Is the Mazda CX-90 more reliable than the Toyota 4RUNNER?

Based on our data, the Toyota 4RUNNER is more reliable with an average score of 80/100 compared to 51/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.

Which has more recalls, the Mazda CX-90 or the Toyota 4RUNNER?

The Toyota 4RUNNER has more recalls (17) 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 4RUNNER?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Toyota 4RUNNER has a lower complaint rate at 1.5 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 4RUNNER safer?

Based on NHTSA crash test ratings, the Mazda CX-90 has a higher overall safety rating of 5/5 stars compared to 4/5 for the Toyota 4RUNNER. Check sub-ratings (frontal, side, rollover) above for a more detailed safety comparison.

Last updated: 2026-03-04

Mazda CX-90 vs Toyota 4RUNNER: Reliability Compared

Mazda CX-90

Mixed

More Reliable

Toyota 4RUNNER

Excellent

Choosing between the Mazda CX-90 and the Toyota 4RUNNER? 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 4RUNNER currently leads with an average score of 80/100 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 4RUNNER Generations Compare?

The Toyota 4Runner is currently in its fifth generation, which began in 2010, with a facelift in 2013. This generation is mature and well-sorted, benefiting from over a decade of refinement, which often translates to strong reliability. The upcoming sixth generation is set to debut in 2025, suggesting potential first-year issues typical of new platforms. In contrast, the Mazda CX-90 is in its first generation, launched in 2024. Being early in its cycle, it may encounter initial teething problems common with new models. Buyers seeking established reliability might lean towards the 4Runner's proven fifth generation.

Verdict

The Toyota 4RUNNER is more reliable than the Mazda CX-90, scoring 80/100 vs 51/100.

The Toyota 4RUNNER significantly outperforms the Mazda CX-90 in reliability, with an average reliability score of 90/100 compared to the CX-90's 51/100. The 4RUNNER has a notably lower owner complaint rate of 1.5 per 10,000 sold, while the CX-90 reports 111.2 complaints per 10,000 sold. Additionally, the 4RUNNER's estimated annual repair cost is $514, providing a clearer picture of maintenance expenses, whereas the CX-90 lacks such data. Despite both vehicles experiencing issues with the steering and electrical systems, the 4RUNNER's lower recall and complaint rates make it the more reliable choice in the midsize SUV segment.

Key Differences

1Toyota 4RUNNER has 109.7 fewer complaints per 10k sold
2Toyota 4RUNNER scores 29 points higher in reliability
3Mazda CX-90 has 4 fewer total recalls

Category Scoreboard

2Mazda CX-90

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2Toyota 4RUNNER

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateSafety Rating

Mazda CX-90 vs Toyota 4RUNNER: Which Is More Reliable?

Mazda CX-90 vs Toyota 4RUNNER at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Mazda CX-90	Toyota 4RUNNER
Reliability Score	51/100	80/100
Years Tracked	3	9
Total Recalls	13	17
Complaints per 10k Sold	111.2	1.5
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 4RUNNER?

The Toyota 4RUNNER and Mazda CX-90 exhibit distinct problem profiles, with the 4RUNNER showing a notable concentration of complaints in the air bags category, which includes 20 crash-linked incidents, suggesting a significant safety concern. In contrast, the Mazda CX-90 has a higher volume of steering-related issues, with 80 complaints and 5 linked to crashes, indicating potential handling or control challenges. While both models experience issues with their electrical systems, the CX-90 also reports a substantial number of complaints related to forward collision avoidance and power train, areas where the 4RUNNER has fewer concerns. Overall, the CX-90 seems to face more diverse technical challenges, whereas the 4RUNNER's primary safety concern is its air bag system.

Mazda CX-90 vs Toyota 4RUNNER common problem areas comparison
Component	Mazda CX-90	Toyota 4RUNNER
STEERING	31.8High	0.2Very Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	17.5High	0.1Very Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	11.5Above Avg	—None
POWER TRAIN	8.3Above Avg	—None
ENGINE	6.8Average	—None
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	6.4Average	—None
VISIBILITY/WIPER	4Average	—None
SERVICE BRAKES	2.8Low	0.2Very Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	2Low	—None
STRUCTURE	1.6Low	—None
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	0.8Very Low	0.2Very Low
AIR BAGS	—None	0.1Very Low
SUSPENSION	—None	0.1Very Low
FUEL SYSTEM	—None	0.1Very Low
BACK OVER PREVENTION	—None	—None
SEAT BELTS	—None	—None
TIRES	—None	—None
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	—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 4RUNNER?

The Toyota 4RUNNER has an annual repair cost of $514, with an average of 0.4 repair visits per year and a 13% risk of major repairs. While specific data for the Mazda CX-90 is unavailable, the 4RUNNER's figures provide a useful benchmark. With a repair frequency of less than once per year and a moderate risk of major repairs, the 4RUNNER offers predictable expenses. Assuming similar trends for the CX-90, cost-conscious buyers might find the 4RUNNER a more reliable choice, as its maintenance and repair costs are clearly defined, offering more transparency and potentially lower unexpected expenses over time.

How Does Mazda CX-90 vs Toyota 4RUNNER Reliability Compare by Year?

Mazda CX-90 vs Toyota 4RUNNER year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Mazda CX-90	Toyota 4RUNNER	Edge
2025	63/1002R / 21C	81/1001R / 36C	Toyota 4RUNNER
2024	38/10011R / 259C	79/1001R / 8C	Toyota 4RUNNER
2026(predicted)	51/100(predicted)	81/100(predicted)	Toyota 4RUNNER

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Mazda CX-90 scored 63/100 and the 2025 Toyota 4RUNNER scored 81/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Mazda CX-90 vs the Toyota 4RUNNER?

If you prioritize reliability and peace of mind, the Toyota 4RUNNER is your best choice. With a high reliability score of 90/100, the 4RUNNER boasts fewer owner complaints at just 1.5 per 10,000 sold and an estimated annual repair cost of $514. Additionally, its repair frequency is low at 0.4 times per year, with a manageable 13% risk of major repairs. While it has 17 recalls, its overall dependability and lower cost of ownership make it ideal for those seeking a durable and cost-effective vehicle. In contrast, the Mazda CX-90, with a reliability score of 51/100, faces significant challenges. It has a high rate of owner complaints at 111.2 per 10,000 sold, and crucial data on repair costs and frequency are unavailable, adding uncertainty. If you are willing to accept these risks for other features the CX-90 may offer, it might suit your needs, but for reliability, the 4RUNNER is the clear winner.

Mazda CX-90 vs Toyota 4RUNNER: Common Questions

Is the Mazda CX-90 more reliable than the Toyota 4RUNNER?: Based on our data, the Toyota 4RUNNER is more reliable with an average score of 80/100 compared to 51/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.
Which has more recalls, the Mazda CX-90 or the Toyota 4RUNNER?: The Toyota 4RUNNER has more recalls (17) 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 4RUNNER?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Toyota 4RUNNER has a lower complaint rate at 1.5 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 4RUNNER safer?: Based on NHTSA crash test ratings, the Mazda CX-90 has a higher overall safety rating of 5/5 stars compared to 4/5 for the Toyota 4RUNNER. Check sub-ratings (frontal, side, rollover) above for a more detailed safety comparison.

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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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