2026 MAZDA CX-90 vs. Toyota Highlander

2026 Mazda CX-90
 

2026 Mazda CX-90 vs. Toyota Highlander Quick Highlights

  • Max Horsepower: Mazda CX-90 delivers up to 340 hp vs. Highlander’s 265 hp.
  • Max Torque: Mazda CX-90 pumps out up to 369 lb-ft vs. Highlander’s 310 lb-ft.
  • Passenger Volume: Mazda CX-90 features 141.6 cu. ft. vs. Highlander’s 139.5 cu. ft.
  • Third-Row Legroom: Mazda CX-90 boasts a more comfortable 30.4 inches vs. Highlander’s 28 inches.

 

Choosing a new three-row SUV for your Manchester family means weighing performance, passenger space, and refinement. For many New England car shoppers, the choice comes down to the 2026 Mazda CX-90 and the 2026 Toyota Highlander. While both offer turbocharged performance, cutting-edge tech, and advanced safety systems, only one has the premium capability and upscale comfort you need for your daily drives. Compare the 2026 Mazda CX-90 vs. Toyota Highlander with this comprehensive guide from Tulley Mazda to discover which SUV belongs in your Southern New Hampshire driveway.

 

 

2026 MAZDA CX-90 Vs. Toyota Highlander Specifications: Performance

A closer look at the Mazda CX-90 and Toyota Highlander specs reveals two distinct approaches to performance. The Mazda CX-90 lineup leans into premium engineering with standard i-ACTIV AWD® and a focus on responsive, refined acceleration via its signature mild-hybrid longitudinal platform. The Toyota Highlander takes a more compact, utility-first approach, offering standard all-wheel drive across its gas lineup but relying on a smaller 4-cylinder architecture. Drivers in Nashua who value a confident, premium feel behind the wheel will find the superior output of the Mazda CX-90 especially compelling.

MAZDA CX-90: Engine Options

  • e-SKYACTIV®-G 3.3L Turbo Inline 6-Cylinder (Turbo Trims): Generates 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque.
  • e-SKYACTIV®-G 3.3L Turbo Inline 6-Cylinder (Turbo S Trims): Generates up to 319 hp (340 hp with recommended premium fuel) and 369 lb-ft of torque.

Toyota Highlander: Engine Options

  • 2.4L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder (Gas Trims): Generates 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
  • 2.5L L4HV Hybrid Powertrain (Hybrid Trims): Generates 243 combined net hp.

2026 MAZDA CX-90 Vs. Toyota Highlander: Interior Dimensions

When comparing the Mazda CX-90 vs. Toyota Highlander dimensions, drivers will find that the Mazda CX-90 offers a more spacious, sophisticated cabin. With a generous 141.6 cubic feet of standard EPA passenger volume, it easily surpasses the 139.5 cubic feet of passenger volume found in the Toyota Highlander. This extra room translates into significantly better rear-row headroom and legroom, ensuring your adult passengers and growing kids can sit back and relax on long travels through Merrimack.

MAZDA CX-90: Third-Row Dimensions

  • Rear Headroom: 36.9 inches
  • Rear Shoulder Room: 53.3 inches
  • Rear Legroom: 30.4 inches

Toyota Highlander: Third-Row Dimensions

  • Rear Headroom: 36.1 inches
  • Rear Shoulder Room: 55 inches
  • Rear Legroom: 28.0 inches

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Which SUV is more powerful: the 2026 Mazda CX-90 or the 2026 Toyota Highlander?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 offers superior performance with its standard e-SKYACTIV®-G 3.3L Turbo Inline 6-Cylinder engine, outputting 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque on standard Turbo trims and up to 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque on Turbo S trims (with premium fuel). In comparison, the Toyota Highlander’s 2.4L Turbo 4-cylinder engine tops out at 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.

Which SUV has more passenger space, the Mazda CX-90 or Toyota Highlander?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 features a larger total passenger volume of 141.6 cubic feet compared to the Toyota Highlander’s 139.5 cubic feet. The Mazda CX-90 also provides more third-row legroom (30.4 inches vs. 28.0 inches) and headroom (36.9 inches vs. 36.1 inches).

Does the 2026 Mazda CX-90 come standard with All-Wheel Drive?

Yes, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 comes standard with Mazda’s i-ACTIV AWD® system across its lineup for confident handling in all weather conditions.

What engine options are available for the 2026 Mazda CX-90?

The Mazda CX-90 features an e-SKYACTIV®-G 3.3L Turbo Inline 6-Cylinder mild-hybrid engine available in two power output configurations: the standard Turbo (280 hp / 332 lb-ft of torque) and the Turbo S (up to 340 hp / 369 lb-ft of torque).

 

Experience The Latest MAZDA CX-90 At Tulley Mazda

When you’re ready to see everything the Mazda CX-90 has to offer, reach out to the team at Tulley Mazda. Before you visit our showroom, you can take advantage of our online tools to streamline your purchase process: browse our rotating new vehicle specials, check out current regional offers and incentives, and calculate your future car payments using our digital payment calculator. Ready to save time at the dealership? Go ahead and apply for financing online and value your trade-in from the comfort of home. Our dedicated team will schedule your personalized test drive at our Nashua dealership to walk you through all the performance specifications, luxury features, and accessories that make this Mazda SUV stand out from the competition. Stop by Tulley Mazda in Nashua, NH today to find your family’s next luxury three-row SUV!

 

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