Our Thoughts Exactly: 2026 Mazda CX-90
The need for families to roll in a mid-size three-row transport with exceptional space and utility. It also does so with style, performance and quality.
When this SUV was first shown to the public, we were pretty excited about getting behind the wheel of a Mazda CX-90. Not because we have a Mazda as our own fleet vehicle, but of the brand’s aspiration to catapult it into the premium space.
The idea of perception and reality has not fully caught on with the brand’s consumers. As much as you want to exude an air of luxury, you are still competing in the mainstream automobile world. Consumers still think of Mazda as in the same league as the bulk of the brands sitting in the volume selling class.
Then again, the mid-priced segment is no longer a thing. You’re either luxury or mainstream. And, Mazda is not alone in this battle for classification.
Then again, do we really need to build silos for our automotive brands?
What we love about the 2026 Mazda CX-90 we just worked with is that it fits a need. That is the need for families to roll in a mid-size three-row transport with exceptional space and utility. It also does so with style, performance and quality.
What we must talk about is the performance part. Our first Mazda CX-90 was the plug-in hybrid version. This was the company’s first such driveline, combining its Skyactiv-G internal combustion engine with an equally powerful electric motor and sizeable battery pack.
Frankly, that wasn’t really our first choice of CX-90 to work with. The SUV’s main attraction was a new in-line six-cylinder turbocharged engine that was available in two power levels. The more powerful of the two was one that drew the most attention. We figured that next time we get a CX-90, we should get one with that in-line six.
This is that next time.
The engine itself is a fresh design for Mazda. However, it did integrate the Skyactiv-G engine architecture that manufacturer has on its shelf. They added two more cylinders and flipped the engine’s orientation onto a rear-drive biased format and platform. The difference between the two power ratings is the turbocharger. The Turbo S engine has a high-pressure unit spewing out more performance across the band.
The 3.3-liter unit in the Turbo S configuration is rated at 340 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. You achieve these numbers by fueling up with premium octane gasoline. Using regular-grade fuel will lower the horsepower rating to 319.
This driveline configuration brought Mazda’s first eight-speed automatic transmission online. It also established a new all-wheel drive system that works best in a north-south configuration. Together, this driveline just seems right for the CX-90.
The market may appreciate the idea of a mid-size tree-row SUV with a rear-drive bias format. It seems so natural. The CX-90’s exterior design follows the form with a longer hood, a long roof, a sizeable glasshouse and rounded edges all over. It signifies a new era of Mazda design, especially given its upmarket aspirations,
When we first reviewed it, we liked how Mazda kept the KODO – Soul of Motion design language. We also liked the extended horizontal LED taillights. It simply felt elevated.
Our test vehicle is the new Premium Sport trim. It comes with darkened chrome accents found on the Premium Plus, including the 21-inch wheels. The badges are now in dark finish out back. It is the fashion to darken all chrome and satin trim these days.
The interior still offers a high level of quality. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and Active Driving Display provide necessary information while keeping your eyes on the road. The climate control buttons and other switchgear are still tactile.
The 12.3-inch infotainment screen is perched on top of the center stack, but it is mostly controlled by the knob on the center console and other buttons next to it and on the steering wheel. You do get wireless smartphone mirroring and wireless charging for your device. Bose delivered 12 speakers of solid sound throughout the cabin.
In our test vehicle, the seats are upholstered in black leather with a tan stripe in the middle. The front seats were supportive and offered plenty of comfort. A three-place second row seat is a welcome addition. There is a lot of room behind the front seats. The third-row seats are mainly accommodating for children. For those of with rollators and wheelchairs, probably best to fold the third row seats down.
The 2026 CX-90 also offers a generous cargo space behind the third row of seats, starting with 15.9 cubic feet. If you fold down the 60/40 split third row seats, that space expands to 40.1 cubic feet. With all seats folded down, you have a maximum space of 75.2 cubic feet.
The question that came up with this 2026 CX-90 is whether the Inline 6 – as the Mazda badges state – was the one worth waiting for over the PHEV? After all, all of the rumor mills leading to the introduction of this SUV was touting this engine over anything else.
We found the power take-off was pretty smooth and linear. The 3.3 Turbo S engine cruised very confidently and quietly. Fuel economy was expected, as we averaged 24.8 MPG in our care – even through much colder temperatures and other climatic challenges.
The ride quality was smooth, and it managed plenty of surfaces well. Handling wasn’t too bad for its size. The 2026 CX-90 also yielded solid maneuverability, which leads to a good turning radius for its size. On-center feel was good, as well. The brakes were good around town. However, coming down from higher speeds – from a highway to a turn ramp – we wished for more bite and grip with the brakes.
With the 2026 Mazda CX-90, you have a choice of three engines – two 3.3 Turbos and the PHEV – and nine trim levels. Pricing starts at $38,800. Our 3.3 Turbo S Premium Sport tester came with a sticker price of $56,065.
The main reason we looked at this specific 2026 CX-90 was the engine. The hype was real from an engineering standpoint. It certainly brings some flavor to this segment. We certainly needed some flavor in our automobiles these days…
The Premium Sport adds a cool factor to the CX-90. The blacked-out features and an emphasis on the sports aesthetic is what will bring consumers to the trim level. They can still get everything else – or, a huge fraction of the features – on other trims. Maybe saving some money in the process.
We probably said this before, but if you’re looking for the 2026 CX-90 to deliver that “Zoom-Zoom” feeling that makes you “Feel Alive,” it will in its own special way.
DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Mazda North American Operations – our opinions are our own
Photos by Randy Stern and George Torline