Summary – CX-90 vs. Grand Highlander
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 and Toyota Grand Highlander both offer spacious three-row seating with premium interiors. The CX-90 delivers superior performance with a standard 280-hp turbocharged inline-six engine (340 hp in Turbo S), while the Grand Highlander has a 265-hp turbo-four. Both tow up to 5,000 lbs, but the CX-90 offers quicker acceleration and a more engaging driving experience.
Key takeaway: For drivers prioritizing power, handling, and driving dynamics, the Mazda CX-90 is the clear winner. Visit Art Hill Mazda for a test drive.
For over 78 years, people and families throughout Northwest Indiana have trusted the expertise, always-friendly, and always helpful, pressure-free sales approach of the Art Hill Mazda dealership. Our focus day-in, day-out is to ensure every customer feels part of our family. That, of course, means going the extra mile, ensuring customers are satisfied with their purchase and service experience, and being the first dealership they think of when it comes time to buy again.
One hot topic of discussion includes comparing the 2026 Mazda CX-90 and the Toyota Grand Highlander in terms of 3rd row space, comfort, and legroom. However, once you move past that comparison, it then becomes a question of overall performance, and in that space, the Mazda CX-90 stands alone.
Mazda CX-90 and Toyota Grand Highlander Passenger Spaces
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is a mid-size, three-row, 8-passenger SUV. It includes premium materials like Nappa leather, which makes it a high-end, premium interior space. That space provides 41.7 inches of front legroom, 39.4 inches of second-row legroom, and 30.4 inches of third-row legroom as well as 36.9 inches of third-row headroom. Second-row flexibility includes available captain's chairs with a center console.
2026 Mazda CX-90
- Front legroom: 41.7 inches
- Second-row legroom: 39.4 inches
- Third-row legroom: 30.4 inches
- Third-row headroom: 36.9 inches
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is another mid-size, three-row, 8-passenger SUV that offers comparable second-row and third-row legroom and space. It matches the front legroom at 41.7 inches, while offering 39.5 inches for second-row legroom, 33.5 inches for third-row legroom, and 37.2 inches for third-row headroom.
Everything is almost identical in terms of available space until it becomes a question of third-row legroom and headroom, where the Highlander offers more legroom (33.5 inches vs 30.4 inches) and headroom (37.2 inches vs 26.9 inches). Ultimately, however, both offer high-end interiors and plenty of space. So, how do they compare in terms of overall performance and driving experience?
Performance: Why the Mazda CX-90 Has a Clear Advantage
Both SUVs are well-known in North America. Both offer excellent interiors and plenty of space, and the question becomes which SUV has the better performance.
An SUV that took home the IIHS 2025 and 2026 Top Safety Pick+ awards, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 comes with a 3.3-liter Turbocharged Inline-six (V6) engine, an 8-speed automatic transmission, and standard i-ACTIV AWD. This powertrain generates 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque for an incredible 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity. Not only is this incredibly impressive towing for an SUV, but the 2026 Mazda CX-90 achieves a 0 to 60 in 6.8 seconds.
2026 Mazda CX-90
- 3.3-Liter Turbocharged I-6 Engine: 280 hp, 332 lb-ft of torque for a 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 Turbo S takes that performance even higher with the same powertrain, delivering 340 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, and a maximum 5,000-pound towing capacity. The Turbo S achieves a 0 to 60 in 6.3 seconds.
2026 Mazda CX-90 Turbo S
- 3.3-Liter Turbocharged I-6 Engine: 340 hp, 369 lb-ft of torque for a 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander comes with a 2.4-liter Turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque for a 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity. The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander achieves 0 to 60 in 7 seconds. While the Toyota Grand Highlander matches the Mazda CX-90 in terms of towing, the Mazda CX-90 is considerably more powerful given its higher horsepower, torque, and faster 0 to 60.
Verdict: Mazda CX-90 vs Toyota Grand Highlander
Ultimately, both SUVS offer a high-end, premium interior with excellent legroom and plenty of space. However, when it comes to driving performance and power, the Mazda CX-90 is the clear winner. Even the standard output of the 2026 Mazda CX-90 beats the Toyota Grand Highlander in terms of power, torque, and speed. When that comparison moves to the CX-90 Turbo S, the gap widens further.
Test Drive the 2026 Mazda CX-90 at Art Hill Mazda Today
At Art Hill Mazda, we love to help customers buy the Mazda they've always wanted. We love to help them with exceptional deals and affordable monthly payments. However, that ultimately requires a test drive, which is your opportunity to see exactly first-hand how a Mazda is engineered to perform.
If you are interested in test-driving the 2026 Mazda CX-90 or have questions, call our sales team at 219-355-3537.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which SUV has more third-row legroom, the CX-90 or Grand Highlander?
The Toyota Grand Highlander offers more third-row legroom (33.5 inches) compared to the Mazda CX-90 (30.4 inches). However, both provide comfortable seating for adults on shorter trips.
How does the towing capacity compare between the CX-90 and Grand Highlander?
Both SUVs have a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, making them capable of hauling small trailers, boats, or campers.
Which SUV has better fuel economy?
The Mazda CX-90 with the standard engine achieves approximately 24 mpg combined (22 city / 28 highway), while the Toyota Grand Highlander with the base engine gets around 23 mpg combined (21 city / 26 highway).
Is the Mazda CX-90 more expensive than the Toyota Grand Highlander?
Pricing varies by trim level, but the Mazda CX-90 generally starts slightly higher than the Grand Highlander. However, the CX-90 offers more standard features and a more premium driving experience.
Does the Mazda CX-90 have all-wheel drive standard?
Yes! The 2026 Mazda CX-90 comes with standard i-ACTIV AWD on all trims, providing excellent traction in all weather conditions.
Art Hill Mazda
Address: 957 W Lincoln Hwy, Merrillville, IN 46410
Phone: 219-208-7070
Dealership Hours
- Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM
- Saturday 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
- Sunday Closed