines, trim levels that are sporty, family-oriented, or off-road capable, including the all-new Tremor, and a comfortable highway ride.
Want to see how these two compare? Let’s take a look at some highlights of the Mazda CX-90 and Ford Explorer.
2026 Mazda CX-90
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is offered in six trim levels: Turbo Select, Turbo Preferred, Turbo Premium Sport, Turbo Premium Plus, Turbo S Premium, and Turbo S Premium Plus. Models with the “S” in their name come with a 340-horsepower turbocharged inline-6 backed by an 8-speed automatic transmission. The base powertrain is a 280-hp version of this same turbocharged 6-cylinder. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard across the lineup. A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant is also available. The Mazda CX-90 can seat six, seven, or eight occupants, depending on trim.
Mazda CX-90 Highlights
Premium interior: The CX-90’s biggest advantage in the midsize SUV segment is the quality and design of the cabin. Materials and fit-and-finish are on par with luxury SUVs with much higher price tags. Higher trims come with niceties like a panoramic sunroof, dual captain’s chairs in the second row, leather seating, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, heated and ventilated first- and second-row seating, and a surround-view parking camera.
Agility: It should come as no surprise that the CX-90 is fun to drive. After all, this is the same company that builds the MX-5 Miata. This is an SUV that feels planted in turns and handles better than you would expect for a family car.
Standard all-wheel drive: All trim levels come standard with AWD. This system provides welcome grip in wet weather and improves driving dynamics the rest of the year.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CX-90 models for sale near you.
2026 Ford Explorer
Last year, the Ford Explorer received a refresh that included updated rugged styling and improved cabin materials, providing a welcome upgrade to the interior. This year, the Explorer adds the off-road Tremor trim to its lineup. That makes the five trims, in order of price, the Active, ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum, and ST. A punchy 300-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission continues to serve as the standard powertrain. Unlike most of its rivals, which are based on a front-wheel-drive (FWD) format, the Explorer has rear-wheel drive (RWD) as standard, with AWD optional.
You can also upgrade to a twin-turbo V6 that produces 400 hp. It’s standard in the ST and optional in the Platinum trim. The Explorer’s maximum seating capacity is seven, or six if you opt for the second-row captain’s chairs.
Ford Explorer Highlights
BlueCruise: Optional on the ST-Line and higher trims, this is a semi-autonomous driving system that is advanced enough that a driver can remove their hands from the steering wheel when on divided highway roads Ford has mapped out as Hands-Free Blue Zones. BlueCruise can brake, steer, accelerate, and even change lanes on its own. The Mazda doesn’t have a hands-free option.
Optional twin-turbo V6: With its 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, the twin-turbo V6 found in the ST and Platinum models packs a lot of wallop. This engine propels the Explorer from zero to 60 mph in less than six seconds.
Big screen: Every 2026 Explorer comes with a 13.2-inch infotainment screen (bigger than Mazda’s biggest screen) and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. In addition to wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, it features a user-friendly interface, as well as built-in Google Maps and Google Assistant.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Explorer models for sale near you.
Similarities
The Mazda CX-90 and Ford Explorer are priced and sized very close to one another. They’re also equipped with numerous driver aids, including lane keeping assist, a driver attention monitor, and automatic high beams. These are also among the more athletic options in midsize 3-row SUVs with their available engine upgrades.
Pricing
New 2026 MAZDA CX-90 Prices
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Retail Price
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Fair Purchase Price (43085)
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|---|---|---|---|---|
$40,330 |
TBD |
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$44,480 |
TBD |
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$48,510 |
TBD |
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$51,800 |
TBD |
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$55,470 |
TBD |
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$58,900 |
TBD |
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 2026 MAZDA CX-90 vehicles and New 2026 Ford Explorer 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
| 2026 MAZDA CX-90 | 2026 Ford Explorer | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 3.3-liter turbo 6-cylinder | 2.3-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Towing Capacity | 3,500 pounds | N/A |
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 5,000 rpm | 300 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 332 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm |
| Transmission | automatic, 8-speed skyactiv-drive w/manual mode | automatic, 10-speed |
| Fuel Economy | 23 city/28 highway/25 combined mpg | N/A |
| 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 | 5 stars | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 8 | 7 |
| Wheelbase | 122.8 inches | 119.1 inches |
| Overall Length | 201.6 inches | 198.7 inches |
| Width | 84.9 inches | 89.3 inches |
| Height | 68.3 inches | 69.6 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.1 feet | 38.7 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.7 inches | 40.7 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.3 inches | 40.5 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 36.9 inches | 38.9 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.7 inches | 43.0 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 39.4 inches | 39.0 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 30.4 inches | 32.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 59.2 inches | 62.1 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 58.1 inches | 61.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 53.3 inches | 54.6 inches |
| Cargo Behind Last Seat | 14.9 feet | 16.3 feet |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | 40.0 feet | 46.0 feet |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | 74.2 feet | 85.8 feet |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
The Mazda CX-90 is a fun-to-drive, luxurious vehicle with head-turning styling. Another huge advantage is in safety: this SUV comes with standard AWD, Mazda’s i-Activsense suite of driver assistance tech, and the CX-90 earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a 5 Star rating from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). However, higher trims do get pricey, and the third-row seating is best used by kids.
The Explorer offers slightly more third-row legroom and cargo space. It’s also an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and earned NHTSA’s 5 Star rating. The Explorer’s advantages are in brawn (more horsepower), off-road capability, and some better tech. Both are excellent choices that have very different personalities. However, we give the edge to the CX-90. Its standard AWD adds value and extra safety at all price ranges.
