The 2024 Mazda CX-90 is the latest model from the Japanese automaker. Essentially, the CX-90 is a larger and more luxurious version of the previous CX-9 SUV. Though there’s no denying this new SUV’s beauty, the CX-90 has some competition from another upgraded model. Despite the rivalry, the CX-90 has a big advantage over the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander.  

2024 Mazda CX-90 vs. 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander: Pricing and trim levels

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 is a sharp-looking three-row midsize SUV. It’s available in 11 trim levels.

Mazda starts pricing at $39,595 for the Select. In comparison, the highest trim level is the S Premium Plus, starting at $59,950, more than $20,000 above the base model. However, the S Premium Plus boasts many features unavailable on the Select. They include navigation, satellite radio, parking assistance, premium leather, heated and ventilated seats, and a sunroof. 

The Grand Highlander’s pricing is similar to the CX-90’s MSRPs. But Toyota’s extended three-row midsize SUV is available in seven trim levels.

The standard XLE starts at $43,070, and the range-topping Platinum starts at $53,545. Amenities that come standard on the Platinum that aren’t available on the XLE include parking assistance, heated and ventilated seats, and genuine leather instead of synthetic leatherette.

1 big advantage the Mazda CX-90 has over the Toyota Grand Highlander 

In addition to boasting a lower-priced base model than the Grand Highlander, the CX-90 has one huge advantage over its rival. The Mazda SUV includes all-wheel drive on every trim. The CX-90 Select has a ​​280-hp, 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with AWD. And the CX-90 S Premium Plus packs a more potent 340-hp 3.0-liter turbo-six with AWD.

In contrast, the standard Grand Highlander XLE — about $3,500 more than the CX-90’s base model — has a weaker 265-hp 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and front-wheel drive. However, shoppers can add AWD to the base model for $1,200. Unlike the standard trim, the Platinum has AWD as standard equipment. However, even that range-topping trim has the same engine as the base model. 

Other key pros and cons 

The CX-90 doesn’t win in just price and standard AWD. It also offers a plug-in hybrid variant, more dynamic styling options, and Mazda’s signature agile handling.

However, the Grand Highlander has advantages too. The Toyota SUV offers two hybrid versions, provides a more spacious third row, and boasts extra cargo space. The standard CX-90 trim has only 14.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the third row, while the base Grand Highlander touts 20.6 cubic feet.

Although the Grand Highlander has many perks to recommend this new SUV, the CX-90 is more attractive if interior space isn’t a priority.