2026 Mazda CX-90 Review

Like it or not, we humans can be a fickle bunch.

Even the staunchest pragmatist has at least occasional moments motivated by emotion when the heart wins out over the head. It’s why we fall in love, and why it’s great when automakers build vehicles that don’t necessarily make the most sense on paper, yet succeed for their emotional appeal.

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is one such machine. While its stats are impressive, it’s not a class leader for sensible considerations like passenger or cargo space, but it’s the one within its segment of mainstream three-row SUVs that appeals on an emotional level, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

Design: 8.5/10

Style is a subjective topic that also appeals (or repels) on an emotional level. Three-row family machines typically score low on the scale of automotive lustworthiness with buyers choosing one not out of passion, but to meet necessities that require space and practicality.

Mazda’s CX-90 is styled to capture more admiration than other machines in the class. In terms of size it’s in line with the other models with which it competes, but it’s unadorned by frivolous trend-chasing style gimmicks like oversized body cladding, disproportionate grilles, or over-the-top lighting. Instead, the CX-90 has Mazda’s typically tasteful treatment that’s sure to look as fresh and handsome in five or 10 years as it does today.

There’s a premium profile here thanks to the short front overhang but long hood, giving it the sort of proportions one finds on, say, a BMW X5. The one tested here was also sporting a new-for-2026 GT-P package that blacks out the exterior trim and mirrors and gives it dark wheels to make it look sportier than the bedazzled chrome look on other trims.

Mazda’s designers worked especially hard at creating a cabin that feels properly posh, too. In the range-topping Signature trim, rich looking and feeling materials are meticulously applied to convince owners they may have stepped up to a premium brand. Even this GT-P trim features lovely touches like double contrast stitching across the dash, plus tasteful use of metallic accents. It’s a look that’s more traditional than trendy, and it’s so much better for it.

Powertrain: 8/10

The other factor that’s bound to help trigger an emotional purchase is the CX-90’s engine. Unique in the segment (and otherwise only found in high-end German machines), Mazda has fitted a 3.3L inline six-cylinder engine beneath the hood. The engine is helped by turbocharging and a mild-hybrid system, which combine to give the CX-90 an output of 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque — far exceeding anything else in the segment.

That power number comes with the asterisk in that all those horses only show up on a diet of costly (and sometimes hard-to-find) 93-octane fuel. The rest of the time there’s 319 hp on tap, which still exceeds most of the competition.

Efficiency: 8/10

Lest those pragmatists fear that all that power equates to a significant thirst for fuel, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan_ rates the CX-90 at 10.3 L/100 km in the city, 8.5 on the highway, and 9.5 combined. Those are very respectable numbers for any three-row SUV, but they’re even more respectable for one with so much power. This week-long test came amidst some seriously nasty winter weather and cold temperatures, and even wearing less efficient winter tires, our mix of urban and rural driving still netted an observed average of 9.4 L/100 km.

Driving Dynamics: 7/10

While no sizable people hauler like the CX-90 will be mistaken for a sports car, Mazda has nevertheless done an admirable job making it more entertaining to drive than most. The steering is taut and quick, and the suspension has just enough starch in it to keep the CX-90 from going all roly-poly in the corners. Part of this is due to a system Mazda calls Kinematic Posture Control (KPC), which helps reduce body roll by subtly applying the brake of the inner rear wheel, which gives an effect rather like pulling a string tight. Parents with a growing family but a penchant for driving fun should find the largest Mazda a very reasonable compromise.

We’ve complained about the smoothness (or lack thereof) of the CX-90’s eight-speed automatic transmission before. For 2026, Mazda has made some software updates to help smooth out gear changes and torque delivery, and while it still shifts swiftly when asked to perform, it’s not as smooth as the better transmissions in models like the Toyota Grand Highlander or Honda Pilot. Worse is the sometimes-clunky transition between electric and gas propulsion as the engine stops and restarts in the interest of saving fuel.

Comfort: 7/10

Occupants up front and in the middle row of captain’s chairs in the CX-90 will enjoy comfortable and supportive seats. Not so much for those in the third row. The space back there is very tight, and the seat itself is mounted low, providing little under-thigh support. It’s best left for occasional use by the smallest (or least-liked) folks.

