The 2024 Mazda CX-90 and Ford Explorer are midsize 3-row SUVs with seating for the whole family and spacious cargo holds. Each can also be equipped with a second-row bench or two captain’s chairs for added comfort.

New for the 2024 model year, the CX-90 replaces the outgoing CX-9 SUV. The CX-90 makes a great first impression thanks to its handsome exterior and could easily be mistaken for a luxury-badged model.

The Explorer needs no introduction, with a history that dates back decades. Known for its rugged build, the Explorer can easily tackle off-road adventures as it can an arduous daily commute. 

Want to see how these two compare? Let’s take a look at some highlights of the Mazda CX-90 and Ford Explorer.

2024 Mazda CX-90 

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 is offered in a total of eight trims: Turbo Select, Turbo Preferred, Turbo Preferred Plus, Turbo Premium, Turbo Premium Plus, Turbo S, Turbo S Premium, and Turbo S Premium Plus. Pricing starts at $39,300 for the base variant (including destination fee) and tops out at $57,405 for the Turbo S Premium Plus.

Models with the “S” in their name come with a 340-horsepower turbocharged inline-6 coupled to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Otherwise, the base powertrain is a 280-hp version of this same 6-cylinder. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard across the lineup. A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant is also available. The Mazda CX-90 can seat six, seven, or eight occupants, depending on trim.

Mazda CX-90 Highlights

Premium interior: One big advantage the CX-90 has over the Explorer, not to mention the majority of other mainstream midsize SUVs, is the layout and design of its cabin. Everything has a high-quality look and finish that reinforces this Mazda’s upscale image. Higher trims come with goodies like a panoramic sunroof, dual second-row captain’s chairs, leather seating, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, heated and ventilated first and second-row seating, and surround-view parking camera. 

Agility: Considering this is the same automobile brand that builds the MX-5 Miata roadster, it’s not a surprise Mazda’s engineering team managed to instill some driving fun into its largest SUV. We can vouch for its excellent agility during day-to-day driving tasks.

AWD is standard: No matter your chosen trim, every version of the Mazda CX-90 comes with all-wheel drive. This provides added grip when roads are slick and boosts the already outstanding driving dynamics and sense of stability. 

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CX-90 models for sale near you. 

2024 Ford Explorer

Now in its sixth generation, the only notable change to the 2024 Explorer is that a previously available hybrid powertrain has been dropped from the lineup. (An update is coming for the 2025 Explorer.) As with the CX-90, eight trims are available: Base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, Timberline, ST, King Ranch, and Platinum. A punchy 300-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission continues to serve as the standard powertrain. Unlike most of its rivals that are based on a front-wheel-drive format, the Explorer has rear-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive optional. 

There is also the option to upgrade to a twin-turbo V6 that dishes out 400 hp. It’s found in the ST, King Ranch, and Platinum models. Pricing begins at $38,455 for the entry-level Explorer and rises to $56,365 for the Platinum, including destination charge. Max seating capacity for the Explorer is seven, or six if if you opt for the second-row captain’s chairs.

Ford Explorer Highlights 

Timberline model: Go for the outdoorsy Timberline model if you want to take your Explorer off the beaten path. It comes with AWD, underbody steel skid plates, all-terrain tires, upgraded shocks, a limited-slip differential, and a carbonized gray front grille. 

Optional twin-turbo V6: With its 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, the twin-turbo V6 found in the ST, King Ranch, and Platinum models packs a lot of wallop. This engine scoots the Explorer from a standstill to 60 mph in less than six seconds. Hold on kiddos, you’re getting to soccer practice early! 

Strong towing capacity: Opting for the twin-turbo V6 also means you get the Explorer’s maximum towing capacity of 5,600 pounds. This bests the 5,000-pound max rating of the Mazda CX-90. 

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Explorer models for sale near you. 

Similarities

The Mazda CX-90 and Ford Explorer are priced and sized very close to one another. They’re also packed with many driver aids like lane-keeping assist, a driver attention monitor, and automatic high beams. Each also earns the highest possible Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). 

Conclusion

The Mazda CX-90 is an excellent addition to the midsize 3-row SUV market. It has a head-turning shape that’s coupled with finely-honed driving manners. Having AWD standard is another sizable advantage, not to mention its strong safety scores. Higher trims do get pricey, and the third-row seating is best used by kids. Seating for up to eight is good for larger families. 

Much the same can be said about the Ford Explorer, although its seating capacity maxes out at seven. The Ford boasts more horsepower and higher towing capacity, which could seal the deal for some SUV shoppers. Yet, overall, we think the recently introduced Mazda CX-90 is the more polished package of these two SUVs.