Choosing the right SUV can feel like navigating a maze, especially when you're eyeing two impressive contenders like the Mazda CX-90 and the Ford Explorer ST. Both offer a blend of performance, space, and features, but they cater to different tastes and needs. So, let's dive deep and figure out which one deserves a spot in your driveway.

Performance and Powertrain

When it comes to performance, the Mazda CX-90 and Ford Explorer ST bring different flavors to the table. The Explorer ST is known for its robust power, thanks to its 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine. This beast cranks out an impressive 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, making it a thrill to drive. The Explorer ST offers quick acceleration and ample power for passing and towing. It's definitely the choice for those who crave raw power and a sporty driving experience.

On the other hand, the Mazda CX-90 takes a different approach. It features a 3.3-liter inline-six turbo engine, which is part of Mazda's push toward more refined and efficient powertrains. The CX-90's engine delivers a solid 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque when using premium fuel. What sets it apart is the mild-hybrid system, which enhances fuel efficiency and provides a smoother driving experience. The CX-90's powertrain is more about delivering a balanced and sophisticated performance, making it ideal for drivers who value refinement and efficiency alongside power.

Handling is another key area where these SUVs differ. The Explorer ST has a sport-tuned suspension that provides a firmer ride and better control, especially during cornering. This makes it feel more like a performance vehicle. The CX-90, while not as overtly sporty, offers a comfortable and composed ride. Its suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and provide a smoother experience, making it a great choice for daily driving and long road trips. The steering in the CX-90 is precise and well-weighted, giving the driver confidence and control.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities. If you want exhilarating power and a sporty feel, the Explorer ST is the way to go. But if you prefer a more refined and efficient driving experience with a focus on comfort, the CX-90 is the better option. Both SUVs offer all-wheel drive, ensuring confident traction in various weather conditions.

Interior and Comfort

Let's talk about the insides – because let's be real, you'll be spending a lot of time there! The interior of the Mazda CX-90 is where it truly shines, exuding a premium vibe that punches above its weight class. Mazda has really upped its game with high-quality materials, elegant design, and meticulous attention to detail. The seats are incredibly comfortable, offering excellent support for long journeys. You’ll find soft-touch surfaces, real wood trim, and a minimalist layout that reduces clutter and enhances the sense of spaciousness.

The CX-90 also boasts a user-friendly infotainment system with a large display screen. The system is intuitive to navigate, and the rotary dial controller makes it easy to use while driving. Features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, ensuring seamless smartphone integration. The available premium sound system delivers crystal-clear audio, making every drive a concert on wheels. Mazda has truly focused on creating a serene and upscale cabin experience.

On the other hand, the Ford Explorer ST offers a more rugged and sporty interior. While it's comfortable and functional, it doesn't quite reach the same level of luxury as the CX-90. The Explorer ST features sporty seats with aggressive bolstering, which provide good support during spirited driving. However, the materials and overall design feel a bit more utilitarian compared to the Mazda. The Explorer ST's infotainment system is also easy to use, with a large touchscreen display and Ford’s SYNC interface. It offers similar smartphone integration features but lacks the same level of refinement in its presentation.

Comfort is another area where the CX-90 excels. The ride quality is smooth and composed, thanks to its well-tuned suspension. Road noise is minimal, creating a quiet and relaxing cabin environment. The seats are designed for maximum comfort, with ample legroom and headroom in all three rows. The CX-90 is an excellent choice for families who prioritize comfort on long trips.

The Explorer ST, with its sport-tuned suspension, offers a firmer ride. While this enhances handling, it can also result in a less comfortable experience on rough roads. The seats are supportive but may not be as plush as those in the CX-90. However, the Explorer ST does offer a spacious cabin with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. It's a practical choice for families who need a versatile and capable SUV.

Technology and Features

In today's world, technology is a major deciding factor, right? Both the Mazda CX-90 and the Ford Explorer ST come packed with tech, but they cater to slightly different needs and preferences.

The Mazda CX-90 is loaded with advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. These features work together to provide a safer and more confident driving experience. The CX-90 also offers a 360-degree camera, which makes parking and maneuvering in tight spaces a breeze. One of the standout tech features is the driver monitoring system, which uses a camera to detect signs of fatigue or distraction and alerts the driver accordingly. This is a fantastic feature for long drives and helps to keep everyone safe.

Moreover, the CX-90 boasts a user-friendly infotainment system with a large display screen. The system is intuitive to navigate, and the rotary dial controller makes it easy to use while driving. Features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, ensuring seamless smartphone integration. The available premium sound system delivers crystal-clear audio, making every drive a concert on wheels. Mazda has truly focused on creating a serene and upscale cabin experience.

