Compare the2024 Mazda CX-90VS 2023 Mercedes EQS SUV

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the CX-90. But it costs extra on the EQS SUV.

Both the CX-90 and the EQS SUV have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

The Mazda CX-90 has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2024 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, and a “Good” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The EQS SUV has not yet been evaluated by the IIHS for 2024.

Mazda’s powertrain warranty covers the CX-90 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Mercedes covers the EQS SUV. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the EQS SUV ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are over 41 percent more Mazda dealers than there are Mercedes dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the CX-90’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Mazda vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Mazda above average in long-term dependability. With 13 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Mercedes is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Mazda vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Mazda 22 places higher in reliability than Mercedes.

The CX-90 has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the EQS SUV; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the CX-90 is 1.5 inches wider in the front and 1.1 inches wider in the rear than on the EQS SUV.

For better maneuverability, the CX-90’s turning circle is .9 feet tighter than the EQS SUV’s (38.1 feet vs. 39 feet).

For greater off-road capability the CX-90 has a greater minimum ground clearance than the EQS SUV (8 vs. 7.8 inches), allowing the CX-90 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The CX-90 PHEV Premium/Turbo S’ minimum ground clearance is .3 inch higher than on the EQS SUV (8.1 vs. 7.8 inches).

The Mazda CX-90 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1000 to 1250 pounds less than the Mercedes EQS SUV.

The CX-90 offers optional seating for 8 passengers; the EQS SUV can only carry up to 7.

The CX-90’s cargo area provides more volume than the EQS SUV.

Maximum trailer towing in the Mercedes EQS SUV is limited to 3500 pounds. The CX-90 offers up to a 5000 lbs. towing capacity.

A Trailer Stability Assist is standard on the CX-90, using the Dynamic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. A trailer sway program costs extra on the EQS SUV.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the CX-90 has a standard rear fixed intermittent wiper with a full on position. The rear wiper standard on the EQS SUV only has an intermittent setting, so in a hard rain visibility isn’t as good.

The CX-90 Premium Plus has standard front air conditioned seats and the CX-90 Turbo S Premium Plus also has them in the second row. This keeps the passengers comfortable and takes the sting out of hot seats in summer. The EQS SUV doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats for the second row.

The Mazda CX-90 outsold the Mercedes EQS SUV by over three to one during 2023.