FAMILY FACEOFF - 2024 Mazda CX-90 vs. 2024 Toyota GrandHighlander: Full Comparison

[@mobilehomefriendllcblog7092]

Kirk, your comparison analysis here is among the best I’ve ever seen on anyone’s auto channel. Kudos to you! Keep up the excellent work. I’ve been subscribed to your channel almost from the beginning. Your reviews are always honest with great opinions and information.

[@David_Journey]

CX-90 PHEV owner here -- break feel is pretty consistent. I test rode the regular CX-90 low output mild hybrid, and there the break bite was more pronounced.

[@AbsolutSabs]

The Mazda takes it for me on the i6 engine alone.

[@alwaysiyi272]

I think the GH is better at being a family vehicle just due to being more space efficient which I think matters more in this segment while the CX-90 is the more luxury-esque vehicle. The perfect combo for me will be the TX, you get the space of the GH and the luxuries of the CX-90. Both are awesome vehicles

[@mylifeislegendary942]

Agreed .you are spot on

[@ytj22]

​@@mylifeislegendary942Albeit at a much higher price

[@mylifeislegendary942]

@@ytj22 yes lexus tx is a mercedes bmw audi rival .so obviously the tx is expensive lol

[@ytj22]

@@mylifeislegendary942 Right, but it was just mentioned in the same breath as the CX-90 and the Grand Highlander. Of course the perfect combo would almost always be to have the best of both worlds, but that usually costs more.

[@mylifeislegendary942]

@@ytj22 cx90 is not a luxury suv in anyway .its just a grand highlander rival thats it. Infact mazda call themselves premium not luxury

[@FRauf-n4r]

Great review Kirk! just got a phev, really like it , great vehicle

[@KirkKreifels]

Good choice!

[@srandyt2]

I look forward to you being able to add the TX to this comparison. The CX90 is almost more Lexus-like. I like more screen room for data. It looks more symetrical and you can put more data on there. I agree with you limiting to three models each. This is a good represtation of all that is available. They both have so many!

[@xiondFirst]

You can enable the touchscreen on Mazda's screen even when not on Android auto or Carplay.

[@petezee6645]

Yup. It’s way down the menu settings but can be done. Weird Mazda buried this fact as every reviewer mentions lack of touch screen 🤷‍♂️

[@KirkKreifels]

Woah! Thanks I'll remember this the next time I review the CX90 - hopefully the PHEV model SOoooooooooooooon

[@xiondFirst]

@@petezee6645 yeah I test drove Cx-50 and it was buried. Though I was just messing around and found out lol

[@TheFalconx00]

EDIT: Great review, thanks for work and your tally of impressions. If you have 2 kids buy a CX-90, if 3 or more than a GH Toyota. I was on a waitlist for Highlander Hybrid for more than a year, until I drove CX-9 and CX-90. I was planning on buying the CX-90, but was waiting for the right trim then I found a great deal on CX-9 GT (2021). My wife liked the new Pilot, but I found steering way to light and not engaging as the CX-9/90. Loving it so far and it works for my with more than enough cargo space, planning to upgrade to CX-90 in 4-5 years. PS: Turbo S can seat 7 in the lowest trim with a bench option. The Japanese trio; Pilot, CX-90, Grand/Regular Highlander are undisputed kings of the 3 row non-luxury SUVs market. Pick your flavor what works for you.

[@baldheadlogic]

This was good. I appreciate this kind of review.

[@dak6028]

Did a test drive of the top trim CX90 PHEV in full EV mode and it performed great. I was surprised how well it did as this was the first time I have driven any type of hybrid/EV.

[@KirkKreifels]

Very nice!

[@zachbackar5389]

Mazda rules style and substance.

[@arhamkhakwani5851]

They do. However I still think the CX-9 looks more elegant than the CX-90

[@AdamJRowen]

@@arhamkhakwani5851 ????? CX-90 no doubt wins the exterior and interior and the power trim in comparison with the CX-9

[@arhamkhakwani5851]

@@AdamJRowen lol I mean what I said is more subjective and opinionated. The CX-90 still looks amazing tho.

