HOW TO DECIDE BETWEEN MAZDA CX-90 and TOYOTA GRAND HIGHLANDER

How do you decide between the all-new Mazda CX-90 or the Toyota Grand Highlander? Automotive Engineer David Chao feels that these two vehicles represent some of the best 3-row SUVs in the market, yet they have different strengths and weaknesses. David provides engineer's insights and details about the CX-90 and the Grand Highlander, so that you can decide which one is the right vehicle for you.

Automotive Press is owned and managed by David Koichi Chao, a global expert in the field of automotive evaluation, engineering, and strategy. With over 35 years of engineering experience, David is able to review vehicles from unique perspectives utilizing technical and specialized methods. David is a board member and a director at AJAC (Automobile Journalist Association of Canada).

David is known around the world as an authentic specialist of Lean/Agile Thinking, and travels all around the world to review vehicles and teach latest engineering methods. Born and raised in Japan, David has an engineering degree from University of British Columbia and post-graduate education from MIT and Harvard Business School in Boston.

[shawnpodraza]

Great evaluation of both vehicles. I was going to get the Grand Highlander max, but wasn’t impressed with the interior, and I really loved my 2017 Highlander hybrid 6 cylinders ( was totaled in accident) So after seeing many reviews of CX 90 PHEV, I test drove one, and WOW was impressed with interior, and exterior. Drove on interstate plenty of punch to pass slower vehicles, but then when I put in sports mode, this became a different vehicle, reminds me more of sports sedan characteristics. But what really pushed me towards Mazda CX90 PHEV was the $7500 credit off MSRP if you lease it and no penalty if you pay off lease early. So I placed my order for CX90 PHEV and saved $1000s. Other note the CX90 PHEV gets much better mpg in hybrid mode vs GH and much cheaper than GH. My only issue is how dependable will this Mazda be down the road.

[markallen]

I'm very impressed with the CX-90. I've owned several Hondas and several Mazdas and only 1 Toyota (1st generation Celica ST).... Although I know that Toyota makes possibly the most reliable cars in the world, in general I find them lacking in charisma. Mazda is my current favorite car brand.

[sudmuf]

I've viewed several of your videos now and I have to say I'm impressed. You're knowledgeable. Your explanations are easy to understand, concise, and not overly technical.

[hyehyesun]

love the gap measurement, not many general buyers will look into that detail of quality and refinement, keep it up!

[frankschopp]

I have had my CX90 for almost 5 months and I love it. the power of the 6 cylinder is very smooth. I have been driving from the interior of B.C. to Vancouver and back and it handles outstanding. Fuel mileage on my trips has been 9.5L per 100 k at speeds of 120 to 140 kph.. Way better than my older CX9. Love the wireless Apple car play. Takes a bit to get used to the engine shutting off at 120kph.Never have owned a Toyota but I am sure it is a great vehicle.

[daviddupree]

Thanks David very informative I would chose the CX 90.

[jimconner]

Thanks David! I've looked at both and still considering both. Leaning toward Mazda, mostly because I have driven a CX-9 for the last 12 years. The interior on the lower trim levels is far superior in the Mazda. The Toyota upper level trims are good. I love the Mazda driving dynamics. It drives smaller than it is, the Toyota does okay. Best (exaggerated) analogy I can think of is if you want to drive like you're sitting in a recliner or on a comfortable couch, get the Toyota. If you'd rather be driving a sports car, get the Mazda.
The Toyota will probably have better resale but the Mazda will give you more bang for the buck up front. Toyota quality and reliability is legendary, Mazda has improved greatly. As first year models, they both will likely have bugs that need to be worked out. Given Toyota's history there will probably be fewer issues with it.

[vin]

Great review. Thank you for your thoughtful and detailed insight. I’m glad to see Mazda is on par with the best of them and getting better and better. Not only is Mazda‘s handling and overall quality top notch but I love their exclusivity if you will. With Toyota and Honda, you see yourself coming and going everywhere. With Mazda you get an awesome vehicle and something unique on the road.

[QuaimeVLee]

I wish these were available when i was buying last year! Both are very appealing and I found your review to be well balanced and reasonable. I appreciate the seriousness you bring to your work.

[MrDilbert]

I cross shopped the CX-90 with the Nissan Pathfinder. I bought the CX-90 and love it but I do wish they included parking sensors on lower trims. You have to go pretty high up in the expensive trim levels to get parking sensors in the CX-90.

[krisv]

great review.. I really enjoy my Mazda CX-90 Turbo S PP!

[TheKingOfInappropriateComments]

I cross shopped a regular Highlander with the CX-9 (not 90) and I ended up with the Cx-9. The highlander feels huge in comparison. A lot more room inside. But there's no way the Highlander can take corners at the speeds that I do in the Mazda. Just no way. One is a sporty crossover and the other is mom's minivan. I'll let you guess which one is which.

[elizabethwhite]

David, thank you very much for the extensive time, attention, and detailed coverage of all of the areas of both vehicles. You have made it very easy for me to decide which vehicle to purchase by showing the differences in the two. The Grand Highlander leads in areas that are the most important to me.

[wsmith]

I have.
A Mazda CX90 Turbo S preferred and I love it.I've got almost six thousand miles on it. It's a lot of fun to drive

[SebastianJose]

I bought a GH XLE just last month and i hate to say that my car is in the dealership waiting for a new turbo charger as the turbo wastegate remain closed and check engine light cane on twice made my car unsafe to drive. My car just made 800kms and this happened. This was a dream come true vehicle for me and just really upset about it.

[davet]

The CX90 looks gorgeous. IMO a closer comparison is the Highlander as both don't have much 3rd row space. I like the PHEV too! I chose the TX550H+ though... I owned a 2005 Mazda6, it was nice, but the Camry would have been a better choice for lack of repairs. A few oddball problems developed in my Mazda about 5 years after owning it, which didn't happen on my Venza.

[patricks]

I have the cx90 phev and I feel like they dropped the ball on it. Memory mirrors should be integrated together. The seat belt alarm doesn’t shut off even when the vehicle is in park. You have to turn it off to get it to stop. The backup exterior alert should also be able to be disabled as it is extremely annoying. The intermittent wipers are only speed adjustable when on auto mode. Other than a few more bugs it’s a great vehicle. I was really wanting the grand highlander but there was an 18 month waiting list for the hybrid.

[Meechka]

Was a very easy decision for me. First off the CX – 90 had mostly white cream interior Toyota was not offering that in the Highlander and I don’t like black interiors.
Secondly, the headrest pushed too far in the Toyota Highlander. I value correct posture with proper support behind my back even though the CX 90s push forward a little it’s not as extreme Toyota.

[thwalltv]

Thank you, David! If money were no option would you go with the TX 550 with the 6-cyl or the CX-90? Which cabin is quieter?

[JokerG]

easy...do you want a 6 cylinder in your 3-row vehicle or a buzzy 4-banger?