The 2026 Mazda CX-90 and 2026 Ford Explorer are both three-row midsize SUVs built for families, commuting, school runs, winter driving, weekend travel, road trips, and light towing. This comparison evaluates both vehicles using side-by-side analysis of trim-matched configurations, focusing on powertrain specifications, interior dimensions, cargo capacity, technology features, towing ratings, and winter-driving capability relevant to northern New Jersey conditions. For northern New Jersey SUV shoppers, the choice comes down to a clear split: the CX-90 is the stronger choice for standard AWD, inline-six power, plug-in hybrid availability, premium cabin feel, and available 8-passenger seating, while the Explorer is the better choice for standard technology, stronger available performance, maximum cargo space, and a more mainstream three-row SUV layout.
The short answer: the 2026 Mazda CX-90 is the better choice if you want standard i-ACTIV AWD, an available plug-in hybrid, more standard torque, available 8-passenger seating, and a premium-feeling Mazda interior. The 2026 Ford Explorer is the better choice if you want a larger standard center display, stronger available ST performance, more maximum cargo space, and a simpler gas-only lineup.
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is a three-row midsize crossover SUV offered with gas mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Gas trims use a 3.3L turbocharged inline-six paired with Mazda’s M Hybrid Boost 48V mild-hybrid system, while PHEV trims use a 2.5L plug-in hybrid gasoline/electric powertrain. Every CX-90 includes i-ACTIV AWD paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The 2026 Ford Explorer is a three-row midsize SUV offered in Active, ST-Line, Tremor, Platinum, and ST trims. Most trims use a 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged inline-4 with 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, while the Explorer ST uses a 3.0L twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 with 385 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel drive is standard on many Explorer trims, and Intelligent 4WD is available or standard depending on model.
A three-row SUV has seating across three rows, making it useful for families, carpools, and weekend travel. AWD and 4WD can send power to more than one axle for better traction in rain, snow, gravel, and low-grip conditions. A mild hybrid uses electric assistance to support a gas engine, while a plug-in hybrid can drive for a limited distance on electric power before operating like a conventional gas-electric hybrid. Together, these powertrain and drivetrain distinctions define the core differences between the CX-90 and Explorer lineups.
This comparison covers the 2026 Mazda CX-90 and 2026 Ford Explorer as three-row midsize SUVs evaluated for northern New Jersey families and vehicle shoppers. It is specifically designed for buyers in communities across Morris, Sussex, Warren, Passaic, Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Union, and surrounding northern New Jersey counties who need a practical, all-weather family SUV for daily commuting, school runs, highway travel, and winter driving. This comparison is scoped to these two midsize three-row competitors in trim-matched configurations relevant to northern New Jersey buyers.
Choose the 2026 Mazda CX-90 if you want standard AWD, a standard 3.3L turbocharged inline-six mild-hybrid engine, 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque on the base turbo engine, available Turbo S power with 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, available plug-in hybrid power, and up to 5,000 pounds of towing on select gas trims.
Choose the 2026 Ford Explorer if you want a standard 13.2-inch center display, a standard 12.3-inch instrument cluster display, strong 2.3L EcoBoost power, available 385-horsepower ST performance, up to 85.8 cubic feet of cargo space on Active and ST-Line, and Ford Digital Experience technology across the lineup.
For a practical real-world comparison of the Mazda CX-90 vs. Ford Explorer, we recommend comparing the 2026 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Preferred AWD against the 2026 Ford Explorer Active with Intelligent 4WD. Both are three-row midsize SUVs equipped with available winter-ready traction, strong standard safety technology, useful infotainment screens, and enough space for kids, passengers, school gear, groceries, luggage, sports equipment, and weekend trips — making them the most directly comparable configurations for northern New Jersey families. The CX-90 3.3 Turbo Preferred highlights Mazda’s standard-AWD premium value proposition, while the Explorer Active with Intelligent 4WD represents Ford’s mainstream family-SUV approach.
