Comparing the Mazda CX-90 vs. Toyota Highlander
Shopping for a three-row SUV in Myrtle Beach often comes down to two names: the 2026 Mazda CX-90 and the 2026 Toyota Highlander. Both seat up to eight, both come standard with all-wheel drive, and both can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Look closer, though, and the differences in power, price, and refinement add up quickly.
The CX-90 starts at a lower price, delivers more horsepower from a smooth inline-six engine, and offers more third-row legroom. Below, the team at Beach Mazda breaks down how these two family SUVs compare so you can choose the right fit for life on the Grand Strand.
The CX-90 and Highlander: Two Popular Three-Row SUVs
The Mazda CX-90 is Mazda's flagship three-row SUV. It rides on Mazda's rear-biased Large Platform with a double-wishbone front suspension, standard i-Activ AWD, and Kinematic Posture Control for confident cornering. For 2026, it adds standard Amazon Alexa voice commands, a new Turbo S Premium Sport trim, and the Polymetal Gray Metallic paint option.
The Toyota Highlander has been a familiar family hauler for more than 25 years. For 2026, Toyota made all-wheel drive standard and trimmed the lineup to four gas grades (XLE, XSE, Limited, Platinum) and three hybrid grades (XLE, Limited, Platinum).
One more thing worth knowing: the 2026 model is the last gas and hybrid Highlander. Toyota has announced that the next-generation Highlander will be sold as an all-electric SUV only, while the CX-90 continues with its proven inline-six turbo and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
Performance & Towing
The CX-90 out-muscles the Highlander at every level. Every CX-90 3.3 Turbo uses a 3.3L turbocharged inline-six with M Hybrid Boost, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. It makes 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel, paired with an 8-speed automatic. Step up to a Turbo S trim and output rises to 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft on premium fuel.
The gas Highlander uses a 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder with 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The Highlander Hybrid pairs a 2.5L four-cylinder with two electric motors for 243 combined horsepower and a CVT.
Towing: Both SUVs top out at 5,000 pounds. The CX-90 reaches it on 3.3 Turbo Premium Sport, Premium Plus, and all Turbo S trims, with a dedicated Towing mode in Mazda Intelligent Drive Select. The Highlander Hybrid and CX-90 PHEV are each rated for 3,500 pounds. If you plan to tow a boat to the Intracoastal Waterway, the CX-90 3.3 Turbo pairs a full 5,000-pound rating with more horsepower and torque than any Highlander.
Interior, Seating, & Cargo Capacity
Both SUVs seat seven or eight, but the CX-90 gives third-row riders more room. The CX-90 offers 30.4 inches of third-row legroom versus about 28 inches in the Highlander, and its second row nearly matches front-seat legroom at 39.4 inches. Depending on trim, the CX-90 comes with a second-row bench for eight passengers or captain's chairs for seven, including a center walkthrough on Premium Sport and Premium Plus models.
The CX-90 also feels more upscale for the money. Even the base 3.3 Turbo Select includes three-zone automatic climate control with third-row vents, leatherette seats, and USB-C ports in the first two rows. The 3.3 Turbo Preferred now adds ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. Top trims bring Nappa leather and ventilated second-row seats.
Cargo: The Highlander has the edge on maximum cargo space, with 16.0 cubic feet behind the third row, 48.4 behind the second, and 84.3 with both rows folded. The CX-90 offers 14.9 to 15.9 cubic feet behind the third row, about 40 behind the second, and up to 75.2 maximum. For beach chairs, coolers, and a weekend's worth of luggage, both handle family duty well; the CX-90 trades a little cargo room for a roomier third row and a more refined cabin.
Safety Considerations
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 and CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid earned the 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, the institute's highest honor. Mazda also has more 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards than any other brand. By comparison, the 2026 Highlander rates Good in the IIHS small-overlap front and updated side tests but Marginal in the updated moderate-overlap front test.
Every CX-90 includes Mazda's i-Activsense suite:
- Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Smart Brake Support
- Blind Spot Monitoring with Vehicle Exit Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Lane-keep Assist
- Rear Seat Alert
- Driver Attention Alert
Higher trims add Cruising & Traffic Support, Emergency Lane Keeping, a 360° View Monitor with See-Through View, and Driver Monitoring. The Highlander counters with standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which includes pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise, Lane Tracing Assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
Differences Between the Mazda CX-90 and the Toyota Highlander
| Spec | 2026 Mazda CX-90 | 2026 Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.3L turbo inline-six with 48V mild hybrid; 2.5L plug-in hybrid available | 2.4L turbo four-cylinder; 2.5L hybrid available |
| Horsepower & Torque | 280 hp & 332 lb-ft torque | 265 hp & 310 lb-ft torque |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Standard i-Activ AWD | Standard AWD |
| EPA Fuel Economy | 23/28/25 mpg | 21/28/24 mpg |
| Maximum Towing | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| Seating | 7–8 passengers | 7–8 passengers |
| Third-Row Legroom | 30.4 inches | About 28 inches |
| Cargo Behind 3rd / 2nd / 1st Row | 15.9 / 40.1 / 75.2 cu. ft. | 16.0 / 48.4 / 84.3 cu. ft. |
| Standard Touchscreen | 10.25 inches | 8.0 inches |
Visit Beach Mazda and View Our Mazda CX-90 Models for Sale in Myrtle Beach, SC
If you want a three-row SUV that's more powerful, more refined, and priced lower to start than the Toyota Highlander, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 deserves a test drive. Browse our new Mazda CX-90 inventory, check the latest new vehicle specials, or schedule a test drive online.
Beach Mazda has served the Grand Strand since 1995 with a non-commissioned sales team and a $1,000 Low Price Guarantee. Our finance department can help you get pre-approved and value your trade before you visit. Stop by 851 Jason Blvd in Myrtle Beach or call our sales team at 843-279-2305. We proudly serve drivers from Conway, Carolina Forest, Murrells Inlet, Surfside Beach, Georgetown, and Florence.