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, with upgraded materials and design making it competitive in its segment. Ford reduced the available trim levels in Canada to four, including the new base trim called Active, the sporty ST-Line, the luxurious Platinum, and the performance-tuned ST. Prices ranged from $52,830 to $71,430, including the destination charge.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90, with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels, presented a luxury SUV-like appearance. Its sculptural sheet metal and athletic stance contributed to a premium look. Inside, the CX-90's interior featured polished metallic trim and Nappa leather, creating an upscale atmosphere. However, some design-related complaints arose, such as a confusing electronic shifter and a lack of touchscreen operation for the infotainment system. Despite these issues, the CX-90 exuded sophistication compared to other midsize three-row crossover SUVs.

The 2025 Ford Explorer offered two EcoBoost engine options. Most trims came with a turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The Explorer ST and optionally the Platinum trim featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6, delivering 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. All Canadian models had a 10-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The Explorer's fuel economy ratings were 11.9 L/100 km city, 8.7 highway, and 10.4 combined for the base engine. The V6 in the Platinum trim had ratings of 13.0 city, 9.3 highway, and 11.3 combined. The ST trim averaged 13.3 city, 9.6 highway, and 11.6 combined. The Explorer's turbo four provided quick acceleration, while the V6 offered fast acceleration and a pleasant sound. The ST-Line's performance enhancements included larger wheels and performance brakes, making it a delight to drive on winding roads.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 featured three powertrain variants: the standard-output 3.3 Turbo, the high-output 3.3 Turbo, and the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The standard-output engine generated 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, while the high-output version delivered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft (340 hp with premium gas). The CX-90's AWD system biased power to the rear wheels for better dynamics. Fuel economy ratings were 9.3 L/100 km combined for the standard engine and 9.5 combined for the high-output version. The PHEV offered 42 km of electric range and a 9.4 combined rating once the battery was depleted. The CX-90 provided impressive ride and handling, but drivetrain refinement was lacking, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behaviour. Despite these issues, the CX-90 was one of the most agile family haulers, with a firm suspension that communicated road conditions effectively.

The 2025 Ford Explorer seated six people in its standard configuration, with an optional second-row bench seat increasing capacity to seven. The ST-Line trim featured a heated steering wheel, heated power-adjustable front seats, and an optional Premium Package with ambient lighting and heated second-row seats. The front seats were comfortable, with breathable fabric inserts. However, accessing the third row was challenging for adults, and the seat was uncomfortable. Cargo space was competitive, with 461 litres behind the third row, 1,302 litres behind the second row, and a maximum of 2,429 litres.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. The three-zone climate control system struggled to cool the cabin quickly. The panoramic sunroof provided ample natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed comfortable seating. However, the CX-90's long rear doors made loading children challenging. The third row was best suited for children. Storage space was limited, with a smartphone charging tray, a shallow bin, and a sizable glove compartment. Cargo space measured 451 litres behind the third row, 1,155 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,129 litres.

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. It included Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. A 5G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot was available, and web browser apps provided internet access. The system was user-friendly, with Google Maps and Google Assistant integration. The Explorer offered B&O sound systems by Bang & Olufsen, with 10 speakers in the ST-Line and 14 speakers in the Platinum and ST trims.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only when using wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The native Mazda Connect platform required using a knob and buttons on the centre console. Mazda's voice recognition system was hit and miss, and a new Google built-in infotainment system was expected in future models. The test vehicle had a 12-speaker Bose audio system and Mazda's Active Driving Display, a head-up display with helpful data.

The 2025 Ford Explorer came with Ford CoPilot 360 Assist+, which included adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist and other driver assistance systems. The ST-Line trim and higher featured Ford CoPilot 360 2.0, adding a surround-view camera system and BlueCruise, Ford's hands-free highway driving system. The Explorer earned five-star side-impact and four-star rollover resistance ratings from the NHTSA. The IIHS rated the Explorer's crash performance well but noted Marginal headlight ratings for some trims.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings in all NHTSA crash tests for the PHEV model. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and rear parking sensors. Higher trims added steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, a safe exit warning system, front cross-traffic alert, front parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90's driver aids met expectations, but the audible warning systems were excessive.