Near luxury level is a good way to describe the Mazda CX-90, the brand s largest SUV. The CX-90 replaced the CX-9 a few years ago, and with that change, Mazda moved its mid-size three-row SUV significantly upscale.
The CX-90 is far more than just a larger version of the other Mazda SUVs. As the brand's flagship vehicle, it sits on the Large Product Group platform, which is for vehicles with longitudinal engines and rear-wheel-biased driving dynamics, in contrast to the native front-drive and transverse engines of the other CX models. An exception to this is the CX-70, which is nearly identical to the CX-90 minus the third-row seat.
In an attempt to move the CX-90 toward the premium end of the market, Mazda fitted it with a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline six-cylinder engine. Depending on trim level, this engine makes between 280 horsepower all the way up to 340 horsepower. Slotted between those two is a PHEV (plug in hybrid electric vehicle) version that makes 323 horsepower. All models come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and, much like the rest of the Mazda SUV lineup, the CX-90 comes standard with all-wheel drive.
This week I find myself in a CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus. It uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a plug-in hybrid system with a single electric motor. Mazda estimates you can travel up to 26 miles on a full charge, before it then goes into hybrid mode. With it comes a price tag of $60,625.
Mazda does an excellent job in combining performance, luxury, and economy in the CX-90 PHEV. While performance isn't generally a priority for most three-row SUV buyers, those that appreciate it will be quite impressed with the CX-90. It's quicker, better-handling and more stable than pretty much anything else in its class. And the hybrid version of the CX-90 is even faster than the nonhybrid version, hitting 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds, outrunning the 340-hp gas powered CX-90 by more than half a second. Not only is it quick off the line, but it has excellent midrange punch, making squirting through traffic easy - all while bringing in 25 mpg in combined city and highway driving (24 mpg city / 27 mpg highway). All that is missing from the CX-90 PHEV is the throaty exhaust note that the turbo six makes.
When discussing handling, the CX-90 sounds more like a sports car than an SUV. The steering is nicely weighted, and the CX-90 feels planted and secure around corners. The brakes are also impressive, although they can be touchy at first.
Inside is a stylish cabin design that features room for up to eight passengers. Opt for the second-row captain's chairs and the total seating drops to seven. High-end models get a fabric dashboard upholstery along with soft Nappa leather seats. Lower trim levels may not be as plush but are still handsomely styled.
A large center console houses several physical buttons for major functions, and each one is clearly labeled and easy to press with only a glance. All controls are within perfect reach for either the driver or passenger. The front seats offer excellent long-haul comfort, while the second-row captain's chairs should receive no complaints from their occupants. The third row has more room than the one in the CX-9, but it is still best left for small kids.
If there is any shortcoming to the CX-90, it is with storage room. Behind the third row of seats, there's only 15.9 cubic feet of room. Fold the third-row flat and storage grows to 40.1, and when all seats are down, there is 75.2 cubic feet of room. All this is an improvement over the CX-9 but still falls short when compared to the likes of the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Volkswagen Atlas and Honda Pilot.
But while the CX-90 may not have as much utility room as the others, it is far more exciting to drive. And even as a hybrid, the CX-90 PHEV doesn't detract from Mazda's trademark athletic driving demeanor and road manners. For 2026, Mazda is upping their A-game and proof of that can be found in the CX-90.