[@RayBrown-u2n]

Agree Mazda for the “HAPPINESS “ and stylish interior & exterior design. I have been driving the CX90 Turbo S PP for about 45 days now and must comment that the drivetrain really smooths out and the shifts are executed well. The first few weeks the car was a little jerky but now that it has adapted to how I drive, it runs like a champ on steroids. Many other Mazda owners on some forums I’m on are also experiencing the same, breaking in the new car for how they drive everyday.

[@KirkKreifels]

LOVE to hear this! Congrats mate

[@DangerDucking]

What do you mean by the car is adapting to how you drive? The jerky transmission is my biggest concern that's giving me pause (as I'm generally paranoid of buying new generation, and this is the first model year of a new design)

[@RayBrown-u2n]

@@DangerDucking This will be the 3rd first year car for me, 2013 CX-5, 2016 CX-9 and now the CX90 that I’m excited about driving. Transmission’s have some adaptive features that help the computer plan ahead what your next step will be from what I have read. I’m urban mostly under 50mph with to many traffic lights and the car has smoothed out the more I drive. It’s not perfect but the shifts are crisp and it moves right through the gears and gets you on your way. Best way to describe the occasional jerk is very similar to starting off in a manual transmission, the clutch is engaging.

[@DangerDucking]

@@RayBrown-u2n Gotcha, is it more noticeable when braking/parking? My concern is that feeling it physically might indicate premature wear and tear, but that may be irrational.

[@RayBrown-u2n]

@@DangerDucking Almost undetectable at this point and I do mostly in town stop and go traffic.

[@ExpeditionaryRanger]

Couple important points. The xle GHL with the base turbo can still tow 5000 lbs which makes it an option for many families with 3500-4000 lb empty campers. The price that you have to pay extra for the hybrid max will never break even if you need the towing, on fuel economy. The xle makes the most sense for our family.

[@kevinousdigian]

Great points - I agree. The hybrid max looks awesome but the high mpg is the same as V6 so spending way more money for Max only makes sense if you are driving in city traffic or just want huge torque in a huge car. Even the GH hybrid tows 3500 which is enough for small-mid boats and several reviewers have shown 0 -60 in under 8 sec so a lot slower than max but only like 1 sec slower than many other options.

[@Maple8man]

Hi Kirk my family got CX-90PHEV GT It's a amazing cross over.

[@LeoTheShortGuy]

Mazda is my favorite!!!

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

You can get the Mazda WITHOUT mark-ups, at MSRP or BELOW and immediately without waiting for months. The Toyota will have $10-20k mark-ups, maybe even worse for the PHEV version, and waiting times will be crazy.

[@KirkKreifels]

Yes I can get Mazda turbo and PHEV in my area at MSRP too!

[@jstrig]

I wish more reviewers would talk about the markups. I can get a mid-trim CX-90 with the base engine for only a little more than the price of a Toyota RAV4

[@MrTeslaX-vi2qn]

No markup for gas here in Nevada Or WA

[@kevinousdigian]

The CX90 is not an option for me because I need the cargo space for sporting equipment like skis and family trips. CX90 is way smaller than Honda Pilot or GH so only giving GH one more point for cargo space doesn’t seem right since it’s 30-45% more cargo space depending on if you are looking at behind 3rd (20 vs. 15), 2nd (58 vs 40) or 1st (97 vs 74) row. The other showstopper for CX90 is that I’m 6’0” and when I sat in the CX-90 the driver seat was terribly uncomfortable due to the lumbar support being down at my waist instead at the curvature of my back. The regular Highlander is also a little low. The Honda lumbar hits me just right. Kirk - Do you remember if the GH lumbar is higher than regular highlanders and CX90?

[@eduqloo]

have you tired needing a smaller car? i just got a 3.3td cx-60 and i would never even consider a honda passport or anything of the sort, the mazda is really a way nicer car.

[@yslee1401]

Roof racks?