| Category | 2026 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Preferred AWD | 2026 Ford Explorer Active with Intelligent 4WD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Segment | Three-row midsize crossover SUV | Three-row midsize SUV | Tie |
| Listed starting price | $42,950 | Active starts at $40,260 with RWD; Intelligent 4WD available | Explorer for lower entry point |
| Seating | 8 passengers; available 7-passenger layout | 6 passengers standard on most models; 7 passengers available depending on configuration | CX-90 for 8-passenger availability |
| Drivetrain | AWD standard | RWD standard; Intelligent 4WD available | CX-90 for standard AWD |
| Standard engine | 3.3L turbo inline-six mild hybrid | 2.3L EcoBoost turbo inline-4 | CX-90 for inline-six layout |
| Horsepower | 280 hp | 300 hp | Explorer |
| Torque | 332 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | CX-90 |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic | Depends on preference |
| Fuel economy | 23 / 28 / 25 mpg | 4WD: 20 / 27 / 23 mpg | CX-90 |
| Maximum towing | 3,500 lbs on this trim | 5,000 lbs | Explorer |
| Cargo behind third row | 14.9 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft | Explorer |
| Cargo behind second row | 40.0 cu ft | 46.0 cu ft | Explorer |
| Maximum cargo volume | 74.2 cu ft | 85.8 cu ft | Explorer |
| Passenger volume | 141.6 cu ft | 150.3 cu ft | Explorer |
| Front legroom | 41.7 in | 43.0 in | Explorer |
| Second-row legroom | 39.4 in | 37.5 in | CX-90 |
| Third-row legroom | 30.4 in | 31.8 in | Explorer |
| Ground clearance | 8.0 to 8.1 in depending on wheel size | Tremor offers 8.7 in; Active figure varies by configuration | Use-case split |
| Center display | 12.3-inch center display | 13.2-inch center display | Explorer |
| Driver-assistance suite | i-Activsense with Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, lane-support features, Mazda Radar Cruise Control, and more | Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+, Lane Keeping System, rear camera, rear parking sensors, auto high beams, and more | Tie |
| Best for | Standard AWD, torque, second-row space, premium feel | Cargo room, tech display size, towing, horsepower | Use-case split |
Translating the Winner column into buyer consequences reveals a clear pattern: the CX-90 wins the dimensions that matter most for northern New Jersey winter confidence and premium daily driving, while the Explorer wins the dimensions that matter most for cargo utility, technology display size, and towing flexibility.
On transmission, buyer preference is the deciding factor. The CX-90 uses an 8-speed automatic, while the Explorer uses a 10-speed automatic. Neither transmission is objectively superior; the right choice depends on driver preference.
On ground clearance, the practical outcome depends on which Explorer trim you select. The CX-90 offers a consistent 8.0 to 8.1 inches of ground clearance depending on wheel size, giving CX-90 buyers a predictable all-weather stance. The Explorer Active’s ground clearance varies by configuration — a figure that should be confirmed with a dealer before final purchase decisions. What is clear is that Explorer Tremor buyers gain the highest ground clearance in this comparison at 8.7 inches, along with all-terrain tires and standard Intelligent 4WD, making Tremor the right Explorer choice for shoppers who want a more rugged, trail-capable family SUV.
On the ‘Best for’ summary row, both vehicles carry a Use-case split verdict because neither dominates every dimension. The CX-90 is the right answer for buyers whose priorities cluster around standard AWD, strong torque, second-row passenger comfort, available 8-passenger seating, and a premium cabin feel. The Explorer is the right answer for buyers whose priorities cluster around maximum cargo room, the largest standard center display, 5,000-pound towing across the lineup, and stronger available horsepower. Identifying which cluster matches your household’s actual usage is the most reliable path to the correct purchase decision.
On the Listed starting price row, the Explorer’s cell contains an explanatory note rather than a single clean price figure. The CX-90 3.3 Turbo Preferred is listed at $42,950. The Explorer Active’s RWD base price is noted at $40,260, with Intelligent 4WD available. Buyers should confirm the as-configured 4WD price with a dealer before drawing final conclusions on price competitiveness.
