Mazda CX-90 Review, Price & Specs

Mazda CX-90 Review, Price & Specs

Premium power, style, and utility come together in the Mazda CX-90, a luxurious three-row midsize SUV engineered to enhance the lifestyle of families big and small. With its multiple powertrain choices and cabin layouts, including seating for up to eight, the CX-90 can be tailored to your preferences.

If you’re considering a new three-row vehicle and have heard about Mazda’s midsize SUV offering, see our detailed Mazda CX-90 review below to help you determine if this model is the right fit for your family.

Meet Mazda’s Latest Three-Row SUV

The CX-90 is Mazda’s latest take on the three-row SUV, following the slightly smaller CX-9 model it replaces in the automaker’s SUV lineup. Built on Mazda’s new large vehicle platform, the CX-90 debuted several new powertrain technologies later introduced to other Mazda SUV models worldwide.

Mazda CX-90 Engines & Performance

With its six-cylinder power and rear-biased all-wheel drive, the Mazda CX-90 is engineered to compete with three-row SUVs costing thousands of dollars more. Mazda’s new premium midsize SUV lineup starts with the three-row CX-90 and its standard 280-horsepower 3.3-liter inline-six turbocharged engine, featuring mild-hybrid technology and generating 332 pound-feet of torque.

Enjoy poise and predictability thanks to the carmaker’s new rear-biased i-Activ AWD system that comes standard on every edition of the CX-90. The same goes for this premium SUV’s transmission: every CX-90 shifts through an eight-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic transmission.

Increased power and acceleration come to the Mazda CX-90 through its available high-output 3.3-liter inline-six turbo, also featuring a mild-hybrid setup to boost efficiency. This punchy engine produces up to 340 horsepower on premium fuel and sends 369 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels via the rear-biased AWD.

The Mazda CX-90 MPG figures impress, thanks to this SUV’s new mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine platform, eight-speed transmission, and traction-and-efficiency-enhancing AWD.

For a class-leading EPA-estimated 25 Combined MPG, select any of the CX-90 SUVs with either version of the automaker’s new turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine.

Looking for an even more electrifying option in the form of a Mazda CX-90 hybrid model? Then see our review of the 323-horsepower Mazda CX-90 PHEV, including its advanced plug-in hybrid powertrain and well-appointed trim levels.

Premium Interior & Amenities

Mazda designed the CX-90 interior to accommodate a wide variety of families and lifestyles. This deluxe midsize SUV comes standard with a third row but offers three distinct cabin configurations to fit various preferences around seating capacity and passenger comfort.

The competitively priced CX-90 three-row SUV starts with seating for up to eight, thanks to three-person bench seating in the second and third rows.

Next, a seven-passenger option is offered, boasting second-row captain’s chairs with armrests and a center walk-through for easy access to the third-row bench seating.

Finally, SUV shoppers can opt for the CX-90 six-passenger variant, which replaces the third-row bench seat with two 50/50 split-folding back seats.

As you’ll see when we next get to the CX-90 trim levels, this luxury-lined SUV offers an array of attractive seating materials and treatments, ranging from black leatherette seating to upscale Nappa leather seats finished in white, black, or tan.

Other premium Mazda CX-90 interior features offered include:

  • Three-zone automatic climate control with pollen filter
  • Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry System with push-button start
  • Heated and ventilated first- and second-row seating
  • Leather-wrapped heated steering wheel
  • Second-row retractable window shades
  • 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound System
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto

Experience cabin comfort and flexibility inside the three-row SUV and its various available seating capacities. With 141.6 cubic feet of passenger volume, every occupant can relax and enjoy the ride. Legroom measures 41.7 inches in the front row, 39.4 inches in the second, and 30.4 inches in the back row.

The Mazda CX-90 cargo space starts with 14.9 cubic feet behind the third row and reaches a maximum of 74.2 cubic feet with all seats behind the front row folded.

Numerous Mazda CX-90 Trims to Consider

Mazda’s CX-90 provides plenty of possibilities for personalization, thanks to its lengthy list of available trim levels. Let’s walk through the CX-90 model range so you can find your fit and features.

