The Mazda CX-90 debuted for the 2024 model year, replacing the CX-9 that had been on the market since 2007. The CX-9 (named with a single digit) and the CX-90 that replaced it share similar external dimensions, but the CX-90’s much longer wheelbase translates to more room inside for passengers and cargo. Depending on the configuration and trim level, the three-row CX-90 offers six-, seven-, or eight-seat layouts. The towing capacity is rated at up to 5,000 pounds. The Mazda CX-70 is marketed as an entirely different model but is essentially a five-seat version of the CX-90 with some minor exterior styling differences.
The Mazda CX-90 is offered with three powertrain options. The base e-Skyactiv G 3.3-liter turbocharged inline six engine produces 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. CX-90 Turbo S models benefit from an upgraded e-Skyactiv G 3.3L turbo inline-six engine with up to 340 hp (on premium fuel) and 369 lb-ft. Both turbocharged engines are equipped with M-Hybrid Boost, which is Mazda's 48-volt mild hybrid system. A plug-in hybrid CX-90 model is also offered, with an e-Skyactiv G 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor (fed by a 17.8-kWh battery pack) good for 323 hp and 369 lb-ft. Fully charged, the CX-90 PHEV can travel up to 26 miles on electricity.
Like the CX-9 that preceded it and pretty much every vehicle Mazda sells, the CX-90 is a sportier choice than many of its rivals. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard equipment, and power goes to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Along with the i-Activ AWD system, all Mazda CX-90s feature Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (or Mi-Drive) with Sport and Off-Road modes along with Kinematic Posture Control—a software feature borrowed from the MX-5 Miata sports car. Mazda says the high-tech suspension software “suppresses body lift on tight corners to enhance the grip and help all occupants to maintain a natural posture,” and, fortunately, it seems to work.
Buyers who value a sporty driving feel, a premium interior, and a stylish design over maximum interior and cargo space, and who don’t mind Mazda’s sometimes fiddly knob-and-button-based infotainment system (which only works as a touchscreen when used with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto) will find a lot to like in the CX-90. If you’re not sure which side of the crossover SUV equation you fall on, we’d suggest taking a test drive.
Mazda CX-90 Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Mazda CX-90 Pros and Cons
- Mazda CX-90 Generations
- Mazda CX-90 First Generation (2024-Present)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Mazda CX-90 years are the best?
There isn’t much difference between the 2024, 2025, or 2026 Mazda CX-90 models. The powertrains have stayed the same, though there has been some variation in trim levels from year to year. This being the case, shopping for a used CX-90 could come down to factors such as price and the number of miles on the odometer. Your personal preference on colors could also play a part, with Machine Gray Metallic and Rhodium White popular options, while Mazda’s Soul Red Crystal Metallic is the standout hue.
What are the worst Mazda CX-90 years?
Technically, the 2024 Mazda CX-90 has had more issues and complaints from owners than other model years, but the overall number has been small. CarComplaints.com shows few problems, and J.D. Power’s ratings aren’t much different for the 2024, 2025, and 2026 model years.
Is a used Mazda CX-90 a good deal?
Used CX-90 crossovers are priced competitively with similarly sized three-row rivals such as the Ford Explorer and the Hyundai Palisade, and undercut the popular Honda Pilot and the Toyota Grand Highlander by a significant margin.
Mazda CX-90 Pros and Cons
Pros
- Stylish design
- Premium interior materials
- Fun to drive
Cons
- Smaller inside than class leaders
- Ride borders on stiff
- Unintuitive technology
Mazda CX-90 Generations
Mazda CX-90 First Generation (2024-Present)
In addition to its three powertrain options, the 2024 Mazda CX-90 debuted in a multitude of trim levels. The base trim, called CX-90 3.3 Turbo Select, featured eight-passenger seating and generous specs. Black leatherette seats came standard, along with a leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel with paddle shifters. The interior featured a 10.25-inch full-color center display running the Mazda Connect infotainment system and offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, along with a 7-inch LCD instrument panel display and an eight-speaker sound system. Keyless entry, push-button start, front and second-row dual USB inputs, automatic climate control, and an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support were standard features. Exterior features included 19-inch alloy wheels, a power liftgate, roof rails, automatic LED headlights with auto-leveling, LED daytime running lamps, LED taillights, power and heated side mirrors with LED turn signal indicators, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
Mazda’s i-Activsense setup was included on all CX-90 models, including the base trim. Standard safety features included smart city brake support (read automatic emergency braking), blind spot monitors, Mazda's Radar cruise control with stop & go (i.e. adaptive cruise control), a driver-attention alert, lane-keep assist with lane-departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.
