The 2026 Mazda CX-90 has landed with a bold new face and even bolder performance credentials. From the outside, it’s sharper and sleeker. Under the hood, it hides a 340-horsepower mild-hybrid engine. Inside, it pampers with luxury that inches toward European prestige—all while maintaining Mazda’s hallmark of dynamic handling and driver-first design.
Facelifted Exterior Brings Sleek Sophistication
Mazda has refined the CX-90’s Kodo design language with subtle but meaningful changes. The grille is wider with horizontal slats, flanked by sharper, more expressive LED headlights. Revised bumpers and a slightly lowered stance add to the SUV’s muscular presence.
At 200.8 inches in length with a 122.8-inch wheelbase, it balances city maneuverability and open-road confidence. 8 inches of ground clearance offers enough height for light off-roading or deep snow in northern states.
Latest Stories
Ford’s 2026 F-150 Redefines Power and Precision — Why This Truck Still Dominates the Road
New 21-inch matte alloy wheels on the Turbo S Premium Plus trim give it added street presence, while flared wheel arches and optional black-out styling packages speak directly to younger, style-conscious buyers.
Performance: 340 HP Turbo S Leads the Pack
Leading the charge is Mazda’s 3.3-liter inline-six mild hybrid, delivering up to 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard i-Activ all-wheel drive, the SUV rockets from 0–60 mph in under 6.5 seconds—a number rare in this segment.
Mazda also offers two other powertrain options:
- A base turbo variant with 280 hp / 332 lb-ft
- A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with a combined 323 hp
All configurations tow up to 3,500 pounds, more than enough for small boats, trailers, or family campers.
On-road, reviewers note refined handling, low-end torque delivery, and a suspension that delivers sports sedan-like cornering—a hallmark of Mazda’s engineering focus.
Fuel Economy and Smooth Ride Quality
Despite its power, the CX-90 remains efficient. Fuel economy averages 25 mpg combined, even on the Turbo S variant, thanks to variable valve timing and the mild-hybrid system. Long highway stretches feel effortless, with engine refinement keeping noise levels low.
A revised exhaust system adds a sporty tone without becoming intrusive, especially under load.
Interior Comfort Rivals Entry-Level Luxury Brands
Mazda hasn’t just worked on performance—it’s doubled down on interior excellence.
The CX-90’s cabin features:
- Nappa leather upholstery
- Open-pore wood trim
- Brushed aluminum accents
- A suede headliner
- Ambient lighting with customizable color options
The cockpit wraps around the driver while keeping controls simple and driver-centric. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster pairs with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, both cleanly integrated. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa come standard, with rear-seat tri-zone climate control to keep passengers happy.
Second-row captain’s chairs (available) and slide-and-tilt functionality make it easy to access the third row, which folds flat to open up 74.2 cubic feet of cargo space—enough for large grocery runs or weekend projects.
On long road trips, passengers benefit from ventilated/heated seats, a Bose 12-speaker sound system, and adaptive memory settings. It’s luxury without the badge markup.
Advanced Safety and Driver Assistance Features
The CX-90 doesn’t skimp on safety either. Its i-Activsense suite includes:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane centering assist
- Junction turn assist
- 360-degree camera system
- Night vision detection
- Automatic emergency braking
- Pedestrian and cyclist alerts
A new digital rearview mirror eliminates blind spots, while over-the-air software updates ensure safety systems stay current. The SUV has earned top crash test ratings, making it one of the safest choices in the segment.
Mazda’s blend of active and passive safety isn’t just box-ticking—it delivers peace of mind, especially for families with young passengers.
Pricing: Premium Feel Without the Premium Price
Mazda positions the 2026 CX-90 smartly in the market:
- Base Select trim starts at $40,330
- Top Turbo S Premium Plus trim reaches $58,000
While not cheap, it’s significantly more affordable than comparably equipped models from BMW, Audi, or Mercedes-Benz, while delivering equal or superior interior quality and driving satisfaction.
With available tax credits for the PHEV variant, buyers in the U.S. can potentially lower costs even more
Market Momentum and Buyer Response
Mazda’s manufacturing plant in Michigan is running at full capacity as U.S. demand surges. The SUV has trended across TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube thanks to dyno tests, 0-60 drag races, and real-world family vlogs showing off its road trip comfort.
Auto journalists have already dubbed the CX-90 “the near-luxury leader” for 2026, and analysts expect sales to jump 25–30% year-over-year as word spreads.
For buyers comparing to the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, or Toyota Highlander, the CX-90 now brings driving joy, refined interiors, and credible power into the conversation
