2026 Mazda CX-90 vs. 2026 Ford Explorer

Mazda ceased production of the CX-9 after 2023, replacing it with the CX-90 as its top three-row option. This new flagship brings better power, technology, and quality to battle against Ford’s updated 2026 Explorer. Choosing the right family SUV isn’t easy, and Orlando families know this struggle all too well. At Sport Mazda South, we’ll explain how these two family-haulers match up for your Central Florida driving needs.

Performance and Powertrains

The 2026 Ford Explorer engine range begins with a 2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder making 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 delivers 400 horsepower, reaching 60 mph from a standstill in under 6 seconds. Rear-wheel drive comes standard, but all-wheel drive (AWD) costs an extra $2,000.

The Mazda CX-90’s 3.3-liter I-6 engine produces 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 3.3 Turbo S models raise the Mazda CX-90 horsepower figure to 340 with regular gas. The CX-90 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus reaches 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, and AWD is standard across the trim range. If you’re towing to Cocoa Beach, both models will manage up to 5,000 pounds.

Interior Space and Comfort

The CX-90 can accommodate six or eight passengers with captain’s chairs or bench configurations. The Explorer’s maximum passenger capacity is only seven. The Explorer offers more legroom in the first and third rows compared to the Mazda CX-90, with 43 inches versus 41.7 inches in the front and 32.2 inches versus 30.4 inches in the rear. The CX-90 has more legroom in the second row: 39.4 inches compared to the Explorer’s 39 inches.

Cargo space favors the Explorer. It offers 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet when you lower this, and 85.8 cubic feet with both back rows down. The CX-90 is still generous at 14.9/40/74.2 cubic feet.

But the Mazda vehicle excels in interior quality. Its cabin feels luxury-grade with soft-touch materials, a clean layout, a panoramic sunroof, leather seats, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Explorer’s interior still leans more toward practicality than plushness.

Technology and Infotainment

The Explorer features a standard 13.2-inch screen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. The Android-based system includes wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Google Maps, and Google Assistant. You can even stream videos or play games when parked.

The CX-90 3.3 Turbo Select features a 7-inch gauge screen and a 10.25-inch center display with three-zone climate control, power driver’s seat, and USB ports. The 3.3 Turbo Preferred and higher, along with the CX-90 PHEV, include a 12.3-inch center screen, wireless phone charging, and front/rear parking sensors. The Explorer and the CX-90 both offer mobile apps and over-the-air updates.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Safety scores are nearly identical. The Explorer earned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) five-star award overall (four stars in rollover) and “Good” Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) ratings. The CX-90 matched that NHTSA five-star rating but won the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for both regular and plug-in hybrid models.

Ford’s Co-Pilot360 matches the capabilities of Mazda’s i-ACTIVSENSE. Standard safety technology includes adaptive cruise control, auto emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims of both models add 360-degree cameras and attention monitors.

Fuel Economy and Ownership Costs

The Explorer manages 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway/23 mpg combined with its 2.3-liter engine. The CX-90 3.3 Turbo trims beat that handily: 23 mpg city/28 mpg highway/25 mpg combined. The 3.3 Turbo S models give you 24 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. Two or three miles per gallon might not sound like much, but it adds up quickly in Orlando’s daily driving environment.

The CX-90 PHEV achieves 56 MPGe combined with 26 miles of all-electric range. Your school runs, work commutes, and grocery trips are potentially gas-free. Plug it in for just 2.1 hours on a 240V outlet, and you’re set for your morning drive without burning a drop of fuel.

Mazda includes a two-year/24,000-mile complimentary service covering routine maintenance. Ford makes you pay for its warranty through its FordPass Rewards program. Insurance costs are about the same for both, thanks to similar safety ratings and repair expenses.

Pricing, Trims, and Value

Starting prices tip in Mazda’s favor: the CX-90 3.3 Turbo Select begins at $39,575 while the Explorer Active starts at $40,050. That difference grows when you factor in Mazda’s standard AWD against Ford’s $2,000 add-on.

The Explorer comes in four trims: the Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST. The ST-Line costs $47,020 with AWD. Mazda offers nine trims across its gas-only and plug-in hybrid lines, giving you more ways to match your needs and budget.

The Verdict

Although personal circumstances will determine which of these models suits you better, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 offers more choices. The 2026 Ford Explorer’s lack of an electric or hybrid version is a drawback if you’re looking for a green option or want to minimize running costs. The Explorer has a larger cargo volume and boasts BlueCruise, but the CX-90 feels like a luxury car without the luxury price tag. Better fuel economy, that gorgeous interior, enjoyable driving dynamics, top safety scores, straightforward warranty arrangements, and a lower starting price make an unbeatable case for the Mazda CX-90.

Why You Should Buy From Sport Mazda South in Orlando

At Sport Mazda South, we’ve earned our stripes with Orlando drivers, as our 13,200+ reviews on DealerRater testify. That’s not just numbers; it’s proof we’ve helped countless Central Florida families find their perfect vehicle.

Our team is well versed in the transition from the old CX-9 to the new CX-90 lineup and is always happy to explain what’s changed and improved. You won’t get the high-pressure sales tactics, just honest talk about which model fits your family best.

We stock digital tools that make buying simple and offer current finance deals to save you money. Our location is easy to reach from Kissimmee, Hunter’s Creek, Winter Park, and all around Central Florida. Whether you need warranty work or regular service or have questions about your CX-90’s tech features, we’re ready to help with genuine Mazda expertise.

Experience the Mazda Difference in Orlando

If you’re ready to feel the difference the CX-90 makes, visit us at Sport Mazda South in Orlando, Florida. Our staff knows exactly how to match you with your perfect three-row SUV, whether it’s for daily commutes or weekend beach trips. We’ll even guide you toward a certified preowned CX-9 if that’s more your style. Contact us today to schedule a test-drive.