In the recommended trim comparison, the Explorer has more horsepower and the CX-90 has more torque. The Explorer Active makes 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The CX-90 3.3 Turbo Preferred makes 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.
The Ford Explorer ST has the strongest engine overall, with a 3.0L twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 that makes 385 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The strongest CX-90 gas engine is the Turbo S inline-six with 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel.
For performance shoppers, the Explorer ST has the highest output in this comparison, with 385 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.
The Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Preferred AWD gets better gas mileage than the Explorer Active with 4WD, at 23 city / 28 highway / 25 combined mpg compared with 20 city / 27 highway / 23 combined mpg. The CX-90 PHEV offers the best efficiency option in this comparison, with 56 MPGe combined electric/gasoline efficiency and 27 miles of all-electric range.
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 offers PHEV Preferred, PHEV Premium Sport, and PHEV Premium Plus trims. CX-90 PHEV models provide 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel, 56 MPGe combined electric/gasoline efficiency, 26 mpg combined gasoline operation, and 27 miles of all-electric range.
The Explorer lineup in this comparison is gas-only. It offers 2.3L EcoBoost and 3.0L EcoBoost engine options depending on trim.
For families who want efficiency flexibility, the CX-90 has the plug-in hybrid advantage. CX-90 PHEV models offer 56 MPGe combined electric/gasoline efficiency, 26 mpg combined gasoline operation, and 27 miles of all-electric range.
The Mazda CX-90 can seat more passengers. Inline-six CX-90 models can seat up to 8 passengers, while PHEV models seat up to 7. The Ford Explorer seats 6 passengers standard on most models, with 7-passenger seating available or standard depending on configuration.
The CX-90 3.3 Turbo Preferred offers 39.4 inches of second-row legroom, while the Explorer Active offers 37.5 inches. The Explorer Active offers 43.0 inches of front legroom and 31.8 inches of third-row legroom, while the CX-90 3.3 Turbo Preferred offers 41.7 inches of front legroom and 30.4 inches of third-row legroom.
The Explorer offers 150.3 cubic feet of passenger volume, while the CX-90 offers 141.6 cubic feet.
The Ford Explorer has more cargo space. Explorer Active offers 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.0 cubic feet behind the second row, and 85.8 cubic feet behind the first row. The CX-90 3.3 Turbo Preferred offers 14.9 cubic feet behind the third row, 40.0 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 74.2 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.
The Explorer is slightly easier to recommend for tight parking because it is shorter. The Explorer is 198.7 inches long, while the CX-90 is 201.6 inches long with the front license plate holder. Both are three-row midsize SUVs, so shoppers should still test driveway, garage, and parking-lot fit.
Both SUVs can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly configured. The Explorer is rated at 5,000 pounds across the trims in this comparison. The CX-90 reaches 5,000 pounds on 3.3 Turbo Premium Sport, 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus, and Turbo S models, while lower gas trims and PHEV trims are rated at 3,500 pounds.
For northern New Jersey winter driving, the CX-90 has the stronger standard-traction story because AWD is standard on every trim. The Explorer is still a strong winter choice when equipped with Intelligent 4WD, and the Tremor trim gives Ford shoppers a more rugged option.
The Mazda CX-90 is better if you want AWD standard on every trim. The Ford Explorer is better if you want a rugged Tremor trim with standard Intelligent 4WD, all-terrain tires, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Both can be strong winter choices when properly equipped and driven with appropriate tires.
The Ford Explorer has the stronger standard display package because every trim includes a 13.2-inch center display and a 12.3-inch instrument cluster display. The Mazda CX-90 counters with a premium technology path that includes an available 12.3-inch center display, wireless smartphone integration, Bose audio, Active Driving Display, Mazda Online Navigation, and 360-degree camera technology depending on trim.
Both SUVs have strong safety technology. The CX-90 includes i-Activsense features such as Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Lane-keep Assist, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Driver Attention Alert, and Rear View Monitor. The Explorer includes Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ or Assist 2.0 depending on trim, Lane Keeping System, rear camera, rear parking sensors, auto high beams, and available 360 Degree Camera and BlueCruise trial availability depending on model.