Wind and road noises are decently hushed, while the engine makes its presence known when a driver calls upon a heavy dose of throttle, but when cruising at highway speeds, the engine turns at so few revs it’s barely noticeable. Typically, inline sixes provide a wonderful ripping snarl, but the Mazda’s mill isn’t particularly sonorous.

Ride quality is the biggest trade off a passionate buyer will need to make when choosing the sportier CX-90 versus some of its softer-riding competitors. It has to be noted, as well, that this tester had only a few hundred kilometres on the odometer, and the strongest and most offensive “new-car-smell” experienced in years. So overpowering, after an hour behind the wheel, it felt like we could taste the plastics.

User-Friendliness: 6.5/10

We (like many others) have also criticized Mazda clinging to its old-school rotary dial controller for the infotainment system, and the disdain continues here. The 10.25-inch screen offers a nice crisp display and touch capability when Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are in use, but it’s enough of a reach to make trying to work with the control knob an easier prospect. The trouble is, both smartphone mirroring systems were intended to operate with touchscreens and are tedious to use with the knob. Forums with Mazda apologists claim it’s easy to get used to it, and they are quite happy with the system, but even after years of testing Mazdas, it’s still an inelegant solution.

The rest of the switchgear is quite good, and we appreciate the physical buttons for climate and steering wheel controls, and while we like that Mazda gave the CX-90 a gear selector on the console where it belongs, having park on a perpendicular plane from reverse, neutral, and drive takes some getting used to. Otherwise, the CX-90 offers a commanding driving position and very good outward views.

Equipment: 7.5/10

The GT-P trim is one step below the top Signature, yet it still feels well-featured. The front seats are power-operated, heated and ventilated, and there’s a heated steering wheel. A panoramic sunroof helps brighten the otherwise dark cabin. The audio system is decent if not earth-shattering in its sound quality and power, and the hands-free power tailgate is appreciated when arms are full.

Safety: 9/10

The CX-90 offers commendable protection for its occupants, with a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features (including automated emergency braking, lane-departure mitigation, and front cross-traffic alert) as standard equipment across the lineup. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded the CX-90 its highest Top Safety Pick+ rating, while the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has also bestowed it a five-star rating.

Everyday Usability: 7.5/10

Contemporary three-rows this size are impressively practical machines. In the case of the CX-90, there’s 423 L behind the third row that expands to 2,101 L with the rearmost and middle rows folded forward. While generous and useful, the Mazda’s capacity is still several hundred litres less than the Toyota Grand Highlander and Honda Pilot offer. At 2,268 kg (5,000 lb), the CX-90’s maximum towing capacity is spot-on with its competitors, although the Nissan Pathfinder can pull more at 2,722 kg (6,000 lb).

Value: 8/10

A few years ago, when the CX-90 first arrived on the scene, it appeared to be Mazda’s leap into a more premium space. The CX-90 presented a more premium looking — and feeling — package than what the competition offered, drawing comparisons to much costlier luxury machines. While not a true luxury offering, the CX-90 has remained a very attractive value, being priced aggressively against stand-out competition from Hyundai, Toyota, and Honda, but offering a more dynamic driving experience. At $61,845 before but including freight ($2,195), this well-equipped GT-P trim provides a near-premium experience with a price that aligns with mid-trim variants from the other brands.

The Verdict

The three-row SUV class is overflowing with excellent choices from several manufacturers. Although not offering the same sort of gargantuan space for passengers or cargo as the largest of the competition, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 stands out for its unique (and powerful) drivetrain, sporty chassis tuning, and handsome looks, all of which make it a more emotional selection than the more ordinary alternatives. Meanwhile, its strong value and efficiency should appeal to the pragmatists among us.

Specifications

Trim Tested

2026 Mazda CX-90 MHEV GT-P

Base Price

$59,650

Options

None

A/C Tax

$100

Destination

$2,195

Price as Tested

$61,945

Displacement

3.3L

Cylinder Count/Configuration

Turbo I6

Horsepower

319 hp @ 5,500 rpm (340 hp w/93-octane)

Torque

369 lb-ft @ 2,000-4,500 rpm

Fuel Economy

10.3 / 8.5 / 9.5 L/100 km cty/hwy/cmb

Cargo Space

423 / 1,133 / 2,101 L behind 3rd/2nd/1st