2024 Mazda CX-90 vs Toyota Grand Highlander Comparison / Moving Up

[@100M2B]

CX-90 vs. Grand Highlander in-person on-road review is what only big KZbin car review channels are able to do at the moment. I'm impressed. Good job.

[@berto8232]

As someone that was just in the market for a 3rd row SUV, we went with the CX-90. While the Grand Highlander is bigger and has better MPGs, you’re going to end up paying market adjustments for that Toyota.

[@faheemabbas3965]

Same. The grand highlander was the better car except in driving dynamics, but the markups for even the base-trim GH made it not worth it.

[@waltereichnerlynch2574]

​@@faheemabbas3965 got my GH Platinum Hybrid Max at MSRP back in October, traded my two Toyotas ('16 Taco and '17 Rav4) with the dealer and only had to pay $19000 over what the trade brought in.

[@stephenT723]

How do you like the cx-90? I am thinking about buying one.

[@dinobii]

As someone who’s been researching these cars a lot lately, I’m thoroughly impressed with your review. You’re honest, direct and very concisely summarize most important aspects of these two cars. Absolutely commendable work!

[@DM72513]

We just leased the CX-90 PHEV Premium for below invoice. 24 months / 12,000 miles and because of the $7,500 EV rebate and $500 loyalty, we're paying $550 a month with only 1st months payment due at signing. Yes that's $0 down. Mazda has the residual at 72% on 24/12 leases on the Premium trim. The EV range is about 30 miles with regenerative braking set to high. It's the perfect family vehicle for somebody who works less than 15 miles away and does their errands close to home. We're averaging 1.7 miles per kwh and have used no gas in our 1st week.

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

wow 0$ down, Mazda has the best deals on the market right now edit: don't put too much fuel in the tank and make sure to use it sometimes, if the fuel sits in there forever unused it will go bad eventually

[@启毓张]

Very good deal

[@bmohandas]

whats the purchase price at the end of the lease , i am assuming its 7500 less than MSRP

[@ShootingCars]

Great video. When I put out my Grand Highlander video, most comments were asking for comparison to the CX-90!

[@alexmassengale433]

All depends on use case. If I was fine with two rows and only planned to occasionally use the third row I'd take the Mazda. If I needed three rows (or maximum cargo space) I'd take the Toyota.

[@ChrisN06999]

"Like a landlord painting, they covered everything." I felt that.

[@sish9912]

Quality of these videos is insane. I prefer this channel to some with over 400k subs. The cinematography is incredible, and the information is great too. I had no clue about the 0-60 of the base Grand Highlander, and that the Hybrid was naturally aspirated, and I’ve probably done like 20 hours of research on this car for my dad. This single comparison video is more informative than standalone reviews I’ve seen. Incredible.

[@francisrivers1111]

Test drove both. Cant go wrong with any of em. They both are reliable and have high resale value. I personally like the GH over the CX90 because of the boxy design and utilitarian interior and also the MPG of the hybrid. Also the GH has a smoother ride. Honestly the CX90 is a luxury vehicle with a sportier handling. everything you touch in the interior is just high quality. The 3rd row is small but kids will be comfortable.

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

problem with Toyota's hybrids is they are building much less than demand so the dealer mark-ups are higher than the fuel savings

[@francisrivers1111]

@@Mgoblagulkablong yeah..i agree.

[@mbenton6]

Not me. It looks too generic and plain. It looks like Walmart vehicle.

[@jeffmorse645]

When you mentioned that the Mazda could use more thigh support for taller drivers - this is exactly why I bought a Subaru Legacy with the extendable thigh support. I don't know why more companies don't do this. It makes all the difference to taller folks getting comfortable. Even if they don't if they could just add an extra inch or two to the seat cushion length it would help.

[@chiuuuuuuuuuu]

I was looking at an outback and a cx50, and the thigh extension is definitely a determining factor

[@sheldonduffy9442]

Finally comparing a Mazda CX90 to a comparable vehicle. Most comparisons were comparing the S model to less expensive versions of their competitors and the Mazda kept losing because of “value.” I agree with the knob . So many reviewers slam it as not being ”intuitive” but I rapidly learned to love it. I have a version that allows a touchscreen with CarPlay and I still use my knob. The Mazda is also surprisingly fun to drive, especially in corners. However, the Mazda really does suck when it comes to little nooks and crannies for storage. I had to buy some mini trash cans to put in my driver and front passenger area.

[@theunown1912]

Great video. Happy to see the channel growing so well. Would be interested in seeing you comparing each new Subaru (probably will be more appropriate once the Forester gets updated) in their highest trims available. Would be nice to see each at their most "luxurious".