[@kevinousdigian]

@@yslee1401 I appreciate your brainstorms. We do have a smaller car but need a larger car because as I mentioned above we need the space. We have a family of 5 and are really into nordic skiing so have lots of skis, wax bench, gear, food,.... We go up to northern MN, WI, and UP MI often where they get 250" of snow a year and can get a foot in a hours. I've had minivan and love the space but don't like getting stuck. We love the Honda Pilot and usually have 3rd row down and right 2nd row seat down all winter so that we can have all our skis in the car. Yes I've used roof rack but it has many downsides as my wife and daughter can't get into it and it's a real challenge to deal with in below zero temps and with fresh snow on top, not to mention the worse gas mileage with it. There is no doubt I'll take a functional large SUV like GH, Pilot, Telluride over CX90. I drove the CX90 Premium Plus. Yes it's aesthetically way nicer inside but it's still a 5000 lb 17' long vehicle. For the poor space it provides I think one could get a smaller car with even better driving feel if that is the primary goal and still have similar cargo space. For example a SUV the size of RAV4 or CRV has about the same cargo space behind the 2nd row as CX90 with 3rd seat folded down and they are 1.5' shorter and weigh almost 1500 lbs less. CX90 is way bigger and basically adds seating for one more person.

[@davidlovesgolf]

Extremely helpful comparison!

[@mrgurulittle7000]

Minivans of the century.😂 Love the CX90 looks!

[@winstondeocampo699]

Thank you Kirk for trying to be as objective as possible. This is a hard one to figure out.

[@ggusta1]

May I please request another spreadsheet row for autonomous driving features quality?

[@jstrig]

The Toyota wins there

[@markcoopers1930]

Great comparison. These vehicles take different approaches, and there's a lot to like in either direction if you're looking for a 3 row. As someone who's already daily-ing a current Mazda infotainment the entry level Mazda seems to offer a lot over the entry level Toyota, but I imagine the sales availability of the Toyota will be better.

[@mutedmutiny9542]

Doesn’t seem like it so far. In SoCal you can’t even test drive a GH, they are all coming in pre-sold so you need to put down a 3K deposit to order one and then test drive and if you don’t want it you can get your deposit back. Meanwhile there are CX-90 available on the lot. You might think that kinda tells you all you need to know but I think Mazda are very underrated and overlooked, without the rock solid reputation that Toyota has, but I think they’re just as good if not better, people just don’t know it.

[@markcoopers1930]

@@mutedmutiny9542 you're absolutely right. Just got back from a dealership and they're moving units of the CX-90. Probably 20 on the lot and most were sold. Small dealership too, so the fact there were 20 of anything not the CX-5/50 is wild

[@hassansuboh1891]

Where are you getting the acceleration numbers? The PHEV is frequently found quicker to 60 than the turbo S. The Hybrid Max 0-60 numbers are still a bit faster than that.

[@abdulmajeed1173]

thank you very much, very informative

[@JOONSSSSS]

If I can walk in and pick up GH hybrid max platinum, it will be the one. But two of my locals marking up inbound cars for 3k up and other dealer 10k up. One that doesn’t charge mark up can’t promise when it’s going to come in. Mazda is always available.

[@healer81]

For most Americans that almost never intend to take their SUV offroad either of them is perfect for them.

[@jsfbay1]

Thanks for this Kirk. I find it so weird that the CX-90 straight 6 with a pancake electric motor for starting the engine can't manage to be as smooth as what Toyota does. How are the German cars with 48 volt mild hybrids when it comes to the speeds and situations in which the CX-90 feels clunky? Maybe Dave Coleman just needs a bit more time to refine things. I have to wonder how many mpg the wet clutch bought the Mazda vs a traditional locking torque converter (which would almost surely be more smooth.) I guess I'll let the CX-90 bake in the oven for another year or so...

[@MNArtChan]

They put two speeds after 1st gear instead of top end shifts for some reason. I am sure they will fix with software updates.

[@marshalljames5640]

Buyers are reporting that after 30 days the shifts iron out and it somewhat learns your driving habits.

[@MNArtChan]

@@marshalljames5640 Good to hear. I love the engineering at Mazda and really believe they are built with precision and care.

[@Yogi5D]

Nobody can beat Mazda in value for money right now in any segment. Their new 3.3L inline 6 motor is the best engine in the world. They basically copied the B58 from BMW and made it better.

[@naveenthemachine]

But they have yet to reach the performance of the x5

[@Yogi5D]

@@naveenthemachine Yeah but they took care of the oil leaks 😉

[@wallbangerzsports]

$43k for a brand new Grand Highlander XLE is a steal … when do they hit the lots ?

