2025 Mazda CX-90 vs 2025 Toyota Highlander
When faced with the decision of choosing between the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and the 2025 Toyota Highlander, consumers encounter two of the most compelling three-row SUVs available today. Both bring significant improvements and new technologies to their respective lineups, yet the 2025 Mazda CX-90 distinguishes itself through a combination of sophisticated engineering, cutting-edge safety, and remarkable driver engagement. CardinaleWay Mazda Corona in Corona, CA is proud to showcase the CX-90’s blend of luxury and performance. Its available inline 6 turbo powertrain, rear-biased i-ACTIV AWD®, and exclusive features like Kinematic Posture Control place the Mazda CX-90 firmly in a class above the competition. While the Highlander offers hybrid variants and well-known Toyota reliability, buyers seeking a refined, performance-oriented driving experience will find the CX-90’s handling dynamics and attention to driver comfort unmatched. This comparison of the 2025 Mazda CX-90 vs 2025 Toyota Highlander aims to highlight why the CX-90 stands as the premier choice for families and individuals looking for an elevated SUV experience, especially for those considering their next vehicle in Corona, CA or the surrounding communities.
| Feature | 2025 Mazda CX-90 | 2025 Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Available Inline 6 Turbo Engine | Yes | No |
| Rear-Biased All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | Yes | Available (not rear-biased) |
| Panoramic Moonroof | Available | Available |
| Nappa Leather-Trimmed Seats | Available | Available |
| 3-Row Seating for Up To 8 | Yes | Yes |
| Plug-in Hybrid Option | Available | Available (Hybrid) |
| 360° View Monitor with See-Through View | Available | Available (Panoramic View Monitor, diff. functionality) |
| Mi-Drive with Sport/Off-Road/Towing Modes | Yes | Available (Drive Modes, less advanced in towing/off-road) |
| Kinematic Posture Control | Yes | No |
| IIHS 2024 TOP SAFETY PICK+ Award | Yes | No |
Exterior - Mazda Dealer serving Corona, CA
The exterior styling of the 2025 Mazda CX-90 expresses sophistication and athleticism uncommon in the three-row SUV category. Mazda’s Kodo Design philosophy brings elegant proportions, a long hood, and a commanding stance to every trim—supported by details like a bold signature grille, available 21-inch machine cut alloy wheels, and distinctive LED lighting. The available panoramic moonroof creates an open, airy feel, while functional roof rails and a hands-free liftgate add every-day versatility. Subtle chrome accents and premium paint options—including special metallic finishes—enhance visual appeal. The Highlander, by contrast, presents a more conservative profile, with an emphasis on practicality over presence. While it offers contemporary design cues and available two-tone color options, its overall impression is more subdued, lacking the dynamic character lines and design purity seen in the Mazda. Unique features such as the CX-90’s hands-free rear power liftgate and sculpted rear fascia set it apart in a crowded field, appealing to buyers seeking a vehicle that turns heads from Riverside to Chino. The result is an SUV that is as beautiful as it is functional, making the 2025 Mazda CX-90 a standout at CardinaleWay Mazda Corona.
Interior - 2025 Mazda CX-90 in Corona, CA
The interior of the 2025 Mazda CX-90 immediately sets the model apart from more mainstream competitors such as the Toyota Highlander. Mazda’s commitment to craftsmanship is on full display, with the availability of refined Nappa leather-trimmed seats, genuine wood accents, and an elegant, minimalist dash design that gives the cabin a calming atmosphere. Multiple seating configurations afford flexibility for families, with 6-, 7-, and 8-passenger capacity depending on trim and options, and captain’s chairs that increase comfort on longer drives. Power outlets and USB-C ports are placed thoughtfully throughout, ensuring all passengers stay connected and charged. Available amenities such as ventilated front and second-row seats, a panoramic moonroof, Bose® premium audio, and a full-color Active Driving Display envelop occupants in luxury. Mazda’s human-centric approach shines in details like easy-slide and tilt second-row seats for third-row access and power-adjustable front seating. The Mazda Connect™ infotainment system, with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ capability, offers seamless control and connectivity. While the Highlander also provides comfort and an impressively quiet ride, its interior materials and design lean toward the utilitarian, lacking the upscale ambiance and personalization offered by the Mazda CX-90. For shoppers visiting CardinaleWay Mazda Corona in Corona, CA, the CX-90’s interior provides a sanctuary of modern technology and premium finishes that exceeds expectations in this segment.
