If it is advisable to haul greater than 5 individuals recurrently, you want both a minivan or a 3-row SUV. Most Individuals go for the second alternative. However giant automobiles imply increased gasoline budgets and, for a lot of, worries about contributing extra emissions than we’d like.
Fortunately, automakers have some environment friendly hybrid choices within the 8-seater area this yr.
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid has lengthy been a strong reply to the issue, with unexpectedly good gasoline financial system and plenty of family-friendly area.
However there’s a brand new possibility this yr. Mazda has an all-new flagship 3-row SUV, the CX-90. It is available in a plug-in hybrid version able to driving as much as 26 miles on electrical energy earlier than burning any gasoline. Let’s see how these two extra environmentally-friendly 8-seaters evaluate. Be aware that this text compares the 2024 Mazda to the 2023 Toyota as a result of that’s what sellers at present have on the market.
2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV
The 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV is the greener model of Mazda’s latest flagship SUV. It’s not only a hybrid, however a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), able to charging from a wall socket and never utilizing gasoline in any respect till its battery is sort of empty. It’s additionally beautiful, with premium particulars inside and outside that make it really feel near a luxurious SUV. Costs begin at $47,445. It doesn’t qualify for federal electrical automotive tax breaks.
Mazda CX-90 Highlights
Upscale really feel inside and outside: Mazda is pushing up in opposition to the luxurious market with this design. Its elegant physique has traces worthy of a European SUV with the next price ticket and particulars like chrome badges on the fenders figuring out the powertrain. The cabin is maybe extra elegant. A minimalist dashboard, considerate particulars like stitching borrowed from conventional Japanese bookbinding strategies, and obtainable Nappa leather-based give it an actual presence.
Plug-in flexibility: The Highlander is a standard hybrid of the sort Toyota has made well-known. It makes use of much less gasoline than an equal inside combustion-powered automotive. The CX-90 PHEV is a plug-in hybrid. It makes use of no gasoline for about 26 miles, then lights its engine. It’s like proudly owning an electrical automotive for around-town driving and a gas-powered automotive for highway journeys.
It’s enjoyable to drive: The CX-90 PHEV has 80 extra horsepower than the Highlander. Kinematic Posture Management — a expertise borrowed from the lithe little MX-5 Miata — provides it what our take a look at driver referred to as “high quality agility” for such an enormous car.
Examine this week’s Truthful Buy Value or see the CX-90 PHEV fashions on the market close to you.
2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a extra fuel-efficient model of the best-selling 3-row midsize SUV. There’s lots to love in that assertion. It presents legendary Toyota reliability on a confirmed platform and saves you gasoline and guilt. Costs begin at $40,620.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid Highlights
Cheaper price: Mazda is pushing for a premium picture with the CX-90, and the worth reveals it. The Highlander Hybrid begins at practically $7,000 decrease. Even totally outfitted, it’ll prevent hundreds over a CX-90.
Confirmed expertise: The CX-90 PHEV is Mazda’s first hybrid. Toyota has offered extra hybrids than some other automaker. If you wish to be completely certain of what you’re getting, there’s no extra confirmed possibility with 3-rows than the Highlander Hybrid.
Extra cargo area in each configuration: With all seats crammed, the Highlander Hybrid has extra cargo area than the CX-90 PHEV. With the rear seats folded, the Highlander Hybrid has extra cargo area than the CX-90 PHEV. With the second-and third-row seats folded, the Highlander Hybrid has extra cargo area than the CX-90 PHEV. In the event you’re shopping for for area, the reply is straightforward.
Examine this week’s Truthful Buy Value or see the Highlander Hybrid fashions on the market close to you.
Similarities
Similar warranties, comparable passenger area
Conclusion
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the traditional reply for 3-row hybrid buyers. With an funding as huge as a brand new automotive, there’s a great argument for the traditional reply. Its decrease beginning value and confirmed resale worth will make sense for a lot of consumers.
The Mazda CX-90 PHEV is all-new, which is able to give some consumers pause. Nevertheless it’s better-looking inside and outside, and its plug-in expertise means most drivers will find yourself utilizing far much less gasoline than they’d with the Toyota.
Specs
2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV | 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid | |
Beginning Value | $47,445 | $40,620 |
Widespread Powertrains | ||
Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder plus electrical motor | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder plus electrical motor |
Horsepower | 323 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 243 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
Torque | 369 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 175 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm |
Transmission | 8-speed computerized | CVT |
Gas Financial system | TBD | 36 metropolis/35 freeway/36 mixed mpg |
Additionally Accessible | Inline 6-cylinder | 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder |
Specs | ||
Fundamental Guarantee | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
Powertrain Guarantee | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
NHTSA General Security | TBD | 5 stars |
Max Seating Capability | 8 | 8 |
Wheelbase | 122.8 inches | 112.2 inches |
General Size | 201.6 inches | 194.9 inches |
Width | 84.9 inches | 76.0 inches |
Top | 68.2 inches | 68.1 inches |
Turning Diameter | 38.1 toes | 37.4 toes |
Headroom, Entrance | 39.7 inches | 41.2 inches |
Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.3 inches | 39.4 inches |
Headroom, third Row | 36.9 inches | 36.1 inches |
Legroom, Entrance | 41.7 inches | 42.0 inches |
Legroom, 2nd Row | 39.4 inches | 38.7 inches |
Legroom, third Row | 30.4 inches | 28.0 inches |
Shoulder Room, Entrance | 57.2 inches | 59.0 inches |
Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 58.1 inches | 58.7 inches |
Shoulder Room, third Row | 53.3 inches | 55.0 inches |
EPA Cargo Quantity | 14.9/40.0/74.2 cubic toes | 16.0/48.4/84.3 cubic toes |