Which three-row SUV delivers a more engaging drive near Oak Creek, WI — 2026 Mazda CX-90 or 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander?

Russ Darrow Mazda of Milwaukee – Which three-row SUV delivers a more engaging drive near Oak Creek, WI — 2026 Mazda CX-90 or 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander?

Shoppers comparing three-row SUVs care about space, comfort, and technology — but many also want a vehicle that feels confident and composed in daily driving. That’s where the 2026 Mazda CX-90 and the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander take different paths. Both offer three rows and available luxury cues, yet their underlying engineering philosophies shape how they feel on real roads, from the rolling sweepers leading into downtown to tight surface-street turns near Oak Creek, WI.

The CX-90 rides on a longitudinal, rear-biased platform with standard i-Activ AWD®, while the Grand Highlander uses a transverse, front-wheel-drive-based layout with available AWD. Those choices influence balance and behavior. In the Mazda, turn-in feels precise and settled; weight transfer is tidier; and the steering communicates naturally. Kinematic Posture Control further calms the body by subtly applying the inside rear brake in corners, helping reduce body lift so the cabin stays composed. The result is a three-row SUV that feels planted on imperfect pavement and confident when you merge and maneuver in everyday traffic.

Powertrains that shape personality

The Mazda lineup centers on two compelling options: the e-SKYACTIV® G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbo with an 8-speed automatic and the Plug-In Hybrid EV (PHEV). The Inline 6 is available in two outputs — up to 280 hp on 3.3 Turbo models and up to 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque on Turbo S models when using recommended premium fuel. The PHEV delivers a flexible 27-mile electric range for short trips and transitions seamlessly to hybrid operation for longer drives. Toyota answers with a breadth of choices — a 2.4L gas engine with an 8-speed automatic, a Hybrid with an eCVT, and a Hybrid MAX with a 6-speed automatic — and available AWD across the lineup. The Hybrid MAX provides robust acceleration, yet the Mazda’s Inline 6 offers a smoother power delivery and a more refined sound that pairs naturally with its rear-biased chassis character.

For families who tow, the CX-90’s Mi-Drive system includes an available Towing mode, smoothing shifts and throttle inputs when hauling. Properly equipped, CX-90 models tow between 3,500 and 5,000 pounds. The Grand Highlander can also tow up to 5,000 pounds on select configurations, so capability is there for both; the difference is how serenely the CX-90 manages weight on the hitch, especially over wavy pavement sections or while transitioning on and off ramps.

Everyday comfort and tech, purposefully arranged

Step into the CX-90 and the details feel curated: available Nappa leather-trimmed seating, tasteful stitching, and a clean, driver-centric dash layout. The cabin prioritizes calm, and available features like the panoramic moonroof and Bose® premium audio elevate family time, whether it’s a quick school run or an evening drive. The 360° View Monitor with See-through View adds real utility in the city — seeing past the hood line around obstructions helps avoid curb rash and makes tight parking less stressful.

The Grand Highlander emphasizes airy space and storage. With up to 97.5 cu ft of maximum cargo volume, it’s a champion in haul-it-all scenarios. Toyota’s technology suite, anchored by Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 and available features like a Panoramic View Monitor and a Digital Rearview Mirror, is thoughtful and family-friendly. If cargo volume is the top priority, the Toyota is compelling. If you prefer interior materials and design that feel a class up, the Mazda holds the advantage.

Handling differences you actually notice

On local roads, the CX-90’s longitudinal layout and rear-biased i-Activ AWD® are not just specs — you feel the balance. Turn the wheel and the body stays flatter; mid-corner bumps don’t unsettle the chassis; acceleration out of tight corners is surefooted. Kinematic Posture Control contributes to this poise by subtly adjusting brake force to manage roll and pitch. Even without a stopwatch, the drive feels calmer and more controlled. The Grand Highlander is well-tuned for comfort, and its available AWD adds traction in bad weather, but it does not deliver the same rear-biased dynamics that driving enthusiasts appreciate.

Importantly, Mazda standardizes AWD on every CX-90. With Toyota, AWD is available but not standard. For families who want set-it-and-forget-it traction confidence without checking option boxes, that default approach matters.

Which one fits daily life near Oak Creek, WI?

If your week includes parallel parking downtown, negotiating construction zones, and hopping onto the freeway with a full cabin, the CX-90’s combination of balance, visibility tech, and smooth Inline 6 power (or PHEV flexibility) makes everyday tasks feel easier. If your weekends revolve around moving sizable cargo regularly, the Grand Highlander’s expanded volume is an advantage. Many households choose based on how a vehicle feels during a test drive — and that’s where the CX-90’s polish shines through.

• Chassis character: CX-90’s longitudinal, rear-biased layout and Kinematic Posture Control deliver confidence on imperfect pavement.
• Powertrain choices: Smooth Inline 6 Turbo or a PHEV with a 27-mile electric range make the Mazda lineup uniquely versatile.
• Traction strategy: Standard i-Activ AWD® on every CX-90 vs. available AWD on Grand Highlander simplifies the decision for all-weather drivers.

On the tech front, Mazda’s available 360° View Monitor with See-through View is a standout for urban maneuvering. Toyota’s Panoramic View Monitor is helpful too, but Mazda’s “see-through” perspective directly aids low-speed precision, whether you’re squeezing into a street spot or easing up to an unseen curb.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Does the 2026 Mazda CX-90 offer captain’s chairs?

Yes. The CX-90 can be configured with a second-row bench for eight-passenger capacity or with captain’s chairs for a more premium seven-passenger layout.

Is there a Plug-in Hybrid EV version of the CX-90?

Yes. The CX-90 PHEV offers a 27-mile electric range for short daily trips and then seamlessly blends gasoline and electric power for longer journeys.

Do both SUVs offer a 360-degree camera system?

Both offer a 360-degree view. Mazda’s available 360° View Monitor adds See-through View and Trailer Hitch View for added low-speed and towing confidence.

Which SUV has standard AWD?

The CX-90 has standard i-Activ AWD® across the lineup. The Grand Highlander offers AWD as an available feature.

How do the cabins compare in space?

The Grand Highlander provides more maximum cargo space, while the CX-90 focuses on premium materials, quietness, and a more refined driving environment.

For a test drive that highlights these differences back-to-back, schedule a visit with Russ Darrow Mazda of Milwaukee — serving Greenfield, Oak Creek, and Franklin — and feel how the CX-90’s balance and refinement elevate everyday driving. A few blocks behind the wheel often answers the question better than any spec sheet can.

Request more 2026 Mazda CX-90 information