2026 Mazda CX-90 Review: Price, Specs and Verdict

2026 Mazda CX-90 Review: A Three-Row SUV That Drives Like It Costs Twice as Much

Mazda built the CX-90 on a rear-wheel-drive-biased platform more commonly found in luxury sedans, then wrapped it in a genuine seven- or eight-seat family SUV body. This 2026 Mazda CX-90 Review covers a three-row lineup offered with a smooth turbocharged inline-six in two states of tune, or a plug-in hybrid that can cover a real commute on electricity alone. It undercuts the Honda Pilot and Toyota Grand Highlander on price while targeting a more premium driving experience, and this 2026 Mazda CX-90 Review will help you decide if that trade genuinely pays off.

2026 Mazda CX-90 at a Glance

• • Base engine: 3.3-litre turbo inline-six mild hybrid, 280 hp / 332 lb-ft

• • Turbo S engine: Same 3.3-litre inline-six, 340 hp / 369 lb-ft on premium fuel

• • PHEV engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder plus electric motor, 323 hp / 369 lb-ft, 17.8 kWh battery

• • Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, standard i-Activ AWD across every trim

• • Towing: Up to 5,000 lbs (gas) or 3,500 lbs (PHEV and Select trim)

• • Seating: Seven or eight passengers across three rows

• • Price: $38,800 to $58,500 plus destination

2026 Mazda CX-90 Review: Pros and Cons

2026 Mazda CX-90 Price and Estimated Cost of Ownership

The gas-powered CX-90 range opens with the Select at $38,800, followed by the Turbo Preferred at $43,450, with Premium Sport and Premium Plus grades climbing toward $57,370, some of which are available with the 340-horsepower Turbo S engine for an additional premium. The plug-in hybrid sits in its own three-trim range: the PHEV Preferred starts at $50,495, the PHEV Premium Sport at $55,300, and the range-topping PHEV Premium Plus tops out at $58,500. All figures exclude the $1,530 destination charge, and the PHEV carries roughly a $7,000 premium over comparable gas trims. This 2026 Mazda CX-90 Review sees the pricing structure as one of the model’s strongest arguments. With a well-equipped starting price thousands of dollars below rivals like the Honda Pilot or Toyota Grand Highlander, the CX-90 undercuts the competition while offering genuinely more premium engineering underneath. Towing capacity reaches a strong 5,000 lbs on most gas trims, though the Select and all PHEV grades are capped at 3,500 lbs. The PHEV’s fuel economy, rated at 56 MPGe combined using gasoline and electricity together, or roughly 25 mpg combined once the battery is depleted, offers genuine savings for owners who charge regularly, though some reviewers have questioned whether the roughly $7,000 premium pays for itself unless a substantial discount is available.

2026 Mazda CX-90 Review: Performance

Every gas-powered 2026 CX-90 uses a 3.3-litre turbocharged inline-six with 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance, producing 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque on the Select, Preferred, Premium Sport and Premium Plus trims, paired with an eight-speed automatic and standard i-Activ all-wheel drive. This 2026 Mazda CX-90 Review found the engine genuinely smooth and refined, with real low-end torque that few rivals in this class can match. Select Premium Sport and Premium Plus grades can instead be specified with the Turbo S version of the same inline-six, producing 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. What stands out most, according to this 2026 Mazda CX-90 Review, is how the CX-90 drives for a three-row family SUV: its rear-biased platform sends more power rearward under acceleration, reinforcing a genuinely athletic feel that few mainstream rivals attempt to match. Mi-Drive offers Normal, Sport and Off-Road modes, while higher trims add a dedicated Towing mode. Braked towing capacity reaches 5,000 lbs on most gas trims when properly equipped, though the entry Select and PHEV models are both capped at 3,500 lbs. The plug-in hybrid takes a different route, pairing a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder with an electric motor for a combined 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, or 319 horsepower on regular unleaded. This 2026 Mazda CX-90 Review found the PHEV’s instant electric torque genuinely quick off the line, though some testers noted the transitions between electric and gasoline power can feel clunky at times, a fair criticism echoed across several independent reviews.

