2024 MAZDA CX-90 VS 2023 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER

2024 MAZDA CX-90 VS 2023 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 is finally here, and with it being Mazda’s all-new flagship vehicle, much is expected from the 3-row mid-sized SUV. In terms of competition, the 2024 Mazda CX-90 seems to be targeting other SUVs in the same class, such as the well-received 2023 Toyota Highlander. Will the new Mazda CX-90 outperform the established 2023 Toyota Highlander? Read on to determine which SUV is the right fit for you! (Spoiler: It most definitely is the Mazda CX-90)

PERFORMANCE VALUE

The 2023 Toyota Highlander comes equipped with standard front-wheel drive, with optional all-wheel drive. Under the hood, the 2023 Toyota Highlander sports one engine option, a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder. Capable of 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, the Toyota Highlander has just enough power for daily use. However, for those who enjoy the act of driving, the 2023 Toyota Highlander may feel uninspiring and dull. It seems that Toyota has solely designed the 2023 Toyota Highlander as a family transport vehicle, without attention to handling and refinement. In fact, this is the case with the majority of mid-sized SUVs; generic, boxy, and slow. The 2024 Mazda CX-90 bridges the gap between practicality and drivability, creating a refined, exhilarating driving experience that also provides SUV practicality. The 2024 Mazda CX-90 offers two engine options; the base 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-6 makes 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, while upper trims receive a tuned 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-6 capable of 340 horsepower and 369 lb-feet of torque. Did I mention that the 2024 Mazda CX-90 comes with standard AWD on all trims? The Driving experience is what you’d expect from the creators of the legendary Miata. Refined, responsive, and most importantly, fun. It’s really impressive how Mazda has been able to capture the excitement of driving in a mid-sized SUV, but they’ve really done it. With almost 100 horsepower over the Toyota Highlander, the CX-90 is undoubtedly the better performer. The Mazda CX-90 also goes 24/28 mpg for the base engine, and 23/28 mpg for the tuned version, while the Highlander goes 22/29 mpg for FWD and 21/28 mpg for AWD. So not only is the 2024 CX-90 more powerful, but it also is more fuel efficient.

MORE PREMIUM, MORE PRACTICAL INTERIOR

SUVs are bought with size in mind, so let’s first compare the interior space of the two vehicles. The Toyota Highlander has 155.5 cubic feet of total interior volume, with a maximum cargo capacity of 84.3 feet. On the other hand. the 2024 Mazda CX-90 has 156.5 cubic feet of total interior volume, but with a smaller cargo volume of 74.2 cubic feet. In other words, there’s more total space inside the CX-90, but the Highlander can store a little bit more cargo. The Highlander and Mazda CX-90 seats up to 8 passengers, but that number is knocked down to 7 when adding second-row Captain’s Chairs, The In terms of quality, the Mazda CX-90 outshines the Toyota. With premium leather options, sleek controls, and infotainment, and high-end build quality, the CX-90 exudes confidence and luxury without the luxiry price tag. Simply, the Toyota Highlander feels like I got what I paid for, while the CX-90 feels like I got more than what I paid for.

SAFETY AND DRIVER ASSIST

When driving an SUV, chances are you will be taking passengers with you. With that in mind, safety and driver assist features are critical to SUVs. Having said that, the 2024 Mazda CX-90 comes with i-ActivSense, Mazda’s suite of safety and driver assist technologies. With i-ActivSense, owners receive:

• Automatic High Beam Control
• Lane Departure Warning
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Traffic Sign Recognition
• Distance & Speed Alert
• Front Cross Traffic Alert
• 360 Degree View Monitor
• Driver Attention Alert
• Mazda Radar Cruise Control
• Lane Keep Assist
• and much more.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander comes with the highly-rated Toyota SafetySense:

• Pre-Collision Pedestrian Detection
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
• Lane Departure Alert
• Automatic High Beams
• Lane Tracing Assist
• Road Sign Assist
• Proactive Driving Assist

Although highly rated, the Toyota Highlander offers less safety features than the 2024 Mazda CX-90.

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 has many advantages over the 2023 Toyota Highlander. This is not to say that the Toyota Highlander is a bad vehicle, in fact it’s a great vehicle. However, the CX-90 just does it better. The premium build quality, sporty and grin-inducing performance, safety features, and elegant design outshines the Toyota Highlander in every aspect. The 2024 Mazda CX-90 starts at $39,595 and the Toyota Higherlander, $36,420. Although the CX-90 costs a little bit more, the value and performance you get in return is invaluable. Still unconvinced? Check our 2024 Mazda CX-90 inventory and take a test drive at Safford Mazda Chantilly today! Also note that the 2024 CX-90 is also offered as a plug-in hybrid.