[@Asiansxsymbol]

Yep. Even some RAV4s are more than that.

[@naveenthemachine]

Assuming you pay MSRP…

[@ytj22]

​@@AsiansxsymbolAnd those RAV4s will offer more in other ways (features, AWD etc.) Than the base Grand Highlander. Nice to have the choice though.

[@jstrig]

​@@naveenthemachineYeah. Good luck getting any Toyota near MSRP right now

[@zemo2332]

Is Grand Highlander really coming in July?

[@peterkoe5044]

You over simplified the all wheel drive of the Hybrid Max. It is not an all wheel drive in the technical sense. The back axle has its own electric motor which while engaging is quite detached and non-responsive to more complicated anti slip programing. In trials its quite dis-jointed. The Mazda all wheel drive should have been a 3 across the board. The Hybrid Max should have been a 2. And as always, lets see you even try to get a hold of a Hybrid Max without excessive wait times and ridiculous market adjustments.

[@salocin911]

Great comparison, you should add 1 more category... projected resale value in 1,2,3 years... Mazdas still take a hit within first 2 years. We got our 2017 CX9 (used) for 28,500 in 2020.... (orig sticker 42,900). We loved our time with it. But looking at resale of cx50s ...first1-3 yrs will hurt a lot. Versus toyota?

[@KirkKreifels]

Great point!

[@ToTo_0224]

Mazda Cx 90 👊

[@mq5255]

I think GH is more economical reliable and long lasting as compare to mazda specifically for the hybrid version. In ur reviews hybrid xle doesn’t have sunroof/panaromic but when i go for the website they give u option to da that.

[@KirkKreifels]

Yes it's an option on XLE.

[@MNArtChan]

You are basing your opinion on what? I have a Mazda CX5 and it has nearly 200k and still drives perfect. Mazda takes pride in their assembly to exacting specifications. What what engineers say about the new Mazda CX90.

[@yuriy797]

Yes, this is without any doubt, we have absolutely no Mazda or Honda in the taxi, the taxi drivers themselves say that they cannot withstand such exploitation. only Toyotas run.

[@jimmorrison2124]

Wow! Mazda REALLY stepping up their game. Very nice.

[@slices6500]

My take is 3 row SUV's are really comfort and people hauler rides. If you want a performance ride you really need to look into a different category. Mazda does separate itself with a bit of a performance ride and upgraded interior finish (note exterior look is subjective and not a comparison item). However note the Mazda cabin finishes in the lower trim levels are very subtle just like the Grand Highlander. Funny that most reviewers only seem to show the Mazda top trim interior finishes and trash the GH at this level (which is justified), but on the other trims the interior finishes are similar. Each vehicle will offer options that will attract buyers their way based on price and needs. I don't understand the emphasis on acceleration to 60 mph. These are not performance rides. However the GH Hybrid AWD might be a bit disappointing on the freeway when one is passing other vehicles. If you are looking for comfortable space, efficient mpg, reliability, and excellent trade-in value the Toyota really is the best choice. Other than beautiful cabin designs on the Mazda upper trims, I don't see the risk with investing $50k on a new design which has not been tested. I looked at both and do love the Mazda exterior and interior (top trim only) designs, but this is a new power train design so my confidence level is low. I ended up purchasing the Grand Highlander Limited Hybrid based on the need for a 2nd row bench seat (for the dog😁) , don't want a sunroof (live in AZ, so you don't search out the sun), price, and excellent mpg. Dealers in our area are selling at msrp and there seems to be better supply on some trims. Take delivery in 3 weeks. A friend of mine who rented this specific model said the highway passing power was just fine, so we will see. Trading in a 2018 Highlander Ltd. with 118,000 mi. at 52% trade-in value. Toyota dependability and value. Cheers

[@mbenton6]

I disagree with you. I cannot drive the GH the way i want because it will feel heavy. Cheap interior and 4 cylinder. Mazda inline 6, awd, i can go on and on. Also, mazda cars will adjust to your driving behavior. All the quirkiness that u feel will go away as you drive. Its trying to be more predictable on how you drive. Mazda period. The design doesnt stand out at all. Cx90 for me bud

[@naveenthemachine]

GH for space but cx90 for literally everything else

[@mylifeislegendary942]

Naveenthemachine . Dont post crazy comments

[@ibrahimbashir6634]

For example ?? "Cx90 for literally everything" What things ??

