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 2024 Mazda CX-90 and 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid.
Here’s how these two newcomers match up.
2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV
The Mazda
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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, or 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. Pricing starts at $47,445.
Learn more: What is EV, BEV, HEV, PHEV? Here’s your guide to types of electric cars
2024 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 horsepower. 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 more: The handsome new 2024 Mazda CX-90 plug-in hybrid SUV breaks new ground for the car maker
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
The Toyota
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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. Best of all, the Grand Highlander Hybrid earns up to 36 mpg combined for those seeking high fuel efficiency. Prices start at $44,670.
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 — $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 $2,775 less than the Mazda CX-90 PHEV.
Also see: The all-new 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander: This 3-row midsize SUV offers expanded cabin space and a broad choice of trims
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.
Plus: Here’s how 6 of the best 3-row midsize SUVs ranked in a comparison test
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.
Read about the gas-only Mazda CX-90 here.
Specifications
| 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander | 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV | |
| Starting Price | $44,670 | $47,445 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder plus electric motor | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder plus electric motor |
| Horsepower | 245 hp (combined) | 323 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 175 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm | 369 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 36 mpg (37/34 city/highway) | TBD |
| Max Towing | 3,500 pounds | 3,500 pounds |
| Also Available | AWD; turbo 4-cylinder; Hybrid Max | Turbo inline 6-cylinder |
| 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 | TBD | TBD |
| Max Seating Capacity | 8 | 8 |
| Wheelbase | 116.1 inches | 122.8 inches |
| Overall Length | 201.4 inches | 201.6 inches |
| Width | 78.3 inches | 84.9 inches |
| Height | 70.1 inches | 68.2 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 19.03 feet | 38.1 feet |
| Headroom, 1st Row | 41.5 inches | 39.7 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 40.2 inches | 39.3 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 37.2 inches | 36.9 inches |
| Legroom, 1st Row | 41.7 inches | 41.7 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 39.5 inches | 39.4 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 33.5 inches | 30.4 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 1st Row | 60.2 inches | 57.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 58.8 inches | 58.1 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 57.5 inches | 53.3 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 20.6/57.9/97.5 cubic feet | 14.9/40.0/74.2 cubic feet |
This story originally ran on KBB.com.
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