Compare the2025 Toyota Grand HighlanderVS 2025 Mazda CX-90

The Toyota Grand Highlander’s rear backup camera has a standard washer for maintaining a clear view under various conditions. In contrast, the Mazda CX-90 does not offer a rear camera washer, meaning its effectiveness relies on manual cleaning by the user when necessary.

Both the Grand Highlander and the CX-90 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Toyota Grand Highlander is safer than the Mazda CX-90:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Toyota Grand Highlander is safer than the Mazda CX-90:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Toyota pays for scheduled maintenance on the Grand Highlander for 2 years and 25000 miles. Toyota will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Mazda doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the CX-90.

There are over 2 times as many Toyota dealers as there are Mazda dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Grand Highlander’s warranty.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Grand Highlander’s reliability 13 points higher than the Mazda CX-90 and 27 points higher than the Mazda CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Toyota vehicles are better in initial quality than Mazda vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Toyota above average in initial quality. With 40 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mazda is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Mazda vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Toyota second in reliability, above the industry average. With 38 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mazda is ranked 7th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Mazda vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Toyota third in overall reliability. Mazda is ranked 6th.

The Grand Highlander Hybrid Max’s 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 22 more horsepower (362 vs. 340) and 31 lbs.-ft. more torque (400 vs. 369) than the CX-90 Turbo S’ optional 3.3 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid.

As tested in Car and Driver the Grand Highlander Hybrid Max 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid is faster than the CX-90 Turbo S:

On the EPA test cycle the Grand Highlander gets better mileage than the CX-90 running its gasoline engine:

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Toyota Grand Highlander higher (6 out of 10) than the Mazda CX-90 (5 to 6). This means the Grand Highlander produces up to 6.9 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the CX-90 every 15,000 miles.

The Grand Highlander offers an available continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The CX-90 doesn’t offer a CVT.

For better stopping power the Grand Highlander’s standard front brake rotors are larger than those on the CX-90:

The Grand Highlander stops shorter than the CX-90:

The Grand Highlander Platinum AWD handles at .80 G’s, while the CX-90 Premium Plus pulls only .79 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Toyota Grand Highlander may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 350 to 400 pounds less than the Mazda CX-90.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the Grand Highlander Platinum AWD is quieter than the CX-90 Premium Plus:

The Grand Highlander has 11.7 cubic feet more passenger volume than the CX-90 (153.3 vs. 141.6).

The Grand Highlander has 1.8 inches more front headroom, 1 inch more front shoulder room, .9 inches more rear headroom, .1 inches more rear legroom, .7 inches more rear shoulder room, .3 inches more third row headroom, 3.1 inches more third row legroom and 4.2 inches more third row shoulder room than the CX-90.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the Grand Highlander’s middle and third row seats recline. The CX-90’s third row seats don’t recline.

The Grand Highlander’s cargo area provides more volume than the CX-90.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Grand Highlander. The CX-90 doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

The Grand Highlander’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the CX-90’s (5000 vs. 3500 pounds).

If the windows are left open on the Grand Highlander the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. (This window function must be activated by your Toyota service department.) The driver of the CX-90 can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Grand Highlander’s standard Smart Key System allows you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, open the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Advanced Keyless Entry and Start standard on the CX-90 doesn’t offer a sensor on the rear doors, so you’ll have to reach a front handle to unlock the rear door.

Compared to traditional radio, the Toyota Grand Highlander’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio is only offered on the CX-90 Premium.

The Grand Highlander is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The CX-90 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Toyota Grand Highlander, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Grand Highlander was chosen as a Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 2024. The CX-90 has never been chosen by Car and Driver in their “10Best” issue.

The Toyota Grand Highlander outsold the Mazda CX-90 by 32% during 2024.