There is a time, between when a car pulls away from a stoplight and when it settles into a long stretch of road, when it shows what it wants to do. Not by numbers or features, but by how it feels. The Mazda CX-90 and Toyota Highlander are in the same class and are made for the same families and lifestyles in Fargo, ND. But they see the role in a different way. One leans toward getting involved and getting better. The other one stays true to what it knows and how it works.
Performance That Changes the Talk
The Mazda CX-90 brings something new to this group. A Turbocharged Inline-6 engine that can make up to 340 hp in higher trims. It’s not just about the output. It’s about how that power gets there.
The chassis responds just as clearly. Steering feels planned. Body control stays calm around corners. In this category, it’s not often said that it acts more like a well-sorted sedan than a three-row SUV.
The Toyota Highlander takes a more cautious approach. Its 2.4L Turbocharged engine makes 265 hp, which means it runs smoothly and predictably. It drives fine every day, but it doesn’t feel as precise or engaging as the CX-90.
For drivers who care about how a car moves as well as what it carries, the Mazda is different.
Reimagined Hybrid Thinking
Mazda makes the CX-90 more appealing by offering a plug-in hybrid version. The CX-90 PHEV has a 2.5L engine and an electric motor that work together to get up to 56 MPGe. The result is a system that strikes a balance between efficiency and usable power. This means you can take short electric-only drives and longer trips without having to give up anything.
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is still a strong competitor, getting about 35 miles per gallon combined. It puts a lot of value on consistency and simplicity, but it doesn’t have the extra flexibility that comes with being able to plug in.
The CX-90 has an edge because it can be used in a lot of different ways. In Fargo, for example, driving patterns change with the seasons.
A Thoughtful Interior
As soon as you get in the Mazda CX-90, you can tell it’s different. The materials feel like they were carefully chosen instead of just put together. The Nappa leather, wood trim, and clean surfaces all work together to make a calm space.
The design keeps things from getting cluttered. The 12.3-inch screen fits perfectly into the dash and is easy to use. It feels like it was made with the driver in mind, not just for the sake of having a lot of features.
The Highlander has a cabin that is both useful and comfortable. It does everything that is expected of it. It leans more toward usefulness than atmosphere, and more toward durability than detail.
The CX-90 is a better place to be for people who spend a lot of time in their cars.
Ownership That Stays Strong
Mazda is known for making cars that are reliable and well-designed. The CX-90 is an example of this approach, with strong build quality and low ownership costs over time.
Toyota is still known for making reliable cars, and the Highlander is no different. It’s a safe and well-known choice. The CX-90 adds another layer by combining reliability with a more interesting and well-planned experience.
Check out the CX-90 at Lunde Mazda of Fargo
There isn’t a big difference between these two. It slowly shows itself. The way the CX-90 goes around a corner. After an hour on the road, how the cabin feels. In the calm confidence it gives you when you drive every day.
Go to Lunde Mazda of Fargo and drive the CX-90 on roads you know. Let it go a little longer. Give it some time to settle. It doesn’t take long to figure out what makes it different.
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