2025 Mazda CX-90 vs. Toyota Land Cruiser

When it comes to the world of SUVs, two names stand out for 2025: the Mazda CX-90 and the Toyota Land Cruiser. Both models cater to different crowds, blending performance, luxury, and practicality in their unique ways. Understanding how these vehicles position themselves in the market can help you decide which SUV reigns supreme in your eyes.

Key Updates for 2025

For 2025, the Mazda CX-90  has undergone several significant changes. One of the most notable improvements is the introduction of a new plug-in hybrid powertrain option, which combines a powerful electric motor with the existing 3.3-liter inline-six engine, offering both impressive performance and fuel efficiency. Additionally, the CX-90 receives minor upgrades to its infotainment system, ensuring a more user-friendly and intuitive experience. Mazda has also added a new exterior color option, allowing for greater customization.

The Toyota Land Cruiser also sees notable enhancements for 2025, particularly with its new i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain. This setup features a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine combined with hybrid technology. The Land Cruiser’s design pays homage to its rugged heritage with a modern twist, featuring a “TOYOTA” heritage front grille, square side mirrors, and athletic fender flares. Inside, the Land Cruiser integrates advanced technology such as Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility.

Performance Comparison

The 2025 Mazda CX-90’s engine options include a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system producing 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque and a more powerful version of the same engine delivering 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and come standard with all-wheel drive.

The CX-90’s engine allows the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 6.5 seconds with the base engine and 5.9 seconds with the more powerful variant. In terms of fuel economy, it achieves an EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined, 24 mpg in the city, and 28 mpg on the highway.

The new Toyota Land Cruiser doesn’t disappoint either. It features a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain, producing 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and comes with a full-time four-wheel-drive system. The Land Cruiser accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in around 8.2 seconds. In terms of fuel economy, the Land Cruiser achieves an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined, 22 mpg in the city, and 25 mpg on the highway.

Interior, Comfort, and Technology

When you hop into the 2025 Mazda CX-90, you’ll notice it has a sleek and stylish vibe with some luxurious materials inside. The interior comes with options such as nappa leather and fabric inserts. It seats up to eight passengers or seven with captain’s chairs in the higher trims. The trunk offers 15.9 cubic feet of space, expanding to 75.2 cubic feet with the seats down. The infotainment system includes a 10.25-inch screen in the lower trims and a 12.3-inch screen in the higher trims with Mazda Connect, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser emphasizes a blend of ruggedness and luxury in its interior design, featuring high-quality materials such as leather seats and wood accents. It accommodates up to five passengers across two rows, offering ample legroom and headroom. The Land Cruiser provides 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which you can expand to 82.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The infotainment system includes either an 8-inch or a 12.3-inch touch-screen display, depending on the trim, and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Safety Features and Ratings

Safety is a priority for both the Mazda CX-90 and the Toyota Land Cruiser. The CX-90 features a suite of safety technologies, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. It has received high safety ratings, earning a five-star overall rating from the  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser also prioritizes safety with a robust array of standard features. It comes equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which offers adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. It also includes a precollision system with pedestrian detection and parking sensors. Although ratings from NHTSA or IIHS are pending, its extensive safety features and Toyota’s reputation indicate a good crash test performance.

Pricing, Models, and Value Proposition

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 offers a range of models with competitive pricing, starting at $37,845 for the base 3.3 Turbo Select trim and going up to $56,450 for the top-tier 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus. It provides a strong value proposition with its luxurious interior, advanced technology, and efficient powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid option.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser starts at $56,700 for the base model and goes up to $62,450 for the top trim. Known for its legendary off-road capability and robust build quality, the Land Cruiser includes a hybrid powertrain and advanced off-road features. While the Land Cruiser is priced higher, its exceptional off-road capabilities and rugged design justify the premium if you’re seeking a durable and capable SUV.

Competitor Analysis

When deciding between the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and the Toyota Land Cruiser, you can also consider similar SUVs such as the Ford Explorer and Chevrolet Tahoe. Each model has unique strengths, so weigh your options carefully. The CX-90 stands out for its fuel efficiency and sporty handling, while the Land Cruiser is known for durability and off-road capability. Understanding these differences will help you choose the vehicle that best fits your lifestyle.

Which SUV Reigns Supreme?

Choosing between the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and Toyota Land Cruiser comes down to your preferences. For a fun, sporty ride packed with modern features, go for the CX-90. For a tough, reliable SUV that can handle any kind of terrain, the Land Cruiser is the way to go.

At Capistrano Mazda, our team is ready to give you some solid advice and help you find the perfect SUV that fits your lifestyle. Whether you’re leaning toward the Mazda CX-90 or the Toyota Land Cruiser, we’re here to help you move forward on your car journey.