2026 MAZDA CX-90 vs 2026 Toyota Highlander in Augusta, GA

Three-row midsize SUVs are a crucial purchase for modern families because, oftentimes, they are used frequently and undergo more strenuous demands than a sedan or hatchback. Because of this, it’s common for the decision-making process to take many months or longer. There’s a high chance that your research has led you to two key players in this competitive segment — the 2026 Mazda CX-90 and the 2026 Toyota Highlander. Allow us at Gerald Jones Mazda to compare and contrast the two. Check out our incentives after you’re finished reading this virtual vehicle brawl!

Performance

No matter if you go for either the 2026 Mazda CX-90 or Toyota Highlander, you’re guaranteed a lush ride quality that thankfully doesn’t transmit each Augusta road imperfection directly to the interior. Much of that comfort stems from the shared chassis of both SUVs, with the former model’s equipment including a standard double-wishbone front suspension and a rear multi-link system. The Highlander is set with a standard trailing-wishbone front suspension at both the front and back of the vehicle, though that is where the similarities end. You’ll find a beefier powertrain in the Mazda CX-90, with a standard 3.3L turbo 6-cylinder mild-hybrid engine that makes up to 340 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft. of torque. of torque on premium fuel. By contrast, Toyota’s SUV only produces 265 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque through a standard 2.5L turbo 4-cylinder system. While each entry can combat slippery weather, you’ll have to upgrade to a hybrid version of the Highlander to get AWD. This is, luckily, a standard arrangement for the Mazda.

Interior

Similarly to how the 2026 Mazda CX-90 and the 2026 Toyota Highlander perform, they have commonalities and some differences in their approach on cabin creature comforts. For example, these SUVs can accommodate up to eight passengers each — letting you bring everyone along to the Phinizy Swamp Nature Park. Refinement is taken up a few notches in the Mazda SUV in relation to the Highlander, as its leatherette-trimmed upholstery, a leather-faced shift knob, and a leather steering wheel are all standard amenities. While you can get each of these niceties in Toyota’s model, you’ll have to pay the price of bumping up the trim you purchase. If you want ultra-soft chairs for everyone to relax in, the Mazda CX-90’s Premium versions offer Nappa leather seats. These are nowhere to be found on the Toyota Highlander, which means you’ll miss out on an amenity that sincerely makes a big difference on longer rides.

Technology

You’d be surprised at how much of a difference around two more inches of infotainment screen real estate makes when you’re finding out how to get to Augusta National Golf Club using navigation software. Directions and the map itself will look crisper on the Mazda CX-90’s standard 10.25-inch full-color center display, though you’ll have to make do with a slightly smaller space if you choose the Highlander’s standard 8.0-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia variation. You won’t have to turn up the music as high on Mazda’s SUV to hear your favorite song’s guitar solo thanks to its standard 8-speaker sound system. However, you may have to turn up the volume much higher if you’re using the standard 6-speaker audio arrangement found on Toyota’s model. Lucky for anyone who often forgets to charge their smartphone overnight before they head to work the next day, both the Mazda CX-90 and Toyota Highlander share an available wireless phone charger^1,2. Come visit us to see the former model in person, as it’s the clear winner here!

Learn More About the 2026 MAZDA CX-90!

- 2026 MAZDA CX-90 for Sale near Columbia, SC

Current Inventory

2026 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Preferred AWD

2026 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Sport AWD

2026 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus AWD

2026 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo S Premium Sport AWD

2026 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus AWD

Awards

Best Buy (2026 Model)

- Consumer Guide Automotive

Crash-Test Ratings

2026 MAZDA CX-90 SUV MHEV AWD

Overall
Front Crash Overall
Front Crash Driver
Front Crash Passenger
Side Crash Overall
Side Barrier Overall
Side Barrier Driver
Side Barrier Passenger
Side Pole Driver
Side Combined Front
Side Combined Rear
Rollover

Green Score

EPA Green Score ( ?
EPA and California-required standards. The names refer to tables of numerical limits for the various air pollutants allowed by the standards.
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Fuel Type	Gasoline
Greenhouse Gas Score ? This score reflects fuel emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases.	5 1 5 10

Dealership Information

Testimonials

Great service and speed!

12-10-2020

“ Great service and speed! ”

Friendly and helpful staff.