The CX-90 is better for families who want standard AWD, available 8-passenger seating, premium interior design, and plug-in hybrid availability. The Explorer is better for families who want more cargo space, more total passenger volume, a larger standard display, and stronger available performance.
The Mazda CX-90 has the lower listed base price in this comparison. The CX-90 3.3 Turbo Select starts at $38,800, while the Ford Explorer Active starts at $40,260 with rear-wheel drive. The Explorer offers Intelligent 4WD availability, while every CX-90 includes AWD as standard equipment.
Choosing between the Mazda CX-90 vs. Ford Explorer comes down to four ordered decisions that narrow the field to the right vehicle for your northern New Jersey household. Work through the following decision sequence to reach a clear purchase recommendation.
Following these four steps leads to a terminal decision: select the CX-90 if standard AWD, premium feel, plug-in flexibility, or 8-passenger seating ranked highest in your evaluation; select the Explorer if cargo space, display technology, available ST performance, or 5,000-pound towing across the lineup ranked highest — and then schedule a test drive of your chosen vehicle to confirm real-world fit.
For northern New Jersey families, the Mazda CX-90 makes the most sense if you want a premium-feeling three-row SUV with standard AWD, available 8-passenger seating, inline-six power, and plug-in hybrid flexibility. It is especially appealing for shoppers who commute, drive through winter weather, value upscale cabin materials, or want a three-row SUV that feels more premium from behind the wheel.
The CX-90 is a strong fit for suburban and outdoor-oriented areas such as Morris, Sussex, Warren, Passaic, and northern Bergen County, where winter traction, hilly terrain, road-trip comfort, and all-weather confidence may matter more.
The Ford Explorer makes the most sense if you want a three-row SUV with more cargo room, a larger standard center display, strong turbocharged power, available Intelligent 4WD, and an available ST performance model. It is especially appealing for families who prioritize cargo space, technology, daily usability, and easy three-row practicality.
The Explorer is a strong fit for denser northern New Jersey areas where parking, commuting, and cargo flexibility matter, including Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Union, and parts of Passaic County.
Choose the CX-90 if your northern New Jersey life includes winter traction, road trips, premium comfort, plug-in hybrid interest, and a need for available 8-passenger seating. Choose the Explorer if your northern New Jersey life centers on cargo space, technology, available performance, and everyday family utility. Whichever vehicle aligns with your priorities, schedule test drives of both the Mazda CX-90 and the Ford Explorer to confirm real-world fit before making your final purchase decision.
This comparison reflects trim-matched configurations for the 2026 model year. Comparison methodology: side-by-side evaluation of equivalent trim levels — the CX-90 3.3 Turbo Preferred AWD against the Explorer Active with Intelligent 4WD — to ensure conclusions reflect real-world buyer choices rather than best-case trim pairings. The 2026 Mazda CX-90 wins on standard AWD, standard torque, available 8-passenger seating, plug-in hybrid availability, premium interior direction, and upscale driving character. The 2026 Ford Explorer wins on standard horsepower in the recommended comparison, maximum cargo space, standard center-display size, available ST performance, 5,000-pound towing availability across trims, and slightly easier-to-manage overall length. For northern New Jersey families who want the more premium, AWD-standard, efficiency-flexible three-row SUV, the CX-90 is the better fit. For families who want the roomier, more cargo-friendly, tech-forward three-row SUV with available high-performance power, the Explorer is the stronger practical choice.
The Mazda CX-90 is better overall for shoppers who want standard AWD, more standard torque, available plug-in hybrid efficiency, available 8-passenger seating, and a premium cabin feel. The Ford Explorer is better overall for shoppers who want more cargo space, a larger standard center display, stronger available ST performance, and straightforward three-row practicality.
The Mazda CX-90 has the lower listed base price in this comparison. The CX-90 3.3 Turbo Select starts at $38,800, while the Ford Explorer Active starts at $40,260 with rear-wheel drive. The Explorer offers Intelligent 4WD availability, while every CX-90 includes AWD as standard equipment.
