2026 Mazda CX-90 vs. Toyota Highlander: Which Three-Row SUV Fits Your Family?
When it’s time to find a three-row SUV for the whole family, two names consistently come up: the Mazda CX-90 and the Toyota Highlander. Both offer seating for up to eight, standard all-wheel drive, and the space growing families need. But underneath the similar mission, these two SUVs take very different approaches to power, price, and interior experience. Here’s a full breakdown from the team at John Kennedy Mazda of Pottstown to help you decide which one truly fits your family.
Quick Comparison: 2026 CX-90 vs. 2026 Highlander
- Starting MSRP — CX-90: $38,800 | Highlander: $45,570
- Standard Engine — CX-90: 3.3L Turbo I6, 280 hp / 332 lb-ft | Highlander: 2.4L Turbo I4, 265 hp / 310 lb-ft
- Top Available Engine — CX-90: Turbo S, 340 hp / 369 lb-ft | Highlander: same 2.4L Turbo across all trims — no higher-output option
- Plug-In Hybrid Option — CX-90 PHEV: 323 hp, ~27 miles electric range | Highlander Hybrid: 243 hp combined, up to 35 mpg (no plug-in option)
- Drivetrain — CX-90: standard i-Activ AWD | Highlander: standard AWD (new for 2026)
- Max Towing — CX-90: up to 5,000 lbs | Highlander: up to 5,000 lbs (gas), 3,500 lbs (hybrid)
- Seating — CX-90: up to 8 passengers | Highlander: up to 8 passengers
- Cargo Space — CX-90: up to 75.3 cu ft folded | Highlander: up to 84.3 cu ft folded
Power and Performance: The CX-90 Takes the Lead
This is where the two SUVs diverge the most. Every 2026 CX-90 comes standard with a turbocharged 3.3L inline-six producing 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, noticeably more than the Highlander’s standard 265-hp, 310-lb-ft turbo four-cylinder. Step up to the CX-90’s available Turbo S engine and you get 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft — a level of power the Highlander simply doesn’t offer, since every gas Highlander trim uses the same 265-hp engine regardless of price point. For families who want a three-row SUV that feels genuinely quick and confident merging onto the highway or passing on a two-lane road, the CX-90’s extra muscle makes a real difference.
The CX-90 also offers a plug-in hybrid variant with 323 horsepower and roughly 27 miles of electric-only range, giving efficiency-minded families a genuinely powerful electrified option. The Highlander Hybrid, by contrast, prioritizes fuel economy over power, with a 243-hp combined system that returns up to 35 mpg but can’t be plugged in or driven on electric power alone.
Interior Experience and Everyday Comfort
The CX-90’s cabin is frequently praised for punching above its price point, with available Nappa leather, genuine wood trim, and a level of material quality that feels closer to a luxury SUV than a mainstream one. Mazda’s 12.3-inch touchscreen, standard i-Activ AWD, and driver-focused ergonomics round out an interior built for families who want their three-row SUV to feel special, not just practical.
The Highlander counters with Toyota’s trademark simplicity and easy livability, including a standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite, a hands-free power liftgate, and available dual 12.3-inch displays on Limited and Platinum trims. Where the Highlander struggles, though, is third-row space — at just 28 inches of legroom, it’s noticeably tighter back there than rivals, best reserved for younger kids rather than teens or adults.
To Be Fair: Where the Highlander Holds Its Own
The Highlander isn’t without real strengths. Toyota’s reputation for long-term reliability and strong resale value is hard to overstate, and the Highlander Hybrid’s 35-mpg combined rating is excellent for a three-row SUV. Every 2026 Highlander now comes with standard AWD (previously optional), and Toyota’s straightforward, no-nonsense approach to trims and options appeals to families who want a simple decision without a long list of engine and package combinations to sort through. If maximum cargo room and Toyota’s dependability track record are top priorities, the Highlander remains a strong choice.
The Verdict
Both of these three-row SUVs are strong choices for growing families. But for buyers who want more standard horsepower, a genuine high-performance engine option, a more premium-feeling cabin, and a lower starting price, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 comes out ahead. The Highlander remains a dependable, easy-to-live-with choice for families who prioritize resale value and simplicity, but if you want a three-row SUV that feels as good to drive as it looks, the CX-90 is the stronger overall package.
See the 2026 Mazda CX-90 for Yourself
Visit John Kennedy Mazda of Pottstown to test drive the CX-90 and see how it compares to the Highlander in person.
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Proudly Serving Pottstown and the Surrounding Communities
John Kennedy Mazda of Pottstown is a convenient stop for CX-90 shoppers throughout Montgomery, Chester, and Berks Counties. We’re proud to serve drivers from:
- Pottstown, PA
- Royersford, PA
- Spring City, PA
- Phoenixville, PA
- Collegeville, PA
- Limerick, PA
- Boyertown, PA
- Douglassville, PA
- Sanatoga, PA
- Trappe, PA
- Gilbertsville, PA
- Birdsboro, PA
- Norristown, PA
- Reading, PA
No matter which of these communities you call home, our Pottstown showroom is just a short drive away. Browse our full new Mazda inventory or visit our homepage to learn more about financing, trade-ins, and current offers.
Pricing, specifications, and third-party data referenced above are current as of publication and sourced from Mazda USA, Toyota.com, Kelley Blue Book, and TrueCar. Specs and pricing are subject to change by each manufacturer and may not include destination fees, taxes, title, or dealer charges. See John Kennedy Mazda of Pottstown for current pricing, incentives, and availability.
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