Comparison
2026 Mazda CX-90 vs Toyota Highlander
Three-row family SUVs: inline-six Mazda against the Highlander.
| 2026 Mazda CX-90 | 2026 Toyota Highlander | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $39,300 | $46,270 |
| Base trim | 3.3 Turbo Select AWD | XLE AWD |
| Power | 280 hp, 3.3L turbo inline-6 mild hybrid | 265 hp, 2.4L turbo 4-cyl |
| Drivetrain | AWD standard | AWD |
| EPA mpg (city / hwy / combined) | 23 / 28 / 25 | 21 / 28 / 24 |
| Seats | 8 | 8 |
| Cargo (behind rows / max) | 15 / 40 / 74 cu ft | 16 / 48 / 84 cu ft |
| Max towing | 3,500 lb | 5,000 lb |
Source: Cars.com research specs (base trims shown, MSRP before destination), checked October 2026. Prices exclude tax, tag and fees and change often; Kirk confirms current pricing in writing.
Who should buy which
The short answer
You want the most power and the nicest cabin for the money, with AWD and an eight-seat layout.
You tow a camper or boat over 3,500 lb, or you need the most space behind the second row.
Kirk's take
“Look at the starting prices: the CX-90 begins nearly $7,000 below the cheapest Highlander on Cars.com, with more horsepower and a smoother six-cylinder. The Highlander tows more and has more room behind row two. Bring the car seats and the stroller and we'll load both.”
Kirk Epps, General Manager, Gerald Jones Mazda
Common questions
Which costs less, the CX-90 or the Highlander?
Per Cars.com, the 2026 CX-90 3.3 Turbo Select AWD starts at $39,300 and the cheapest Highlander listed, the XLE AWD, at $46,270, both before destination.
Which tows more?
The Highlander, rated up to 5,000 lb versus 3,500 lb for the CX-90 3.3 Turbo Select.
How many seats does the CX-90 have?
The CX-90 3.3 Turbo Select seats eight.
Sources & resources
Check it yourself
Every number above comes from these. Safety ratings and recalls change, so look up the exact model year you're considering.
- Mazda CX-90 official sitemazdausa.com
- Toyota Highlander official sitetoyota.com
- 2026 Mazda CX-90 full specs (Cars.com)cars.com
- 2026 Toyota Highlander full specs (Cars.com)cars.com
- EPA fuel economy, compare both side by sidefueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratingsnhtsa.gov
- IIHS crash test ratingsiihs.org
- NHTSA recall lookup by VINnhtsa.gov
Photos are real-world examples from Wikimedia Commons, credited under each image, and may show a different model year or trim than the table. Brand names belong to their owners; kirkepps.com isn't affiliated with Honda, Toyota or Lexus.