Replacing the CX-9, this three-row SUV aims to elevate Mazda’s image with a rear-biased platform and a potent 280- or 340-horsepower 3.3-litre turbocharged inline-six engine. It delivers class-above interior design, impressive economy and driving dynamics.
Our Premium Plus plug-in hybrid version combines a slick exterior with a spacious, stylish cabin that seats eight in leather-upholstered comfort. Fold the second-row captain’s chairs, and cargo space expands to 74 cubic feet.
The Good
Mazda repositioned its SUV lineup into the premium category with the introduction of the CX-90 last year. It’s a good-looking vehicle that can carry three rows of kids and their stuff while also handling itself admirably on twisty roads.
The standard turbocharged 3.3-litre inline-six engine makes 280 horsepower in non-S models and 340 in the plug-in hybrid version we tested (reviewed separately). Both drive systems feature a mild-hybrid setup that helps smooth out the stop/start action and can let the CX-90 run solely on electric power for short distances at low speed.
Most of our editors praised the SUV’s chassis tuning when it came to road trip duties, and the CX-90 ate up mile after mile without making drivers feel worn out by the end of a long drive. Mazda is especially good at building SUVS that know how to handle themselves in the curves, and even this hefty three-row family haulier has no problem keeping up with its peers when it comes to tackling winding roads.
The cabin adheres to Mazda’s uncluttered elegance design, featuring numerous padded surfaces and high-quality switchgear. The infotainment system is intuitive and easy to navigate, and 2025 models add standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to the mix. However, storage for small items in the front is somewhat limited compared to other family-friendly SUVS, such as the Kia Telluride and Honda Pilot.
The Bad
The CX-90 feels like a three-row SUV for the enthusiast—the kind of driver who spent their 20s driving Miatas and Golf GTIS and now has a family, needing a big car that doesn’t feel dull. Its chassis tuning reflects that, and our drivers loved the CX-90’s poise on twisty roads.
Its turbocharged 3.3-litre inline-six engine, which offers up to 280 or 340 horsepower, depending on the trim, is an impressive piece of machinery, delivering silky-smooth power. That’s not something you’ll find in a lot of competitors, especially now that small four-cylinder engines are so standard. However, the CX-90 Hybrid has one significant flaw: its transition from electric to gasoline power is less than seamless and & fluid. Whenever you accelerate hard, the engine kicks in with little warning & can cause the SUV to surge & cut at times. It can also be downright annoying if you’re trying to conserve energy & go as far as possible on battery power alone.
Plus, you’ll lose some cargo room in the second row when you opt for the hybrid powertrain. You can still seat eight, but you’ll need to choose between a 2-2-3 seating configuration or a 2-2-2 setup to do so, and cargo volume behind the third row drops to just 16 cubic feet. That’s a lot less than what you’ll find in rivals like the Hyundai Kona Electric.
The Ugly
The CX-90 is a fun-to-drive SUV for drivers. Still, it lacks the cabin tech and interior luxury features of competitors like the Toyota Highlander, Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe, Acura MDX, and Lexus RX. That doesn’t make it a bad car, but it does limit its appeal.
Mazda’s plug-in hybrid powertrain is impressive. It delivers a whopping 39 miles of electric range and can get up to 323 horsepower on the ICE alone. It also has an eight-speed automatic transmission with a multiplate wet clutch, which allows it to be more efficient than traditional torque converters. However, it can be jerky when switching between gas and electric mode. We’ve experienced shudders and hiccups that feel more pronounced than in newer hybrid vehicles.
We’ve also found that the CX-90’s rear seats don’t fold flat, which limits cargo space. It’s a sham, considering the front-row legroom is spacious enough for most adults. The Honda Pilot, which has a similar size layout, can seat three adults in the second row and still have room for their luggage.
Other issues include a small rear window that limits visibility, and the fact that the doors open at a tame 90-degree angle. That can be challenging for taller passengers to get in and out of. And finally, the CX-90 doesn’t have rear row curtain airbags – something that most other SUVS do offer.
The Final Words
In an era of milquetoast four-cylinder engines, Mazda is brave and praiseworthy for using a silky smooth turbo straight six in the CX-90. This makes it a three-row SUV that’s fun to drive, and it’s even more engaging when the mild hybrid system kicks in, capturing wasted energy during braking to recharge its battery and power electrical systems.
It also possesses the athleticism and record of excellence that we’ve come to expect from the brand that brought us zoom-zoom in its SUVS, making it one of the best driving SUVS in this class. The only thing that keeps this from being a true flagship for Mazda in this category is a few annoyances, such as road noise, a sport-leaning ride, and a buggy infotainment system.
But I’ll still take the Mazda CX-90 over a Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot any day. I like the way it looks inside, and I love the feel of its leather seats, which are comfortable for long drives. I even appreciate the abundance of physical buttons for climate controls, unlike some other crossovers that use touchscreen-only infotainment systems. However, I do wish the centre console storage were larger and that there were more cup holders. It’s also a bit silly to have no storage space in the doors.