[@Realistick]

I’ll definitely check it out when it’s redesigned (I believe it’s 2025)

[@BlameGamerOfficial]

That would be a cool comparison. The Crosstrek still needs a Touring trim.

[@Rinaldi186490]

Awesome review, great writing and extremely clear

[@ojohnbobby6760]

Toyota any day if you have kids. They come in handy. I have the regular highlander and my twins are growing up with my older son. Have been waiting for the grand highlander and I think it’s time I switch.

[@joshuagraham3222]

I would take the Mazda.

[@DougMacniven]

Great review, as always. I always ask: Is it about the vehicle itself (as if a vehicle could be too pretty, narcissistic and self-absorbed!), or is it about what the vehicle can do for its owner. It seems to me that Toyota has mastered the art of creating vehicles that serve their owners. A little more rugged than luxurious, to me the Grand Highlander says, "Let's go have some fun. I won't be late, I won't let you down, and I don't care what we do. I even like sports and camping!" My choice for that reason. Cheers and keep the great reviews coming.

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

I would love to see some comparisons of the CX-90 vs (semi-) luxury competitors: CX-90 vs Genesis GV80 Acura MDX base engine (not Type S) Infiniti QX60 Volvo XC90 Audi Q7 base engine or PHEV Jeep Grand Cherokee L Lincoln Aviator Cadillac XT6 Land Rover Discovery Range Rover Sport PHEV BMW X5 / Mercedes GLE if they are offered with 7 seats, idk if they are

[@maureenjohnson2577]

You just listed almost an exact copy of my list of vehicle models to shop through for our next family vehicle.

[@humbertofigueira]

great review !! like your conclusions !!

[@PapaToddN]

I understand. People WANT more room when they buy these SUVs. However, how often do the same people actually NEED all that room? How often do they even use all that room? Look at all the 3-row SUVs on the road today (and there are tons of them). How often do you see a ONLY a driver? The majority of the time, I don't even see someone in the passenger seat, let alone the 2nd or 3rd row. I've had minivans AND 3-row SUVS and I've maybe used the 3rd row 10% of the time. If all things were equal, I'd surely appreciate and want more room. However, I'm not willing to sacrifice a significantly better driving experience for extra space I need only 10% of the time. I mean, I'm driving 99% of the time. So while having all that extra room is great, I'd rather have an SUV that drives better, looks better, feels better AND costs less........with ENOUGH space.

[@sheldonduffy9442]

Exactly why I got the Mazda😊

[@Eugen-E]

Then you don't need a CX-90, you need a smaller vehicle ))

[@aperson5062]

@@Eugen-E Obviously if driving is the only requirement, then get a two seat MX-5 Miata. But if you want a Miata that can haul your kids and their friends too on occasion or take the family of four and four large bags on vacation, then you need the 3-row capacity as mandatory. But that doesn't mean you don't drive it and in fact most of the time drive it when the third row is not being used. If you then do care about driving dynamics for the 100% of the time someone is driving it, a bit more than the comfort of a kid after little league 8 times a year, then you do prefer a CX-90.

[@Eugen-E]

@@aperson5062 if you want a 3-row suv that is good to drive, get an MDX Type-S 🙂. If you want a practical family car get a Sienna or Odyssey. If you don't care about driving but you want an efficient 3-row SUV get the Grand highlander. CX-90 is not good at anything: not quite practical, not quite good handling, not efficient, not even quite reliable.

[@FRauf-n4r]

Great review, have you test driven cx 90 phev? If yes how its drive compared to turbo?

[@elementsoflightandmusic]

Great video, thank you! Just bought a grand Highlander limited hybrid max, love it, and after watching this video about the Mazda, still very happy with my choice - although, I’ll mention that there seems to be a discrepancy with what Toyota advertises / and is in the manual regarding the fuel capacity, at least for the hybrid, since on near empty tank I can only fill it about 10 gallons but capacity is supposed to be 17.2 gallons.

[@genzigzag]

Great comparison!

[@CaptainMorganJnr]

Amazing content/ comparison 🎉

[@jerzypawlik9445]

Drove both of them. Mazda CX-90 all day long. Mazda handles, excitement, and glues to the ground. Made in Japan . Mazda is a better bet.

[@100M2B]

If the 3rd row is an absolute must, I'd go with the Grand Highlander. If you're tired of giving rides to other people's kids because your current suv has 3rd row, I'd wait for CX-70.

[@mbenton6]

Grand highlander third row is cheap and the seats are plastic

[@Mr_Nobody-0-J]

@@mbenton6your opinion

[@-kt6dq]

Rather be seen in the mazda, would buy the Toyota for the family though.

