In the three-row crossover segment, buyers are spoiled for choice, with models like the Toyota Grand Highlander and Mazda CX-90 offering space, technology, and efficiency that would have seemed impossible a decade ago. Both vehicles target families who want SUV practicality without stepping into a full-size truck-based platform, and both succeed in very different ways. The Grand Highlander leans heavily on Toyota’s well-earned reputation for hybrid efficiency, reliability, and value, making it an easy recommendation for cautious, long-term ownership. The Mazda CX-90, however, approaches the segment from a more progressive and driver-focused angle, blending premium aspirations with advanced electrification.
While design, interior quality, and driving dynamics all help the CX-90 stand out, there is one advantage that fundamentally reshapes how the vehicle fits into everyday life. That is Mazda’s decision to offer a true plug-in hybrid powertrain, not just a conventional hybrid. For many owners, this single choice changes commuting costs, refueling habits, and even how often the engine needs to run at all. In a segment where small differences matter, the CX-90’s plug-in capability creates a meaningful and practical edge over the Toyota Grand Highlander.
A Plug-In Hybrid Option That Lets The CX-90 Drive On Electricity Alone
Mazda’s plug-in hybrid CX-90 can operate as a genuine electric vehicle for short trips, something the Toyota Grand Highlander simply cannot do. With a usable battery pack and external charging capability, the CX-90 allows drivers to complete daily errands or commutes without burning a drop of gasoline. This instantly changes the ownership experience from an efficient SUV to something much closer to an EV with a backup engine.
The Grand Highlander’s hybrid system, while impressive, always relies on gasoline to some degree. Its electric motors assist the engine rather than replace it for meaningful distances. By contrast, the CX-90 PHEV gives owners direct control over when and how they use electricity, making the vehicle feel more adaptable to modern driving habits.
10 Reasons Why The Mazda CX-90 PHEV Is A Threat To Other Premium Plug-in SUVs
The Mazda CX-90 PHEV has all bases covered well and should serve as a threat to the competitive three-row PHEV segment.
Real-World EV-Only Commuting That The Grand Highlander Simply Can’t Match
For many households, daily driving consists of short trips that fall well within the Mazda CX-90’s electric-only range. School drop-offs, grocery runs, and work commutes can often be completed entirely on battery power when the vehicle is charged overnight. This means quieter driving, zero tailpipe emissions during those trips, and a noticeably smoother experience in stop-and-go traffic.
The Toyota Grand Highlander, even in hybrid form, cannot replicate this pattern of ownership. Its engine will cycle on and off frequently, especially during acceleration or at higher speeds. Over time, CX-90 PHEV owners may realize they are using gasoline far less often than expected, while Grand Highlander drivers continue visiting the pump on a regular schedule.
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More Powertrain Flexibility Thanks To Mazda’s PHEV Strategy
Mazda’s plug-in hybrid approach gives the CX-90 a wider operating envelope than the Toyota Grand Highlander. Drivers can choose electric-only operation, hybrid driving, or a blended mode that prioritizes performance when needed. This flexibility allows the CX-90 to feel equally at home for urban commuting, highway cruising, and long-distance road trips.
The Grand Highlander’s powertrain choices are more limited in how they behave day to day. While Toyota offers multiple hybrid configurations, none allow the driver to meaningfully separate gasoline use from short-distance driving. Mazda’s PHEV strategy effectively lets one vehicle replace two roles, acting as an EV during the week and a long-range SUV on weekends.
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Regardless of how your family uses the Toyota Grand Highlander, there are powertrain choices to help you save on fuel costs, including two hybrids.
Lower Fuel Costs and Fewer Gas Station Stops With Plug-In Capability
One of the most tangible benefits of the CX-90’s plug-in system is reduced fuel spending over time. When charged regularly, many owners may go weeks between fill-ups, especially if most driving is local. Electricity is typically cheaper than gasoline on a per-mile basis, further improving real-world operating costs.
The Grand Highlander hybrid is efficient, but it cannot eliminate fuel consumption in the same way. Even modest daily driving will still add up at the pump. Over several years of ownership, the CX-90 PHEV’s ability to shift energy consumption from gasoline to electricity can translate into meaningful savings and greater convenience.
Future-Proof Electrification That Gives The CX-90 An Edge
As emissions regulations tighten and charging infrastructure continues to expand, plug-in hybrids occupy a strategic middle ground. The CX-90 is already aligned with a future where partial electrification is increasingly encouraged or incentivized. Owners gain exposure to EV-style driving without committing fully to a battery-electric vehicle.
The Toyota Grand Highlander, while efficient today, feels more rooted in the past by comparison. Its hybrid system is optimized for fuel savings, not for transitioning drivers toward electrification. In the long term, Mazda’s decision to offer a plug-in hybrid gives the CX-90 a clearer path forward as consumer expectations and regulatory pressures continue to evolve.
Sources: Mazda U.S. & Car and Driver