Core summary
2026 Mazda CX-90 is a three-row midsize crossover SUV.
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is Mazda’s large, three-row crossover SUV for North America. It uses the company’s longitudinal Large Platform and pairs standard rear-biased i-ACTIV all-wheel drive with either a turbocharged inline-six mild-hybrid system or a plug-in hybrid powertrain. U.S. models offer seating for seven or eight, depending on second-row configuration. The inline-six range includes regular-output 3.3 Turbo models and higher-output 3.3 Turbo S models. The CX-90 PHEV uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, electric motor and 17.8-kWh battery pack.
The current U.S. range is sold as the 2026 Mazda CX-90 and 2026 Mazda CX-90 PHEV. Inline-six versions provide up to 340 horsepower and can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The PHEV produces up to 323 horsepower on premium fuel and offers an EPA-rated 26-mile electric range. The model combines family-focused capacity with Mazda’s rear-biased chassis architecture and a higher equipment level than the smaller CX-5 and CX-50.
History & generations
Mazda unveiled the CX-90 on January 31, 2023, as its new North American flagship crossover. It was introduced for the 2024 model year and became the second production model in Mazda’s Large Product group after the CX-60. Mazda developed the CX-90 specifically around North American requirements, including a wide body, three-row seating and available electrified powertrains.
The launch range included a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six with 48-volt M-Hybrid Boost and an e-SKYACTIV PHEV using a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The CX-90 entered production in Japan and reached U.S. dealers in 2023. Mazda continued the first generation through the 2025 and 2026 model years with packaging, technology and equipment revisions.
The CX-90 is not Mazda’s global three-row nameplate. Mazda positions the CX-90 primarily for North America and related markets, while the CX-80 serves selected European and other markets. The CX-70 is the related two-row North American model.
First generation
The CX-90 debuted for the 2024 model year with inline-six and PHEV options.
Body, platform & design
The CX-90 applies Mazda’s KODO design language to a wide, long-body three-row SUV. Its proportions are shaped by the longitudinal powertrain layout, with a long hood, set-back passenger cell and broad stance. Mazda describes the design approach as an evolution of its “Soul of Motion” theme, using restrained surfacing rather than heavily sculpted body lines.
U.S. dimensions are approximately 201.6 inches long, 78.5 inches wide excluding mirrors and 122.8 inches between the axles. Ground clearance is 8.0 inches on the published inline-six specification, with wheel and equipment combinations affecting the figure. Available wheel sizes include 19-inch and 21-inch designs.
The cabin is designed around a broad dashboard, a center display and Mazda’s driver-focused control layout. Higher trims add premium exterior finishes, larger wheels, panoramic roof equipment and adaptive lighting. The PHEV carries model-specific badging and has a distinct powertrain presentation while retaining the same basic body and platform.
Engine & drivetrain
The 2026 U.S. CX-90 uses two electrified powertrain families. The 3.3 Turbo has a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six with 48-volt M-Hybrid Boost. It produces 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque on regular fuel. The 3.3 Turbo S raises output to as much as 340 horsepower and 369 pound-feet with recommended premium fuel. Mazda identifies the Turbo S engine as its most powerful mass-produced gasoline engine.
The CX-90 PHEV combines a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a 68-kW electric motor and a 17.8-kWh lithium-ion battery. System output reaches 323 horsepower and 369 pound-feet on premium fuel, or 319 horsepower on regular fuel. Mazda quotes an EPA-rated electric range of up to 26 miles for the U.S. model.
Both powertrain families use an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard rear-biased i-ACTIV AWD. Mazda’s transmission uses a wet-clutch arrangement rather than a conventional torque converter. Mi-Drive provides drive modes including Sport and Off-road, with Towing and EV modes available according to powertrain and trim.
Trim differences
For 2026, U.S. inline-six models are offered in six trims: 3.3 Turbo Select, 3.3 Turbo Preferred, 3.3 Turbo Premium Sport, 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus, 3.3 Turbo S Premium Sport and 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus. The regular-output Turbo models use the 280-horsepower engine, while Turbo S models use the higher-output version.
The 3.3 Turbo Select is the entry configuration and includes three-row seating, leatherette upholstery and standard all-wheel drive. Preferred adds features such as leather-trimmed seating and a power moonroof. Premium Sport emphasizes dark exterior detailing, larger wheels and higher towing capability. Premium Plus adds Nappa leather and additional driver-assistance equipment.
The 2026 CX-90 PHEV is offered in PHEV Preferred, PHEV Premium Sport and PHEV Premium Plus trims. PHEV models have seven seats in the listed U.S. configuration, with second-row captain’s chairs and a walk-through. Equipment includes standard 21-inch wheels, heated first- and second-row seats and ventilated front seats across the 2026 PHEV range.
Interior & seating
The CX-90’s U.S. cabin provides three seating rows and either a second-row bench or captain’s chairs, depending on configuration. The published three-seat third-row layout provides 39.7 inches of first-row headroom, 39.3 inches in the second row and 36.9 inches in the third row. Legroom measures 41.7, 39.4 and 30.4 inches respectively. Passenger volume is listed at 141.6 cubic feet.
