Watch out, the SUV competition is heating up as the CX-90 enters the arena. It expects to compete with family-friendly options like the Toyota Highlander. The is locked and loaded with the 2023 Toyota Highlander in its sights.
2024 Mazda CX-90 vs. 2023 Toyota Highlander
2024 is literally a big deal as Mazda’s biggest SUV ever. But instead of targeting the Kia Telluride, the CX-90 has its sights set on other targets like the 2023 Toyota Highlander and Volvo XC-90.
shared that Jeff Guyton, President and CEO of Mazda North America, said the CX-90’s biggest rivals are the Highlander and the Volvo XC-90.
Jeff explained that by providing a more premium look, customers will receive a richer experience without paying a hefty price tag. Mazda will attract more customers to the segment by providing an exciting and enriching family vehicle.
Is the CX-90 better than the Highlander?
We need to spend some time behind the wheel of the 2024 Mazda CX-90 to determine precisely how it compares to the 2023. One thing it’s going to need is more room for passengers and more cargo.
The CX-90’s third row is larger than what the CX-9 has to offer, but official dimensions have not been released. The CX-90’s third row still feels a little cramped, but the Toyota Highlander doesn’t have an edge here.
The Highlander’s third-row seats poke the rear of the second row. Additionally, critics shared that the CX-90 has a roomy second row with wide door openings for easy access.
Also, the 2024 CX-90 could be sportier. It has a standard 3.3-liter turbocharged straight-six engine with mild hybrid assistance that delivers 340hp and 369Nm of torque.
The CX-90 PHEV features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and 17.8 kWh battery pack to generate 323 hp and 363 Nm of torque. We don’t have the fuel economy specs for these engines yet.
With the Highlander, you get a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 265PS and 309Nm of torque. The Toyota Highlander pairs a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to deliver 243PS and 186Nm of torque. The Highlander does not currently have a PHEV powertrain.
Additionally, the CX-90 comes with standard all-wheel drive, making it more capable. It can tow up to 5,000 lbs. The Highlander is available with AWD with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
How much does the 2024 CX-90 cost?
Official pricing for the 2024 Mazda CX-90 hasn’t been released, but some critics speculate it will start at around $41,000. The outgoing Mazda CX-9 starts at around $38,750, so this estimate seems relative.
But it starts at $36,420. That feels like a tight squeeze for the CX-90. The base model will have to be quite loaded to have more value than the Toyota Highlander at a higher price.
We should learn more about the CX-90 as it goes into production. Then we can determine if he succeeds in his goals by defeating the Toyota Highlander.
