Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into a head-to-head comparison of two popular SUVs that are making waves in the market: the Mazda CX-90 and the Toyota Highlander. If you're in the market for a reliable, spacious, and stylish SUV, you've probably got these two on your radar. But which one comes out on top? Let's break it down!

Overview of Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 is Mazda's latest offering in the three-row SUV segment, and it's making a bold statement. Mazda is aiming to climb the premium ladder, and the CX-90 is a testament to that ambition. Think of it as a more luxurious and performance-oriented alternative to the typical family SUV. The CX-90 boasts a striking design, a meticulously crafted interior, and a range of powerful engine options, including a plug-in hybrid variant. It's designed to appeal to drivers who want a touch of elegance and a spirited driving experience in their everyday vehicle. Mazda has really doubled down on creating a vehicle that not only meets the practical needs of a family but also excites the senses. From the carefully sculpted exterior lines to the premium materials used inside the cabin, the CX-90 is designed to impress. The driving dynamics are also a key focus, with Mazda's signature attention to handling and responsiveness. This SUV isn't just about getting from point A to point B; it's about enjoying the journey along the way. Moreover, the CX-90 incorporates Mazda's latest technology, including advanced safety features and a user-friendly infotainment system, ensuring that it's as smart as it is stylish. With its blend of luxury, performance, and practicality, the CX-90 is a compelling option for those seeking a step up from the mainstream SUV crowd. Whether you're looking for a comfortable family hauler or a sophisticated daily driver, the CX-90 aims to deliver on all fronts.

Overview of Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander has long been a favorite in the three-row SUV category, known for its reliability, practicality, and family-friendly features. It's the quintessential choice for those who prioritize dependability and a smooth, comfortable ride. The Highlander has built a solid reputation over the years, and it continues to be a top contender in the segment. Toyota has consistently refined the Highlander, keeping it up-to-date with the latest technology and safety features while maintaining its core values of reliability and practicality. The Highlander's appeal lies in its ability to cater to the needs of a wide range of families, offering ample space, a comfortable interior, and a host of convenience features. It's not trying to be the flashiest or the most luxurious SUV on the market; instead, it focuses on providing a well-rounded and dependable package that families can rely on day in and day out. From school drop-offs to weekend road trips, the Highlander is designed to handle it all with ease. Toyota's commitment to quality and reliability is evident in every aspect of the Highlander, from its durable construction to its efficient powertrains. With its strong resale value and low cost of ownership, the Highlander is a smart choice for those who are looking for a long-term investment. It's a vehicle that you can count on to get you where you need to go, without any drama or surprises. The Toyota Highlander is a practical choice for families who want a safe, reliable, and comfortable SUV that will last for years to come. Its reputation for dependability and its family-friendly features make it a consistent top seller in the competitive three-row SUV market.

Exterior Design and Styling

When it comes to exterior design, the Mazda CX-90 and Toyota Highlander take distinctly different approaches. The CX-90 showcases Mazda's signature Kodo design language, characterized by sleek lines, a long hood, and an overall sense of elegance and sophistication. It exudes a more premium and upscale vibe, aiming to turn heads with its refined aesthetics. The CX-90's design is all about creating a sense of motion and dynamism, even when the vehicle is standing still. The carefully sculpted body panels and the attention to detail give it a distinct presence on the road. Mazda's designers have clearly focused on creating a vehicle that stands out from the crowd, with its unique proportions and its sophisticated styling cues. From the bold front grille to the sleek LED headlights, the CX-90 is designed to make a statement. In contrast, the Toyota Highlander adopts a more conventional and practical design. While it's certainly not unattractive, it prioritizes functionality and a more understated appearance. The Highlander's design is all about blending in rather than standing out. It's a familiar and reassuring shape that is instantly recognizable as a Toyota SUV. The focus is on creating a vehicle that is both practical and durable, with a design that is meant to withstand the test of time. While the Highlander has been updated over the years with contemporary styling elements, it still maintains a more traditional SUV look. The overall impression is one of reliability and dependability, rather than cutting-edge style. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a more stylish and sophisticated SUV that makes a statement, the CX-90 is likely to be more appealing. However, if you prioritize practicality and a more understated design, the Highlander might be a better fit.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Stepping inside, the Mazda CX-90 continues to impress with its upscale interior design and premium materials. Mazda has put a lot of effort into creating a cabin that feels luxurious and inviting, with soft-touch surfaces, elegant trim options, and comfortable seating. The CX-90's interior is designed to provide a premium experience for both the driver and the passengers. The seats are supportive and well-cushioned, making long journeys more comfortable. The dashboard layout is clean and intuitive, with easy-to-reach controls and a user-friendly infotainment system. Mazda has also paid attention to the details, with thoughtful touches like ambient lighting and premium sound systems that enhance the overall experience. In terms of technology, the CX-90 offers a comprehensive suite of features, including a large touchscreen display, smartphone integration, and advanced driver-assistance systems. Mazda's infotainment system is designed to be easy to use and responsive, with clear graphics and intuitive menus. The CX-90 also comes standard with a range of safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control, which help to keep you and your passengers safe on the road. The Toyota Highlander, while not as overtly luxurious, offers a comfortable and functional interior with a focus on practicality and user-friendliness. The Highlander's interior is designed to be durable and easy to maintain, with materials that are meant to withstand the wear and tear of daily use. The seats are comfortable and supportive, and the overall layout is well-organized. While the Highlander may not have the same level of premium materials as the CX-90, it still offers a pleasant and functional environment. In terms of technology, the Highlander is equipped with a range of features, including a touchscreen display, smartphone integration, and a suite of safety features. Toyota's infotainment system is easy to use and responsive, with clear graphics and intuitive menus. The Highlander also comes standard with a range of safety features, such as Toyota Safety Sense, which includes features like pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, and adaptive cruise control. Overall, both SUVs offer comfortable and well-equipped interiors, but the CX-90 has a slight edge in terms of luxury and premium feel.

