Compare the2026 Ford ExplorerVS 2026 Mazda CX-90

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Explorer has standard Rear Cross Traffic Alert with Rear Cross Traffic Braking, systems which detect vehicles approaching from the sides and can automatically apply the brakes to prevent a collision. Only the CX-90 Premium Plus/Turbo S offers Rear Cross Traffic Braking.

Both the Explorer and the CX-90 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Ford Explorer is safer than the Mazda CX-90:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Ford Explorer is safer than the Mazda CX-90:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

There are over 5 times as many Ford dealers as there are Mazda dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Explorer’s warranty.

The Explorer has a standard “limp home system” to keep drivers from being stranded if most or all of the engine’s coolant is lost. The engine will run on only half of its cylinders at a time, reduce its power and light a warning lamp on the dashboard so the driver can get to a service station for repairs. The CX-90 doesn’t offer a lost coolant limp home mode, so a coolant leak could strand you or seriously damage the truck’s engine.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Explorer’s reliability 16 points higher than the Mazda CX-90 and 30 points higher than the Mazda CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Ford vehicles are better in initial quality than Mazda vehicles. With 32 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Ford higher than Mazda.

The Explorer has more powerful engines than the CX-90:

As tested in Motor Trend the Ford Explorer is faster than the Mazda CX-90:

The Explorer has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The CX-90 doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

A 10-speed automatic is standard on the Ford Explorer, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the CX-90.

For better stopping power the Explorer’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the CX-90:

The Explorer ST’s optional front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the CX-90 are solid, not vented.

The Explorer stops much shorter than the CX-90:

Having a flat tire is dangerous, inconvenient and expensive. The self-sealing tires available on the Explorer can automatically seal most punctures up to 3/16 of an inch, effectively preventing most flat tires. The CX-90 doesn’t offer self-sealing tires.

The Explorer’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The CX-90 doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

The Explorer ST 4WD handles at .86 G’s, while the CX-90 Premium Plus pulls only .81 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Explorer ST 4WD executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.1 seconds quicker than the CX-90 Premium Plus (26.4 seconds @ .72 average G’s vs. 27.5 seconds @ .64 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the Explorer Tremor has a greater minimum ground clearance than the CX-90 PHEV Premium/Turbo S (8.7 vs. 8.1 inches), allowing the Explorer to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Ford Explorer may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs up to about 550 pounds less than the Mazda CX-90.

The front grille of the Explorer uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The CX-90 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Explorer offers available computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The CX-90 doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the Explorer Active 4WD is quieter than the CX-90 Premium Plus:

The Explorer has 8.7 cubic feet more passenger volume than the CX-90 (150.3 vs. 141.6).

The Explorer has 1 inch more front headroom, 1.3 inches more front legroom, 3 inches more front hip room, 4.9 inches more front shoulder room, 1.2 inches more rear headroom, 3.6 inches more rear hip room, 3.8 inches more rear shoulder room, 2 inches more third row headroom, 1.4 inches more third row legroom and 1.3 inches more third row shoulder room than the CX-90.

The Explorer’s cargo area provides more volume than the CX-90.

The Explorer’s cargo area is larger than the CX-90’s in almost every dimension:

Pressing a button automatically lowers or raises the Explorer’s (except Active) optional third row seats, to make changing between cargo and passengers easier. The CX-90 doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

A standard locking glovebox and optional locking center console (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Explorer. The CX-90 doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

The Explorer’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the CX-90’s (5000 vs. 3500 pounds).

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the Explorer’s available exterior PIN entry system. The CX-90 doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system.

The Explorer’s standard Intelligent Access allow you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, unlock the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Advanced Keyless Entry and Start standard on the CX-90 doesn’t offer a sensor on the rear doors, so you’ll have to reach a front handle to unlock the rear door.

The Explorer (except Active) offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the CX-90.

Compared to traditional radio, the Ford Explorer’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio is only offered on the CX-90 Premium.

The Explorer is available in both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The CX-90 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Ford Explorer, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Ford Explorer outsold the Mazda CX-90 by almost four to one during 2024.