Shoppers comparing three-row SUVs are often balancing family practicality with a desire for something more rewarding to drive. That is exactly where the 2026 Mazda CX-90 sets itself apart from the 2026 Toyota Highlander. The Mazda pairs a rear-biased i-ACTIV AWD® layout with an available e-SKYACTIV®-G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbo, a finely crafted cabin, and thoughtful technology such as the available 360° View Monitor with See-through View. Highlander remains a solid pick with three rows and Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+, but the Mazda leans into a more premium, driver-focused experience. For families shopping in Madison, WI, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Toyota Highlander question comes down to architecture, powertrain depth, and the sophistication of onboard systems. At Russ Darrow Mazda of Madison, our team helps drivers understand how features like Mi-Drive and Kinematic Posture Control translate to confidence and comfort in daily driving. From school runs to weekend towing, the Mazda’s balance of refinement and responsiveness makes it feel at home on city streets and interstates alike, all while offering flexible seating for up to eight and available upscale materials throughout.
| Feature | 2026 Mazda CX-90 | 2026 Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Standard i-ACTIV AWD® | Yes | No |
| e-SKYACTIV®-G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbo | Yes | No |
| Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) option | Yes | No |
| Over 300 horsepower available | Yes | No |
| Kinematic Posture Control | Yes | No |
| Mi-Drive with Off-Road and Towing modes | Yes | No |
| 360° View Monitor with See-through View | Yes | No |
| Available Head-Up Display | Yes | Yes |
| Seating for up to 8 | Yes | Yes |
| Maximum towing capacity up to 5,000 lb | Yes | Yes |
Both SUVs present assertive stances, but Mazda’s KODO design ethos showcases fluid, sculpted body sides that play with light and shadow, projecting motion even at a standstill. The 2026 CX-90’s long-hood, short-overhang proportions stem from its longitudinal engine layout and rear-biased AWD, visually signaling its performance character. Available 21-inch alloy wheels with Black Metallic finish, dark chrome window trim, and artfully integrated exhaust outlets amplify the athletic look. Paint choices such as Rhodium White Premium, Jet Black Mica, and Deep Crystal Blue Mica are formulated to enhance depth and highlights across each curve. Highlander’s sheet metal is modern and bold, especially on XSE with available sport-tuned cues, and available rain-sensing wipers add convenience. Still, the Mazda emphasizes elegance in the details, from the taper of the D-pillar to refined lighting signatures that complement its horizontal themes. For countless curbside moments in Madison, WI—whether school pickup queues or parallel parking on neighborhood streets—the refined stance of the Mazda projects the same care found inside. The available panoramic moonroof integrates seamlessly, continuing the exterior’s clean lines and giving every row a brighter, more expansive view.
Inside, Mazda focused on harmony and quiet, crafting a cabin that feels intentionally premium without being flashy. Available Nappa leather-trimmed seats, Piano Black accents, and dark chrome details complement an intuitive layout and low-gloss surfaces that reduce glare. Thoughtful touches stand out: available ventilated first and second rows, USB-C charging in rows two and three, and an available Bose® premium audio system that fills the cabin with clear, rich sound. The available panoramic moonroof heightens the sense of openness for all three rows, while the Mazda Driver Personalization System can tailor settings such as seating position and display preferences. Highlander offers strong amenities too, including available leather-trimmed seating, an available 12.3-inch display, and an available panoramic glass roof. The difference is in cohesion and tactility—Mazda’s attention to materials, switchgear feel, and the long, elegant dash design create a more bespoke ambiance. For busy lives in Madison, WI, the clean layout and precise ergonomics reduce distraction and fatigue. Fold-flat versatility remains a priority in both SUVs, but Mazda’s calm, consistent design language and carefully tuned cabin acoustics distinguish the experience even before the first mile begins.