Mazda CX-90 vs Toyota Highlander Mechanical Specs
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 is built on an advanced rear-wheel drive platform, an unusual mechanical layout for this class that prioritizes balanced handling and an engaging driving experience. Its rear-biased i-ACTIV AWD® actively monitors road conditions, maximizing traction and control whether on dry pavement or slick roads. The available Mi-Drive system gives drivers four selectable modes: Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing, allowing for fine-tuned vehicle dynamics tailored to the driving environment. Mazda’s Kinematic Posture Control system is another unique innovation, using subtle brake interventions to reduce body roll and enhance agility during cornering. This contributes to a level of handling composure rarely found in family SUVs. The Highlander, by comparison, offers a capable all-wheel drive system with selectable drive modes and optional sport-tuned suspension on select trims, but it does not match the Mazda’s dynamic prowess or platform sophistication. Both vehicles provide ample towing capacity, with the CX-90 offering up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped, making it ideal for hauling in areas like Corona, CA. Ultimately, the CX-90’s mechanical design elevates it beyond typical crossover expectations, delivering driver confidence and satisfaction with every outing.
Powertrain - Mazda Dealership in Corona, CA
Power is central to the appeal of the 2025 Mazda CX-90, and it offers an array of options designed for different driving needs. The centerpiece is the available 3.3-liter turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine, delivering up to 340 horsepower on premium fuel—a significant advantage over the Highlander’s 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder, which is limited to 265 horsepower. This engine, developed exclusively for Mazda’s large vehicle architecture, provides robust acceleration and a smooth delivery of power, aided by the M Hybrid Boost mild hybrid system for enhanced efficiency. For eco-conscious drivers, the CX-90 also features a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version, combining a 2.5L engine and electric motor for substantial torque and an all-electric range for commutes. The Highlander, while offering both gasoline and hybrid powertrains, lacks a plug-in hybrid option. Its hybrid system is efficient but geared for overall economy rather than performance. Both models can tow up to 5,000 pounds, but only Mazda offers a genuine inline 6 turbo experience in this category. With its advanced powertrains and electrically assisted outputs, the CX-90 confidently meets a broad spectrum of driving demands, backed by the knowledgeable team at CardinaleWay Mazda Corona.
Safety - Mazda CX-90 vs Toyota Highlander
In terms of safety, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 excels with a comprehensive suite of standard and available features that helped it earn the coveted 2024 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation, a distinction not currently matched by the Highlander in its class. Every CX-90 is outfitted with i-Activsense® technologies, which include Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Assist, Road Keep Assist, Head-on Traffic Avoidance, Cruising & Traffic Support, Driver Monitoring, and a 360° View Monitor with See-Through View. These innovations give drivers multiple levels of proactive protection and peace of mind whether navigating city streets or highways. The Highlander features Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+, which is robust with adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and pre-collision systems, yet it does not offer the same advanced features such as Kinematic Posture Control or Mazda’s unique see-through camera technology. The CX-90’s architecture is designed with additional reinforcement and energy absorption zones, while its driver assistance systems have been lauded for their intuitive operation and real-world effectiveness. For families in Corona, CA and surrounding areas, these distinctions can play a critical role in the vehicle selection process, and they further reinforce why the 2025 Mazda CX-90 at CardinaleWay Mazda Corona is a top recommendation for safety-conscious consumers.
Request more 2025 Mazda CX-90 vs 2025 Toyota Highlander in Corona, CA information
Upon considering the most important aspects of family SUV ownership—performance, design, technology, and safety—the 2025 Mazda CX-90 clearly rises above its competitors, including the 2025 Toyota Highlander. Its sophisticated lineup of engine options, premium cabin amenities, distinct exterior styling, cutting-edge mechanical hardware, and award-winning suite of safety features culminate in a complete and inspiring automotive package. For drivers near Riverside and Chino who demand more from their three-row crossover, the CX-90 delivers with an engaging, upscale driving experience not commonly found in this price segment. CardinaleWay Mazda Corona in Corona, CA remains committed to providing customers with exceptional vehicles and attentive service, ensuring that your next SUV can be as enjoyable to drive as it is to own. The 2025 Mazda CX-90 is simply the inspired choice for those who want more—on every level.