Car enthusiasts surely know that the Toyota Grand Highlander is the latest new model to be introduced by the well-known car company. It is larger and a bit more luxurious than the Highlander SUV, with a more modern design. However, the Mazda CX-90 is another new upgraded model, which is basically an upgraded, larger version of the CX-9.

Although the two SUVs are in the same class and are extremely comparable to one another, it turns out that the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander has one huge advantage over the Mazda CX-90.

What are the details of both SUVs?

According to Toyota, the Grand Highlander has a starting price of $43,070. There is an impressive list of features for this model, including plenty of cabin space and ample storage areas, available heated and ventilated front- and second-row seats, comfortable three-zone auto climate control, and an available heated steering wheel.

The list of specs for the Grand Highlander includes seven USB-C ports, a soft touch roll-top center console, 13 cup holders, and 7-passenger seating with second-row fold-down captain’s chairs. Toyota Newsroom reports that the model is available in three powertrains across three grades – the 2.4L turbo gas engine, the 2.5L hybrid, and the 362 horsepower Hybrid MAX.

Alternatively, the Mazda CX-90 is a little more modestly priced, starting at $40,970. According to Mazda, the CX-90 seats eight passengers with three rows,  and all-wheel drive comes standard. This model also is equipped with multi-zone climate control, cross-traffic and blind spot alerts, a heated steering wheel, two 12.3-inch displays, CarPlay and Android Auto.

The powertrain options are a 3.3-liter Inline 6 turbo engine, and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. The car offers up to 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an impressive 5,000 lbs. of towing capacity. 

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander has an advantage over the Mazda CX-90

While the two vehicles both have a lot to offer, the Grand Highlander has one big advantage over the Mazda CX-90. The Toyota Grand Highlander offers significantly more room in the third-row as compared to the CX-90.

With the model being taller and longer than the Highlander, it is no surprise that there is 33.5 inches of legroom in the third row, which is often cramped and uncomfortable in other comparable SUVs. By contrast, the CX-90 has only30.4 inches of legroom, giving the Grand Highlander an edge over the CX-90 when it comes to ample space in the back row.

The 2024 Grand Highlander has other advantages as well as disadvantages over the CX-90

While the additional space in the third row is definitely an appealing advantage, it doesn’t end there. The Grand Highlander is available in a hybrid model, and with cargo space of  20.6 ft³, 97.5 ft³ with seat area as compared to the 14.9 to 15.9 ft³, 74.2 to 75.2 ft³ with seat area for the Mazda CX-90, it is definitely the bigger choice.

There are some advantages to the CX-90, however. With a slightly more conservative starting price, it is the more budget-friendly choice for car shoppers, and the Mazda CX-90 also offers a PHEV model. The CX-90 also offers better fuel efficiency, with 24 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, and the Grand Highlander only coming in at 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

However, the CX-90 PHEV gets 56 mpg, and the Grand Highlander hybrid model can get 34 mpg combined, proving that each vehicle has unique features of their own.