2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2025 Ford Explorer continued to build on its previous redesign, maintaining its rear-wheel-drive platform that contributed to its balanced proportions and sleek design. The refreshed model featured a restyled front end, giving it a wider and more ruggedly handsome appearance. New LED taillights and a strip of trim connecting them added to its modern look. Inside, the Explorer saw significant improvements in materials and design, making it more competitive in its segment. Ford streamlined the trim levels to four, including the new base trim called Active, and offered a range of prices from $39,755 to $55,505.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90, available in three variants, boasted a luxurious appearance with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. Its sculptural sheet metal and athletic stance gave it a premium look. Inside, the CX-90 featured an elegantly designed interior with Nappa leather and polished metallic trim, though some materials reflected its competitive pricing. However, the ergonomics were a point of contention, with a confusing electronic shifter and non-touchscreen infotainment system. Despite these issues, the CX-90 exuded sophistication compared to other midsize three-row SUVs.

The 2025 Ford Explorer offered two EcoBoost engine options. The standard engine for most trims was a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The Explorer ST and optionally the Platinum trim featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. All models came with a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, with an optional four-wheel-drive system. The Explorer's driving modes included Eco, Normal, Sport, and more, catering to various driving conditions. The ST-Line test vehicle averaged 23.8 mpg, while the Platinum with the V6 achieved 22.9 mpg. The Explorer's handling was commendable, especially with the ST-Line Street Package, which added performance brakes and larger wheels.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's performance was less refined than its design suggested. The turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine in the 3.3 Turbo model delivered 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, while the 3.3 Turbo S variant offered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft. The engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The CX-90's drivetrain lacked refinement, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behavior until warmed up. The i-Stop function aimed to improve fuel economy, with the 3.3 Turbo models rated at 25 mpg combined. Despite its flaws, the CX-90 offered impressive ride and handling, with a taut suspension that provided a communicative driving experience.

The 2025 Ford Explorer accommodated six passengers in its standard configuration, with an optional second-row bench seat increasing capacity to seven. The ST-Line trim featured a heated steering wheel, power-adjustable front seats, and a Premium Package that added ambient lighting and other amenities. The front seats were comfortable, with breathable fabric inserts, while the second-row captain's chairs offered similar comfort. However, the third row was less accommodating for adults. Cargo space was competitive, with 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 85.8 cubic feet.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior, despite its premium materials, struggled with climate control efficiency. The 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus trim included Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable but lacked seat-track travel, making it challenging to accommodate rear-facing child seats. The third row was best suited for children. Storage space was limited, with a focus on style over practicality. The cargo area offered 14.9 cubic feet behind the third row, 40 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 74.2 cubic feet.

The 2025 Ford Explorer featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a new 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system called Ford Digital Experience. This system included Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Explorer also offered a B&O sound system, with the ST-Line featuring 10 speakers and the Platinum and ST trims boasting 14 speakers. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with Google Assistant providing reliable voice command functionality.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's technology was presented in a traditional manner, with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The infotainment system was touch-sensitive only when using wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, requiring the use of a knob and buttons for the native Mazda Connect platform. The voice recognition system was inconsistent, and a new Google Built-in system was anticipated for future models. The test vehicle included a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a head-up display, providing a rewarding listening experience and helpful driving information.

The 2025 Ford Explorer came equipped with Ford CoPilot 360+, which included adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist and other driver assistance features. The ST-Line trim and higher offered Ford CoPilot 360 2.0, adding a surround-view camera system and BlueCruise hands-free highway driving. The Explorer had not been fully rated by the NHTSA, but it received five-star side-impact and four-star rollover resistance ratings.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was recognized for its safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests for the PHEV model. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Higher trims added advanced features like steering assist and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90's driver aids generally met expectations, though some features, like speed reduction, were less refined.