On the flip side, the Ford Explorer ST also offers a comprehensive suite of technology features. It includes Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite of safety technologies, which includes similar features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Explorer ST also offers Active Park Assist, which can automatically steer the vehicle into a parking space. This is a handy feature for urban environments where parking can be challenging.

The Explorer ST’s infotainment system is powered by Ford’s SYNC interface, which is easy to use and offers a wide range of features. The large touchscreen display provides clear and crisp graphics. The system also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone. One of the notable tech features in the Explorer ST is the available Bang & Olufsen sound system, which delivers high-quality audio. The Explorer ST also offers a Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing passengers to stay connected on the go.

Both SUVs offer a wide range of features designed to enhance the driving experience. The CX-90 focuses on providing a refined and comfortable experience with advanced safety and convenience features. The Explorer ST, on the other hand, emphasizes performance and versatility with features like Active Park Assist and a powerful sound system.

Practicality and Space

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks: how well do these SUVs handle the day-to-day grind? When it comes to practicality and space, both the Mazda CX-90 and the Ford Explorer ST have a lot to offer, but they approach it in slightly different ways.

The Ford Explorer ST has long been a favorite for families needing ample cargo space and passenger room. It offers a generous cargo area behind the third row, making it easy to haul groceries, sports equipment, or luggage. When you fold down the third row, the cargo space expands significantly, providing plenty of room for larger items. The Explorer ST also has a power liftgate, which makes loading and unloading cargo a breeze. The spacious interior ensures that passengers in all three rows have enough room to stretch out and get comfortable. This is particularly important for long road trips or daily commutes with a full load of passengers.

Storage is another key aspect of practicality, and the Explorer ST excels in this area. It has numerous storage compartments throughout the cabin, including a large center console, door pockets, and cupholders. These storage spaces make it easy to keep your belongings organized and within reach. The Explorer ST is designed with families in mind, offering the space and versatility needed to handle a wide range of tasks.

In contrast, the Mazda CX-90 offers a more refined and luxurious take on space and practicality. While it may not have quite as much cargo space as the Explorer ST, it still provides a respectable amount of room for everyday needs. The CX-90's interior is thoughtfully designed, with high-quality materials and a focus on creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. The seats are supportive and well-cushioned, making them ideal for long journeys. The CX-90 also offers a power liftgate, adding to its convenience.

One of the standout features of the CX-90 is its flexible seating configuration. The second-row seats can slide and recline, allowing passengers to customize their seating position for maximum comfort. The third-row seats are also relatively spacious, making them suitable for adults on shorter trips. The CX-90's interior is designed to be both practical and stylish, offering a blend of form and function.

Price and Value

Let's talk money, honey! Price is always a crucial factor when buying a car. The Mazda CX-90 and Ford Explorer ST sit in a similar price range, but the value proposition differs depending on what you're looking for.

The Ford Explorer ST typically starts at a slightly lower price point than the Mazda CX-90. This can be appealing to buyers who are on a tighter budget or who prioritize getting the most horsepower for their dollar. The Explorer ST offers a lot of performance for its price, with its powerful EcoBoost engine and sporty handling. It's a great choice for those who want a fun-to-drive SUV without breaking the bank.

However, it's important to consider what you get for your money. While the Explorer ST may be more affordable upfront, the Mazda CX-90 offers a higher level of refinement and luxury. The CX-90's interior is more upscale, with better materials and a more elegant design. It also comes with a longer list of standard features, including advanced safety technologies and a premium sound system. The CX-90's value lies in its ability to provide a premium experience at a competitive price.

When evaluating value, it's also important to consider long-term costs. The Mazda CX-90's mild-hybrid system can improve fuel economy, potentially saving you money at the pump over time. Additionally, Mazda has a reputation for reliability, which can translate to lower maintenance costs in the long run. The Explorer ST, with its powerful engine, may have higher fuel consumption and maintenance costs.

Ultimately, the better value depends on your priorities. If you're looking for the most performance for your money and don't mind sacrificing some luxury, the Explorer ST is a great choice. But if you're willing to spend a bit more upfront for a more refined and feature-rich SUV with potentially lower long-term costs, the CX-90 is the way to go.

Conclusion

So, Mazda CX-90 versus Ford Explorer ST – who wins? It really boils down to what you value most in an SUV. If you're all about raw power and a sporty driving feel, the Explorer ST might just steal your heart. But if you're leaning towards a more refined, luxurious experience with a focus on comfort and advanced tech, the CX-90 could be your perfect match. Either way, you're getting a fantastic SUV that's ready for anything life throws your way!