Mazda CX-90 vs Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid was a versatile SUV that offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged gas engine, a hybrid system achieving up to 36 mpg, and the robust Hybrid Max with 362 horsepower and full-time AWD. The Grand Highlander was available in several trims, from the base LE to the luxurious Platinum, with prices spanning from $43,855 to $61,770. The Platinum trim, which we reviewed, featured a Storm Cloud paint finish and no additional options, bringing its MSRP to $61,770. The design of the Grand Highlander was reminiscent of the popular RAV4, scaled up to accommodate up to eight passengers and ample cargo space. Inside, the focus was on functionality, with a touch of luxury in the Platinum trim. The interior materials were decent, though some hard plastics were present. The climate controls were user-friendly, but the infotainment system's volume knob was less so.

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 was a stylish SUV with a lineup that included the 3.3 Turbo, 3.3 Turbo S, and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant. The Turbo S, which we tested, boasted 319 horsepower on regular gas, increasing to 340 with premium fuel. The CX-90's design featured classic RWD proportions, with a long hood and short front overhang. The interior was high-quality, though the wood trim in our test vehicle had an unappealing olive undertone. The digital instrumentation was clear, and the 12.3-inch infotainment display was well-integrated. However, the center console was cluttered, and the electronic shifter was cumbersome. The CX-90's ride was firm, communicating road nuances to passengers, and the brakes showed signs of fading during spirited driving.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max was built for performance, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors delivering 362 horsepower. This setup allowed the Grand Highlander to accelerate swiftly, aided by a traditional six-speed automatic transmission that avoided the droning typical of CVTs. While the Hybrid Max sacrificed some fuel efficiency, achieving 27 mpg compared to the standard hybrid's 36 mpg, it offered a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. During testing, the Hybrid Max averaged 26 mpg on a balanced city and highway route and 23.3 mpg on a mountainous loop. The ride was soft and isolating, though road undulations could cause some vertical and lateral movement. Handling was secure but limited, with early tire squeal and understeer when pushed hard. Visibility was excellent, though the front camera's frequent screen takeover was a minor annoyance.

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 offered three powertrains, with the 3.3 Turbo S producing 319 horsepower on regular gas and 340 on premium. The PHEV variant combined a 2.5-liter engine with a 68-kilowatt electric motor, generating 323 horsepower and offering a 26-mile electric range. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD, with Sport and Off-Road modes available. The CX-90's powertrains were not as smooth as expected, with the i-Stop feature causing occasional delays. Fuel economy was decent, with the Turbo S averaging 25.5 mpg on a test loop. The CX-90 excelled in handling, with precise steering and a firm suspension, though the ride communicated road imperfections to passengers. The brakes struggled with heat during spirited driving, affecting performance.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid provided comfortable seating across three rows, with nearly 100 cubic feet of cargo space. The Platinum trim featured a Portobello interior with leather and artificial suede upholstery, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and a removable center console for easy third-row access. The rear doors were long, requiring ample space to open, and their sharp corners could pose a risk to neighboring vehicles. The third row was spacious enough for adults and tall teens, with 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind it. Folding the third row expanded cargo capacity to 57.9 cubic feet, and folding the second row increased it to 97.5 cubic feet.

The 2026 Mazda CX-90's seats were firm yet supportive, with heated and ventilated front and second-row captain's chairs. Storage space was limited, with a shallow bin beneath the center armrest and a larger console between the second-row seats. The second-row seats offered a good view and climate control, though legroom was less generous than some rivals. The third row was tight for adults, with the center console impeding foot placement. Cargo space was 14.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40 cubic feet with it folded. The maximum cargo capacity was 74.2 cubic feet, less than some competitors.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system across all trims, with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel available on higher trims. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and access to Apple Music and Amazon Music. Toyota Connected Services offered features like a Wi-Fi hotspot and a digital voice assistant. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the font was sometimes hard to read. The Platinum trim included a head-up display, digital rear-view mirror, and a JBL premium audio system.

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment display on the base trim, with a larger 12.3-inch screen on higher trims. The system supported Amazon Alexa, wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless charging. The infotainment system was sometimes intuitive but could be confusing, lacking a digital voice assistant. The native voice recognition system was basic, and we relied on Apple CarPlay for most tasks. The system's functionality was limited without an internet connection, affecting Alexa compatibility.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering features like lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and Proactive Driving Assist. The safety tech operated accurately, though the lane-keep assist occasionally strayed too close to lane markers. The Grand Highlander earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but missed the IIHS Top Safety Pick due to headlight and frontal-impact ratings.

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 included standard driver-assist features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added features like active blind-spot monitors and post-collision braking. The safety systems operated predictably, though steering assist was less sophisticated. The CX-90 earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for frontal-impact protection.