[@mylifeislegendary942]

@@ibrahimbashir6634 naveenthemachine is going crazy

[@naveenthemachine]

@@ibrahimbashir6634 what things? Hmm. Let’s see 1. Exterior styling 2. Interior design 3. Materials and build quality 4. Performance 5. Driving dynamics 6. Cx starts significantly cheaper than the grand Highlander 7. A smooth inline 6 engine 8. Much more elegant suspension setup

[@mylifeislegendary942]

​@@naveenthemachinelets see why grand highlander is better than the cx90 . 1. Interior design and quality . 2.exterior design . 3.more comfortable and refined compared to the cx90 . 4.more interior space . 5.more features and technology . 6.excellent performance and gas mileage . 7.multiple engine options .. 8.excellent value . So naveenthemachine dont post dumb comments

[@1976axerhand]

Grand Highlander is only assembled in the us, still has Japanese parts.

[@johnatkins6587]

If I’ve said this once, I’ve said it a million times. I wish car reviewers would stop opining about which infotainment interface option is better. It is purely subjective and a matter of preference. I find touchscreen interfaces to be so annoying. Hunting and pecking and highly inaccurate as you try to tap while driving and its just constantly hit or miss. Not to mention it is far far more distracting to the driver. I love Mazda’s click wheel interface, even while using Apple CarPlay. Simple, intuitive, less distracting, I can keep my eyes on the road and always accomplish my goal in a few clicks and turns with zero fuss. I may be a bit biased. I own 3 Mazdas. But again, a matter of preference. Great comparison. When Mazda does their mid cycle refresh on the CX-90 in a few years, I hope they work out a lot of the refinement kinks with the transmission. Because I will be trading in my CX-9 GT for this beauty of a crossover.

[@jstrig]

I also like the rotary dial personally. Mostly because it keeps the display clean

[@LinhNguyen-gx9zs]

Cx-90 turbo s base model offer 7 seats configuration with bench seat in the middle, which is the suite spot for me. I will choose GH hybrid max if they offer middle row bench seat

[@DM72513]

I'm take Mazda's rotary dial over over the thick bezels, gloss black and fingerprints on Toyota's.

[@jstrig]

Agreed. I like that the screen stays clean on the Mazda. I didn't mind the rotary dial one bit when I played with a CX-90 at the dealership

[@paulneil7321]

I wish Mazda CX-90 had GH interior space or at least Pilot's size.

[@rafalpgresiak629]

Mazda all the way

[@jxmar_]

Like the looks of the GH BUT I really like the interior and engine on the Mazda! Hard choice. Hopefully Toyota brings a prime version w the 3.5 V6 engine.

[@arhamkhakwani5851]

Unfortunately I doubt that Will happen. It would seem that the PHEV would be exclusive (for now) to the TX and upcoming Century. However, the PHEV from the RAV4 Prime with 300 horsepower should be fine for the GH.

[@lightshunshine3861]

@@arhamkhakwani5851 from what iknow that TX will only sell in NA not to asian market but century only sold in Japan or rhd only

[@jxmar_]

@@arhamkhakwani5851 I wouldn’t be mad at this getting the RAV4 prime setup but if it’s gonna get the RAV4s setup I’d rather them come out w a sienna prime

[@mylifeislegendary942]

​@@jxmar_ cx90 is no match for the gh in anyway . You think people who buy a cx90 or grand highlander care about if it is i6 or rwd. Thats were krik got it wrong

[@mbenton6]

​@mylifeislegendary942 you're wrong. That's why I bought one

[@BlazerBrass]

These cars are smaller than minivans and full size sedans, and yet so many reviewers are calling them enormous

[@KirkKreifels]

GHL and CX90 is only 3" shorter than Sienna and offers far less cargo space and functionality. Sliding Doors FTW

[@BlazerBrass]

@@KirkKreifels Agreed. This must mean that the Sienna is gargantuan beyond belief

[@tinhinnh]

The GH has the Lexus version so they can’t make it look too nice, otoh, Mazda has to kill two birds with one stone

[@naveenthemachine]

The Lexus version isn’t any better tbh. The cx90 quite simply slaughters both inside and out

[@ToxicCookie]

@@naveenthemachinesure in performance but TX and Gh got way more room, so it’s either one or the other

[@tinhinnh]

@@naveenthemachine Thats debatable but it wont “slaughter” in the space dept 😂 which 3 row buyers are looking for

[@ericB3444]

People should stop looking at small rims as nerdy. They provide a nicer ride. Have you ever heard a girl say, “I went out with him because his rim really filled out his wheel. What a manly wheel..”

