The Mazda CX-90 has quietly become a more affordable way into the large, luxury-style SUV space. Most buyers still default to BMW, Mercedes, and Audi in this segment, but Mazda has been steadily pushing a more premium image with the CX-90 sitting at the top of that effort.
It’s packed with high-end features you’d normally expect in much pricier SUVs, and that value angle is starting to resonate. In a crowded segment, Mazda leans on comfort, refinement, and a more upmarket driving feel to stand out.
The CX-90 also brings a strong powertrain and a level of polish that makes everyday driving feel more premium than the price suggests. Here are 10 things helping it hold its own against established luxury rivals.
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Rear-biased AWD gives the CX-90 a more engaging drive
It feels more balanced and responsive on twisty roads
Most three-row SUVs are built on front-wheel-drive platforms that only really send power to the rear when the front starts to slip. The CX-90 is different, with a longitudinal engine layout that helps shift weight more evenly and gives it a more natural, balanced feel on the road.
Mazda’s i-Activ AWD system is set up to send more power to the rear than you’d expect, which helps cut down on torque steer in stronger setups. It still brings the front wheels in when traction drops, but the whole setup leans noticeably more toward a sporty, rear-driven character than most rivals in this class.
Mazda Commander Control keeps key functions simple and focused
Mazda’s rotary infotainment setup will feel a bit unusual if you’re used to tapping a big touchscreen for everything. In the CX-90, the dial takes charge of most functions, while the screen itself is mainly used for maps and a few select inputs.
Where a lot of newer SUVs go all-in on giant touch displays and full-on digital menus, Mazda keeps things more controlled and driver-focused. It might take a day or two to get used to, but once you do, it’s easier to navigate menus without leaning forward or constantly reaching for the screen.
There’s also a broader shift happening in the industry, with safety testing bodies like Euro NCAP increasingly recognizing the value of physical controls for key functions. Mazda’s approach feels like it’s leaning into that direction rather than chasing the biggest screen trend.
Benefits of the central command center:
- Physical controls let you complete tasks faster than touchscreen menus
- Touchscreens encourage leaning forward, which can affect lane position
- Bumpy roads make touchscreens harder to use accurately
- Well-made physical controls add a more premium, tactile feel
The MyMazda app lets you control key CX-90 functions from your phone
Lock, start, and check your SUV remotely for added convenience
Touchscreens inside the cabin can be hit or miss, but using your phone to manage your car tends to be a lot more convenient. The MyMazda app lets you handle a few everyday tasks without even being near the vehicle.
You can start the engine remotely to get the cabin to a comfortable temperature before you get in, which is especially handy in extreme weather. It also helps you locate your car in busy or unfamiliar car parks.
Mazda usually includes a three-year trial with the service, after which it switches to a subscription of around $10 per month.
More features of the CX-90 and MyMazda app:
- You can check if the car is locked or if any doors are left open
- Set your navigation route before you even get in the car
- The car can automatically activate the heated steering wheel in cold weather
The CX-90’s Bose audio system is tuned specifically for the cabin
It delivers clear, balanced sound whether you’re driving or sitting in the back
Mazda didn’t just drop a Bose system into the CX-90 and call it a day. The cabin and speaker layout were designed together to create a properly tuned audio environment.
The setup takes all three rows into account, so passengers in the back get the same level of sound quality as those up front. Speakers and subwoofers are also placed in carefully shaped spaces, including the front cowl corners, which helps cut down on unwanted vibration.
On top of that, Bose tech like Centerpoint 2 and SurroundStage helps build a more immersive soundstage throughout the cabin. There’s even noise compensation that listens for road hum and adjusts frequencies to help cancel it out.
Premium comfort runs through all three rows of the CX-90
Smart climate control keeps every seat comfortable, no matter where you sit
The CX-90 uses its systems in a pretty smart way to keep things comfortable without constant tweaking. Seat sensors and climate control work together to adjust temperature and airflow depending on who’s actually in the car.
If the third row isn’t in use, airflow is automatically redirected to the front and middle rows for better efficiency. When it is, the rear passengers still get their own proper climate zone, supported by C-pillar and floor vents designed for better coverage.
The middle row also gets its own digital climate controls, so it doesn’t feel like a downgrade from the front. It all comes together to make every seat feel properly looked after, not just the driver’s.
