2025 Mazda CX-90 vs. 2025 Ford Explorer Comparison

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 and Ford Explorer are midsize 3-row SUVs with seating for the whole family. Each can also be equipped with a second-row bench or two captain’s chairs for added comfort.

New for the 2024 model year, the CX-90 replaced the outgoing CX-9 SUV. Thanks to its handsome exterior, the CX-90 made a great first impression and could easily be mistaken for a luxury-badged model.

The Explorer needs no introduction, with a history that dates back decades. Known for its rugged build, it can easily tackle off-road adventures as well as an arduous daily commute, and it gets a welcome refresh for 2025.

Want to see how these two compare? Let’s take a look at some highlights of the Mazda CX-90 and Ford Explorer.

2025 Mazda CX-90 

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 is offered in a total of six trims: Turbo Select, Turbo Preferred, Turbo Premium Sport, Turbo Premium Plus, Turbo S Premium, and Turbo S Premium Plus. Models with the “S” in their name come with a 340-horsepower turbocharged inline-6 coupled to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Otherwise, the base powertrain is a 280-hp version of this same 6-cylinder. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard across the lineup. A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant is also available. The Mazda CX-90 can seat six, seven, or eight occupants, depending on trim.

Mazda CX-90 Highlights

Premium interior: One big advantage the CX-90 has over the Explorer, not to mention the majority of other mainstream midsize SUVs, is the layout and design of its cabin. Everything has a high-quality look and finish that reinforces Mazda’s upscale image. Higher trims come with goodies like a panoramic sunroof, dual second-row captain’s chairs, leather seating, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, heated and ventilated first- and second-row seating, and a surround-view parking camera. 

Agility: Considering this is the same automobile brand that builds the MX-5 Miata roadster, it’s not a surprise that Mazda’s engineering team managed to instill some driving fun into its largest SUV. We can vouch for its excellent agility during day-to-day driving tasks.

All-wheel drive is standard: No matter your chosen trim, every version of the Mazda CX-90 comes with all-wheel drive. This provides added grip when roads are slick and boosts the already outstanding driving dynamics and sense of stability. 

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CX-90 models for sale near you. 

2025 Ford Explorer

Now in its sixth generation, the Ford Explorer got an aesthetic facelift and some tech upgrades for 2025. It also got a simplified model range with four trims: Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST. A punchy 300-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission continues to serve as the standard powertrain. Unlike most of its rivals, which are based on a front-wheel-drive format (FWD), the Explorer has rear-wheel drive (RWD) as standard, with all-wheel drive optional. 

You can also upgrade to a twin-turbo V6 that produces 400 hp. It’s standard in the ST and optional in the Platinum trim. The Explorer’s max seating capacity is seven, or six if you choose the second-row captain’s chairs.

Ford Explorer Highlights 

BlueCruise: Optional on the ST-Line and higher trims, this is an autonomous driving system advanced enough that a driver may remove their hands from the steering wheel when in a predetermined hands-free stretch of divided highway (Hands-Free Blue Zones). It can brake, steer, accelerate, and even change lanes on its own. The Mazda doesn’t have a hands-free option.

Optional twin-turbo V6: With its 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, the twin-turbo V6 found in the ST and Platinum models packs a lot of wallop. This engine scoots the Explorer from a standstill to 60 mph in less than six seconds. Hold on, kiddos, you’re getting to soccer practice early.

Bigger screen: The standard Ford Digital Experience that comes in every 2025 Explorer uses a 13.2-inch infotainment screen (bigger than Mazda’s biggest screen) and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. In addition to wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, it has a user-friendly interface and built-in Google Maps and Google Assistant.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Explorer models for sale near you. 

Similarities

The Mazda CX-90 and Ford Explorer are priced and sized very close to one another. They’re also packed with many driver aids like lane-keeping assist, a driver attention monitor, and automatic high beams. These are also among the more athletic options in midsize 3-row SUVs with their available engine upgrades.

Pricing

The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors.
The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 MAZDA CX-90 vehicles and New 2025 Ford Explorer vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership.
These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.

Specifications

Conclusion

The Mazda CX-90 is an excellent addition to the midsize 3-row SUV market. It has a head-turning shape coupled with finely honed driving manners. Having all-wheel drive standard is another sizable advantage, not to mention its strong safety scores. Higher trims do get pricey, and the third-row seating is best used by kids.

Much the same can be said about the Ford Explorer, which boasts a little extra third-row legroom and cargo space. The Ford boasts more horsepower, a bigger screen, and available hands-free highway driving, which could seal the deal for some SUV shoppers. The CX-90 is competitive in many ways, but we think the Explorer’s 2025 refresh makes it a little better.

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