2026 Mazda CX-90

Mazda may not classify as the largest Asian-Pacific automaker, but the nimble automaker continues making strides within mainstream America combining value and 'Zoom-Zoom' excitement. 

From its smallest available product, the iconic MX-5 (better known as the two-door, two-seat Miata here in the States) to the largest, our CX-90 three-row crossover tester, Mazda products include 'fun-to-drive' characteristics. No cargo vans or heavy-duty body-on-frame pickup trucks dot the lineup, just a tempting array of mainstream uni-body (car-like) builds featuring pricing within the budgets of most middle Americans.  

Mazda debuted CX-90 in the 2024 model year spotlighting 'large-platformed' specifications designed for the North American market desiring larger lengths compared to European-detailed offerings. Its three rows accommodates anywhere from six to eight riders depending upon the trim level selected. It's one of the longest choices within the three-row mid-size segment. Expect minimal updates in 2026 save for a new exterior color (Polymetal Gray Metallic exterior paint) and hands-free tech enhancements through Amazon Alexa technology voice commands. The CX-90 also adds additional standard features in lower trims compared to last year.  

Nine trims return, the same number as last year with a $20,000 price difference spanning the lowest to highest. One new trim arrives in the form of S Premium Sport. Three of the nine trims feature a lower-volume Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) design promising 26 miles of pure electric travel before a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder hybrid tacks on more than 400 additional miles.  

Non-PHEV trims offer a pair of powerful inline six-cylinder engine choices each with a self-charging 'electrified' component. Many three-row, uni-body-built crossovers choose four-cylinder power exclusively giving the CX-90 a slight edge in the horsepower sweepstakes. For those yearning for a respectable six-pack, CX-90 delivers with the added punch, enhancing handling and cornering impressive for a vehicle this size. Double wishbone front suspension along with multilink rear suspension add maneuverability. For a three-row build, CX-90 enjoys a rather tight turning radius notable in parking lots with minimal wiggle room. 

Prior to the CX-90's arrival, Mazda marketed the slightly smaller, three-row CX-9 beginning in the 2007 model year. Each built from completely different underpinnings (or platforms) with the CX-9 lineup void of the PHEV opportunity found within the fresher CX-90 lineup. In the 2025 model year, Mazda debuted the CX-70, with identical dimensions and powertrains found within the CX-90 only in a five-seat, two-row design boasting an extensive 40 cubic feet of room behind the second row (identical cubic feet found behind CX-90's second row with third row folded). 

The four 3.3 turbo models (3.3 Turbo Select, 3.3 Turbo Preferred, 3.3 Turbo Premium Sport, 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus) include an inline six-cylinder engine cranking out 280 horsepower thanks to the M-Hybrid boost system. A 48-volt mild-hybrid system improves efficiency and low throttle response. Regular, 87-octane fuel helps achieve the 280 horses.  

The CX-90 also offers a pair of 3.3 turbo 'S' offerings (3.3 Turbo S Premium Sport, 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus) upping the 3.3 liter inline six to 340 horsepower, the most powerful mass-produced gasoline engine produced by Mazda. These two also feature the M-Hybrid boost opportunity. The 340 horsepower requires premium 91-octane fuel.  

All nine CX-90 trims mate to an eight-speed automatic transmission offering predictable and unified shifts. Expect average fuel economy returns with the six-cylinder engine as our higher output Turbo S tester registered 23 miles per gallon city and 28 mpg when utilizing premium unleaded fuel. The regular output 3.3-liter turbo engine with regular 87-octane gas returns similar fuel estimates.  

Mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs) such as the CX-90 place a small assist-like electric motor/generator between the engine and transmission. With this design, the electric motor acts as booster of sorts. A full gas-electric hybrid (such as the first-generation Toyota Prius) employs electric motor(s) to assist wheels/axles for short, low-speed durations utilizing pure electric power. Mild hybrids generally add less cash to the bottom line compared to their full-hybrid compadres.  

All CX-90 2026 trims include Mazda's i-Active all-wheel drive standard, a part-time all-wheel drive design automatically reacting to changing roadway conditions. Its rear-wheel drive biased design seamlessly and automatically switches to all wheel drive when a cadre of on-board sensors detect even the slightest hint of slips. No levers to pull or buttons to push helping the driver focus on the road ahead.  

A 2026 CX-90 3.3 Turbo Select starts at $38,800. Each trim adds a bit more standard content as one travels up the ladder. Relatively few factory options need scrutiny helping speed along the dealership purchasing process. Our 3.3 Turbo S Premium Sport, the new trim for 2026, with Machine Gray Metallic exterior and black Nappa Leather interior started at $53,940. The only factory extra was the upgraded exterior paint ($895) bringing the bottom line to $56,065 after the $1,530 destination charge. The new 2026 Turbo S Premium Sport replaces an outgoing 2025 Turbo S Premium trim.  

