2024 Mazda CX-90 vs Lexus TX vs Toyota Grand Highlander / Rebadged Potential!
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- Опубліковано 5 січ 2024
- Traditional large SUVs can be a bit unwieldy and unnecessary for people that aren't towing or going off road. Thankfully, some crossovers have stepped into the picture to change that. The Mazda CX-30, Toyota Grand Highlander and Lexus TX are three, distinct options that can fit six footers in each row, go through the occasional snowstorm or forest service road, and get good gas mileage while doing so. That said, which one is the best?
Thank you, Royal South Toyota and Royal South Mazda for letting me test drive the Grand Highlander and CX-90 for today's review.
Royalsouthmazda.com
Royalsouthtoyota.com
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Mazda has the best, most exciting drive. It's glued to the ground, just like BMW. Made in Japan, the quality control and craftsmanship is Supreme
Cx90 for the win
That Mazda is gorgeous, inside and out!
It’s all about their heritage and portfolio🤷♂️ Kodo and Jinbai-Ittai or whatever is what makes it. I do like the Lexus too though.. both are nice
If I only needed a third row occasionally and didn't need to haul big loads, CX-90 all day. If I frequently needed the third row and needed maximum cargo space, minivan for the win.
Often times people buy too much of a car. How many times someone needs to carry 2x 6+ feet adults in back seat? Perhaps yes, but then their luggage won’t fit in either of these, at which point you rather rent a 10 passenger van at the airport…
I can tell a lot of work went into this video. Thank you for making it. You do the best job of explaining the driving characteristics of the cars and what truly sets them apart makes your reviews much more comprehensive than almost everything on UA-cam. Cheers
Thanks, that means a lot!
as much a Iove LEXUS! major PROPS for MAZDA for being DIFFERENT and making an inline 6 engine! and making a RWD biased platform!
Great review, surprised by how much I like the new Toyota interior design, hopefully it trickles down into other models. Waiting patiently for the CX-70 reveal on January 30th!
Well done sir ! All the information a buyer could possibly need on these 3 vehicles in 20 mins.
Thanks!
Every video you make is a noticeable step up in quality over the previous one and this one is so well produced it could easily have been a segment on Top Gear or similar; kudos! Apart from the production quality, you covered every possible question I had about those cars so I'm left with the full picture about what to expect from each, all while keeping the video's length reasonable, which can't be said about many other automotive youtubers.
Thank you! My goal is to take production/writing further this year.
@@Realistick You're welcome. And I can see the result of your efforts; keep up the great work!
The TX and CX90 are amazing. The grand highlander is only okay.
That was the base model of grand highlander tho
I’ve been waiting for a new video Tyler!
Happy Saturday!
Thanks for watching, the holidays have definitely made the 2 a week challenging but we’ll get back to it soon!
Very informative. Thanks!
I hope people are paying close attention to that opening line. That's wisdom to live by. ✅🏆
But what if my girlfriend and I get married in 5 years and have quintuplets? What if I become popular and I have enough friends to fit in the third row every week? I better get this miniv-- I mean, 3 row SUV, NOW.
@@markcoopers1930 😂 yep you're gonna need that third row for the in-laws who visit once a year at thanksgiving😂✅
I totally agree. For me, the CX-90 PHEV was the best trade-off because I wanted the handling, performance, AND gas mileage it provided. I also wanted the option of a 3rd row, but didn’t necessarily need it everyday.
The CX-5 90 smile on your face was the whole review.
What a cool video. So many cool colors
For a family appliance I want comfort and reliability, minivan would probably be my first choice, but grand Highlander is tough to beat, especially in hybrid.
GH Hybrid means markups and wait time. Sorry but CX-90 has none of those on either of powertrains.
Agree it surprised me I was expecting a similar thing to the Highlander just with more luxury but it surprised me love it instantly
@David_Journey Yes but it does have a transmission that’s causing many lemon law cases.
