Starting at
Starting at
| 400 | Horsepower | 340 |
| 415 lb-ft | Torque | 369 lb-ft |
| 85.8 cu.ft. | Cargo Space | 75.2 cu.ft. |
For some midsize SUVs, their reign has spanned decades; for others, they’re the newcomers on the scene, only having been in the industry for a couple of years. Such is the case for the Ford Explorer and the Mazda CX-90. The Explorer has been a tried-and-true ready-for-anything traveler since 1991, transporting busy families to all their destinations comfortably and safely. Its rugged, capable design allows it to take on any type of travel endeavor you attempt, making it one of the most popular three-row SUVs on the market. The CX-90 hardly has enough experience under its belt to garner the level of respect that the Explorer has over the years, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a worthy rival, especially with its capable powertrain selection and dazzling design.
For 2025, the Explorer sees a shakeup with its trim levels, as well as styling upgrades that enhance its confident appeal even more. You’re also able to take advantage of BlueCruise hands-free driving capabilities for the first time ever, which is the nation’s leading advanced driving assistance system. The Explorer is the very first model from the Blue Oval to offer the Ford Digital Experience, an intuitive new software system that is expected to revolutionize the ride. The 2025 CX-90 is only in its second year of production, so enhancements are few and far between, with the only news being a new trim added to its lineup. When comparing the 2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Mazda CX-90, the experts at DePaula Ford want to help you figure out which SUV is more in tune with your needs in the areas of comfort and convenience, innovation, and performance.
There’s a reason why the Explorer is one of the best-selling SUVs in America, and that’s because it’s incredibly versatile and ready for anything that comes your way on the road and beyond. The 2025 Ford Explorer is no different, showcasing an interior cabin that’s made for the everyday drive. Busy parents can agree that between shuttling the kids to school, sports, pediatrician appointments, and play dates, you need a vehicle that can maximize comfort on board. With the Explorer’s carefully crafted interior, you can expect just that, through leather seating surfaces, multicontour massaging seats, multi-color ambient lighting, and a heated steering wheel, among other available features as you make your way up the trim levels.
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 is a looker—there’s no doubt about that. It showcases a nicely designed cabin filled with quality features, like Nappa leather upholstery, second-row captain’s chairs, and more available options as you explore top-tier trims. The caveat is that if you want to enjoy premium luxury during your wait in the car line, you’re going to have to be prepared to pay premium prices. The CX-90 can get quite pricey as you make your way up the ladder of its available trims.
If you are traveling with your family, chances are you need ample space to accommodate them, their gear, and any friends that happen to be joining them after school. Fortunately, the Explorer is well-equipped to handle all of it, with three spacious rows and seating for up to seven. An available PowerFold third-row seat comes in handy when you need to handle an extra passenger or make room for additional cargo by flipping up or folding down with the press of a button. Fold the rear seats flat and enjoy up to 85.8 cu.ft. for your belongings, making the Explorer a favorite for those traveling with more. A standard power liftgate makes the task of loading up your vehicle, even when you could use an extra hand or two, as easy as ever with the push of a button.
Although the CX-90 is beautiful from every angle, it’s true what they say about beauty only running skin deep, which may be the case for this three-row SUV. Unfortunately, the fact that it has three rows may not matter, especially if you’re traveling with older children or fellow adults, as its third row is reported to be quite tight for anyone other than pint-sized passengers. You also won’t find as much space for your gear. Even with its rear seats folded, the CX-90 is only able to accommodate up to 75.2 cu.ft. of cargo, which can vastly limit your hauling potential. Despite the fact that the CX-90 is nice to look at, other options, like the Explorer, are better suited to family life on the road, with more space for people, as well as all the things accompanying them during the journey.
When it comes to keeping you connected to every aspect of your day from the road, the 2025 Ford Explorer does this effortlessly. Through the all-new Ford Digital Experience, the Explorer provides you with an immersive ride, granting you access to all your apps, Google and Amazon services, contacts, and more on a dazzling standard 13.2-inch touchscreen. Personalize your time on the road through this innovative software system by downloading all your favorite apps, including video conferencing and gaming apps. You’ll be able to customize the quality of your ride by setting your seat, mirrors, steering wheel, and more so that when you enter the vehicle, it’s ready to enhance your comfort on board. You’ll also find wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot that can connect up to ten devices, a crystal-clear Bang & Olufsen sound system, and more available features to impact the ride.
