2025 Mazda CX-90 vs. Toyota Land Cruiser

In the premium SUV market, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and Toyota Land Cruiser cater to very different drivers. The CX-90 delivers road-focused luxury with advanced technology and fuel-efficient engines, while the Land Cruiser emphasizes off-road performance with its rugged build and time-tested toughness. Although both are classified as SUVs, their purposes differ significantly. In this Toyota Land Cruiser vs. Mazda CX-90 hybrid review, our experts at Capistrano Mazda explore the features of these vehicles to help you decide which one fits your lifestyle.

Quick Overview: CX-90’s Premium Focus vs. Land Cruiser’s Off-Road Heritage

The CX-90 stands out with elegant, aerodynamic lines and a stylish appearance perfect for Orange County roads. The interior features premium materials, advanced technology, and customizable seating arrangements.

The Land Cruiser offers a boxy structure, an elevated stance, and durable construction, making it ideal for rough terrain. All exterior details serve a purpose on off-road trails, making it perfect for your weekend getaways.

Performance and Powertrain: Where Power Meets Efficiency

The CX-90 features a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine, augmented by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This configuration produces 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque in the standard trims, or 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque in the S models. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The CX-90 Turbo S sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds

Toyota’s Land Cruiser uses a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder hybrid system that produces 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. It offers full-time four-wheel drive (4WD) and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds. The Land Cruiser’s powertrain prioritizes low-end torque for challenging terrain over straight-line speed.

The regular CX-90 trims achieve 24 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, while the S versions get 23 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The Land Cruiser returns 22 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined. The Mazda CX-90 can pull up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, while the Toyota Land Cruiser manages 6,000 pounds.

Off-Road Capability vs. On-Road Refinement

The Land Cruiser includes serious off-road hardware: full-time 4WD with electronically controlled locking rear and center differentials, Crawl Control with downhill assist, and multiple terrain settings. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, a 33-degree approach angle, and a 22-degree departure angle, it tackles obstacles that challenge most luxury SUVs. The lockable center differential provides superior traction in mud, sand, and snow.

The CX-90’s rear-biased i-ACTIV AWD focuses on street performance and fuel efficiency. It constantly monitors the conditions, shifting power to enhance grip on pavement and light trails. While capable on wet highways and dirt lots, the CX-90 prioritizes premium ride quality and responsive handling for daily driving.

For Orange County residents, the CX-90’s smooth handling and road performance outweigh its off-road capabilities. Its suspension absorbs bumps while providing responsive steering.

Interior Space, Comfort, and Practicality

The CX-90 accommodates up to eight passengers with 39.7 inches of front headroom, 39.3 inches in the second row, and 36.9 inches in the third row. It also offers 41.7 inches of front legroom, 39.4 inches in the second row, and 30.4 inches in the third row, allowing kids and shorter adults to fit comfortably in the back.

The Land Cruiser seats five passengers across two rows. Its dimensions include 40.1 inches of headroom in the front and 39.3 inches in the rear, as well as 43 and 36.7 inches of front and rear legroom. The interior materials prioritize durability over luxury with surfaces built for long-term use.

Cargo space varies significantly. The CX-90 provides 15.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 75.2 cubic feet with all the seats folded. The Land Cruiser offers 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 82.1 cubic feet with the seats down.

Technology and Infotainment Systems

The CX-90 features a 13.4-inch touch screen with Mazda Connect, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The large display offers clear graphics and quick responses. Mazda’s user-friendly interface ensures fewer distractions for safer family driving around Orange County.

The Land Cruiser offers an 8-inch standard or a 12.3-inch upgraded touch screen, both with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as an optional 14-speaker JBL Premium audio system. Toyota’s system prioritizes reliability over design, with straightforward menus and physical buttons that can be operated with gloves or in rough conditions.

The Land Cruiser features the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of driver-assistance technologies, including a precollision system with pedestrian detection, full-speed radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing, road sign assist, automatic high beams, and proactive driving assist. The CX-90 offers comparable safety features tuned for highway and urban driving.

Trim Levels and Pricing

The CX-90 offers six trims: the Select, Preferred, Premium Sport, Premium Plus, S Premium, and S Premium Plus, with MSRPs ranging from $39,575 to $58,150. The CX-90’s lower entry point makes luxury SUV ownership more accessible.

The Toyota Land Cruiser is available in two models: the Land Cruiser 1958, which starts at $58,195, and the Land Cruiser, with an MSRP of $62,965. Both share identical hybrid powertrains and 4WD systems, while the higher pricing reflects specialized off-road engineering and Toyota’s reputation for reliability.

Discover Your Ideal SUV at Capistrano Mazda

Your SUV choice will depend on your driving needs. The Mazda CX-90 is perfect for Orange County families needing daily fuel-efficient transportation with luxury features, smart technology, and flexible seating. The Land Cruiser justifies its premium price for maximum trail capability and Toyota’s proven reliability. If your weekends involve dirt roads or heavy towing, the Land Cruiser’s engineering and toughness warrant consideration. If you’re in San Juan Capistrano, California, contact us today to schedule a test-drive to help you determine whether the 2025 Mazda CX-90 is right for you.