Battery, Driving Range and Charging Time

This section of our 2026 Mazda CX-90 Review applies specifically to the PHEV grade, since the gas-powered Turbo and Turbo S engines are conventional mild hybrids with no plug and no meaningful electric-only range. The PHEV uses a 17.8 kWh lithium-ion battery good for an EPA-estimated 26 miles of all-electric driving, enough to cover most daily commutes without the engine ever starting, provided it is charged regularly. Charging times vary by equipment. Mazda says the battery charges from 20 to 80 percent in approximately 90 minutes on a Level 2 (240-volt) home charger, or around 6 hours and 40 minutes on a Level 1 (120-volt) household outlet, with a full charge taking roughly 11 hours on the provided Level 1 cable. Combined with its petrol engine, the PHEV offers a total range of up to 500 miles across both electric and petrol power, among the longest combined ranges in its segment. The non-plug-in Turbo and Turbo S models, with a roughly 20-gallon tank and fuel economy in the mid-20 mpg range, should comfortably exceed 450 miles on a full tank of petrol.

2026 Mazda CX-90 Review: Exterior Styling

A long bonnet, short overhangs and a wide, low stance give the CX-90 genuinely upscale proportions that this 2026 Mazda CX-90 Review found consistently draws comparisons to vehicles costing considerably more. The CX-90’s smooth lines and elegant overall shape are a deliberate match for its premium-leaning interior, and LED lighting at every point is standard across the entire range, including the base Select grade. All 2026 PHEV trims now include 21-inch alloy wheels finished in Black Metallic, along with black exterior trim accents on the Premium Sport grade, which also adds power-folding, auto-dimming side mirrors and a black Mazda badge for 2026. A power sliding-glass panoramic moonroof is included on PHEV Premium Sport and above, further reinforcing the CX-90’s position as Mazda’s flagship SUV design statement.

2026 Mazda CX-90 Review: Cabin Interior and Comfort

Interior quality is routinely cited as the CX-90’s biggest strength, with KBB describing the PHEV’s cabin as arguably the most attractive, upscale interior in its class. For 2026, every PHEV trim gains ventilated front seats, heated first and second-row seats, an eight-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support and two-position memory, an eight-way power passenger seat and a heated steering wheel as standard, a meaningful equipment upgrade over the prior model year. This 2026 Mazda CX-90 Review found the Premium Plus grade’s additional memory settings for the steering wheel, seat and mirrors a genuinely useful luxury touch. Seating configurations run to seven or eight passengers depending on trim, with Premium and Premium Plus grades offering second-row captain’s chairs. The clearest compromise, as this 2026 Mazda CX-90 Review must note, is third-row and cargo space: legroom in the rearmost row is tighter than most three-row competitors offer, and cargo capacity behind the third row measures a modest 14.9 to 15.9 cu ft depending on trim, below average for the segment even though total cargo volume with all rows folded reaches a more respectable 74.2 to 75.2 cu ft.

Infotainment and Connected Technology

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the 2026 CX-90 lineup, including the plug-in hybrid, paired with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster on higher trims. Premium Sport and above add built-in navigation and a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, a genuinely strong setup for a family SUV at this price point. This 2026 Mazda CX-90 Review found the infotainment hardware itself competitive, but, consistent with other recent Mazda reviews, the underlying software and rotary dial interface feel a step behind some rivals’ larger, more modern touchscreen systems. It is a reasonable trade-off given the CX-90’s overall value proposition, but buyers prioritising the very latest connected technology may find newer competitors slightly ahead on that specific front.

