Is the Mazda CX-90 a Better Fit Than the Toyota Highlander for Florida Families?

If you’re a Florida car buyer seeking a family-friendly vehicle, you’ll likely find yourself considering the Mazda CX-90 vs. the Toyota Highlander. It can be tough to choose between these two SUVs as they’re both outstanding vehicles with a lot to offer. Is the Mazda CX-90 a better fit than the Toyota Highlander for Florida families? Let’s find out.

Which SUV Is Best for Florida Families?

The Mazda CX-90 and the Toyota Highlander compete in the midsize SUV category. Designed with families in mind, both models boast a spacious cabin with three-row seating and an expansive cargo hold. They also come equipped with plenty of infotainment and driver-assistance features to keep you and your family connected, entertained, and safe on your journeys.

If you’re looking for a good family SUV, you won’t go wrong with either the Mazda CX-90 or the Toyota Highlander. However, from performance to interior quality, a comparison reveals the many differences between the two vehicles. Looking in detail at Mazda CX-90 vs. Toyota Highlander specs and features can help you determine which one would better meet the needs of your family.

Inside the SUVs: Comfort and Space

When it comes to interior design and quality, the CX-90 is the clear winner in the Toyota Highlander vs. Mazda CX-90 matchup. Featuring sophisticated styling, impeccable fit and finish, and premium materials, the interior of this Mazda SUV is among the finest in the midsize SUV segment. While the Highlander also has a well-built and modern cabin, it doesn’t look and feel as upscale as the CX-90.

Both the Mazda CX-90 and the Toyota Highlander can accommodate up to eight people. They also come with supportive and well-padded seats that make long-distance trips effortless. Nonetheless, the Mazda is more generous in terms of seating space, providing 41.7 inches of legroom for front passengers, 39.4 inches for second-row passengers, and 30.4 inches for those in the third row. As for the Toyota, there are 42 inches of legroom up front, 38.7 inches in the middle, and 28 inches in the back, meaning the third row is only good for children.

Technology, Features, and Safety

To add fun and convenience to your trips, the Mazda CX-90 and the Toyota Highlander both offer an easy-to-use and feature-loaded infotainment system, and it’s difficult to say which SUV has better tech features. The CX-90 comes standard with a large 10.25-inch touch-screen display, four USB ports, wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, HD radio, and an eight-speaker stereo. Although it has a smaller eight-inch touch screen, the Highlander provides a longer list of features, which includes wireless smartphone integration, satellite radio, five USB ports, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and a six-speaker sound system.

In the Mazda CX 90 vs. Highlander safety comparison, the Mazda SUV is the winner. For 2025, both the CX-90 and the Highlander earned the best possible overall crash safety score of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In crash tests with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the two SUVs received the highest rating of “Good,” but the Mazda managed to edge out its rival by also achieving a Top Safety Pick+ award.

The Mazda CX-90 also prevails over the Toyota Highlander in terms of driver-assistance technologies. The base trims of both SUVs are fitted with adaptive cruise control, forward collision alert, automated high-beam headlamps, blind-spot detection, forward automated emergency braking, lane departure alert, lane-keeping assistance, and rear cross-traffic warning. The CX-90 has several additional standard driver aids, including driver-attention monitoring, rain-sensing windshield wipers, rear-seat warning, and vehicle-exit alert. Traffic-sign recognition is standard in the Highlander and optional in the Mazda.

Performance and Fuel Efficiency on Florida Roads

The Mazda CX-90 is one of the most fun-to-drive SUVs for Florida families, thanks to its potent power mill and athletic handling. This Mazda model features a 3.3-liter turbo-six that delivers 280 horsepower. It’s punchier than the Toyota Highlander, which uses a 265-horsepower 2.4-liter turbo-four. The CX-90 also has an advantage in the Mazda CX-90 vs. Toyota Highlander hybrid comparison. Its plug-in hybrid version packs a stout 323 horsepower, while a Highlander hybrid delivers only 243 horsepower.

Despite its potent engine, the Mazda CX-90 returns 24/28 mpg, which is outstanding for a large SUV. If you opt for the plug-in hybrid, you’ll get a whopping 56 mpg-equivalent combined, as well as an all-electric range of 26 miles. The gas version of the Toyota Hybrid delivers up to 22/29 mpg, while the hybrid variant provides 35 mpg combined.

Pricing and Value Proposition

The MSRP of the gas-powered 2025 Mazda CX-90 is $38,045, and the plug-in hybrid starts at $49,945. With a base MSRP of $40,320, the 2025 Toyota Highlander is a couple of thousand dollars more expensive than the Mazda. Its entry-level hybrid model costs at least $46,820.

As you can see in this Mazda CX-90 vs. Toyota Highlander comparison, the CX-90 beats the Highlander in just about every department, from performance to safety. Even so, it comes with a more affordable price tag, undoubtably making it a better value proposition. Even if you’re looking for a hybrid SUV, the CX-90 plug-in hybrid may be the best choice. With its all-electric mode, it will save you significantly more at the gas station compared to a Highlander hybrid.

Get Behind the Wheel of the Mazda CX-90 in Longwood, Florida, Today

Ultimately, the decision between the Mazda CX-90 and the Toyota Highlander depends on your personal needs and preferences. Nevertheless, the Mazda is the obvious choice if you want the best value for your money. Thinking of getting the awesome CX-90 in Longwood, Florida? Visit us at Sport Mazda North for a test-drive. Featuring a fully-stocked Mazda inventory, our dealership can provide you with a CX-90 model that fits your budget and lifestyle. Contact us today to schedule a visit.