Is the Mazda CX-90 more reliable than the Toyota Highlander?

Based on our data, the Toyota Highlander is more reliable with an average score of 72/100 compared to 51/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.

Which has more recalls, the Mazda CX-90 or the Toyota Highlander?

The Toyota Highlander has more recalls (66) compared to the Mazda CX-90 (13). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.

Which has fewer owner complaints, the Mazda CX-90 or the Toyota Highlander?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Toyota Highlander has a lower complaint rate at 5.8 per 10,000 sold versus 111.2 for the Mazda CX-90. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Is the Mazda CX-90 or Toyota Highlander safer?

Both the Mazda CX-90 and Toyota Highlander received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

Last updated: 2026-03-04

Mazda CX-90 vs Toyota Highlander: Reliability Compared

Mazda CX-90

Mixed

More Reliable

Toyota Highlander

Good

Choosing between the Mazda CX-90 and the Toyota Highlander? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Toyota Highlander currently leads with an average score of 72/100 compared to 51/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Mazda CX-90 and Toyota Highlander Generations Compare?

The Toyota Highlander is currently in its fourth generation (XU70), which began in 2020. This generation is mid-cycle, suggesting many early issues have likely been addressed, and it should be relatively reliable. The Highlander has a history of facelifts, including a notable refresh in 2017 during the third generation, which often helps refine and improve existing platforms. In contrast, the Mazda CX-90 is in its first generation, having debuted in 2024. Being early in its generation cycle, it might experience typical first-year issues as new models often do. However, its lack of detailed generation history means buyers should consider potential teething problems common in new designs.

Verdict

The Toyota Highlander is more reliable than the Mazda CX-90, scoring 72/100 vs 51/100.

The Toyota Highlander outshines the Mazda CX-90 in terms of reliability, with an average reliability score of 84/100 compared to the CX-90's 51/100. The Highlander has significantly fewer owner complaints per 10,000 sold at 5.8 versus the CX-90's 111.2, indicating a more consistent performance record. Additionally, the Highlander's estimated annual repair cost is $489, whereas data for the CX-90 is unavailable. Although the Highlander has had more recalls over nine years, the lower complaint rate and repair costs make it the more reliable choice in the midsize SUV segment.

Key Differences

1Toyota Highlander has 105.4 fewer complaints per 10k sold
2Mazda CX-90 has 53 fewer total recalls
3Toyota Highlander scores 21 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

1Mazda CX-90

—

2Toyota Highlander

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateSafety Rating

Mazda CX-90 vs Toyota Highlander: Which Is More Reliable?

Mazda CX-90 vs Toyota Highlander at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Mazda CX-90	Toyota Highlander
Reliability Score	51/100	72/100
Years Tracked	3	9
Total Recalls	13	66
Complaints per 10k Sold	111.2	5.8
Safety RatingNHTSA overall	2026 NHTSA	2026 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins	0	2

What Are the Common Problems With the Mazda CX-90 and Toyota Highlander?

The Toyota Highlander exhibits a significant number of complaints in the power train category, totaling 485, with 5 linked to crashes, and a notably high number of crash-linked complaints in the air bags category, with 41 incidents. In contrast, the Mazda CX-90 shows a smaller overall complaint volume, with steering issues being the most prevalent at 80 complaints, including 5 crash-linked incidents. While both vehicles face challenges with their electrical systems, the Highlander has more severe issues related to air bags and service brakes compared to the CX-90, which has no category with crash-linked complaints exceeding 5. The Highlander's broader range of problem categories indicates a diverse set of reliability concerns, particularly in safety-critical components, unlike the more focused issue set observed in the CX-90.

Mazda CX-90 vs Toyota Highlander common problem areas comparison
Component	Mazda CX-90	Toyota Highlander
STEERING	31.8High	0.1Very Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	17.5High	0.4Very Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	11.5Above Avg	—None
POWER TRAIN	8.3Above Avg	1.5Low
ENGINE	6.8Average	0.2Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	6.4Average	0.1Very Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER	4Average	—None
SERVICE BRAKES	2.8Low	0.6Very Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	2Low	0.3Very Low
STRUCTURE	1.6Low	0.4Very Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	0.8Very Low	0.7Very Low
AIR BAGS	—None	0.5Very Low
SUSPENSION	—None	0.1Very Low
FUEL SYSTEM	—None	—None
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	—None	—None
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	—None	—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Mazda CX-90 or Toyota Highlander?

The Toyota Highlander presents a clear picture with an estimated annual repair cost of $489, averaging 0.3 repair visits per year, and a 13% chance of encountering a major repair. In contrast, Mazda CX-90 lacks specific data, making direct comparisons challenging. However, the Highlander's low repair frequency and moderate major repair risk suggest it is a reliable option for cost-conscious buyers. Over five years, the Highlander's repair costs could total approximately $2,445, providing a predictable expense framework. Without similar data for the CX-90, the Highlander emerges as a potentially better value for those prioritizing maintenance predictability and cost management.

How Does Mazda CX-90 vs Toyota Highlander Reliability Compare by Year?

Mazda CX-90 vs Toyota Highlander year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Mazda CX-90	Toyota Highlander	Edge
2025	63/1002R / 21C	76/1008R / 40C	Toyota Highlander
2024	38/10011R / 259C	67/10016R / 198C	Toyota Highlander
2026(predicted)	51/100(predicted)	72/100(predicted)	Toyota Highlander

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Mazda CX-90 scored 63/100 and the 2025 Toyota Highlander scored 76/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Mazda CX-90 vs the Toyota Highlander?

If you prioritize reliability and low running costs, the Toyota Highlander is the better choice for you. With a high reliability score of 84/100, it offers peace of mind and fewer headaches over time. Its estimated annual repair cost is $489, and it has a repair frequency of just 0.3 times per year, making it a cost-effective option. While it has had 66 recalls, the low owner complaints rate of 5.8 per 10,000 sold suggests that most issues are resolved effectively. On the other hand, if you are drawn to the Mazda CX-90, be aware of its lower reliability score of 51/100 and higher owner complaints rate of 111.2 per 10,000 sold. While it has fewer recalls at 13, the lack of detailed repair cost and frequency data, coupled with significant issues in steering and electrical systems, suggests potential for more frequent and costly repairs. This model may appeal to those who prioritize style or brand preference but be prepared for higher maintenance needs.

Mazda CX-90 vs Toyota Highlander: Common Questions

Is the Mazda CX-90 more reliable than the Toyota Highlander?: Based on our data, the Toyota Highlander is more reliable with an average score of 72/100 compared to 51/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.
Which has more recalls, the Mazda CX-90 or the Toyota Highlander?: The Toyota Highlander has more recalls (66) compared to the Mazda CX-90 (13). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Mazda CX-90 or the Toyota Highlander?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Toyota Highlander has a lower complaint rate at 5.8 per 10,000 sold versus 111.2 for the Mazda CX-90. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Is the Mazda CX-90 or Toyota Highlander safer?: Both the Mazda CX-90 and Toyota Highlander received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

More Mazda CX-90 comparisons

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More Toyota Highlander comparisons

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How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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