Mazda all the way.
nice review .Im on line with you about the Grand Highlander. BUT there 1 other car i'm debating on is the 2025 explorer platinum with the TT V6. So what you learned about the Grand Highland. What would you pick if the explore was thrown into the mix
I haven’t driven the new explorer yet or done any deep dives but I did drive a 2016 a few years ago when I worked at a dealer and it left me stranded (3.5l ecoboost). That left me pretty skeptical but that could have been a fluke, I’ll try to get one and do some more research!
I like all 3, thanks 😀
Mazda all the way !!
My 2015 Highlander Limited is great and I love it 😀 😍
Not paying too much for Highlander and TX… Mazda CX90 all the way. I have Mazda 6 Kuro.. the built quality is just awesome .. fun to drive with great reliability ❤
Glad to see a fellow Hoosier
Being able to get a plug in hybrid in the Mazda for a reasonable price is hard to pass up
Mazda has stepped up the game. Luxury undefined.
Mazda is the best value for money (comes standard with AWD) and offers 0.9% or even 0.0% financing, that makes a big difference compared to whatever rate most other brands offer.
The rear quarter and D pillar of cx90 looks straight up first-gen Kia Seranto
Just leased the cx-90 PHEV. $1k down $250 month x 24 months. You can't lease a Corolla at that price. Very happy with it.
That’s insane!! Congrats
TX550+ for me, maybe next year… my dogs will love it much as the humans would.
The Grand Highlander center is removable with the captains chairs
The wildcard might be the PHEV V6 TX, as that sounds like it has the potential to be the best version. I don't know, but similarly when the hybrid Corolla Cross finally came out, it rendered the non-hybrid variant nearly pointless. Of course the PHEV TX is going to have a price and availability disadvantage for consumers.
That PHEV is probably an awesome powertrain! But withholding it to the most loaded spec really limits the appeal😪
@@Realistickyeah would have liked to have a 2.5 liter i4 hybrid since we don't care about power but we want a lux 350h with good efficiency.
I was set on buying the Mazda CX-90. Then I drove it. Mazda has no idea how to do a hybrid. It jerked during acceleration in a really disappointing way.
Like the Mazdas speed… Toyota reliability, but Lexus TX is what I went with.
Mazdas GDI engines don't have the same carbon build up problems as others. They use heated valves to burn off extra carbon and its been super effective since release in 2012 on their skyactiv platform.
Thanks, that is good to know. PHEV owner here.
Bravo for giving linear cargo dimensions instead of the useless cubic feet.
36mpg combined on the base Grand Highlander Hybrid is better than my old Civic.
Toyota continues to defy physics
Toyota guy till I die.
In my area the CX-90s are already being discounted by thousands. After the CX-9 was such a sales also-ran, i'm not sure why Mazda thought that they'd do well with a car that, despite being one of the largest in its class in terms of external dimensions, has bottom of the class cargo and third row space. That makes little sense in a class where practicality is king. The much smaller CRV has more maximum cargo space behind the first row for instance!
It's because there are people who actually want to enjoy driving their 3-row SUV. Not everyone wants an "appliance".
With 3 row cars aimed at families, what most people want is the most practical vehicle possible. And practicality and driver engagement don't have to be in opposition to each other.@@TheRotorious13b
The Audi Q7 and Acura MDX are both 3-row SUVs, and they are both smaller than every vehicle in this comparison. Who are they aimed at?
There comes the point where "practicality" becomes a relative term. The vehicle we traded for our new CX90 was larger than all of the vehicles in this comparison, and it had more than enough room for our family of four, for the 8 years that we owned it. Our CX-90 still has more than enough room for our family, just a little less EXTRA room.
So my point is that there are several families who are willing to give up extra space (numbers) that wouldn't be used anyway, in exchange for more exciting styling and or driving dynamics, hence why the CX90 can be reasonably compared with "appliances" as well as more premium offerings like the MDX, etc.
