Quick Comparison: Key Takeaways
- ✓ More Power: CX-90 PHEV has 323 HP vs. Highlander's 243 HP.
- ✓ Plug-In Advantage: CX-90 offers ~26 mi electric-only range. Highlander is a standard hybrid.
- ✓ Premium Interior: CX-90 features near-luxury materials & design.
- ✓ Superior Tech: CX-90 has a 12.3" standard screen vs. 8".
- ✓ Top Safety Pick: CX-90 earns IIHS Top Safety Pick+. Highlander does not.
- ✓ Towing Mode: Available on CX-90, not on Highlander Hybrid.
Choosing Your Three-Row Hybrid SUV
For families in Merrillville and Northwest Indiana, a three-row hybrid SUV must deliver space, efficiency, and confidence for every drive. The 2026 Mazda CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid and Toyota Highlander Hybrid are both compelling choices, but they take distinctly different paths. This comparison reveals why the Mazda CX-90 PHEV stands out with superior performance, a more luxurious cabin, and advanced plug-in hybrid technology.
Head-to-Head: Key Specifications
| Feature | 2026 Mazda CX-90 PHEV | 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Horsepower / Torque | 323 HP / 369 lb-ft ✓ | 243 HP / 175 lb-ft |
| Powertrain Type | Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) ~26 mi electric-only range |
Traditional Hybrid No plug, no EV mode |
| Standard Touchscreen | 12.3-inch ✓ | 8-inch |
| IIHS Top Safety Pick+ | Yes ✓ | No |
| Towing Mode | Available ✓ | Not Available |
| Standard AWD | i-ACTIV AWD | AWD (on most trims) |
| Interior Ambiance | Near-Luxury, Premium Materials | Functional, Durable Materials |
Luxury Interior & Advanced Technology
Step inside the CX-90 PHEV, and the difference is immediate. Mazda's focus on craftsmanship is evident with available Nappa leather, real wood trim, and a driver-centric layout that feels more premium than the Highlander's utilitarian cabin.
Technology favors the Mazda as well. The CX-90 features a standard 12.3-inch infotainment screen, while the Highlander starts with an 8-inch display. The Mazda also comes standard with a more comprehensive suite of i-ACTIVSENSE safety features, contributing to its IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating—an award the current Highlander Hybrid does not hold.
Schedule a Test Drive
Frequently Asked Questions
Which hybrid SUV has more power, the Mazda CX-90 PHEV or Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
The Mazda CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid delivers significantly more power with 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Toyota Highlander Hybrid's 243 HP. This gives the CX-90 stronger acceleration and towing capability.
What is the difference between a plug-in hybrid and a regular hybrid?
A Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) like the Mazda CX-90 has a larger battery that can be charged externally, offering up to 26 miles of electric-only driving. A regular hybrid like the Highlander cannot be plugged in and only uses its battery to assist the gas engine, with no dedicated EV mode.
Is the Mazda CX-90 PHEV safer than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 PHEV has earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, the highest possible rating. The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has not received this top award, giving the Mazda a demonstrated safety advantage.
Which SUV has a more luxurious interior?
Reviewers consistently note the Mazda CX-90's interior rivals more expensive luxury SUVs with its premium materials, quiet cabin, and sophisticated design. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid focuses on functionality and durability, with higher-grade materials often reserved for top trims.
Can I test drive the Mazda CX-90 PHEV in Merrillville?
Yes! Visit Art Hill Mazda at 957 W Lincoln Hwy to experience the 2026 CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid firsthand. Our team can guide you through its features and arrange a test drive tailored to your needs.
The Clear Choice for Northwest Indiana Drivers
While both are competent three-row hybrids, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid surpasses the Toyota Highlander Hybrid in critical areas: potent plug-in performance, a more luxurious and tech-forward cabin, superior standard safety recognition, and the flexibility of electric-only driving. It's the definitive choice for drivers who refuse to compromise.
Your Local Mazda Dealer in Merrillville
Art Hill Mazda
957 W Lincoln Hwy, Merrillville, IN 46410
Sales: 219-355-3537 | Service: 219-355-3398