Performance and Engine Options

Under the hood, the Mazda CX-90 offers a range of powerful and efficient engine options, including a 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six and a plug-in hybrid variant. The inline-six engine is a standout, providing smooth and responsive power delivery, while the plug-in hybrid offers a combination of electric and gasoline power for improved fuel efficiency. The CX-90's engine options are designed to provide a balance of performance and efficiency, with the inline-six offering a more engaging driving experience and the plug-in hybrid offering better fuel economy. Mazda's engineers have focused on creating engines that are both powerful and refined, with smooth acceleration and responsive handling. The CX-90 also features Mazda's i-Activ all-wheel-drive system, which provides enhanced traction and stability in all weather conditions. The i-Activ system is designed to automatically adjust the torque distribution between the front and rear wheels, providing optimal grip and control. In contrast, the Toyota Highlander comes standard with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which replaces the previous V6. While the new engine offers improved fuel economy, it may not provide the same level of power and refinement as the CX-90's inline-six. The Highlander's engine is designed to provide adequate power for everyday driving, but it may feel less responsive than the CX-90's engine options. The Highlander also offers an optional hybrid powertrain, which provides improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. Toyota's hybrid system is designed to seamlessly switch between electric and gasoline power, providing a smooth and efficient driving experience. The Highlander also comes standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available as an option. Overall, the CX-90 offers a more diverse and powerful range of engine options, while the Highlander focuses on efficiency and practicality.

Practicality and Space

When it comes to practicality, both the Mazda CX-90 and the Toyota Highlander offer ample space for passengers and cargo. Both SUVs have three rows of seating, making them suitable for families with children or those who frequently transport groups of people. The CX-90 offers comfortable seating for up to eight passengers, while the Highlander can seat up to eight depending on the configuration. In terms of cargo space, both SUVs offer a decent amount of room behind the third row, with even more space available when the third row is folded down. The CX-90 offers slightly more cargo space with the third row folded compared to the Highlander, making it a bit more versatile for hauling larger items. The Highlander, however, boasts clever storage solutions throughout the cabin, enhancing its practicality for everyday family use. These storage nooks and crannies make it easier to keep the interior organized and clutter-free, which is a big plus for busy families. Both SUVs also offer a range of convenience features, such as power liftgates, remote start, and tri-zone climate control, which add to their overall practicality. The power liftgate makes it easy to load and unload cargo, while the remote start allows you to warm up or cool down the cabin before you get in. The tri-zone climate control allows you to adjust the temperature in different areas of the cabin, ensuring that everyone is comfortable. Overall, both SUVs are practical and spacious choices, but the CX-90 offers slightly more cargo space, while the Highlander boasts more clever storage solutions.

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority for families, and both the Mazda CX-90 and the Toyota Highlander come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features. Both SUVs have earned excellent safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), indicating that they provide a high level of protection in the event of a collision. Both SUVs come standard with a range of advanced safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. These features help to prevent accidents and mitigate the severity of collisions. The CX-90 also offers Mazda's i-Activsense safety suite, which includes features like rear cross-traffic alert, driver attention alert, and traffic sign recognition. These features provide an extra layer of safety and convenience. The Highlander comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense, which includes features like pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, and automatic high beams. These features help to keep you and your passengers safe on the road. Both SUVs also come standard with a rearview camera, which makes it easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces. Overall, both SUVs offer a high level of safety and are equipped with a range of advanced safety features. The choice between the two may come down to personal preference or specific features that are more important to you.

Price and Value

When it comes to price, the Toyota Highlander typically starts at a lower price point than the Mazda CX-90. The Highlander has long been known for its affordability and value, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers. The CX-90, on the other hand, aims to compete in the premium segment, and its higher price reflects its more upscale features and styling. However, it's important to consider the value that each SUV offers for the money. While the Highlander may be more affordable upfront, the CX-90 offers a more luxurious interior, a more powerful engine, and a more engaging driving experience. Depending on your priorities, the CX-90's higher price may be justified by its added features and performance. It is very important to consider long-term cost of ownership, including fuel efficiency, maintenance, and insurance. The Highlander has a reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs, which can save you money in the long run. The CX-90, being a newer model, may have higher maintenance costs and insurance premiums. Ultimately, the best value depends on your individual needs and budget. If you prioritize affordability and reliability, the Highlander may be the better choice. However, if you're willing to spend more for a more luxurious and performance-oriented SUV, the CX-90 may be worth the investment. Before making a decision, it's a good idea to compare the features and specifications of both SUVs side-by-side and consider your long-term ownership costs.

Conclusion: Which SUV Should You Choose?

So, after this in-depth comparison, which SUV should you choose: the Mazda CX-90 or the Toyota Highlander? Well, it depends on what you're looking for! If you prioritize style, luxury, and a more engaging driving experience, the CX-90 is definitely worth considering. It's the kind of SUV that makes you feel good every time you get behind the wheel. On the other hand, if you value reliability, practicality, and affordability, the Highlander remains a solid choice. It's a dependable and family-friendly SUV that you can count on for years to come. Ultimately, the best way to decide is to test drive both SUVs and see which one feels like the right fit for you and your family. Consider your budget, your driving needs, and your personal preferences. And don't be afraid to ask questions and do your research. Happy car shopping!