@@alexmassengale433
@alexmassengale433
Judging by the CX-90s impressive sales figures for 2023, Mazda definitely made the right decision.
I really believe Mazda overpriced the CX-90 at its launch. You can’t increase the price of your top of the line model by over $10,000.00, even if it has such a massive redesign.
Hyundai and Kia priced the Telluride and Palisade low, and as demand grew they raised the prices and/or came up with more expensive models; Mazda should have done the same.
Mazda❤
I have a CX90 Turbo S. I think it is a great car, extremely beautiful and its better then competitors. It's capable of 24mpg in the big city and 34mpg at 70mph on the highway. By the way, the Lexus is ugly, the front looks like a helmet from Iron Man. They could do better for the money.
Cx90 for me 🎉
I want Lexus regardless
Love your sarcasm, next to Savage Geese you pull it off the best.
With the current price reductions the Mazda is an ever better selection over the Lexus or Toyota now.
I like the QX60. It just needs a bigger 3rd row. If that vehicle was bigger, thats my pick. But since its not bigger than these vehicles. My pick is the grand highlander
The real question here is how is the Mazda to actually maintain the engine?
It’s almost as reliable as the Toyotas and Lexus the only question I have is how expensive will parts be compared to a Toyota and if the hybrid is as good as Toyotas hybrid in terms of reliability
Oh and their transmission is also a big question ,but their engines have been good as of late in Mazdas
I was about to get CX90, but looking at all the issues it has, it feels like they released a half finished product. May be a stable version 2025-2026.
Prefer the Lexus TX over the other two
Having driven the highlander and cx90, I wished Mazda would fix the cx90 transmission. I would never recommend the vague steering, roly-poly, and spongy brake highlander.
It’s frustrating for the people that want a natural feeling drive, the Lexus TX fixes those things (surprisingly) but you’ll pay for it. The GH is great as an appliance so I still think it serves its purpose.
@@Realistick the GH is a good quick fix to address the regular Highlander space deficiencily to the new pilot and grand Cherokee L. When you're moving up from an old 10-15 yr old car, that buyer won't know what good handling these days are. A GH is perfect for them
Try the CX90 PHEV. Cheaper, similar torque, and it's actually faster 0-60 than the inline 6 and from what most people say, smoother transmission and driving. I have one and I'm pleased with it, plus if your commute and regular day-to-day driving is under 26 miles, you can do it in all-electrric.
Nothing wrong with the transmission. I have one. It adjusts to your driver before correcting the settings
@@mbenton6 hmm, I still hear complains from others so im not sure it adjusts enough, (mine had 4k miles)
The Mark Levinson will sound much better to an audiophile. It ought not to have the heavy bass in a typical Bose system (I have a Bose system in a Honda Pilot) though if Mazda spent enough money, the Bose certainly *could* compete with the ML.
Im usually more blown away by ML systems, it was good in here and Im by zero means an audiophile but it wasn’t as crisp at high volumes as what I’ve heard from some high level B&O systems from audi and nowhere near the levels of the Volvo Bowers and Wilkins (even in just the v60 cross country)
@@Realistick Thank you for your description and comparisons. I haven't heard any of the systems you mentioned, but if you watch @Savagegeese, who has stereo systems tested, the B&W and Burmeister seem to both test very well. The caveat is the ESL system in the Acura MDX Type S, which he said sounded better than (or equal to, I don't recall his exact words) systems in vehicles in the $120,000 range. High praise indeed.
In your video, you say the CX - 90 was the fastest accelerating of the three. If you are basing this on the fastest variation of each model, then the TX 550h is the fastest since it can do 0-60 in the mid to high five second range. Also, is has a 6 cylinder engine as well.
Yes, the 550 is, I was comparing the base powertrains of each (which are the most common models) though there’s also the turbo s model cx-90 which might make that sweat.