11-19-2020

“ Friendly and helpful staff. Had my vehicle ready promptly and reviewed all services performed. ”

very quick

11-10-2020

“ I first contacted Mr. PJ Jones over Cargurus, communication is very prompt and Mr. PJ gave me a competitive price and fee schedule. It is a bit nervous because I am from SC and will travel over 2 hours to get to their dealership, Gary the sales person makes the paperwork process very smooth. Upon arrival at Augusta, the buying process is very quick, I got the paperwork done in less than 20 minutes the most. To my surprise, whatever Mr. PJ quoted me over email is exactly what I am getting. No hidden fee, changes at the last minute. It is great to see people do business that way. The only small thing is they put a sticker on the back of the car which seems way to big, be nice if they can put smaller sticker that blends in better with the vehicle or just don't put the sticker on their. ”

Easy check in and check out. Friendly service.

10-6-2020

“ Easy check in and check out. Friendly service. ”

The service department is courteous and respectful.

10-15-2020

“ The service department is courteous and respectful. ”

enny Mack was amazing

9-14-2020

“ Just bought a brand new 2020 Cx5! Denny Mack was amazing! Ask for him! Amazing guy who made the experience so great, quick, and easy! Highly recommend!! Nothing beats a great experience, especially when purchasing a new car! ”

Good service

9-17-2020

“ Good service ”

Kind, courteous and efficient!

9-23-2020

“ Kind, courteous and efficient! ”

We were treated respectfully

8-31-2020

“ I went with my sister to sell my mother's car. We were treated respectfully and given a fair price. It was not resale value, but it was fair for a trade in value. ”

Denny Mack was FANTASTIC!

8-24-2020

“ Denny Mack was FANTASTIC! Great customer service and super friendly! Very easy to talk to! Great salesman! Will definitely be back when I need another car! ”

Kevin was so kind and seemed genuine

8-11-2020

“ Kevin was so kind and seemed genuine. Before my appointment, I kept having to reschedule my appointments. He offered to let me use his car if I needed it. People are not kind anymore. That was the nicest thing anyone has said or offered to do in quite some time. He also gave me a discount. I was very grateful for. He is willing to help in anyway possible. He made my experience with Mazda EXCELLENT! Thank you Kevin. God bless you! ”

Everyone there is super helpfu

7-15-2020

“ Everyone there is super helpful and you really feel like your the only customer even if they are busy ”

Best car buying experience ever.

7-7-2020

“ Best car buying experience ever. Everything was super easy and I highly recommend Gerald Jones Mazda. ”

Friendly fast service

6-3-2020

“ Friendly fast service had oil change and a recall on my car done in less than an hour ”

This was the best car buying experience I have ever had

5-18-2020

“ This was the best car buying experience I have ever had. I worked with the dealer via text and phone and lined up great pricing and a trade in value (numbers checked vs. Kelly Blue Book) as well as approved 5 year/ 0% financing the day before I before I went to the dealership. I had to drive from Charleston to Augusta because none of the Charleston or Columbia dealers could even get close to this deal. When I got there, they didn't try to change any of the terms or upsell me anything else. They just showed me all the features on my new car, had me sign the paperwork, and I was out of there in 40 minutes total. Plus I LOVE my new CX5!!! This is how car buying should be. ”

Great folks, Great Place!

4-21-2020

“ Great folks, Great Place! ”

honest and goes above and beyond to ensure you leave satisfied.

3-21-2020

“ Charlie Royal is the best salesman to work with at Gerald Jones Mazda. We have purchased 2 cars through him and will definitely work with him again for our next car. He is honest and goes above and beyond to ensure you leave satisfied. ”

no issues and love them

2-24-2020

“ This is our go to for our family we have bought 3 new Mazdas from here with no issues and love them! Best cars in town for sure with a friendly and helpful staff. ”

Quick, honest, and straightforward approach!

1-10-2020

“ Quick, honest, and straightforward approach! I did not have to haggle for the price... they just offered me the best price within a 200-mile radius! ”

Everything was super simple and no pressure

12-28-2019

“ Everything was super simple and no pressure. Other dealers had been blowing my phone up over and over but you guys were not this way. Would definitely buy from Gerald Jones again! ”

Gerald Jones Mazda