2026 Mazda CX-90 vs. 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Comparison

It’s not often that disrupters arrive in the midsize SUV segment, but two models have done just that in the past couple of years: The Mazda CX-90 and Toyota Grand Highlander each debuted for the 2024 model year and continue to vie for prominence in the competitive arena of 3-row family SUVs.

Both are worth a strong look if you’re shopping for a 3-row midsize SUV. Here’s how they compare against each other.

2026 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 is the brand’s flagship SUV, taking the place of the CX-9 when it arrived two years ago. The CX-90 zigs where rivals zag. In a world of 4-cylinder engines, the CX-90 comes standard with a potent turbocharged 6-cylinder that makes either 280 horsepower or 340 hp, depending on the level of tune. It can seat up to eight passengers in a cabin that pops with premium touches, and has a sporty driving nature thanks to an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system with a rear bias. It’s clear that with the CX-90, Mazda isn’t just competing with mainstream brands like Toyota, but also gunning for luxury ones like BMW. The Mazda CX-90 is also available as a plug-in hybrid model, which we review separately.

Mazda CX-90 Highlights

Packed with power: With its minimum of 280 hp, the CX-90’s turbo 6-cylinder musters 15 more horsepower than the Toyota’s turbo-4. Opt for the CX-90’s 340 hp variant of the engine, and you’ll really feel a difference in acceleration.

Premium feel: Both of these vehicles feature the tech and creature comforts today’s families need. But the Mazda’s cabin just feels a cut above. When friends first step into the CX-90 models we’ve tested, they often remark that it feels like a luxury SUV.

Strong value: Prior to the CX-90’s debut, it’d be hard to believe a mainstream automaker would give their 3-row SUV a standard turbo inline-6 engine. It’d be even harder to believe it would start around $40K. Yet here we are, and Mazda has done just that with the CX-90.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CX-90 models for sale near you.

2026 Toyota Grand Highlander

The model may be newer, but the name should sound familiar: The Toyota Grand Highlander is a larger, roomier version of the decades-old Highlander SUV model. The Grand Highlander solves what’s long been a shortcoming (literally) with the Highlander: third-row passenger room and cargo space. The Grand Highlander rectifies both issues while bringing all the easy manners, creature comforts, and brand recognition that Toyota loyalists love. The Grand Highlander can also be had as a hybrid or the more powerful Hybrid Max form, reviewed separately.

Grand Highlander Highlights

Spacious interior: Compare the Grand Highlander’s rearmost legroom of 33.5 to the CX-90’s 30.4 inches, or its seats-down cargo capacity of 97.5 cubic feet to the Mazda’s 74.2, and it’s easy to see the Toyota wins the interior space award here.

Infotainment setup: Even the base trim of the Grand Highlander comes with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, while on the Mazda, you need to step up from the base trim to get one that size. We also find the Toyota’s touch-based system more intuitive than Mazda’s dial-based controller.

Face detection: This feature on the top trims of the Grand Highlander can keep you mindful of keeping your eyes on the road. If you’re often distracted while driving, it can be a smart feature to employ.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Grand Highlander models for sale near you.

Similarities

Both the Mazda CX-90 and Toyota Grand Highlander have three rows of seating for either seven or eight passengers, depending on configuration, include robust suites of safety features, can each tow 5,000 pounds, are nearly the same length, and match each other’s warranty terms. Both also offer a hybrid variant, Mazda’s being a plug-in and Toyota’s a traditional hybrid.

Pricing

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 Toyota Grand Highlander 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

For all their similarities, the Mazda CX-90 and Toyota Grand Highlander fulfill different wants and needs. If you want more room for passengers and cargo in a traditional 3-row family SUV, the Grand Highlander is ready to meet your needs. But if you’re seeking a family hauler that’s also powerful, has a premium feel, and driving manners more akin to those of a luxury SUV, the CX-90 brings all that to the table — all while starting at a lower price.