What To Know
- The Highlander’s smooth and predictable handling makes it a comfortable and confident cruiser, while its spacious cabin offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo.
- The Toyota Highlander and the Mazda CX-90 are both exceptional three-row SUVs that offer a compelling blend of practicality, comfort, and safety.
- The Highlander’s conservative design, reliable performance, and fuel efficiency make it a solid choice for families seeking a dependable and spacious vehicle.
Choosing the perfect three-row SUV for your family can be a daunting task, especially when considering the Toyota Highlander and the Mazda CX-90. Both vehicles offer a spacious interior, impressive safety features, and a blend of style and practicality. However, they cater to slightly different needs and preferences. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the strengths and weaknesses of each vehicle, helping you make an informed decision for your family’s next adventure.
Design and Styling: A Tale of Two Aesthetics
The Toyota Highlander boasts a familiar, conservative design that prioritizes practicality and functionality. Its boxy exterior and upright stance exude a sense of reliability and durability. In contrast, the Mazda CX-90 embraces a bolder and more sophisticated aesthetic. Its sleek lines, sculpted curves, and signature Kodo design language create a more dynamic and visually appealing presence.
The CX-90’s interior is a testament to Mazda’s commitment to craftsmanship and premium materials. The cabin features high-quality leather upholstery, elegant wood accents, and a driver-centric layout that prioritizes comfort and ergonomics. The Highlander’s interior, while functional and spacious, adopts a more utilitarian approach with its straightforward design and abundance of hard plastics.
Performance and Handling: Power and Agility
The Toyota Highlander offers two engine options: a 295-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and a 243-horsepower hybrid powertrain. Both engines provide ample power for everyday driving and towing. The Highlander’s smooth and predictable handling makes it a comfortable and confident cruiser, while its spacious cabin offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo.
The Mazda CX-90, on the other hand, boasts a new turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine that delivers an impressive 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. This powerplant provides a thrilling driving experience, making the CX-90 feel more agile and responsive than the Highlander. However, the CX-90’s slightly firmer suspension might be less forgiving on rough roads.
Technology and Features: Connectivity and Convenience
Both SUVs offer a suite of modern technology features to enhance comfort and convenience. The Highlander comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The CX-90 steps up the game with a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, a premium Bose sound system, and a head-up display.
The CX-90 also offers a more intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it easier to navigate menus and access various functions. Both vehicles offer a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
Safety and Reliability: Peace of Mind and Durability
Both the Toyota Highlander and the Mazda CX-90 have earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA. The Highlander boasts a long history of reliability, consistently ranking high in J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Study. The CX-90, while relatively new, has also shown promising early signs of reliability and durability.
Fuel Efficiency: Economical Choices
The Toyota Highlander’s hybrid powertrain offers impressive fuel economy, making it a more economical choice for frequent commuters. The Mazda CX-90, while offering a more powerful engine, has a slightly lower fuel efficiency rating. However, both vehicles offer competitive fuel economy figures for their size and class.
Price and Value: Finding the Right Fit for Your Budget
The Toyota Highlander starts at a lower price point than the Mazda CX-90. While the Highlander offers a more affordable entry price, the CX-90’s premium features and luxurious interior justify its higher price tag. Ultimately, the best value for your money depends on your individual needs and priorities.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right SUV for You
The Toyota Highlander and the Mazda CX-90 are both exceptional three-row SUVs that offer a compelling blend of practicality, comfort, and safety. The Highlander’s conservative design, reliable performance, and fuel efficiency make it a solid choice for families seeking a dependable and spacious vehicle.
The Mazda CX-90, with its bold styling, powerful engine, and luxurious interior, appeals to drivers who prioritize a more engaging and stylish driving experience. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs, preferences, and budget.
Beyond the Comparison: A Final Word
While both the Toyota Highlander and the Mazda CX-90 are excellent choices, it’s important to consider your specific needs and priorities. If reliability and fuel efficiency are top concerns, the Highlander might be the better option. If you’re seeking a more stylish and engaging driving experience, the CX-90 could be the perfect fit.
What You Need to Learn
1. Which SUV offers more cargo space?
The Toyota Highlander offers slightly more cargo space with its third row folded down.
2. What is the difference in towing capacity?
The Toyota Highlander has a higher towing capacity than the Mazda CX-90.
3. Which SUV has a more comfortable ride?
The Toyota Highlander offers a more comfortable ride due to its softer suspension.
4. Which SUV is better for off-road driving?
The Toyota Highlander is better suited for off-road driving with its available all-wheel drive system and higher ground clearance.
5. Which SUV is more reliable?
The Toyota Highlander has a reputation for reliability, while the Mazda CX-90 is relatively new and its long-term reliability is yet to be fully established.