Under the skin, the Mazda difference is clear. The CX-90’s rear-biased i-ACTIV AWD® continuously monitors traction and driver inputs, sending torque precisely where it is needed for predictable, balanced control. This platform orientation allows the front wheels to focus more on steering, enhancing turn-in and confidence through sweepers and ramps. Mazda augments this with Kinematic Posture Control, a subtle system that helps reduce body lift during cornering, keeping the vehicle flatter and more composed. Mi-Drive offers Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and available Towing modes, helping the CX-90 adapt to changing conditions. Highlander’s Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD and available Multi-Terrain Select also improve traction, but the Toyota’s front-drive-based architecture delivers a different steering feel under load. The Mazda’s precise chassis tuning and rigid body structure prioritize engagement without sacrificing ride compliance, which is noticeable on patched pavement or longer drives. Engineers also tuned key touchpoints—steering weighting, brake pedal feel, and throttle mapping—so transitions are natural and consistent. The result is an SUV that feels smaller from behind the wheel yet remains stable and quiet, an ideal blend for commuting, errands, and longer trips with a full passenger load.
Power and smoothness are hallmarks of Mazda’s available e-SKYACTIV®-G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbo, an engine configuration prized for balance and refinement. In standard tune, it delivers robust output through a SKYACTIV®-Drive 8-speed automatic; in high-output 3.3 Turbo S form, it offers up to 340 hp when using recommended premium fuel. The torque-rich delivery pairs beautifully with the transmission’s closely stacked ratios, keeping the engine in its sweet spot. For drivers interested in electrification, the CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid EV adds an estimated 27 miles of electric range for short trips, with the responsive feel of the 8-speed when the gas engine joins the party. Highlander counters with a 2.4L turbo four-cylinder and an 8-speed or an available hybrid system that focuses on efficiency with an eCVT. Both SUVs can be equipped to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly configured, but the 2026 Mazda CX-90 brings a rarer mix of output and composure in this class. In daily use, the inline-six’s silkier character, the transmission’s decisive shifts, and the AWD system’s rear-bias combine to create a confident, premium driving feel that stands apart from many three-row competitors.
Peace of mind is built into Mazda’s i-Activsense® suite of standard and available features. The 2026 CX-90 can be equipped with Smart Brake Support — Front Crossing and Turn-Across Traffic, Blind Spot Assist, Head-on Traffic Avoidance Assist, Vehicle Exit Warning, and Cruising & Traffic Support. The available 360° View Monitor with See-through View and Trailer Hitch View enhances visibility around the vehicle and can simplify trailering. The 2026 Mazda CX-90 has earned a 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, and Mazda reports a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from NHTSA for the 2025 CX-90. Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ brings vital features to Highlander as well, such as Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Tracing Assist, and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Where Mazda differentiates is the layer of advanced assists aimed at complex urban scenarios and low-speed maneuvering, plus the clarity of its head-up and cluster displays when equipped. For families navigating busy school zones and tight lots, the visibility tools and subtle driver aids can meaningfully reduce stress. At Russ Darrow Mazda of Madison, our product specialists demonstrate how each feature behaves in real situations, ensuring drivers understand the systems before leaving the lot.
Drivers prioritizing poise, traction, and premium touchpoints find that Mazda’s largest SUV raises the bar. The rear-biased i-ACTIV AWD® architecture, available inline-six power, and cohesive interior craftsmanship set a tone that feels rewarding on every drive. That blend resonates for families and commuters alike in Madison, WI, where daily errands and weekend trips benefit from a vehicle that is confident yet calming.
We recommend choosing the Mazda for its refined powertrains and cohesive design that elevate everyday driving.
When weighing the 2026 Mazda CX-90 vs. the 2026 Toyota Highlander, both deliver space, flexibility, and modern safety. The differentiator is how Mazda elevates the drive. From the rear-biased i-ACTIV AWD® platform and available e-SKYACTIV®-G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbo to Kinematic Posture Control and advanced visibility tools, Mazda’s engineering and design communicate precision and care. Highlander remains well equipped, yet the Mazda’s premium ambiance, responsive tuning, and thoughtful details — including available second-row ventilation and the 360° View Monitor with See-through View — make day-to-day life smoother. Families and adventurers in Madison, WI, as well as drivers from Sun Prairie and Verona, appreciate how the Mazda feels composed in traffic, comfortable on longer drives, and reassuring when the weather or traction changes. Visit Russ Darrow Mazda of Madison to experience the difference firsthand and see why the 2026 Mazda CX-90 stands out with its confident powertrains, elegant interior execution, and intuitive technologies that help simplify every journey.
