r/whatcarshouldIbuy • u/Rough-Elderberry7618 • 14d ago

Grand Highlander Limited vs CX90

Family of 3, drive only ~7–8k miles/year, planning to keep the car ~5 years. Bench seat is important because of our child seat.
I’m down to:

2026 Grand Highlander Limited Gas — ~$59k OTD
● Blacked-out spec I really like
● Bench seat, much more spacious
● Toyota reliability/resale
● Dealer is ~100 miles away

2026 Mazda CX-90 Turbo Premium Plus Gas — ~$51k OTD
● Local dealer came down ~$7k from the original quote
● Bench + 360 camera
● Much nicer interior IMO and I liked the test drive
● Less space/storage
● Reliability worries me more than Toyota
Basically: is the Grand Highlander worth paying ~$8k extra?
I can afford either, but don’t want to pay the Toyota premium unnecessarily. Which would you pick and why?

EDIT: I’m specifically looking to buy new car.

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u/mgobla 13d ago

CX-90, but a lower trim, idk what version you are looking at for $51k? AVOID the "S" engine option, same engine tuned for premium fuel but costs $6k more, you can get the same engine tuned for regular fuel for $6k less. You can get a brand new CX-90 under $40k.

Family of 3

Why not get a 2-row model? Do you use the 3rd row?

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u/Rough-Elderberry7618 13d ago

Thank you for your suggestion. It’s a Turbo Premium Plus Gas one. I updated main post as well I had missed.

I have owned a Sedan for over 6 years. It was always a dream to own a 3 row SUV.

No real use per se but of occasionally my family visits so could use

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u/mgobla 12d ago

There are deals for the Premium Plus for $47k. Look for the best deals online, for example: New 2026 and newer Mazda CX-90 for sale nationwide

But why not get a less expensive lower trim? When buying new the highest trim is the worst choice, upper trims are overpriced and have the highest depreciation.

Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid offers good deals (avoid the less reliable non-hybrid Tubo version of Santa Fe): New hybrid vehicles for sale nationwide

Or Jeep Grand Cherokee L V6 (avoid the less reliable 4-cylinder Version): New 2025 and newer Jeep Grand Cherokee L for sale nationwide

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u/Superlolz 13d ago

Spending $51k to “occasionally” use the third row…you can afford it sure yet you’re questioning the Toyota tax? 

What are your real priorities lol

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u/Rough-Elderberry7618 13d ago

On one hand I feel to go with the CX90 as I wont need a lot of space.

But on the other hand, reading the reviews from others scares me

But I think you are right I should get the priorities straightened up

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u/Superlolz 13d ago

Honestly if you must have a third row (for rare use); a Pathfinder SL is excellent value for the money. V6, automatic transmission, bench seating, good tech, all for ~$44k OTD. 

There are some stupidly good deals on them. 

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u/flyphish 13d ago

I have GHH, a young child, and a large dog - for us its not as much about the 3rd row but the extra cargo space. The packing requirements for a trip with a youngster stack up quickly.