[@xiondFirst]

It just looks cooler. These vehicles are so big it doesn't matter too much. They're high up anyways.

[@ericB3444]

@devildog5354 this is not any girl. This is Welma Flintstone. That’s important because the Flintstones kick their feet out to move the car. They carry all the sprung weight and they have a say.

[@ericB3444]

@@xiondFirst most trucks are not sleek 911’s. So they are just trying to not look like a van from the back half. Albeit Porsche and bmw have some pretty trucks. But I wouldn’t worry about my frumpy Toyota. Even though these are somewhat nicer.

[@fletchb]

Smaller rims = tires with more sidewall = smother ride. If this was a sports car, then larger rims would give better handling, but these are not sports cars!

[@ericB3444]

@@fletchb agreed.

[@avdp9095]

Both are excellent cars, why, Japanese engineering....simple as that. It is the different character that makes the difference between these two brands and cars.

[@OmerTheGreatOne]

Good luck finding that Toyota at retail price! 2 years wait in Canada currently, after dealer add on price.

[@carlosrobles1264]

I’m so over Toyota at this point. I used to always go to them hands down but you really don’t get a lot for the money like you do with Mazda. I put a deposit on a Mazda today, I knew I wanted it the second I sat inside, the interior is so unmatched to Toyota and can’t believe I’ve been sleeping on Mazda this whole time. I’m honestly probably never going back to Toyota, after their dealer installed options, dealer mark ups, lower quality interior, it’s just hard to justify for “reliability”

[@yahooskip]

And I hope in 100,000 miles to STILL be glad I went with the Toyota

[@KuyaArbee]

I'm taking that CX90 TURBO PREMIUM PLUS! wish they just kept the PRESTIGE or Signature name

[@ToyotaChrisWI]

Can’t beat Toyota reliability.

[@kurtgrundel4045]

Mazda has several times and especially against American built Toyota.

[@ytj22]

​@@kurtgrundel4045initial quality maybe but with reliability Toyota has been more consistently at the top than other automakers.

[@jaydenp.6243]

@@kurtgrundel4045 Mazda beat Toyota 1x in the last idea how many years...and its only because they use some Toyota engineering which ofc is reliable in itself.

[@jstrig]

​@@ytj22A Japanese Mazda will outlast an American made Toyota

[@Kstxrd]

Toyota just announced a major safety recall on the new Toyota GrandHighland effecting over 140,000 2023s and have cease sales and production until they come up with a fix.

[@alengreen589]

both are good.

[@REVECRIT]

Tiny wheels good cheaper tires more All terrain options , smoother ride

[@HailCaesar-lm4bq]

If u have 2 + kids you need lots storage strollers etc behind 3 rd row . Tahoe/Suburban

[@petezee6645]

If there was a plug-in Suburban or Tahoe with 50mile EV range and I couldn’t give Chevy my $$ quick enough 😂

[@HailCaesar-lm4bq]

@@petezee6645 get the Duramax 30 mpg highway and 28 gal tank

[@brq44]

Everyone, and I mean everyone disregards minivans

[@HailCaesar-lm4bq]

@@brq44 I drove Hi Ace in philippines. Sort of cross cab over truck and van

[@brq44]

@@HailCaesar-lm4bq Well those are pretty much for transporting people, if you want a comfortable 3 row in the U.S, get a minivan

[@corrosivedevourer]

CX-90 ftw, rear bias awd, inline 6 turbo and no CVT

[@alexsmba]

Lol it’s still going to handle like an SUV, so buying it purely for handling (when it falls short in many other areas), is stupid. If you want a car that handles, get a GR86.