@@RealistickI’m not sure if that was completely clear to me as you had mentioned other variants of the three vehicles throughout such as the hybrid variant and Max engines as well as the turbo s CX, so I just wanted to make sure that the option for the plug in hybrid got it’s recognition as well. When I compare vehicles, personally, I like to look at all trims and options so I know what is available and at what price to factor in my decision. I think if I focus only on base models, I might miss out on what I’m looking for. That said, Mazda brings a lot of value in this comparison but feel like it’s better matched against the Highlander, and there it’s a more compelling argument. I would likely shop the Toyota and Lexus to larger SUV’s due to its space and cargo.
Let’s not forget the Toyota Sienna. It will seat 8 a lot more comfortable than any SUV. Also who actually goes off-road anyway
Sienna has plastic rear hatch… I would not want to put my family’s survival pending on such rear door…
@@David_Journey look up crash ratings for both vehicles. Then come back. You're welcome :)
@@kimochi33 there is no rear crash test - you are welcome
@@David_Journey typical American trying to deny actual utility vehicles.
Hard to believe someone doesn't know how to use a search engine.
@@kimochi33 neither IIHS or NCAP has done rear crash test. Neither Sienna forum has mentioned any. Tell me the exact keywords to google that brings up actual footage of rear crash test and at what speed.
fun fact: Toyota Grub is a big company that oversees Toyota in general, Lexus, Daihatsu, Hino Motor (commercial heavy duty truck division), Subaru and Mazda and actually Suzuki is also included under Toyota's umbrella because many Suzuki products are sold in Europe and some in The Asian market is just a rebadge of Toyota products, basically if you buy a Lexus TX instead of choosing a GHL or CX90, then Toyota will still make a profit. Likewise, if you buy a CX90 instead of choosing a Lexus TX or Toyota GHL, then Toyota will also profit, because that's Toyota. actually want to capitalize on the car market, especially for the Asian and American markets
Fun fact get your facts straight Toyota doesn’t oversees anything Mazda, only thing mazda shares with Toyota in terms of the CX-90 is their plugin hybrid system. They do have a partnership but saying Toyota oversees Mazda or under their umbrella is a bit of a reach. Mazda worked hard to get where they are now so dont shit on their progress saying its because of Toyota
@@souls3029 This is not a problem about who develops the car, but about profits from sales from a brand, actually Toyota is not really focused on developing cars for Mazda, but Mazda's profits can still be enjoyed by the Toyota group because Toyota is one of the shareholders in the Mazda manufacturer, that's why I said that Mazda is under the umbrella of Toyota Grub, it is true that there are several Toyota powertrains used by Mazda, especially the hybrid from the CX-50 (this has been confirmed in China and America) that's why there are Mazda cars that are assembled at the American Toyota factory, even in Europe the RAV4 was rebadged by Suzuki Meanwhile, the Toyota Yaris is also rebadged by Mazda. It's the same as Porsche which is under the auspices of VW Group, but Porsche has its own developer, but still the seller's profits are still enjoyed by VW Group... you just dont know nothing about how this business works
@@souls3029 Even Mazda is very slow in EVs, so they (including subaru) are waiting for new EV technology from Toyota, which is most likely in 2026 because Toyota wants to sell EVs with solid batteries that can reach 1000km in collaboration with Idemetsu in 2026.
@@lightshunshine3861again get your facts straight, being a share holder doesn’t mean you are owned or under anyones umbrella because Mazda and Toyota doesn’t have the same relationship as Porsche and VW group. Also the plant in Alabama is not owned by Toyota its a joint venture between Toyota and mazda equally. Cx-50 doesn’t have a hybrid powertrain. The Mazda 2 and Toyota Yaris has been swapping each others platform for years .I know exactly what i talk about when i talk and i said get your facts straight before you begin to mislead the public
@@souls3029 It seems like you don't understand how the share ownership system works in a company, so it seems like it's useless for me to explain at length because you don't understand from the start, even the more trivial things, namely the matter of the Mazda CX50 using a Toyota hybrid powertrain, you don't know, even though that's old news... so all this time you've only pretended to understand and pretended to know
I’ve been looking for a vehicle to replace my 2017 Ford Explorer. I love my Explorer but want something new. Prices are out of control on every level. The “luxury brands” are completely insane with what they are asking. The TX looks like a long nosed mini van to
Me. The Grand Highlander is the most boring looking SUV out there. Out of these three I would take the Mazda but that isn’t perfect either. Still no idea what will replace my Explorer that has everything in it and works flawlessly.
