Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.The midsize three-row SUV class is crowded, and the Mazda CX-90 and Ford Explorer approach it from different directions. The CX-90 is Mazda's flagship, built around a premium interior and a standard inline-six, while the Explorer is a long-running nameplate refreshed for the current generation with a broad trim range and strong powertrains. They start within a few hundred dollars of each other, which makes the value question genuine. Deciding which deserves your money comes down to whether you prioritize cabin quality and standard equipment or outright power, cargo capacity, and proven all-around capability.2026 Ford ExplorerFordPrice and standard equipmentOn the sticker, the two are nearly even. The Explorer starts at about $40,260 and the CX-90 at roughly $40,330, a negligible difference. The more meaningful distinction is what each includes at that price. The CX-90 comes with all-wheel drive as standard across the lineup, while the Explorer is rear-wheel drive at its base price and charges about $2,000 for all-wheel drive. For buyers who want all-weather traction, the CX-90's standard AWD effectively makes it the better-equipped vehicle for the money at the entry point.2026 Mazda CX-90MazdaBeyond drivetrain options, the CX-90 offers more trims, with a range spanning gas-only inline-six models and a plug-in hybrid, giving buyers more ways to match the SUV to their budget or fuel preference. The Explorer offers four trims, including the sporty ST and the off-road-oriented Tremor, covering a narrower but clearly defined set of priorities. The Explorer's lack of any hybrid or electrified option is a genuine limitation for buyers seeking lower running costs or a greener choice, while the CX-90's plug-in hybrid gives Mazda an option Ford cannot currently match in this segment.Powertrains and performanceBoth SUVs use strong six-cylinder-class power, but the Explorer holds the advantage at the top. The CX-90 uses a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six, producing 280 hp in base form and up to 340 hp in the Turbo S models, paired with an eight-speed automatic. The Explorer offers a 2.3-liter turbo four with 300 hp in lower trims and a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 with 400 hp and 415 lb.ft in the ST, which reaches 60 mph in about 4.9 seconds against roughly 6.2 seconds for the CX-90 Turbo S.2026 Ford Explorer Tremor 4WDCole AttishaOn efficiency, the CX-90 has the edge, returning around 25 mpg combined and roughly seven more miles per gallon than the Explorer on the highway. The trade-off, then, is power versus economy at the top of each range. Put the Explorer ST and the CX-90 Turbo S side by side, and the Ford comes out ahead where it counts on the road: its powertrain is smoother and more refined, and it holds an advantage in ride quality and third-row comfort as well. For buyers who prioritize driving performance, that real-world edge counts in the Explorer's favor, even though the CX-90 looks more premium on paper.Interior and cargo2026 Mazda CX-90MazdaAdvertisementAdvertisementThe CX-90's strongest argument is its cabin. It ranks among the best in the segment for material quality and design, to the point that it feels like a luxury vehicle at a mainstream price. Fit and finish, switchgear, and overall ambiance are a genuine step above most rivals, and for buyers who spend a lot of time in their vehicle, that quality is a daily benefit that a spec sheet does not fully capture. The CX-90 seats six, seven, or eight, depending on trim.2026 Ford Explorer TremorJared Rosenholtz/AutoblogThe Explorer's interior is practical and well-equipped, and while it does not match the CX-90's premium feel, it offers more cargo space, which matters for families who haul gear and luggage. The Explorer also offers available BlueCruise hands-free highway driving, a feature the CX-90 does not match, which adds real convenience on long trips. The Explorer's third row is also the more comfortable of the two, which matters in a class where third-row usability is a core reason buyers choose a three-row SUV in the first place. The CX-90 wins on cabin quality; the Explorer wins on space and hands-free technology.SafetyBoth SUVs come well equipped with standard driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring, so neither leaves core safety technology as a high-trim upgrade. Buyers should check the latest IIHS and NHTSA ratings for the specific model year and trim they are considering, as results can vary and are updated over time.2026 Mazda CX-90 MazdaThe Explorer's available BlueCruise adds a layer of driver-assistance convenience on compatible highways, while the CX-90's standard all-wheel drive contributes to active safety in poor weather. Both are credible family-safety choices, and the difference is in specific features rather than a clear gap in protection. As always, confirming current crash-test results for the exact configuration is the most reliable approach.So, which deserves your money?For most buyers, the CX-90. It is the more rewarding vehicle where it matters in the way a car actually feels to live with: a tighter, more connected driving experience, a more polished powertrain that responds with real composure, and interior build quality that reads a full class above its price. It comes with standard all-wheel drive where the Explorer charges $2,000 for it, returns better fuel economy, and offers a plug-in hybrid the Ford does not. The cabin feels genuinely premium, with materials and fit-and-finish that make the Explorer's interior look ordinary by comparison. For the buyer who wants a three-row SUV that drives like it cost more than it did, the CX-90 is the answer.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe Explorer still earns its place for the buyer who prioritizes outright practicality above all else. It offers more cargo space, a roomier and more comfortable third row, and available BlueCruise hands-free highway driving that the Mazda cannot match, which makes it the easier pick for long family hauls and maximum people-and-gear flexibility. But those advantages come at the cost of the everyday refinement and driving engagement that make the CX-90 the more satisfying vehicle to own, which is why the Mazda takes the overall win.This story was originally published by Autoblog on Jun 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the Car Buying section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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