2025 Mazda CX-90 vs 2025 Toyota Highlander
When comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-90 to the 2025 Toyota Highlander, it is clear that both midsize three-row SUVs strive to offer families innovative technology, advanced safety, and high levels of comfort. These models are well-suited for the daily commute and adventurous getaways in and around Peoria, AZ. However, the 2025 Mazda CX-90, offered by CardinaleWay Mazda Peoria, brings forward a unique blend of luxury, power, and dynamic performance that allows it to stand apart. With the option of a robust inline 6 turbocharged engine, an available plug-in hybrid powertrain, and standard i-Activ AWD®, the Mazda CX-90 sets the stage for responsive, confident driving. Intricate attention to detail defines its elevated interior, while front-line safety technology has earned the CX-90 an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating. By comparison, while the Highlander offers versatility and Toyota’s reputation for reliability, it simply cannot match the CX-90's combination of high-end materials, performance-oriented engineering, and distinctive styling. For those in Peoria, AZ and the greater Phoenix and Tucson area seeking a midsize SUV that seamlessly blends functionality and refinement, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 is the superior option.
| Feature | 2025 Mazda CX-90 | 2025 Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | Yes | Available |
| Inline 6 Turbo Engine | Yes | No |
| Plug-in Hybrid Powertrain Option | Yes | Yes |
| 5,000 lbs Maximum Towing Capacity | Available | Available |
| 8-Passenger Seating Configuration | Available | Yes |
| Nappa Leather-Trimmed Seats | Available | No |
| 360º View Monitor | Available | Available |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Yes | Yes |
| Panoramic Moonroof | Available | Available |
| IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Award | Yes | No |
Exterior - Mazda Dealer serving Peoria, AZ
The exterior of the 2025 Mazda CX-90 reflects the brand’s refined KODO: “Soul of Motion” design philosophy, distinguishing itself through fluid proportions, a bold grille, and elegant lighting signatures. The vehicle’s stance, with its rear-biased i-Activ AWD® system, suggests dynamic capability, while high-precision details such as available 21-inch alloy wheels and the chrome-accented grille give the CX-90 a presence more closely associated with luxury vehicles. Exterior color choices are vivid and exclusive, capturing light in a way that accentuates sculpted lines and conveys a sense of movement—even at rest. Notably, features like rain-sensing windshield wipers and a hands-free power liftgate combine style and convenience. While the Toyota Highlander is certainly attractive in its own right, with its chiseled profile and available twin-tip exhaust, its design cues lean more utilitarian—good for blending in, but without the crafted, aspirational cues found on the Mazda. Those visiting CardinaleWay Mazda Peoria in Peoria, AZ will immediately notice the visual distinction and upscale curb appeal of the CX-90, which ensures it commands attention whether parked at a local event or gliding through city streets from Phoenix to Tucson.
Interior - 2025 Mazda CX-90 in Peoria, AZ
Inside the 2025 Mazda CX-90, luxury and practicality join forces to create a truly inviting environment for up to eight occupants. Meticulously crafted details are evident throughout, including available Nappa leather-trimmed seating, a harmonious dashboard, and tastefully integrated power outlets and USB-C charging ports. The panoramic moonroof, available on select trims, floods the interior with natural light, contributing to a spacious and uplifting ambiance. Seat configurations are impressively flexible—opt for second-row captain’s chairs for first-class comfort or a bench for maximum passenger capacity. Mazda’s innovative packaging delivers generous headroom and legroom across all three rows, with easy access mechanisms for third-row ingress and egress. The intuitive Mazda Connect™ infotainment system supports both wireless Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, and the available Bose® 12-speaker premium sound system elevates long drives and daily commutes alike. By contrast, the Toyota Highlander’s interior, while spacious and equipped with an available 12.3-inch touchscreen and SofTex® or leather-trimmed seats on higher trims, cannot match the CX-90’s upscale materials or attention to sensory details. For those expecting a sanctuary that anticipates both luxury and connectivity needs, CardinaleWay Mazda Peoria’s 2025 Mazda CX-90 stands as the clear choice for Peoria, AZ families and professionals.
