The three-row SUV market continues growing rapidly, and the Toyota Grand Highlander and Mazda CX-90 represent two very different approaches to family transportation. One focuses on practicality and hybrid efficiency while the other leans heavily into premium styling and driving dynamics.
Exterior styling
The Toyota Grand Highlander keeps a straightforward and practical appearance. Toyota designed it to maximize interior space while still fitting comfortably in garages and parking lots.
The Nightshade trim adds darker accents and blacked-out styling elements, but the overall design remains conservative.
The Mazda CX-90 feels much more premium and upscale visually. Mazda continues building some of the best-looking SUVs in the market, and the CX-90 looks far more expensive than its price tag suggests.
The longer hood, inline-6 proportions and premium wheel designs help the Mazda stand out.
The Toyota looks practical.
The Mazda looks luxurious.
Interior and technology
The Grand Highlander focuses on family usability. Storage bins, large cupholders, multiple USB ports and practical controls dominate the interior design.
Toyota also nailed third-row usability. There is genuine room for adults in the third row, and cargo space behind the seats remains impressive.
The Mazda CX-90 feels significantly more upscale. Napa leather, premium trim materials and elegant interior design create a near-luxury experience.
However, the Mazda sacrifices some practicality. Storage areas feel smaller and tighter than the Toyota.
The Toyota feels more family-focused while the Mazda feels more premium.
Performance and driving impressions
Toyota offers multiple powertrains in the Grand Highlander, but the hybrid setup remains the sweet spot.
The hybrid delivers smooth power, excellent fuel economy and enough passing power for daily driving and road trips.
The Mazda CX-90 feels more engaging behind the wheel. The inline-6 turbocharged engine delivers strong acceleration, and steering response feels more precise than most family SUVs.
The CX-90 also feels stable and composed in bad weather and high winds.
Powertrain comparison
One of the biggest differences between the Toyota Grand Highlander and Mazda CX-90 comes down to their transmission choices.
The standard Grand Highlander with the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine uses an 8-speed automatic transmission, while the fuel-focused Hybrid model uses Toyota’s electronically controlled CVT. Buyers wanting more performance can step up to the Hybrid MAX powertrain, which switches to a traditional 6-speed automatic for a sportier driving feel.
Mazda takes a different approach with the CX-90 lineup, pairing every powertrain, including the plug-in hybrid and inline-6 turbo engines, with an 8-speed automatic transmission. That helps give the CX-90 a more traditional and premium driving character compared to the smoother but less engaging feel of Toyota’s eCVT hybrid setup.
Here are all the available engines compared with fuel economy.
| Vehicle | Engine | Horsepower | Torque | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander | 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder | 265 hp | 310 lb-ft | Up to 24 combined |
| 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid | 2.5L hybrid 4-cylinder | 245 hp | Not listed by Toyota | 34 combined |
| 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX | 2.4L turbocharged hybrid 4-cylinder | 362 hp | 400 lb-ft | Up to 27 combined |
| 2026 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo | 3.3L turbocharged inline-6 mild hybrid | 280 hp | 332 lb-ft | 25 combined |
| 2026 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo S | 3.3L turbocharged inline-6 mild hybrid | 340 hp | 369 lb-ft | 25 combined |
| 2026 Mazda CX-90 PHEV | 2.5L plug-in hybrid 4-cylinder | 323 hp | 369 lb-ft | 25 combined, 56 MPGe |
Cargo space and practicality
The Grand Highlander dominates on family practicality.
Third-row access is easier, cargo room is larger and the SUV simply feels designed around road trips and family use.
Toyota also includes smart storage details throughout the cabin.
The Mazda CX-90 offers enough space for most families, but it clearly prioritizes style and driving experience over maximum cargo room.
The Toyota wins on practicality.
The Mazda wins on premium feel.
Pricing and trim levels
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander pricing
- XLE: Starting around $46,000 including destination
- Limited Hybrid: Starting around $56,000 including destination
- Platinum Hybrid Max: Starting around $61,000 including destination
- Nightshade Hybrid: Starting around $57,000 including destination
2025 Mazda CX-90 pricing
- Preferred: Starting around $41,000 including destination
- Premium Sport: Starting around $48,000 including destination
- Premium Plus: Starting around $54,000 including destination
- Turbo S Premium Plus: Starting around $59,000 including destination
Which should you buy?
The Toyota Grand Highlander is the better choice for buyers prioritizing space, efficiency and straightforward family practicality.
The Mazda CX-90 makes more sense for buyers wanting a premium driving experience without moving into luxury-brand pricing.
The Toyota feels like the smarter family appliance.
The Mazda feels like the enthusiast family SUV.
Both are excellent, but they appeal to very different buyers.
