Traverse vs CX-90
The Traverse and the CX-90 are two different answers to the same three-row suv brief, each with its own set of priorities. There is a favorite. The Traverse beats the CX-90 in 3 of 5 areas, and space & practicality is its biggest advantage.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Traverse wins
- Fuel Economy & Range CX-90 wins
- Space & Practicality Traverse wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Safety & Tech Traverse wins
- Engine & Performance7.6
- Fuel Economy & Range4.8
- Space & Practicality10.0
- Off-road & Towing5.3
- Engine & Performance6.0
- Fuel Economy & Range9.6
- Space & Practicality2.9
- Off-road & Towing5.3
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Traverse has 45% more cargo space
The Traverse doesn’t just edge this one; 23 cu ft against 15.9 cu ft is a lead you’ll feel. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
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The Traverse has 48 hp more power
Big gap, real consequences. The Traverse’s 328 hp versus the CX-90’s 280 hp changes how the two compare in daily use. The Traverse’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
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The Traverse has 31% more maximum cargo space
The CX-90 is clearly behind on cargo (seats folded) (75.2 cu ft against 98.2 cu ft), and that’s one of its biggest weak spots in this matchup. The Traverse can swallow more with the seats down, which makes it more versatile for occasional big loads.
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The CX-90 has better fuel economy
On paper, the CX-90 is a touch ahead here, listing 25 mpg against 23 mpg. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
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The Traverse has a bigger 17.7 in touchscreen
On this line of the spec sheet, the Traverse is in a different league: 17.7 in, next to 12.3 in for the CX-90. The Traverse’s larger display gives navigation and menus more room.
Design & Size
If you already know the size you like, the Traverse and the CX-90 should suit you equally.
Dimensions
| Spec | Traverse | CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 204 in | 201.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 122.8 in |
Engine & Performance
Traverse leads
The CX-90 has a tough time in the engine & performance section, where the Traverse pulls well ahead. The Traverse has the edge with 48 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. For engine & performance, the Traverse is the one to beat.
Total system output
Traverse: 328 hp CX-90: 280 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Fuel Economy & Range
CX-90 leads
If fuel economy & range is high on your list, the CX-90 makes the stronger case by a wide margin. Point to the CX-90 for better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. So if fuel economy & range tops your list, lean toward the CX-90.
Fuel economy (combined)
Traverse: 23 mpg CX-90: 25 mpg The CX-90 uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
Traverse: 20 mpg CX-90: 24 mpg City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Space & Practicality
Traverse leads
The Traverse is the clear pick if space & practicality is what you care about most. On its side, the Traverse has 45% more cargo space. The Traverse’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier. The takeaway: on space & practicality, the Traverse is the stronger car.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Traverse: 23 cu ft CX-90: 15.9 cu ft Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
Cargo (seats folded)
Traverse: 98.2 cu ft CX-90: 75.2 cu ft Check the shape of the load floor too: a flat floor can matter as much as the number.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The Traverse and the CX-90 match each other closely in this area. Bottom line for off-road & towing: it’s a wash.
Safety & Tech
Traverse leads
In the safety & tech category, the Traverse is a step ahead rather than a leap ahead. The Traverse brings a bigger 17.7 in touchscreen. Screen size isn’t everything (physical controls and software speed matter too), but bigger is easier to read. Weighing only safety & tech, the Traverse comes out ahead.
Largest touchscreen
Traverse: 17.7 in CX-90: 12.3 in A bigger touchscreen makes maps and phone mirroring easier to read at a glance.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Traverse | CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Mild hybrid |
| Engine | 2.5L turbo I4 | 3.3L turbo inline-6 (48V mild hybrid) |
| Total system output | 328 hp (winner) | 280 hp |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft | 332 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Traverse | CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 23 mpg | 25 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 20 mpg | 24 mpg (winner) Best city economy |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 27 mpg | 28 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Traverse | CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 8 seats | 8 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 23 cu ft (winner) | 15.9 cu ft Smallest cargo area |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 98.2 cu ft (winner) Most room, seats folded | 75.2 cu ft Least room, seats folded |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Traverse | CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 5,000 lb | 5,000 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Traverse | CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 17.7 in (winner) Biggest touchscreen | 12.3 in |
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | Mazda i-Activsense |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Traverse | CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 204 in | 201.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 122.8 in |
Price
| Spec | Traverse | CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $40,700 | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Traverse if…
- you haul strollers, luggage or sports gear every week (23 cu ft vs 15.9 cu ft)
- you want more power (328 hp vs 280 hp)
- you want more room with the seats folded (98.2 cu ft vs 75.2 cu ft)
- you want the bigger touchscreen (17.7 in vs 12.3 in)
Choose the CX-90 if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (25 mpg vs 23 mpg)
- you mostly drive in town (24 mpg vs 20 mpg in the city)
- you’re comfortable with how Mazda does things
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Traverse or the CX-90?
For most people, the Traverse is the stronger choice, unless you’d rather have better fuel economy on the CX-90.
Is the Traverse bigger than the CX-90?
They’re practically the same size. The difference between the Traverse and the CX-90 is too small to matter.
Executive Summary
Honestly, the Traverse versus the CX-90 is one of those matchups where your priorities matter more than the logo. If I had to name one reason, it’s that the Traverse brings 45% more cargo space. Nor should you ignore that the Traverse has 48 hp more power. That said, the CX-90 answers with better fuel economy, which some people will value more.
Fit matters more than scores here. The Traverse suits buyers focused on engine & performance; the CX-90 suits those focused on fuel economy & range.
My pick: the Traverse, unless you’d trade the rest for better fuel economy, in which case the CX-90 earns its place.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.