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 has an abundance of tech inside, but it pales in comparison to what you’ll get to enjoy in the Explorer. For starters, the CX-90 offers smaller infotainment displays, with a 10.25-inch display being the standard option, while an available 12.3-inch display can be found in more expensive trims. The biggest disadvantage is that the controls are not on the displays themselves but on a click wheel on the center console. This makes for an uncomfortable experience while you’re trying to sort through your apps, contacts, and more. Why Mazda didn’t just make these traditional touchscreens is a mystery.
Perhaps what’s most exciting about the 2025 Explorer, in terms of assistance tech, is that it can now be armed with BlueCruise semi-autonomous driving capabilities—a first for this nameplate. This hands-free driving system allows your vehicle to take control of the ride, steering, braking, and accelerating through traffic on up to 97% of controlled access highways across the US and Canada. This allows you to sit back and take in every aspect of your journey, knowing that your vehicle has the hard part handled. You’ll find additional driver assistance and safety features through the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, which includes features like Adaptive Cruise Control, a Blind Spot Information System, Automatic Emergency Braking, and more to help you stay safe and confident behind the wheel.
You won’t find anything quite like BlueCruise on board the 2025 CX-90; however, Mazda does offer what’s called Cruising & Traffic Support. This feature helps you remain at a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you while also keeping you centered in your lane. It’s not quite hands-free driving, but it does provide a little bit of assistance on the road. The CX-90 is armed with Mazda’s version of safety equipment through i-ACTIVSENSE, which includes features like Blind Spot Assist, Smart Brake Support, Adaptive Cruise Control, and more. However, if you’re searching for a vehicle that has it all, as far as tech is concerned, the Explorer is the better option here.
The 2025 Ford Explorer offers two powertrains to help you travel to your destinations in the way you see fit. It comes standard with a 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder, which pushes forward with 300 horses at the ready. Opt for the available 3.0L EcoBoost turbocharged V6 for even more excitement, with 400 hp leading the way. The Explorer has the power you need to make any ride more invigorating, especially those mundane rides back and forth from work and school, and with seven available drive modes, tackling any type of road condition is a breeze for this Ford staple. From Slippery Mode to Deep Snow/Sand Mode, you can take on inclement weather and rough terrain at the campsite with certainty. You’re also able to convert your ten-speed automatic transmission to a manual with available paddle shifters, allowing you to take control of your ride like never before.
Of course, the Explorer has the power to tow like an absolute pro. It showcases a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs, and with various trailering features included, enhancing this experience is easy. A standard Class III Trailer Tow Package, as well as standard Side-Wind Stabilization helps you feel in complete control, regardless of the size of your haul. You’ll also find Trailer Sway Control and specialized trailer coverage in your blind zones to maximize your experience with your trailer or camper in tow.
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 offers three engines in its arsenal, all of which are assisted by a hybrid system. A 3.3L turbocharged inline-six comes standard, which is accompanied by a 48-volt hybrid setup. This powertrain makes 280 hp, which isn’t as lively as the Explorer’s base setup. Upgrading to the S models will give you a little more pep in your step, with 340 horses leading the way—still not as much excitement as you’ll find with the Explorer’s available V6.
There’s also a plug-in hybrid model available for those who are up for the task of charging their vehicles after they return home from work. We do wish there was a standard gas-only option in the mix because not everyone out there wants to drive a hybrid. Like the Explorer, the CX-90 can tow up to 5,000 lbs, but if you want a gas-powered model that’s more energetic and powerful, the Explorer is the top pick here.
When you want to shop from a selection of impressive models, DePaula Ford is the place to trust to maximize your car buying experience. We’re proud to stock our lot with only the best options on the market, and when you have our professionals by your side during every step of the process, your satisfaction is guaranteed. In addition to a remarkable inventory, we also offer competitive rates, top value for trade-in vehicles, and flexible payment plans to help you make the most of your experience. If you have the 2025 Ford Explorer in your sights, we invite you to stop by and explore your options and discover how the Explorer will make any type of drive more engaging than ever. There’s no better place to shop than here and there’s no better midsize SUV than the Explorer when you want to harness the most comfortable, innovative, and capable ride around.
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.