The CX-90 includes an upscale-like pleasant interior resembling a luxury-branded product with pricing more attainable by the masses.  

A pair of captain's chairs come standard within the Turbo S Premium Plus trim in place of a second row 60/40 split bench. The Captain Chair pairs remain optional/available within the 3.3 Turbo Premium Sport, Premium Plus and 3.3 S Premium Sport.  

Expect superb headroom within the first two rows. Row two's 60/40 split seats and backrests slide forward together manually with the gentle pull of a top-side manual latch, opening up a small aisle into the third row. Editions equipped with second row captain's chairs have the option of maneuvering into the third row between the chairs. Large and wide second-row doors open out to about 90 degrees aiding access to the third row.  

Row three seatbacks manually fold forward and flat with a gentle push and return to a prone position with the aid of old-school yet handy pull straps when positioned outside the elevated liftgate. Our Premium S Sport tester included a 60/40 third-row split supporting a total of eight riders, at least on paper. With its larger-scale mid-sized design, three adults may find reasonable comfort sharing row two with the 60/40 split bench. However, squeezing three bodies into way back seating necessitates a trio of pre-adolescents. Expect tight legroom in row three with headroom plentiful for those six-feet tall or shorter. Manually-adjusting side air conditioning vents welcome row-three riders as well as a pair of Type C USB ports and beverage holders.  

Heated second-row seats arrive standard in all but the base model in 2026. Bun warmers activate from a lower console between front buckets with dedicated push buttons operating temperature, direction and fan speed.  

The center, multi-function, 12.3-inch flat screen resides in the upper central dashboard within a sunken cove, completely separate from 15 in-row HVAC push buttons including front/rear defrost buttons located lower down the dash both areas separated by horizontal air vents and smooth padded middle with a stand-alone red hazard button. Dual front temperature zones operate via red and blue push/pull-up tabs that quickly summon the preferred temperature with a corresponding digital read out. It's a very intuitive means of ordering up the ideal comfort level.  

Interacting with the non-touch-sensitive 12.3-inch screen best accomplishes through' the Mazda Connect' information system, an assortment of two different-sized twist dials and four push pads surrounding the larger dial (used to motivate an in-screen highlight bar that selects a highlighted option with a simple push down of the large dial) between front bucket seats. The narrower twist dial controls volume/on/off and also sways side-to-side to select different radio stations. Expect a short learning curve with this design. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration come standard. 

The 12.3-inch flat screen includes five main choices (information, entertainment, communication, navigation, settings). Click on any via the Mazda Connect dial to dig deeper into each nest. Audio voice commands come standard in all trims. A circular electronic push start/stop button summons the engine and locates on the dash upper right of the manually-adjusting steering column.  

Three different drive modes (Sport, Normal, Off-road) select from an 'iActive' toggle bar directly in front of the electronic transmission shifter. Each motivates a unique layout to the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster featuring a constantly in-view large, half-moon fuel dial on the far-right side and half-moon temperature gauge to the far left. The middle portion offers selectable windows from a tab withing the three-prong steering wheel's 9-0-clock wing which includes secondary volume and station select controls. The 3-0-clock wing largely details cruise control functions.  

The electronic transmission shifting stub between front buckets motivates forward and backward with a gentle push to reach reverse, neutral and drive. Park requires a tug left when. Two inline beverage holders situate to the right of the shifter. The arm rest/storage bin at the rear opens on top in a side-by-side refrigerator door fashion gaining access to a rather shallow abyss. Nearby, a flat, wireless Smartphone charger standard in all but the base model.  

The long front hood leads into a wide, low front facia bearing Mazda's familiar, elongated 'U" shaped front grille with black honeycomb filling and winged Mazda logo front and center. Our S Sport trim included a smoky chrome accent surrounding the 'U.' A short, narrow line bridge connects the grille to single bulb light housing at each end, doubling as amber turn signal indicator/beams.  

Circular wheel wells include black framing which also appears at side door bottoms. The rear window features a spoiler atop and single wiper attached towards the bottom. Fifteen cubic feet of room awaits behind prone third row seats, average at best when compared to rivals. All trims include a power-operated rear.  

2026 Mazda CX-90 
Price as tested: $56,065 
Engine: 3.5-liter inline six-cylinder turbo 
Horsepower: 340 
Torque: 369 lb.-ft.  
Wheelbase: 122.8 inches 
Overall Length: 200.8 inches 
Overall Width: 84.9 inches 
Overall Height: 30.4 inches 
Fuel Economy: 23 mpg city/ 28 mpg highway 
Assembly: Hofu, Japan