With the price right now I can get TX 350 Premium below MSRP than GH Hybrid Limited. I even have an offer of TX 350 Premium OTD 62790 vs GH Hybrid Limited 64913 due to marked ups.
Bought a platinum GH OTD for under 59000. Better features than the Premium, same engine. On the flip side why would you pay more for less car and the same reliability?
I'm SO tired of reviewers just reviewing aspects of these cars based on details or specs you can read on paper.
I currently have a top trim red/white CX90 Turbo S Premium Plus. I've driven all the cars in the segment. I also currently own and have a GLS550, S550, LS460, and XJ-VP in my garage or driveway. I'm no stranger to nice cars, and get attached to those that feel "special". The CX90 blows my mind. I don't know how Mazda got the CX90 to such a low price point. In my opinion, nothing in this segment comes close to how special the CX90 feels. You don't need the top trim to have a special feeling ride, but I wanted the white interior. Even the base spec CX90 is a ridiculous bargain! The engine is a beast compared to the lethargic turbo 4s from others. You can do nearly 100mph at only 2500 rpm. 70mph cruise is only 1800rpm. It's crazy! Also, the CX90 has no business handling as good as it does. The steering is amazing! I just want to keep on driving. It's rwd-based, so throwing it in corners feels like it was designed to do just that. The TX and GH don't compare to it whatsoever! The suspension is a bit stiffer, but it's tuned for all driving speeds, unlike the TX, and especially unlike the GH. The GH has a basic shock setup that has no tuning.
Basically, the best and easiest way to describe everything is this: every car feels like a fridge of an appliance compared to the CX90. I'd rather have a base CX90 than any top trim of other competitors. It would take a GX550 to change my mind.
The Mazda is the best looking IMO
I'll take the Mazda CX90 PHEV Premium.
You are awesome 🎉🎉🎉🎉 , to the point
Keep going with this amazing channel! You deserve a lot more of subscribers and you will get them hopefully soon. These reviews and comparisons are so underrated until now!
Mazda every time
Honestly, if you’re looking for a luxury car, why would you get a Toyota over a Mazda or Lexus? Lexus is almost the same maybe even more reliability.. Mazda does pretty well for reliability, but they have the class, Motorsport heritage, and driving dynamics. So the only question is: Do you want an overpriced Toyota, another over priced Toyota-esque vehicle with a luxury badge, or do you want a Japanese BMW/Alfa “modest” alternative? And before anyone comes for me, yea Lexus may be considered over the Mazda for luxury because Mazda focuses more on the performance side of things, but just step into one and you’ll change your mind. Mazda genuine wood, Nappa leather, and sound proofing are second to none🤷♂️ and the Bose center point surround system is worth it..
Because the base Lexus in this comparison with non of the bells and whistles cost the same as a
fully loaded platinum GH. Is it that hard to comprehend?