[@asamyers4572]

If I had to chose, I would take the Grand Highlander because I just cannot get over the back end looks of the Mazda. But if I really had to chose, I would take the VW Atlas. I just personally like it’s design better.

[@joelc9329]

VW engines are crap

[@atbear]

Nice review, as usual! No actual driveshaft with the 6-speed on the Hybrid MAX though.

[@michael50861]

The problem with Toyota is that it’s very hard to find. Also, dealers’ markups place it in a category where the competition is way stronger. So, Mazda appears to be a no-brainer.

[@Realistick]

I talk about in the end but I also think should have also mentioned that’s subject to change. Toyota has had a bad record of markups with hot vehicles but it usually gets better.

[@jesusmezaarroyo6306]

Definitely, I ll stay with Mazda due to the 6 in line. 4 cylinders for such a big body is not a good idea, especially if it's turbo and all in side the GH looks and feels so cheap. Plus, don't forget that toyota already has a huge problem with the v6 3.4l turbo in the tundras. I know toyota has more reliability in the past, but times change. Anyway, Mazda cx90 has good quality and reliability, plus good value, I see myself in one of those. Thanks for the excellent video.👍

[@davidnguyen8941]

Good review

[@Abu_al-rrub]

I'll go with the gorgeous Mazda 😍 💕

[@UAkovalchuk]

I just bought a brand new grandhighlander xle awd and it only has 20 miles on it and check engine light came on;( have to take it back to a dealer

[@starhomes5523]

I got confused both with Black interiors 😅

[@rossbuchanan3016]

The Mazda every day!

[@mountainhobo]

What a pity that none of the reviewers bother to pull out a measuring tape and give us linear dimensions of the cargo space with various rows of seats down. The manufacturers' cubic feet measurements are useless.

[@Realistick]

If that’s something you want, just ask!

[@mountainhobo]

@@Realistick Consider it asked.

[@Realistick]

@@mountainhobo 📝

[@mountainhobo]

@@Realistick Length and narrowest width. Thanks! I am not sure why car manufacturers report cargo area in cubic feet. I don't know anyone who carries loose grain or gravel in their crossover or a minivan.

[@Realistick]

@@mountainhobo sure, I’ll throw a tape measure in my bag for the next comparison. I did just film one with a lexus and mazda so that won’t have it but any others with crossovers should. Cubic ft really is useless unless you’re comparing within a brand (even then not super helpful)

[@RP-vr8pi]

Mazda is closest to bmw driving dynamic wise, but grand highlander for family hauling

[@brucedarden951]

Thanks!

[@Realistick]

Thank you for watching and supporting!!

[@Sal-pm8lg]

I read that there has been a recall for the cx90 regarding steering.

[@huehuehueh]

This is a no-brainer. Take the lovely Mazda; not the basic plebian Toyota.

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

You can get the Mazda WITHOUT mark-ups, at MSRP or BELOW and immediately without waiting. The Toyota has huge mark-ups, even worse for the PHEV version, and waiting times will be crazy. And the attainable base engine of the Toyota gets worse fuel economy than the Mazda.

[@Realistick]

Indeed, i talk about that at the end, that’s subject to change but Toyota hasn’t been doing a good job of getting markups to go away on hot vehicles.

[@luwisazarcon9]

Toyota is more on utility, more storage and small compartment. Mazda is on more luxurious side. They are both first gen model but given that both brand are top notch in terms of reliability.

[@fungidr3520]

The Mazda is the clear winner especially if it turns out to have long term reliability n safety scores.

[@mbenton6]

Me too. I bought one

[@adrian_bwn]

Funny when you 6ft above expecting seat comfortably in the third row seats. Is like you asking or demand at cabin crews large leg room in economy class.

[@LANDIIIIIOFIIIIIFIRE]

Rated R potholes. I’m Mazda kind of driver.

[@markcoopers1930]

Tbh, still surprised Toyota came out with the GH, and didn't instead add these powertrains and interior updates to the Sienna. They would have fully put down the Pacifica and Odyssey. If you're not getting a minivan, then you're sacrificing practicality anyway. So might as well enjoy the benefits of the Mazda.

[@mountainhobo]

"They would have fully put down the Pacifica and Odyssey." -- Sienna has a fatal flaw. It's second row does not fold into the floor and cannot be removed (without violating the warranty). Sure, it will still sell like hotcakes, but if someone truly wants to take advantage of the cargo potential, this is a problem.

[@md2k8]

The Grand Highlander (gasoline model) is much better for commuting and/or for a road trip than the CX-90.

[@mbenton6]

Not 4 cylinder... on that big as car no thanks

[@md2k8]

@@mbenton6 You can always check the all-new, 2023 or 2024 Honda Pilot, which has the 3.5 L V6 engine and the ten-speed automatic transmission.

