Toyota Land Cruiser vs Mazda CX-90

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser was offered in two trim levels, with the base model named the 1958, a nod to the year it first hit the U.S. market. This version had a retro aesthetic, featuring round headlights, cloth seats, and basic equipment, available in three paint colors. Priced at $58,195, it was a more affordable option, but the Land Cruiser model, priced at $62,965, was recommended for its modern, upscale look and additional features. This version boasted a nicer interior with larger screens, more color options, and essential off-roading hardware. The Premium Package added leather and advanced tech, enhancing the vehicle's appeal. The test vehicle, equipped with the Premium Package, Heritage Blue and Grayscape paint, and a roof rack, had an MSRP of $71,004. Despite its utilitarian interior, the Land Cruiser offered a technologically advanced cabin with dual 12.3-inch screens and intuitive steering-wheel controls.

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 presented a more complex lineup with three model designations based on powertrain options. The 3.3 Turbo and 3.3 Turbo S shared a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine with a mild-hybrid system, while the Turbo S offered more power. Additionally, a plug-in hybrid version, the CX-90 PHEV, was available. The 3.3 Turbo model range was the most affordable, with trims ranging from $39,300 to $50,270, while the Turbo S and PHEV models were priced higher. The test vehicle, a 3.3 Turbo S with Premium Plus trim, featured second-row captain’s chairs and Artisan Red paint, with an MSRP of $59,695. The CX-90 was praised for its attractive design, both inside and out, with high-quality interior materials. However, the wood trim in the test vehicle had an undesirable olive undertone. The digital instrumentation and infotainment display were well-integrated, but the center console was criticized for its lack of storage space and clunky controls.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with Toyota’s i-Force Max hybrid system, combining a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup delivered 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, with power distributed through a full-time four-wheel-drive system. The Land Cruiser had a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds and featured standard off-roading aids like Downhill Assist Control and Crawl Control. The more expensive Land Cruiser model added Multi-Terrain Select modes and a front stabilizer bar disconnect. Despite an EPA rating of 23 mpg combined, real-world testing yielded only 15.7 mpg. The Land Cruiser excelled as a daily driver and off-road adventurer, though it struggled on twisty roads due to its suspension tuning. It offered a high driving position with excellent visibility, making it easy to maneuver and park. Off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like the front stabilizer bar disconnect and Multi-Terrain Monitor camera views.

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 offered three powertrain options. The 3.3 Turbo produced 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, while the 3.3 Turbo S delivered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft on regular gas, increasing to 340 hp on premium fuel. The CX-90 PHEV combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a 68-kilowatt electric motor, generating 323 hp and 369 lb-ft on premium fuel, with an electric-only range of 26 miles. All powertrains used an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel-drive. The CX-90's powertrains were not particularly smooth, with the Turbo S engine offering the best power and acceleration. The i-Stop feature, designed to conserve fuel, could be unpredictable, causing delays when restarting the engine. The CX-90 achieved an EPA rating of 25 mpg combined, with real-world testing showing 25.5 mpg with i-Stop engaged. The CX-90 excelled in handling, offering precise steering and firm suspension, though the brakes struggled with heat during spirited driving.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser offered SofTex artificial leather upholstery in the upgraded model, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Premium Package added real leather and a power sunroof. While the front seats were comfortable, the second-row seats lacked thigh support and had an uncomfortable backrest angle. The running boards could be cumbersome for taller passengers. The rear window design was criticized for not providing an open, airy feel. The Land Cruiser offered 46.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 82.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, though the high load floor required effort to load heavy items.

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 featured firm yet comfortable seats, with heated and ventilated front and second-row captain’s chairs and a heated steering wheel. Storage space was limited, with a shallow bin beneath the center armrest and a larger center console in the second row. The second-row seats offered a good view and climate control panel, but legroom was limited compared to rivals. The third row could accommodate adults with small feet, though the center console design was uncomfortable for third-row passengers. The CX-90 provided 14.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 40 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 74.2 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser featured dual 12.3-inch displays with the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and access to Apple Music and Amazon Music. Five connected service plans were available, including Drive Connect with cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The Premium Package added a 14-speaker JBL sound system, wireless smartphone charger, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and digital key technology.

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment display on the base trim, with higher trims featuring a 12.3-inch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless smartphone charging. The infotainment system was controlled via buttons and knobs, with a touch-sensitive display for smartphone integration. The system was sometimes intuitive but could be confusing, lacking a digital voice assistant. Amazon Alexa compatibility was standard but required an internet connection. The native voice recognition system was basic and not user-friendly, leading to reliance on Apple CarPlay for functionality.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist. Additional features included a road sign reader, automatic high-beam headlights, and Predictive Driving Assist. The Premium Package added front cross-traffic alert, lane-change assist, and Traffic Jam Assist. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side-impact testing and a three-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 offered standard driver-assist features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added active blind-spot monitors, lane-keep assist, and head-on traffic avoidance steering assist. The Premium Plus trim included front cross-traffic alert, automatic intersection braking, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90 earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.