The next step up the ladder was the CX-90 3.3 Turbo Preferred package, which included seven-passenger seating with second-row captain’s chairs. A power sunroof, black or greige (that’s something in between gray and beige) leather seats, heated front seats, a four-way power-adjustable passenger seat, and second-row retractable window shades were included in the package. The CX-90 3.3 Turbo Preferred Plus package included Mi-Drive, which offers Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes. This was also the level at which wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard, along with a head-up display that projects useful information onto the windshield.
The CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium was next up the ladder, and featured 21-inch alloy wheels, a hands-free power liftgate, a power panoramic moonroof, and chrome garnishes on the bumpers. A Bose 12-speaker premium audio system, frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink and two-position memory for the driver’s seat was also included. The CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus trim level added a larger 12.3-inch center display, black or white Nappa leather seats, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, an eight-way power adjustable passenger seat, heated second-row seats, and power-folding, auto-dimming side mirrors.
The 2024 CX-90 PHEV was offered in three trim levels: CX-90 PHEV Preferred, CX-90 PHEV Premium, and CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus.
The CX-90's most powerful engine gets an S added to its name. Every 2024 CX-90 3.3 Turbo S model included Mi-Drive modes with Sport, Off-Road, and Towing, and a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The base Turbo S model got an additional safety feature called Cruising & Traffic Support, which packaged highway speed lane centering and adaptive cruise control. It also got 21-inch alloy wheels and the 12.3-inch infotainment screen with touch capability for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus an Adaptive Front-lighting System and an eight-way power adjustable passenger seat.
The 2024 CX-90 3.3 Turbo S Premium was the first model to get Mazda’s Driver Personalization System with an internal camera that scans facial features to recognize who's driving. The CX-90 Turbo S Premium came standard with a six-passenger seating configuration featuring second-row captain’s chairs and a two-passenger third row. A 360-degree view monitor and front cross-traffic alert with front cross-traffic braking were added, along with black or white Nappa leather-trimmed seats and a heated steering wheel.
Finally, we come to the top-of-the-line CX-90 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus with a Nappa leather interior, featuring a pair of luxurious seats in both the second and third rows, in a tan quilted or white Japanese Premium upholstery. All seats were heated in this model, with ventilated front- and second-row seats. A suede-like fabric covered the interior trim, and “an intricate Japanese weaving technique known as Kakenui” appeared on the dashboard. The high-end interior package was rounded out with a two-tone leather-wrapped steering wheel, maple wood trim, and upgraded front and rear foot lighting.
For the 2025 model year, a 3.3 Turbo Premium Sport package replaced the regular Premium trim level. In addition to unlocking Artisan Red Premium and Polymetal Gray Metallic paint, this trim level included a blacked-out treatment for the grille, roof rails, lower bumpers, and badges. The 21-inch alloy wheels were also painted dark. Only the base CX-90 Turbo Preferred model kept the 10.25-inch infotainment screen; all other CX-90 trim levels received the larger 12.3-inch infotainment display and got wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For 2026, Mazda CX-90 trim levels included a 3.3 Turbo S Premium Sport package with all the blacked-out exterior trim.
Both the 2026 Mazda CX-90 Turbo and CX-90 Turbo S achieve EPA-estimated fuel mileage ratings of 23 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg combined. At the time of writing, the base MSRP for the 2026 CX-90 was $40,330 (including destination), and the least-expensive CX-90 Turbo S model (for 2026, that’s the 3.3 Turbo S Premium Sport) started at $55,470. The $58,900 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus sits at the top of the CX-90 range.
As a used buy, the Mazda CX-90 looks like excellent value. Prices start at about $25,000 for cars with fewer than 30,000 miles on the odometer, and PHEV prices are only slightly higher than the gas model’s.
