#23
2026 Mazda CX 90
An Automobile that refuses to be Ordinary.
For the greater part of two decades, Mazda has quietly cultivated a reputation that most major brands would be jealous of: cars that look more expensive than their sticker indicates, drive better than their price predicts, and keep their value with amazing persistence. The most complete manifestation of that goal to date is the CX-90. It comes with a longer wheelbase, a bolder look, a more advanced powertrain lineup, and an interior that can compete with cars bearing luxury European emblems. It was introduced as a straight replacement for the highly appreciated CX-9.
Mazda’s KODO concept, which is based on capturing motion in a still surface, adapts to the size of the car. It finds room to breathe on the CX-90 in a way that smaller models cannot fully realize because of its larger footprint and wider proportions.
The front end is level and composed, with small LED headlights that follow the downward slope of a long, sculpted bonnet on either side of a wide, shallow grille that rests low in the fascia. It sounds completely contemporary and confident, but there is nothing aggressive about it. The most striking aspect of the design is seen in the profile, where a long roofline gradually drops toward the back, giving the CX-90 an almost saloon-like elegance for a car of its size. The vehicle appears grounded and deliberate from every viewpoint due to the longer wheelbase.
In terms of affordability, the CX-90’s cabin may be the most attractive in its class. The 12.3-inch central display on the wide, multi-layered dashboard is seamlessly incorporated into the upper fascia rather than being added on top as an afterthought. One of the most sensible methods for interacting with an infotainment system while moving is still the rotary commander control. Everywhere a hand is expected to land, nappa leather, real wood and metal accents, and soft-touch surfaces are there. Depending on the trim, there are six, seven, or eight seats available. While the third row is best suited for younger passengers, the extended wheelbase allows for a deliberate approach path and sufficient headroom. The second row is very comfy for adults.
Mazda anchored its flagship with a turbocharged 3.3-litre inline-six engine, which places equal emphasis on mechanical refinement and smoothness, at a time when the industry trend clearly trends toward four-cylinder downsizing.
An eight-speed automatic transmission transfers the inline-six’s 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque to a standard all-wheel drive system when it is combined with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. Low-end torque manages overtaking without forcing the driver to plan much ahead, and the powertrain feels calm in traffic and smooth at freeway speeds.
The same engine can produce 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque with the Turbo S versions. The transmission retains gears longer under severe acceleration, the throttle responds more sharply, and the mid-range pull becomes more forceful. For a three-row family SUV, it is incredibly fast, and the extra power significantly changes the driving experience.
For consumers who are concerned about efficiency, the CX-90 PHEV combines an electric motor with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine to produce a total of 323 horsepower and a range of about 26 miles on electricity, which is sufficient for most daily journeys. The switch to combustion power happens smoothly when the battery runs out. The CX-90’s engineering philosophy is partially derived from Mazda’s sports car division. Uncommon at this price point, a double-wishbone front suspension provides more accurate wheel control than the strut configurations of most competitors. By adjusting the torque of the back wheels, Kinematic Posture Control reduces lean without making the suspension too rigid. The product is a big SUV that can ride comfortably on uneven terrain while handling with true accuracy.
The towing capability is increased to 5,000 pounds in the 2026 model, which is a significant improvement for those who require their SUV to work as hard as it relaxes.
A comprehensive driver assistance package, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, lane centering, automated emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert, is standard on the CX-90. For hands-free voice control, the 2026 model integrates Amazon Alexa throughout the whole lineup.
In addition to wireless charging and a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included. The Mi-Drive intelligent selector in sport-spec trims allows the driver to decide between Normal, Sport, and Off-Road modes, each of which modifies AWD torque distribution, throttle mapping, and transmission behaviour.
Regarding safety, the NHTSA awarded the CX-90 a five-star overall rating, while the 2025 model was named Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, indicating excellent performance in both crash and headlamp evaluations.
The Mazda CX-90 holds a strong place in the market; it is priced between entry-level premium brands and mainstream three-row SUVs, but it outperforms both in terms of driving dynamics, material refinement, and design quality. On paper, it is neither the biggest SUV in its class nor the most feature rich. What it is, however, is remarkably organized vehicle in which each technical choice makes sense in relation to the others.The CX-90 is a challenging car to argue with and even more challenging to walk away from for families looking for an SUV that meets their practical demands without compromising the enjoyment of driving.