Highlights of each of the eight Mazda CX-90 trims include:

  • CX-90 3.3 Turbo Select: Leatherette-trimmed three-row seating for up to eight, 280 horsepower, i-Activ AWD
  • CX-90 3.3 Turbo Preferred: Leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, power-sliding glass moonroof
  • CX-90 3.3 Turbo Preferred Plus: Active Driving Display, Mi-Drive with Sport/Off-Road/Towing modes, 5,000-pound towing capacity
  • CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium: 21-inch alloy wheels, hands-free power liftgate, panoramic sliding-glass moonroof
  • CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus: Nappa leather seating surfaces, 360-degree View Monitor, larger 12.3-inch center digital display
  • CX-90 3.3 Turbo S: High-output inline-six turbo engine with up to 340-horsepower, i-Activ AWD, 21-inch machined alloy wheels
  • CX-90 3.3 Turbo S Premium: Mazda Driver Personalization System, Nappa leather seating, hands-free power liftgate
  • CX-90 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus: Second-row captain’s chairs and center console, ventilated front and second-row seats, premium accents on Nappa leather seats

The Mazda CX-90 price starts around $40K and reaches $60K or more with available options and upgrades.

If you’re overwhelmed by the sheer number of available editions of the Mazda CX-90, you’re not alone. It’s best to first choose whether you want peak power or the standard version of the SUV’s 3.3-liter inline-six turbo engine, as the trims are split between 280-horsepower 3.3 Turbo trims and the 340-horsepower 3.3 Turbo S models.

However, if you’re after a luxury-laden SUV that rivals far pricier vehicles with its upscale interior and high-powered performance, stick with the top three trims, all 3.3 Turbo S editions.

Families looking for maximum Mazda CX-90 towing capacity at a budget-friendly price should consider the well-equipped CX-90 3.3 Turbo Preferred Plus, which introduces the Mi-Drive system with a Towing mode that all higher trims also get.

Why Buy a Mazda CX-90?

All CX-90 images – Source: Mazda

The Mazda CX-90 is an attractive option for those seeking a stylish and sophisticated midsize SUV with sporty driving dynamics and a luxurious three-row interior. While there are certainly other options from both mainstream and luxury brands, the CX-90 brilliantly blends premium inline-six turbocharged performance with an upscale interior at a non-luxury price.

If you’re considering a pre-owned Mazda three-row SUV instead of a new one, see our Mazda CX-9 vs. CX-90 comparison to learn how these two models stack up against one another.

Or, you can always opt for the CX-90’s two-row SUV sibling, the Mazda CX-70, featuring nearly identical performance, features, and dimensions but with a roomy five-passenger interior instead of the CX-90’s six-, seven-, or eight-occupant cabin.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Mazda CX-90 engines and trims?

The Mazda CX-90 is powered by a choice of two turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engines. The first is the standard powerplant, developing 280 horsepower. A high-output version is also available, generating up to 340 horsepower on premium fuel. The CX-90 trims are split between the two engine options, starting with the 3.3 Turbo models and moving to the 340-horsepower 3.3 Turbo S trims.

What is the Mazda CX-90 price?

The price for a new Mazda CX-90 varies widely depending on which of the array of available trim levels you’re after. This premium Mazda three-row SUV boasts a competitive starting price or MSRP of around $40K and moves upward from there. The current top trim of the CX-90, the 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus edition, features a starting price of around $60K.

What is the difference between the Mazda CX-90 and CX-90 PHEV?

The main difference between the Mazda CX-90 and CX-90 PHEV lies in their powertrains. The CX-90 model comes with Mazda’s new 3.3-liter inline-six turbo engine featuring a mild-hybrid system and up to 340 horsepower. The Mazda CX-90 PHEV gets a 2.5-liter turbo engine and a plug-in hybrid setup, generating 323 horsepower. The CX-90 offers eight trims, and the CX-90 PHEV has three.