[@mbenton6]

@md2k8 mazda cx90 is much powerful with a smoother power delivery with inline 6

[@mbenton6]

@@md2k8 10 speed automatics gears hunts, that's why maxda dont use them

[@FRauf-n4r]

@Realistick what are your comments on cx 90 phev version, if you drove one how different it is from inline 6 turbo?

[@Realistick]

I haven’t driven one yet, I’m probably going to drive a phev for a week later this year.

[@rileyjones750]

CX90 still too small for me and not enough cargo room. I’d go grand highlander or Pilot

[@mbenton6]

Get a minivan

[@alexsmba]

@@mbenton6get a bus. Get a cruise ship. How about you mind your own business and let people get whatever the hell they want?

[@mbenton6]

​@@alexsmbadoesn't matter. I bought one

[@SME5724]

I would take the Toyota

[@Eugen-E]

Hybrid MAX also doesn't have a driveshaft !

[@carenthusiast4984]

Mazda-100%

[@mbenton6]

mazda is not trying to compete with them. Mazda is shooting for acura, Volvo, lexus and BMW and not these cheap looking cars

[@anotheran]

Sadly a Toyota buyer would just buy another Toyota, a Honda buyer would just buy another Honda, American SUV buyers want a SUV with an American name. A German snob won't downgrade to a mazda and it isn't sporty enough. Mazda is fighting for the Telluride, Palisades, gv80 buyers as they're the ones that are less brand loyal. Moving up, folks prefer bargain luxury brands like Acura mdx or Infiniti qx60 for the fancier name and "Japanese reliability".

[@UAkovalchuk]

U r right!! I just ordered a grandhighlander!! Mazda is nice but their inline 6 wont be reliable and hard to work on

[@mbenton6]

​@TheUahahol what are you talking about. Have you not looked at mazdas reliability

[@waltereichnerlynch2574]

@@mbenton6 TAKE A LOOK IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF THE CX90- one of the timing chains is behind the engine, to replace it, one has to completely take out the engine - coming up in a theater near you

[@mbenton6]

@@waltereichnerlynch2574 will not need replaced. You sound like a nut

[@axx8326]

​@@waltereichnerlynch2574 how many times do you need to replace the chain? You all guys echo the carCarenut channel where he threw that in. It is not any more complicated than any other inline 6. As much as the guy on that channel does phenomenal reviews everyone seems to be taking his words at face value without any logical thinking.

[@joelc9329]

Toyota> Mazda. 1.Reliability.- look up all the cx90 transmission issues already. Top of the ice berg. 2. Resale.- That Toyota will be worth thousands more than the Mazda. 3. Looks- Mazda rear looks like the Oceana Sub post implosion. (Not too soon).

[@alengreen589]

unfortunately the CX-90 is not that good where a lot of people have expected, the Car has a few important con´s but on the other Hand the GH I think is very good in this Class with a lot of important pro´s where you expected for a 3 row SUV, thanks 😀.

[@DM72513]

I'm 5'11" and I can sit behind my driver position in the 2nd row with plenty of room without having to slide the Captain's chair all the way back. My wife who is 5'6" can easily sit in the 3rd row behind that. The issue with reviews are that you have no idea how they choose to position themselves in the driver seat. Some people sit all the way back like they're driving a lowrider. 😂 Go drive/sit in the vehicle before writing it off. The 3rd row is fine for women and children.

[@alengreen589]

@@DM72513 thanks 😀

[@alexmassengale433]

The problem for the CX-90 is that passenger and cargo space are two of the biggest things people are looking for in that class and it is at the back of the class in both measures. It isn't a surprise the dealers around me are already discounting it.

[@alexmassengale433]

Problem is that all of its competitors have far more cargo space both behind the second row and behind the third row and that matters to most buyers for this class. The CX-90's maximum cargo space really lines up more with compact SUV's and its more than 200 inches long. For instance the CX-90 has less cargo space behind the first row (74.2) than a Honda CRV (76.5) which is pretty remarkable given how much bigger it is than that car . If Mazda ever learned how to do packaging as well as Honda or Toyota or the Koreans they'd wipe the floor on sales with those companies.

[@mountainhobo]

@@alexmassengale433 'CX-90 has less cargo space behind the first row (74.2)' -- 74 what? cubic feet, inches, giant bullfrogs?

[@prahalove1488]

CX 90’s 3rd row is useless for adults.

[@mbenton6]

So is the grand highlander. Do somecresearch.

[@atlantisrose6790]

Also have to factor in availability and at actual msrp not toyotas bs markups

[@romandodu9996]

Toyota dealers want over 50k for this suv , rip off....