A better alternative than these three mid-size third row seating SUVs would be the Jeep Grand Cherokee L. That's the vehicle I have. My model year is the 2023 model year. Mine is in the high trim Summit Reserve trim with the optional 5.7 liter HEMI V8 engine. That engine is also optional in the Summit trim which is one tier lower and the Overland trim which is two tiers lower. The other lower trims below the Overland doesn't have that engine as optional. Performance numbers with the V8 comes in at 357 horsepower along with 390 pound feet of torque. Good performing numbers. As for nice and comfy features with the highest trim Summit Reserve there lots of them. Ill just mention a few. Besides the advanced safety features which most vehicles comes with these days, all exterior lights and interior lights are LED which is standard across the lineup regardless of trim level. Interior camera, night vision camera, adjustable air suspension system, front passenger infotainment screen, a 19 speaker premium audio system with an amplifier producing 950 watts of power, front massaging seats, 12 USB ports (6 USB & 6 USB-C), HDMI port and more. With the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, owners will get more for the money spent especially if they get the high trim levels. It would be nice to see the Jeep Grand Cherokee L with the V8 engine challenge the Lexus TX, Toyota Grand Highlander and Mazda CX-90 in a drag race. Those four vehicles challenging each other in a drag race would be pretty impressive.
Lexus!
Had the Mazda. The stereo controls suck and are all in a circle knob by the arm rest. Awful. The screen is undersized and a visual obstruction. Great looking and comfy. Go with the Grand Highlander. It is a Lexus TX for far less money.
The read of the CX-90 is extremely ugly, the back of the Toyotas are basic, but at least they don’t have a giant hump
CX-90 no 5 in there .
Mazda is small on the inside
I find Lexus/Toyota styling apalling
Save your money and just buy a Honda Pilot or Regular Toyota Highlander if you want a SUV with a great third row. The Mazda CX90 has amazing luxury materials that rival the Acura MDX, but is just too expensive for that unusable and small Third Row. The Lexus is very overpriced, and the Grand Highlander is not enough of an upgrade over the regular Highlander or Pilot. A naturally aspirated V6 engine is always more reliable than a hybrid turbo I4 engine.
Sadly, the regular Highlander may be discontinued soon.
The Grand Highlander is in a different league of space than the highlander! I like both but if you have older kids or move furniture a lot, it will make a big difference. It’s bigger than the pilot too with a hybrid option too so there are reasons to go GH over honda but Id love to compare the two! If you drive the GH and the TX back to back, i wouldn’t call it overpriced but it is expensive! The CX-90 is the sweet spot for me personally but she has her own flaws🫠
@@Realistickyuck. Get the Mazda
Yeah and these turbo engines are picky and don’t do well with 87 gas. Had a Highlander turbo and hated the issues with 87 gas quality from different gas stations. You’d think having an octane standard would actually keep gas quality equal but it does not.
@@estimo15so far turbo engine working well with 87 ..I think they finally tuned well for the 87 on the grand highlander
Cx90 is disastrous
Hell no. I bought one and it's amazing
Care to elaborate? lol
@@mbenton63rd row is not comfortable.
@@Gopinathk17for 6 foot 3 adults? That is most of third row SUVs 😅.
You can’t have everything… if you want rear wheel drive bias, something has to give. It’s simple engineering tradeoffs.
@@David_JourneyGH has AWD and is very comfortable for older kids and can fit adults also comfortably. Watch some other reviews. That's the whole purpose of a 3 row SUV if not then what's the point. It's not just about 3rd row, it's roomy, smooth riding, good mpgs on hybrid etc..and it definitely holds better resale value than cx90. most people need utility over sporty.
That’s easy. The cx90 is the best in this video
But the cx90 pilot telluride palisade gv80 are best out there. Grand Highlander and tx are dead on arrival compared to all other 3 rows
Nice try. Toyota already killing it with sales.
@@daweed980 for now…
Not to mention Toyotas overcharging for this. With shortages abound people are desperate
Not if third row space or cargo space are high up on the list of what you are looking for. For many buyers those are two of if not the most important things in the three row family car segment
@@daweed980
The CX-90 already bests the TX in sales & it wasn't that far behind the Grand Highlander.
Naveen you are a beauty. Sooo much time trolling You Tube reviews on Toyota vehicles with non-intelligent comments. Just purchased a Grand Highlander Ltd. Hybrid at msrp and received 50% trade-in of original value on my 2018 Highlander with 117,000 miles. No one competes with Toyota in the mid-range products with respect to features, comfort, and quality. You need to retire dude.