Which three-row SUV feels more premium to drive around Verona – the 2026 Mazda CX-90 or the 2026 Toyota Highlander?

Russ Darrow Mazda of Madison – Which three-row SUV feels more premium to drive around Verona – the 2026 Mazda CX-90 or the 2026 Toyota Highlander?

When families weigh two proven three-row SUVs, a common question surfaces: which one actually feels more premium to drive day in and day out? The answer becomes clearer as soon as a drive begins. Mazda built the 2026 CX-90 on a rear-biased i-ACTIV AWD® architecture with a longitudinal engine layout — a blueprint associated with luxury brands — and paired it with the available e-SKYACTIV®-G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbo and SKYACTIV®-Drive 8-speed automatic. Toyota’s 2026 Highlander offers a capable 2.4L turbo with an 8-speed or an efficiency-focused hybrid system with an eCVT, but Mazda’s platform and powertrain strategy tilt the experience toward refinement and engagement. Around Verona, WI, neighborhoods and on Highway 151, that distinction shows up as calmer steering, more natural cornering, and quieter, smoother acceleration when merging or passing.

Inside, the CX-90’s materials and design cohesion feel genuinely upscale. Available Nappa leather-trimmed seats, carefully placed soft-touch surfaces, and Piano Black accents create a minimalist, high-quality atmosphere. An available Bose® audio system and a large, clear display integrate seamlessly without overwhelming the driver, while the available panoramic moonroof brightens all three rows. Highlander counterpunches with an available 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen, an available panoramic glass roof, and premium touches on Limited and Platinum grades, but Mazda’s consistency — the feel of each control, the decisive action in buttons and knobs, the elegant dash flow —builds a more boutique impression. The difference is not just what is offered, but how each element works together.

The powertrain mix reinforces that impression. The CX-90’s inline-six is naturally smoother than most four-cylinders, with a richer sound and torque delivery that pairs beautifully with the 8-speed. In 3.3 Turbo S form, it makes up to 340 hp when using recommended premium fuel, and the tuning feels confident yet composed. The available Plug-in Hybrid EV adds an estimated 27 miles of electric range for shorter trips and errands, then blends in the gas engine for longer drives — useful for families transitioning to electrification without changing routines. Highlander’s 2.4L turbo is strong on paper, and the hybrid is commendably efficient, but the Mazda’s rear-biased traction and transmission logic deliver more predictable, satisfying responses at everyday speeds.

Chassis tuning is another separator. Mazda applies Kinematic Posture Control to subtly reduce body lift in corners, which helps the CX-90 stay flatter and feel more planted. Steering is precise without being heavy, and the brake pedal has a reassuring, linear feel — confidence-building traits on winding county roads and during sudden stops. Highlander offers Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD and, on select grades, a sport-tuned suspension, which sharpens responsiveness. Yet the Toyota’s front-drive-based architecture means the front tires handle more work under power, changing the steering sensation when accelerating out of tighter turns. For many families, the difference is immediately noticeable during a back-to-back drive.

Technology and safety contribute to the premium feel as well. Mazda’s i-Activsense® suite brings sophisticated assists, including Smart Brake Support — Front Crossing and Turn-Across Traffic, Blind Spot Assist, and Cruising & Traffic Support. The available 360° View Monitor with See-through View and Trailer Hitch View enhances low-speed visibility and makes lining up a trailer more intuitive. Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Tracing Assist, and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and the available Panoramic View Monitor improves parking visibility. Both SUVs are well covered, but Mazda’s see-through camera functionality and the clarity of its driver display options raise usability, especially in tight parking or when hitching a trailer for a weekend getaway.

Third-row and cargo flexibility matter, too. Both vehicles seat up to eight and offer available second-row captain’s chairs. Families often ask which third row feels easier to access. Mazda’s thoughtful door cutouts and step-in height, combined with a sliding second row, make access straightforward. Toyota provides comparable space and easy-fold mechanisms. In practice, the distinction again comes down to the Mazda’s cohesive ergonomics — how the handles feel, the seat release action, and the ease with which kids can operate them independently. When the third row is folded, both offer generous cargo space for strollers, sports gear, or a week’s groceries.

For towing and weekend projects, both SUVs can be configured for up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The CX-90’s rear-biased traction can inspire extra confidence when taking off on a slick boat launch or pulling a loaded utility trailer, and the available Trailer Hitch View overlays make it simpler to connect alone. Highlander’s towing setup is accessible and straightforward as well, and Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select adds helpful traction programs for mud, sand, and snow. Families who tow occasionally will appreciate that each SUV can support the task — the Mazda just layers on more visibility and a rear-driven feel.

So, which one feels more premium to drive around Verona, WI? The CX-90 edges ahead by virtue of its platform, powertrain character, and meticulous interior design. Mazda’s commitment to harmony — how the seats support, how the steering responds, how the cabin quiets road chatter — compounds into a notably more refined daily experience.

• Drive feel: Rear-biased i-ACTIV AWD®, smooth inline-six power, and balanced chassis tuning elevate everyday confidence.
• Interior execution: Available Nappa leather, tasteful Piano Black accents, and a cohesive control layout enhance comfort and focus.
• Visibility and assists: Available 360° View Monitor with See-through View and Trailer Hitch View simplifies parking and towing.

For shoppers who want to verify these differences firsthand, a back-to-back test drive is revealing. Our team can outline how Mi-Drive modes change throttle mapping and AWD behavior, demonstrate safety assists such as Head-on Traffic Avoidance Assist, and walk through packaging choices — whether that means an Inline 6 Turbo with higher output or the Plug-in Hybrid EV for shorter, electric-only errands.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is the Mazda’s inline-six really smoother than the Toyota’s four-cylinder?

Yes. Inline-six engines are inherently balanced, which reduces vibration and helps deliver a silkier sound and feel, especially noticeable during steady-state cruising and moderate acceleration.

How do the AWD systems differ in practice?

The CX-90’s i-ACTIV AWD® is rear-biased and proactive, designed to send torque where it’s needed before slip occurs. Highlander’s Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD is responsive and effective, but starts from a front-drive orientation, which influences steering feel under power.

Which is easier to park in tight downtown areas?

Both are manageable, but the Mazda’s available 360° View Monitor with See-through View lets drivers visualize areas that would otherwise be blocked by the hood, improving low-speed confidence in close quarters.

Do both support towing up to 5,000 pounds?

Yes, when properly equipped. The Mazda’s available Trailer Hitch View can make solo hook-ups faster and more precise.

When it is time to step into a premium-feeling three-row SUV, Russ Darrow Mazda of Madison can guide you through trims, features, and driver aids, and arrange a direct comparison drive on familiar routes. Our showroom is serving Sun Prairie, Verona, and Middleton, and our team will help you match powertrain, seating, and tech to your routine so you drive off feeling confident and well supported.

Request more 2026 Mazda CX-90 information