There is no denying that the Toyota Highlander has been one of the best-selling three-row SUVs in America. For years, it has hauled families across the nation in comfort and reliability. However, in recent years, many new models are joining the three-row mid-size SUV space that might prove to be better than the Highlander.

A specific brand that comes to mind is Mazda. Sure, sales numbers may not be all that great when compared to those of Toyota, but the new models from the company look very appealing. In this article, we are going to focus on two of the hottest models to enter the three-row SUV space, Mazda’s all-new CX-90 and Toyota’s all-new Grand Highlander.

RELATED: The Mazda CX-90 Is A Firm Stance Against BMW And Audi

The New Mazda CX-90 Is A Very Appealing Choice

Red 2024 Mazda CX-90
Mazda
An action shot of a front 3/4 shot of a 2024 Mazda CX-90 driving on the highway

Builindg on the already established CX-9, Mazda has done a great job with the new CX-90. At a first glance, this is a vehicle that looks much more premium than its pricing suggests. The headlight and grill design are immediately distinguishable and at the same time manage to look sporty thanks to functional vents and relatively angular lines.

The side of the vehicle isn’t busy and flows perfectly into the classy rear end. Overall, this is a design you wouldn’t expect to see from a mainstream brand and that is a good thing.Interestingly, the CX90 comes with 21-inch wheels that are wrapped in 275-section tires. These are pretty wide tires considering this is an SUV which suggests that the CX-90 might pack good performance through the bends.

Stepping in, it gets even better. The interior once again provides a more upper-class feel with plush soft touch materials and a great design. In the middle of the dash, we get a 12.3-inch infotainment screen that is easy to use while also being able to support Android Auto and Apple Car play – front, rear, and 360 view cameras are available and offer great resolution and a clear image. The CX-90 offers a digital instrument cluster and the ability to select between normal, sport, EV, and off-road modes. Worth noting is the fact that the CX-90 comes standard with AWD.

As you would expect, inside the Mazda you will find heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, electric seats, and even a panoramic sunroof. The rear can be arranged in a variety of different setups including captain’s chairs, or a normal bench seat. Heated and ventilated seats are also available for the second row and climate controls come as standard. As we are sure you are aware, this is a mid-sized SUV; therefore, the third row isn’t all that comfortable for adults. The high floor places passenger knees at an angle and there isn’t a lot of space. However, an adult could sit back there for a few miles.

RELATED: This Is The Best Feature Of The 2024 Mazda CX-90

The CX-90 Offers Respectable Powertrain Choices

2024 white Mazda CX-90
Mazda 
Front 3/4 view of white Mazda CX-90 parked. 

Surprisingly, Mazda has equipped the new CX-90 with its 3.3 liter turbocharged inline-six. This is a smooth and powerful engine that once again, feels much more premium than one would expect. However, if you want a more economical and perhaps more future-proof option you can opt for the plug-in hybrid which combines an electric motor and a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder turbo for a combined output of 323 horsepower.

Being a plug-in hybrid, the CX-90 will be able to complete some short journeys in full EV mode. The exact range numbers aren’t available yet. So, it is safe to say that as far as the powertrain goes, buyers have two great options to choose from.

RELATED: The Best Three-Row Mid-Size SUV Yet?

The Grand Highlander Is A Strong Competitor

2024 Toyota Grand Highlander at the beach
Toyota
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander at the beach

Slotting in between the bigger Sequoia and the smaller standard Highlander, the Grand Highlander has generated a lot of buzz since it was unveiled a few months; therefore, we shall give a slightly briefer overview. It is worth noting that it isn’t just a stretched Highlander, this vehicle is both taller, wider, and longer; therefore, interior space is drastically increased. The design of the Grand Highlander is exactly what you would expect from Toyota, boasting sharp lines and the distinctive front facia of Toyota SUVs. It certainly looks good, but not as good as the CX-90.

On the inside, we once again get a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a digital instrument cluster. Just like the Mazda, heated and ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel are available. Worth noting is the fact that the CX-90 can be speced as a six-seater, seven-seater, or even an eight-seater. Such configurations aren’t available on the Highlander. However, since this is a larger vehicle, the third row is far more spacious and can accommodate adults relatively easily.

The Highlander does offer more engine options including a 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbo, a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated unit paired to a hybrid system, or the 2.4-liter turbo and a hybrid system together. The latter pumps out a very impressive 365 horsepower but is paired with the rather boring and noisy CVT transmission. However, the Grand Highander doesn't offer a PHEV like you find with the Mazda CX-90.

RELATED: This Is The Best Feature Of The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander

Both SUVs Serve Different Purposes

2024 Toyota Grand Highlander
Toyota
A front 3/4 studio shot of a 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander

Deciding which one of these two all-new SUVs is worth your hard-earned money can be a bit difficult as their features are incredibly similar. However, there is a key difference between them. The CX-90 is aimed towards a smaller family since it is a smaller vehicle. Also, its great powertrains and rear-wheel-drive biased AWD system make it a much more enjoyable SUV to drive on the road. Therefore, if you value driving pleasure but need more space than a sedan then Mazda CX-90 should be your vehicle of choice. Also, both models can tow up to 5,000 pounds, so they're evenly matched.

On the other hand, the larger dimensions of the Grand Highlander mean that it can haul seven adults (or tall teenagers) far more comfortably. Although we don't have the exact numbers for cargo room, it will be more than the 16 cubic feet that the standard Highlander offers. The CX-90 offers 14.9 cubic feet with all three rows in place. Same goes for third-row leg room, which is a major selling point for any three row SUV. You can expect around six more inches of legroon over the standard Highlander's 28 inches.

That being said, the Grand Highlander will be nowhere near as nice to drive as the CX-90. The larger size and CVT transmission kill any possibility of having fun along a twisty road in this vehicle. As for pricing, the Mazda start at just a shy under $40,000 and you can expect the Grand Highlander to be priced similarly. So, the choice is yours. More fun and less practicality? Or more practicality and less fun?