2026 MAZDA CX-90 vs. Toyota Highlander
Families shopping for a three-row SUV want strength, confidence, and technology that works without distraction. The 2026 Mazda CX-90 and Toyota Highlander both compete in this space, but the Mazda model stands out in several areas. Bakersfield Mazda compares the two in detail.
Inline-Six Performance and Chassis Control
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 sets itself apart with a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing up to 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque in higher-output trims. An eight-speed automatic transmission delivers crisp, well-timed shifts, and the rear-wheel-drive-based platform creates balanced weight distribution. G-Vectoring Control Plus® subtly adjusts engine torque and braking during cornering to help the vehicle track cleanly through curves.
The Toyota Highlander uses a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine rated at 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it handles daily driving comfortably, but it does not offer the same output or the same rear-wheel-drive-based feel delivered by the new Mazda SUV.
Standard i-ACTIV AWD® vs. Optional Upgrades
Every 2026 Mazda CX-90 includes standard i-Activ AWD®, giving drivers consistent traction without forcing a trim-level decision. The system monitors road conditions and driver inputs to help optimize torque distribution before grip becomes a problem. That standard capability matters for drivers who want surefooted control year-round, not only after checking a box on the order sheet.
The Toyota Highlander offers available all-wheel drive, but it is not standard across the full lineup. For shoppers who want the added confidence of AWD without paying extra or narrowing their trim choices, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 holds a clear advantage.
Safety Credibility Backed by Driver-Assist Tech
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 supports daily driving with a strong suite of i-Activsense® safety technologies, including Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Mazda Radar Cruise Control™ with Stop & Go. The goal is straightforward: help drivers stay aware, reduce workload in traffic, and add an extra layer of support when conditions change quickly. Mazda’s broader safety reputation is reinforced by recognition from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, with multiple recent Mazda vehicles earning IIHS Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ awards.
The Toyota Highlander includes Toyota Safety Sense™ with a comparable set of driver-assist features, but the 2026 Mazda CX-90 stands out by pairing a safety-first approach with standard traction confidence and a brand track record that carries real weight.
Experience the 2026 MAZDA CX-90 at Bakersfield MAZDA
Between its inline-six power, rear-wheel-drive-based engineering, standard i-Activ AWD®, and proven safety focus, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 stands confidently ahead of the Toyota Highlander. You can experience the difference for yourself at our Bakersfield, CA, Mazda dealership. Visit us to learn about trim options and explore our current Mazda lease and financing offers.