Mazda CX-90 vs Toyota Highlander Mechanical Specs
Mechanical engineering underpins every aspect of the Mazda CX-90’s appeal, forging a driving experience that is equal parts athletic and refined. The platform is rear-wheel-drive-based, delivering sharper handling dynamics and a more balanced feel compared to the front-wheel-drive underpinnings of the Highlander. The standard i-Activ AWD® system continuously monitors road conditions and driver inputs to distribute torque for confidence in Arizona’s varied climates and terrains. The innovative Kinematic Posture Control (KPC) technology further enhances the CX-90’s cornering capabilities by reducing body roll without sacrificing ride comfort—a rare feat in the segment. Towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped provides genuine utility for weekend escapes, while flexible Mi-Drive technology offers selectable drive modes including Normal, Sport, Off-road, and available Towing modes for tailored dynamic response. The Highlander counters with an available Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD, but its front-wheel-drive origin and lack of technologies like KPC place it at a disadvantage when it comes to overall driving engagement and precision. For those in the greater Peoria, AZ area prioritizing a midsize SUV engineered for excitement as well as practicality, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 from CardinaleWay Mazda Peoria delivers an optimal blend of mechanical innovation and everyday utility.
Powertrain - Mazda Dealership in Peoria, AZ
Setting new standards in the three-row SUV segment, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 features a choice of advanced powertrains, highlighted by a turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine producing up to 340 horsepower and seamless integration with a mild hybrid electric motor. This powertrain ensures immediate throttle response, robust acceleration, and smooth power delivery across the rev range—a notable departure from the Highlander’s turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, which, while competent, delivers only 265 horsepower. Mazda’s plug-in hybrid variant introduces yet more versatility, providing a flexible all-electric driving range for short trips combined with the unlimited freedom of a combustion engine for longer journeys. Even at low speeds or during stop-and-go traffic around Peoria or Phoenix, the M Hybrid Boost system assists with regenerative braking and electric motor support, promoting both performance and efficiency. In contrast, the Highlander Hybrid emphasizes efficiency but not dynamic capability, and the lack of an inline 6 or comparable output limits the Toyota’s performance credentials. The CX-90’s sophisticated, rear-biased drivetrain architecture and breadth of advanced powertrain choices reinforce its standing as the enthusiast’s choice—balanced and responsive, perfect for those served by CardinaleWay Mazda Peoria who demand more than basic transportation.
Safety - Mazda CX-90 vs Toyota Highlander
Safety sits at the forefront of the Mazda brand, and the 2025 CX-90 exemplifies this commitment with a comprehensive suite of i-Activsense® safety technologies and recognition from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) as a Top Safety Pick+. Standard and available features include Smart Brake Support with Turn-Across Traffic, Blind Spot Assist, Driver Monitoring System, Vehicle Exit Warning, and a stunning 360º View Monitor with See-Through View—all designed to alert, assist, and protect occupants whether driving within Peoria, AZ city limits or setting out on open highways to Tucson. Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, and Head-on Traffic Avoidance Assist create a cocoon of security, earning top marks not only for accident avoidance but also for passenger reassurance. Competing safety suites on the Highlander, such as Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+, do offer robust collision mitigation and lane assistance features, but lack the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ distinction and select advanced driver monitoring systems found in the CX-90. Clients who make safety a priority will find the latest Mazda SUV from CardinaleWay Mazda Peoria to be thoughtfully engineered for peace of mind in every drive.
Request more 2025 Mazda CX-90 vs 2025 Toyota Highlander in Peoria, AZ information
For families and drivers around Peoria, AZ who expect a three-row SUV to deliver more than the basics, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 is the standout choice when compared to the 2025 Toyota Highlander. With its premium interior appointments, daring yet elegant exterior, sophisticated mechanical and powertrain advancements, and a leading safety profile, the CX-90 represents Mazda’s commitment to artistry and engineering. CardinaleWay Mazda Peoria proudly supports customers in their quest for a vehicle that meets the highest standards of dynamic performance, technological innovation, and occupant comfort. When considering the 2025 Mazda CX-90 vs 2025 Toyota Highlander, the advantages offered by the CX-90—from its available inline 6 turbo to the prestigious IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award—are clear. Our team in Peoria, AZ invites you to experience first-hand the remarkable difference that sets the CX-90 apart, from Phoenix to Tucson and beyond.