The CX-90 3.3 Turbo Preferred AWD is better for standard AWD, torque, fuel economy, second-row legroom, available 8-passenger seating, and premium feel. The Explorer Active with Intelligent 4WD is better for horsepower, cargo space, passenger volume, front legroom, third-row legroom, center-display size, and towing in this comparison.
In the recommended trim comparison, the Explorer has more horsepower and the CX-90 has more torque. The Explorer Active makes 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The CX-90 3.3 Turbo Preferred makes 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.
The Ford Explorer ST has the strongest engine overall, with a 3.0L twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 that makes 385 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The strongest CX-90 gas engine is the Turbo S inline-six with 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel.
The Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Preferred AWD gets better gas mileage than the Explorer Active with 4WD, at 23 city / 28 highway / 25 combined mpg compared with 20 city / 27 highway / 23 combined mpg. The CX-90 PHEV offers the best efficiency option in this comparison, with 56 MPGe combined electric/gasoline efficiency and 27 miles of all-electric range.
Yes. The 2026 Mazda CX-90 offers PHEV Preferred, PHEV Premium Sport, and PHEV Premium Plus trims. CX-90 PHEV models provide 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel, 56 MPGe combined electric/gasoline efficiency, 26 mpg combined gasoline operation, and 27 miles of all-electric range.
The Explorer lineup in this comparison is gas-only. It offers 2.3L EcoBoost and 3.0L EcoBoost engine options depending on trim.
The Ford Explorer has more cargo space. Explorer Active offers 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.0 cubic feet behind the second row, and 85.8 cubic feet behind the first row. The CX-90 3.3 Turbo Preferred offers 14.9 cubic feet behind the third row, 40.0 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 74.2 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.
The Mazda CX-90 can seat more passengers. Inline-six CX-90 models can seat up to 8 passengers, while PHEV models seat up to 7. The Ford Explorer seats 6 passengers standard on most models, with 7-passenger seating available or standard depending on configuration.
Both SUVs can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly configured. The Explorer is rated at 5,000 pounds across the trims in this comparison. The CX-90 reaches 5,000 pounds on 3.3 Turbo Premium Sport, 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus, and Turbo S models, while lower gas trims and PHEV trims are rated at 3,500 pounds.
The Mazda CX-90 is better if you want AWD standard on every trim. The Ford Explorer is better if you want a rugged Tremor trim with standard Intelligent 4WD, all-terrain tires, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Both can be strong winter choices when properly equipped and driven with appropriate tires.
The Ford Explorer has the stronger standard display package because every trim includes a 13.2-inch center display and a 12.3-inch instrument cluster display. The Mazda CX-90 counters with a premium technology path that includes an available 12.3-inch center display, wireless smartphone integration, Bose audio, Active Driving Display, Mazda Online Navigation, and 360-degree camera technology depending on trim.
Both SUVs have strong safety technology. The CX-90 includes i-Activsense features such as Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Lane-keep Assist, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Driver Attention Alert, and Rear View Monitor. The Explorer includes Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ or Assist 2.0 depending on trim, Lane Keeping System, rear camera, rear parking sensors, auto high beams, and available 360 Degree Camera and BlueCruise trial availability depending on model.
The Ford Explorer is slightly easier to recommend for tight parking because it is shorter. The Explorer is 198.7 inches long, while the CX-90 is 201.6 inches long with the front license plate holder. Both are three-row midsize SUVs, so shoppers should still test driveway, garage, and parking-lot fit.
The CX-90 is better for families who want standard AWD, available 8-passenger seating, premium interior design, and plug-in hybrid availability. The Explorer is better for families who want more cargo space, more total passenger volume, a larger standard display, and stronger available performance.
Choose the CX-90 PHEV if you want plug-in hybrid efficiency, 27 miles of all-electric range, standard AWD, and a premium three-row SUV experience. Choose the Explorer ST if you want the strongest performance in this comparison, with 385 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque from a 3.0L twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6.
