2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs 2026 Mazda CX-90

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 presented a sophisticated exterior with its short front overhang, long hood, and a cabin set back on the platform, giving it a classic rear-wheel-drive vehicle's sporting proportions. The concave door skins added visual interest, although they couldn't completely avoid a slab-sided appearance. Inside, the quality of materials was impressive, except for the wood trim, which had an unappealing olive undertone. The digital instrumentation mimicked classic analog gauges with perfect clarity, and the 12.3-inch infotainment display was seamlessly integrated into the dashboard. However, the center console was cluttered, with limited storage space and an unintuitive electronic shifter.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, refreshed four years into its lifecycle, retained its upright stance and large windows, but the new illuminated grille and welcome-lighting sequence gave it a modern vibe. The Upland trim added functional front recovery hooks without compromising the design. Inside, the cabin exuded modernity with clean lines and a 12-inch infotainment screen, which seemed small for such a large vehicle. The seats were comfortable and highly adjustable, suitable for long drives. The interior materials were premium, with options for Nappa and Palermo leather, and the overall fit and finish were commendable.

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 offered three powertrains. The 3.3 Turbo produced 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, while the 3.3 Turbo S delivered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft on regular gas, increasing to 340 hp on premium fuel. The CX-90 PHEV combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a 68-kilowatt electric motor, generating 323 hp and 369 lb-ft on premium fuel, with an electric-only range of 26 miles. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The Turbo S engine was powerful, but the powertrains lacked smoothness, and the i-Stop feature could be unpredictable. The CX-90 excelled in handling, with precise steering and firm suspension, though it communicated road nuances to passengers. The brakes faded during enthusiastic driving.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer came standard with a 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine, producing 420 horsepower and 468 pound-feet of torque. This engine delivered smooth and effortless power, even in the 6,000-pound vehicle. The Grand Wagoneer was also set to receive a range-extended electric powertrain, offering 647 hp and 620 lb-ft of torque, with a total range of over 500 miles. Despite its large size, the Grand Wagoneer was agile and absorbed road imperfections well. It was quiet, with minimal tire and wind noise, and the seats were comfortable for long drives.

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 featured firm yet supportive seats, with heated and ventilated front and second-row captain’s chairs. Storage space was limited, with a shallow bin beneath the center armrest. The second-row captain’s chairs provided a larger center console, but legroom was less than some rivals. The third row could accommodate adults with small feet, but the center console's design was uncomfortable for third-row passengers. Cargo space was 14.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40 cubic feet with the third row down, and 74.2 cubic feet behind the first row.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer offered ample space for passengers, with three rows providing plenty of leg and hip room. The optional second-row bench seat allowed seating for up to eight passengers. The third row was spacious enough for three people of small to average stature. Cargo space was 27.9 cubic feet with the third row in use, expanding to 42.6 cubic feet in the long-wheelbase version. The Grand Wagoneer could tow up to 10,000 pounds when properly equipped. It featured three-zone automatic climate controls, heated-and-ventilated front seats, and Quadra-Lift air suspension for light off-roading.

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment display, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the base trim. Higher trims featured a 12.3-inch screen, wireless smartphone integration, and charging. The system was sometimes intuitive but could be confusing, lacking a digital voice assistant. The native voice recognition system was basic, and we relied on Apple CarPlay for functionality.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital cluster, and a wireless phone charger. Higher trims offered a 23-speaker McIntosh sound system and a front passenger interactive display. The tech worked well, except for the wireless charger, which overheated an iPhone 16. The 12-inch screen felt small for the vehicle's size, and adjustable pedals were no longer available.

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 included standard driver-assist features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added active blind-spot monitors and post-collision braking. The CX-90 earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though with four stars for frontal-impact protection.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitors. Available features included a head-up display and surround-view camera system. The Grand Wagoneer received mixed ratings from the IIHS and a four-star safety rating from the NHTSA, with lower scores in the updated moderate front overlap test.