2026 Mazda CX-90 Review: Safety Technologies

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 PHEV has earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, the Institute’s highest distinction, a result this 2026 Mazda CX-90 Review considers a genuine strength of the range. Standard safety technology across the lineup includes adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring and lane keeping assist, with Cruising and Traffic Support added on PHEV Premium Sport and above. For the complete, up-to-date breakdown of crash-test results by trim and configuration, buyers should consult the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s official ratings database, since results can be updated across the model year as new configurations are evaluated.

2026 Mazda CX-90 Review: Practicality and Ownership

Practicality is a genuine mixed bag. Seven or eight-passenger seating, a strong 5,000 lb towing rating on most gas trims, and standard all-wheel drive across the entire range all support families who need real hauling capability. Set against that is below-average cargo space behind the third row and tighter rearmost-row legroom than most three-row rivals offer, a trade-off this 2026 Mazda CX-90 Review attributes to the CX-90’s more performance-focused platform. Ownership costs will vary meaningfully by powertrain choice. Gas models run on regular fuel for the base engine or premium for the Turbo S, while PHEV owners who charge consistently should see significantly reduced running costs, offset somewhat by the model’s higher purchase price. Owner feedback has flagged towing capacity as a recurring point of discussion, particularly for PHEV and Select trim buyers who expected figures closer to the range-topping gas models.

2026 Mazda CX-90 Review: How Does It Compare to Its Rivals?

Against the Honda Pilot, the CX-90 undercuts significantly on starting price while answering back with sharper handling and a more premium-feeling cabin, though the Pilot holds a clear edge in third-row and cargo space. Against the Toyota Grand Highlander, the CX-90 again wins on price and driving dynamics but trails on interior volume and proven hybrid efficiency. Against the Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid, a smaller and considerably cheaper alternative, the CX-90 PHEV answers with genuine three-row seating and a noticeably more upscale cabin. This 2026 Mazda CX-90 Review sees the CX-90 as the pick for buyers who prioritise how their three-row SUV drives over absolute maximum interior space.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people does the 2026 Mazda CX-90 seat?

The CX-90 seats seven or eight passengers across three rows, depending on whether the trim is fitted with second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat.

How much electric range does the 2026 Mazda CX-90 PHEV have?

The plug-in hybrid offers an EPA-estimated 26 miles of all-electric range from its 17.8 kWh battery, with a total combined range of up to 500 miles.

How long does the 2026 Mazda CX-90 PHEV take to charge?

Mazda rates a 20 to 80 percent charge at approximately 90 minutes on a Level 2 (240-volt) charger, or around 6 hours and 40 minutes on a Level 1 (120-volt) household outlet.

How much can the 2026 Mazda CX-90 tow?

Most gas-powered trims are rated for up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped, while the Select trim and all PHEV grades are capped at 3,500 lbs.

Is this 2026 Mazda CX-90 Review worth trusting for a buying decision?

This 2026 Mazda CX-90 Review is based on Mazda’s official pricing and specification announcements combined with early professional drive reports, giving buyers a reliable starting point before their own test drive.

2026 Mazda CX-90 Review: Final Verdict and Is It Worth Buying?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 remains a genuinely compelling three-row SUV for buyers who care about how their family hauler drives. A smooth, torquey turbocharged inline-six, an upscale cabin, a starting price well below mainstream rivals, and a plug-in hybrid capable of real electric-only commuting all support that case clearly. Its trade-offs are consistent with that performance-focused platform. Third-row and cargo space trail the segment, the PHEV’s towing capacity drops sharply against the gas models, and the electric-to-gas handoff on the plug-in hybrid can feel less seamless than rivals manage. Buyers who need maximum third-row space or the lowest possible running costs on the PHEV without a strong discount may be better served elsewhere. For buyers who want a three-row SUV that genuinely rewards the driver without the price tag of a true luxury brand, the CX-90 remains one of the most satisfying choices on sale. That is where this 2026 Mazda CX-90 Review lands for now, and we will revisit this 2026 Mazda CX-90 Review as new trims or updates arrive through the model year.

2026 Mazda CX-90 Review Images

Specifications