- Base Trim Engine
-
3.3L Skyactiv-G 16
- Base Trim Transmission
-
8-Speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
All-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
280 hp @ 5000 rpm
- Base Trim Torque
-
332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
- Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
-
24/28/25 mpg
- Make
-
Mazda
- Model
-
CX-90
- Segment
-
Midsize SUV
It uses smart monitoring to warn you before small issues become bigger problems
Modern safety systems can sometimes feel a bit over the top, kicking in harder than they need to. In higher-spec CX-90 models, an infrared camera tracks eye movement to spot signs of fatigue or reduced attention, like microsleep, and can trigger alerts on the central display.
The system also adjusts how it responds based on where you’re looking. If you’re clearly focused on the road, warnings are kept softer and more subtle, but if your attention drifts away, the intervention becomes more direct to pull you back in.
There are also gentler cues built in for everyday driving. If you start to drift within your lane, the CX-90 can use a low-frequency audio rumble to nudge you back without anything too abrupt.
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The CX-90’s interior is built to feel solid and refined over time
High-quality materials and careful design help it age well with daily use
Car tech has moved so quickly in the last 5–10 years that a lot of interiors can start to feel dated sooner than you’d expect. The CX-90 leans the other way, focusing on a more timeless sense of quality rather than chasing every new screen trend.
Mazda’s approach is more about lasting refinement than short-term tech novelty. Instead of loading the cabin with flashy interfaces that may age quickly, it prioritizes materials, layout, and ergonomics designed to hold up over time.
Some rivals, particularly in the BMW and Mercedes lineup, are increasingly centered around large digital displays and tech-heavy interiors. While impressive at launch, that gadget-first approach doesn’t always prioritize long-term usability or durability in the same way.
The craftsmanship of the 2026 CX-90:
- Maple wood trim and available Kakenui stitching on higher trims
- Soft, premium Nappa leather adds a more upscale feel
- Seats are designed for stability and comfort on long drives
- Acoustic glass and insulation help keep road noise to a minimum
The CX-90’s inline-six delivers smooth, refined power
Its layout helps improve balance and makes acceleration feel effortless
In a time when many SUVs are downsizing, the CX-90 still sticks with a six-cylinder engine. Rivals like the Acura MDX and Toyota Grand Highlander have largely moved to smaller four-cylinder setups, which may help efficiency but can feel less smooth in everyday driving.
The CX-90’s inline-six is naturally balanced, and when paired with its 48V mild-hybrid system, it delivers a noticeably smoother and more refined driving experience. The hybrid assist mainly fills in the gaps during turbo lag, so power delivery feels more consistent when you need it most.
There’s also a four-cylinder plug-in hybrid version available for those prioritizing efficiency, while still keeping performance in a similar range.
2026 CX-90 specs
|
Turbo S mild hybrid |
Plug-in hybrid |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Powertrain |
3.3-liter turbo inline-6 |
2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
|
Transmission |
8-speed auto |
8-speed auto |
|
Power |
340 hp |
323 hp |
|
Torque |
369 lb-ft |
369 lb-ft |
|
0–60 mph |
6.1 seconds |
6.6 seconds |
The CX-90’s seating can be adjusted to suit different needs
Flexible layouts make it easy to balance passengers and cargo
The CX-90’s interior is designed to be highly flexible, so it can adapt to different types of daily use. Whether it’s school runs, weekend trips, or hauling larger items, the layout is built to make each of those roles easier to manage.
Mazda also offers a choice of third-row configurations, with either two or three seats depending on your needs. In the second row, you can opt for a center console or an open pass-through aisle, giving you more control over how passengers move through the cabin.
More seating features:
- 90-degree rear doors open wide for easier access and better practicality
- One-touch controls tilt and slide the second row for simple entry and exit
- Third row includes Nappa leather, ventilation, and USB-C ports
- Second-row seats on rails let you trade off legroom and cargo space
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The CX-90 is built with long-term everyday comfort in mind
Small details add up to make daily use easier and more enjoyable over time
Standout features might grab attention, but over time it’s the small, everyday details that really decide whether you stick with a car or move on. Little annoyances in how a vehicle works day to day can build up faster than you’d expect.
The CX-90 gets a lot of credit for focusing on those quieter quality-of-life touches that make living with it easier over the years. That kind of thoughtful engineering is what builds long-term loyalty, and it’s the sort of SUV that doesn’t feel like it needs replacing any time soon.
Quality of life features:
- Flush liftgate sill lines up with the interior floor for easier loading
- 8-speed gearbox delivers smooth, refined cruising in its class
- Mirrors tilt automatically in reverse to help with curb alignment
- Folding the second and third rows creates a flat load floor
Stephan is the sports journalist for the Maple Grove Report.