[@mylifeislegendary942]

​@@alexsmba agreed

[@naveenthemachine]

@@alexsmbahandle like an suv? So that means a high performance Porsche Cayenne or bmw x5 M competition will drive like boats? Not sports cars?

[@alexsmba]

@@naveenthemachine haha you want to buy a CX90 cos “it handles like a sports car!!” 😂 😂 - go for it! I love how the two you mentioned as examples have two rows of seats, not 3. Someone doesn’t understand CG or leverage.

[@yslee1401]

Wow, the 3.3 Turbo diesel mild hybrid version does not seem to be offered in North America. In Australia, that would likely be the most popular model

[@KirkKreifels]

Diesel is dead in USA except in huge trucks. It's really sad.

[@jstrig]

Diesel engines can't really pass emissions requirements in North America

[@bill7481]

Thanks, Kirk, for attempting to make this an objective comparison. But frankly, unless the Mazda is really bad, it is my pick. It is the only one in the category, in addition to the Telluride, that looks like a special vehicle. It’s not close to being perfect, but it’s the only one that makes me turn around and take a second look.

[@mvj1960]

Please do a comparison between Lexus TX to Madza CX-90. The CX-90 is more luxury and Lexus TX is luxury version of the GH

[@AdamJRowen]

Lexus? What about the cost? Let alone the design that lexus are going nowadays, I don't know what commonalities they share. One putting the sticker and says "I'm Luxury", one Shows "I'm Luxury".

[@naveenthemachine]

Cx90 is far better than the tx and nobody’s driven the tx yet

[@vikashummer]

id take Toyota interior and mazda Engine design.

[@tommy13965]

Better to compare Lexus rx with the cx90. the Honda pilot is more of a competitor with the grand highlander imo.

[@mylifeislegendary942]

Cx90 is not a lexus tx or rx rival in anyway . rwd and i6 dont mean its a lexus rival .

[@tommy13965]

@@mylifeislegendary942 I did not say it’s a rival all I said was it’s better to compare with the Lexus rx because of the luxury features such as power tilt steering wheel and power folding mirrors and Napa leather which the a grand highlander does not have.

[@tommy13965]

@@mylifeislegendary942 ok Mr Toyota

[@robertwilliam9558]

I would go for the 56 MPGE Mazda Hybrid.

[@sunnygirl9691]

A 4 cylinder turbo has no place on any “top vehicle” list

[@yp5387]

Mazda is winning

[@islanddon865]

For a Backyard Gorilla hauler, the base model Mazda all the way.

[@ytj22]

What on earth are you doing in your backyard?

[@andreylosetskiy5217]

mazda back end looks like bmw X5

[@reggiepolk980]

The grand Highlander is just a ugly SUV,we all know that Toyota’s are dependable but does that mean that they have to lack style. That’s the reason I have never owned a Toyota they need to improve the style of there lineup!!! I refuse to buy a plain boring vehicle and that’s Toyota !!

[@r.t.moo.]

The bizarre, clown grinning front grill on the Highlander is a nonstarter for me. Said another way...Grand Highlander is for soccer moms and grand parents; the Mazda CX-90 is for dudes.

[@MrTeslaX-vi2qn]

If you remove last rows, GH is a great camping suv

[@victorgold4735]

Bye Toyota

[@tmx9111]

People are actually spending 60k on a Mazda?

[@KirkKreifels]

They will be now.

[@jjac72]

Toyota as always is very bland

[@ibrahimbashir6634]

Cx90 is abomination !! Useless indide Horrendous screen A very mid I6 engine Rock hard seats

[@mylifeislegendary942]

Agreed

[@jtjt8331]

Totally disagree with your assessment. I would think you would know that Toyota is number one in reliability.. many years ago, Mazda was on my Ford. I’m not sure they have gotten rid of that influence. The grand highlander hybrid, max has extreme power, reliability, and resale equals a Toyota Lexus. Game over.

[@KirkKreifels]

Mazda has nothing to do with Ford for over a decade.

[@LeoTheShortGuy]

Cool

[@kelee4730]

Zoom Zoom wins!

[@khoimavlogs5161]

If you want performance and handling,Mazda all the way. If you want space and family hauler, Toyota all the way. I think Mazda is better truck.