It seems that too many family SUVs today follow a prescribed mold: standard 4-cylinder engine, conventional conveniences, uninspired styling. Mazda, however, refuses to let their cars blend in. And that's why the 2026 Mazda CX-90 is such a superstar -- it does things its own way, and in doing so is rewriting the rules that lesser 3-row family SUVs have long ascribed to.
Our 2026 Mazda CX-90 vs. Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander comparison is all the proof you need that other SUVs would do well to follow the lead of Mazda. Where these mass-market rivals adhere to the tired old ways of doing things, the Mazda CX-90 blazes a new trail, and its success is impossible to ignore. If you want one of the best new family SUVs to hit the market in recent time, buy a Mazda CX-90 from our San Antonio Mazda dealer today.
Compare 2026 MAZDA CX-90 Performance vs. the Competition
Let's talk 2026 Mazda CX-90 specs. Unlike just about every other family SUV on the market -- including those being compared here -- the Mazda CX-90 features standard AWD as well as a standard inline-six-cylinder engine under the hood.
As any Texas car enthusiast can tell you, the qualities and characteristics of an I6 vs. V6 engine make this configuration a favorite of drivers with a taste for refined performance. You'll know what we mean as soon as you take a Mazda CX-90 test-drive -- especially if the one you sample is home to the available340-horsepower engine. These models have more horsepower compared to the most potent Telluride and Palisade trims, so if you want an interstate cruise missile, this is your ride.
2026 Mazda CX-90
- Standard Engine Configuration: I6
- Max Horsepower: 340
- AWD: Standard
2026 Toyota Highlander
- Standard Engine Configuration: I4
- Max Horsepower: 265
- AWD: Available
2026 Hyundai Palisade
- Standard Engine Configuration: V6
- Max Horsepower: 329
- AWD: Available
2027 Kia Telluride
- Standard Engine Configuration: I4
- Max Horsepower: 274
- AWD: Available
2026 MAZDA CX-90 Features & Design Comparison
Elegance is the word that comes to mind when you're in the Mazda CX-90 interior. It's home to some incredible technology, including the latest features bundled into the Mazda i-Activsense® safety suite. As all those driver-assistance functions run in the background, you can jam out to the available Bose® Centerpoint® Surround Sound System with AudioPilot®, which blasts your favorite tunes from 12 well-placed speakers for a true concert-hall effect.
The available stereos in the Kia, Hyundai and Toyota SUVs just can't match the aural excellence of this high-fidelity system -- just as they can't match the overall appeal of the new Mazda CX-90.
2026 Mazda CX-90
- Safety Suite: Mazda i-Activsense®
- Available Sound System: 12-speaker Bose® Centerpoint® Surround Sound System w/ AudioPilot®
- Nappa Leather: Available
2026 Toyota Highlander
- Safety Suite: Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+
- Available Sound System: 11-speaker JBL® Premium Audio System
- Nappa Leather: N/A
2026 Hyundai Palisade
- Safety Suite: Hyundai SmartSense
- Available Sound System: 12-speaker Harman Kardon® premium audio system
- Nappa Leather: Available
2026 Kia Telluride
- Safety Suite: Kia DriveWise
- Available Sound System: 10-speaker Harman Kardon® premium audio system
- Nappa Leather: Available
New Mazda SUVs for Sale Near Me
This 3-rowfamily SUV comparison was no contest -- in every metric we looked at, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 came out ahead by a wide margin. And if the above charts weren't enough to convince you, book a test-drive. All it takes is one trip around the block to see why, here in San Antonio, Mazda CX-90 SUVs have become the SUV to have. Contact us to buy yours today.
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2026 Mazda CX-90 Comparison FAQs
Which 3-row SUV has the best performance in San Antonio?
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 offers superior performance compared to rivals like the Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Palisade, and Kia Telluride. It comes standard with an inline six-cylinder engine and standard AWD, while competitors offer smaller four-cylinder or traditional V6 engines with AWD only available as an upgrade. The Mazda CX-90 can also reach up to 340 horsepower, outperforming the top trims of the Palisade and Telluride.
Does the 2026 Mazda CX-90 come standard with all-wheel drive?
Yes, all-wheel drive comes standard on the 2026 Mazda CX-90. This sets it apart from mass-market rivals like the 2026 Toyota Highlander, 2026 Hyundai Palisade, and 2027 Kia Telluride, which only offer AWD as an available upgrade. Standard AWD makes the Mazda CX-90 a perfect choice for San Antonio drivers seeking maximum traction and refined performance.
What safety features are included on the new Mazda CX-90?
Every new Mazda CX-90 features the advanced Mazda i-Activsense® safety suite. This suite provides a comprehensive collection of driver-assistance functions that run in the background to keep you safe on Texas roads. It delivers a more sophisticated level of protection and peace of mind than the standard safety suites found in competing Toyota, Hyundai, and Kia models.
What premium audio system is available in the Mazda CX-90?
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 offers an available 12-speaker Bose® Centerpoint® Surround Sound System with AudioPilot®. This high-fidelity setup delivers a true concert-hall experience that surpasses the available audio options from competitors, including the 11-speaker JBL® system in the Toyota Highlander and the 10-speaker Harman Kardon® system in the Kia Telluride.
Where can I test-drive a 2026 Mazda CX-90 in San Antonio?
You can test-drive and buy the 2026 Mazda CX-90 at our San Antonio Mazda dealer. Contact our local showroom team today to schedule your time behind the wheel, explore the elegant interior features, and experience the incredible power of the standard inline-six engine for yourself.
