The never-ending pursuit of improved fuel economy has now hit the 3-row midsize SUV segment with a slew of new plug-in hybrid versions of favorites now flooding the market. In fact, many automakers are revising their previous offerings to meet the demand for premium PHEVs — like the Mazda CX-90 and Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid.
Here’s how these two newcomers match up.
2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV
The Mazda CX-90 PHEV has a secret, and it’s part of its name. This Mazda isn’t just a hybrid; it’s a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). That means it can travel on electricity alone without using a drop of gasoline. In the case of the CX-90 PHEV, it can travel up to 26 miles on electricity. When the battery is depleted, a gasoline engine kicks in, allowing you to drive hundreds of miles more.
The 2025 model sees only a minor change with the Premium Sport trim level replacing the Premium. It’s still offered in three trim packages: Preferred, Premium Sport, and Premium Plus. For the new model year, all trim levels get a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, wireless phone integration and charging, and parking sensors front and back. Pricing starts at $51,400.
2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Highlights
More power: The CX-90 PHEV puts out a combined 323 horsepower — quite a bit more robust than the Grand Highlander Hybrid’s 245 hp. However, you can upgrade to the Hybrid MAX, featuring an impressive 362 hp — for a nominal fee.
Plug-in capability: If you don’t want to use gasoline at all, the CX-90 has enough electric-only range for errands around town.
Standard AWD: The Grand Highlander Hybrid offers all-wheel drive (AWD), but you must pay for it. In the Mazda CX-90 PHEV, that extra grip comes standard.
Read our Mazda CX-90 PHEV Expert Review or see 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV models for sale near you.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
2024 model shown
The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid can be thought of as an extra-large version of the venerable Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Both offer 3-row seating for up to eight passengers, but the Grand Highlander Hybrid has more room to spread out — especially in the third row — along with enhanced cargo space.
The Grand Highlander Hybrid earns up to 36 mpg combined for those seeking high fuel efficiency. For those seeking impressive fuel efficiency, the Grand Highlander Hybrid earns up to 36 mpg combined. The standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder puts out 245 hp, but buyers can upgrade to 2.4-liter turbo and enjoy 362 hp. New for 2025 is the Nightshade trim level, which offers a more menacing look while still getting great fuel economy. Prices start at $46,830.
Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Highlights
More power: The Toyota Grand Highlander offers a more powerful hybrid than the Mazda CX-90, but it comes at a price — about 7$10,000.
More range: If you’re not exactly a fan of gas stations, you’ll love this Toyota. The Grand Highlander Hybrid can go up to 619 miles between fill-ups, according to the EPA.
Lower price: The Grand Highlander Hybrid, with the 245 hp powertrain, starts at more than $4,500 less than the Mazda CX-90 PHEV.
Read our Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Expert Review or see 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander models for sale near you.
Similarities
The Mazda CX-90 PHEV and Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid carry as many as eight passengers, feature the latest tech and safety features, and boast high efficiency.
Conclusion
With these two offerings, you’re looking at the classic battle of efficiency and power against space and comfort. The Mazda CX-90 can be driven around in electric-only mode long enough to handle most errands while using that additional horsepower for longer trips as well. However, the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is tough to ignore if your primary need is room for people and cargo. It’s clear that one’s needs will be the driving force in your selection here.
New 2025 MAZDA CX-90 PHEV Prices
New 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Prices
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors.
The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for vehicles and vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership.
These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
| 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV | 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder plus electric motor | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder plus electric motor |
| Horsepower | 323 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 245 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 175 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | CVT automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 56 MPGe combined/25 mpg combined | 37 city/34 highway/36 combined |
| Max Towing | 3,500 pounds | 3,500 pounds |
| Also Available | AWD; turbo 4-cylinder; Hybrid Max | |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 8 | 8 |
| Wheelbase | 122.8 inches | 116.1 inches |
| Overall Length | 201.6 inches | 201.4 inches |
| Width | 77.6 inches | 78.3 inches |
| Height | 68.2 inches | 70.1 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.1 feet | 38.1 feet |
| Headroom, 1st Row | 39.7 inches | 41.5 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.3 inches | 40.2 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 36.9 inches | 37.2 inches |
| Legroom, 1st Row | 41.7 inches | 41.7 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 39.4 inches | 39.5 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 30.4 inches | 33.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 1st Row | 59.2 inches | 60.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 58.1 inches | 58.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 53.3 inches | 57.5 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 14.9/40.0/74.2 cubic feet | 20.6/57.9/97.5 cubic feet |