With the three-person third row, cargo capacity is 14.9 cubic feet with all seats upright, 40.0 cubic feet behind the second row when the third row is folded and 74.2 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. A two-person third-row configuration slightly increases the listed cargo figures.
Equipment varies by trim. The range includes leatherette, leather and Nappa leather upholstery, a 12.3-inch center display on specified grades, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, available panoramic roof equipment and up to six USB Type-C connections. The 2026 model adds standard Alexa technology in the U.S. range.
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Efficiency & range
The 2026 U.S. 3.3 Turbo inline-six models are EPA-rated at 23 mpg city, 28 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined in the listed all-wheel-drive configuration. Actual fuel consumption varies with driving conditions, temperature, load, tire selection and equipment.
The CX-90 PHEV is rated at 26 mpg combined in the published U.S. specification and 56 MPGe combined when charged. Mazda quotes up to 26 miles of electric range. The PHEV can charge in approximately 11 hours using the supplied Level 1 cable, or approximately 2.5 hours with a Level 2 home charger.
Fuel and efficiency figures differ by powertrain, trim, wheel size and testing market. The figures above are the verified U.S. values for the 2026 model year and should not be transferred to CX-60 or CX-80 versions sold in other regions.
Safety & equipment
The 2026 CX-90 and CX-90 PHEV are listed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety as 2026 TOP SAFETY PICK+ recipients. IIHS testing for the CX-90 covers the 2024-2026 model years, with ratings that vary by test, trim and equipment. The published ratings include Good results for the small-overlap front, updated moderate-overlap front and updated side tests for the tested CX-90 configuration.
Standard or available safety equipment includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assistance. Depending on trim, the range adds blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic braking, front cross-traffic alert, a 360-degree view monitor, adaptive front lighting and Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go.
Safety equipment and regulatory results can vary by market. Owners should use the vehicle identification number to check open safety campaigns, because recall eligibility depends on production details and vehicle configuration.
Strengths
The CX-90’s principal strengths are its standard all-wheel drive, broad powertrain choice and substantial interior capacity. The inline-six engines provide a distinctive configuration in a segment dominated by four-cylinder engines, while the Turbo S offers 340 horsepower and up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity when correctly equipped.
The PHEV gives the range a separate use case by combining three-row packaging with a rechargeable battery and a quoted 26-mile electric range. Its 323-horsepower system output also exceeds the output of many mainstream three-row hybrid SUVs.
The cabin offers available Nappa leather, advanced camera systems, second-row captain’s chairs and a wide range of driver-assistance features. Mazda’s double-wishbone front and multilink rear suspension provide a hardware distinction from many mass-market competitors. The IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation is another significant qualification for the current model.
A premium-oriented three-row SUV with electrified powertrains and standard AWD.
Considerations
The CX-90 is large for a midsize crossover, so its 201.6-inch length and 78.5-inch body width may matter in garages, parking structures and urban spaces. The third row provides less legroom than the first two rows, as is typical for this vehicle class, and the PHEV’s seven-seat layout differs from the eight-seat inline-six configuration.
Powertrain selection affects towing. Properly equipped inline-six Turbo S models can tow up to 5,000 pounds, while the published PHEV limit is 3,500 pounds. The PHEV’s electric range is intended for shorter journeys and does not make the vehicle a battery-electric SUV; gasoline operation remains part of its normal use.
Trim content, seating arrangements, safety equipment, charging provisions and fuel-economy figures vary by market. Early CX-90 model years have also been subject to Mazda and government safety or emissions campaigns, so a used vehicle should be checked by VIN before purchase or operation.
Recommended use
The CX-90 is suited to households needing three seating rows, all-wheel-drive traction and more cargo flexibility than a two-row crossover. Its available second-row captain’s chairs support a seven-seat configuration with a center passage, while the bench-seat arrangement supports up to eight occupants in the U.S. inline-six range.
The 3.3 Turbo is the straightforward choice for drivers who want the lowest-complexity powertrain in the range while retaining mild-hybrid assistance. Turbo S models are more suitable when higher output or the maximum published towing rating is important. The PHEV is most relevant to drivers who can charge at home and whose daily travel often fits within its quoted electric range.
The CX-90 can serve as a family road-trip vehicle, commuter SUV, tow vehicle for appropriately sized recreational equipment and long-distance transport. It is not positioned as a heavy-duty off-road vehicle or a full-size towing platform.
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FAQ
Q: Is the Mazda CX-90 a hybrid? A: The range includes a 48-volt mild-hybrid inline-six and a plug-in hybrid model.
Q: How many people can the CX-90 seat? A: U.S. versions seat seven or eight, depending on the second-row layout.
Q: How powerful is the CX-90 Turbo S? A: The Turbo S produces up to 340 horsepower with recommended premium fuel.
Q: How far can the CX-90 PHEV travel electrically? A: Mazda quotes an EPA-rated electric range of up to 26 miles.
Q: Can the CX-90 tow? A: Properly equipped inline-six models tow up to 5,000 pounds; PHEV models are rated at 3,500 pounds.
Q: Is all-wheel drive standard? A: Yes. U.S. CX-90 and CX-90 PHEV models use standard rear-biased i-ACTIV AWD.
What makes the Mazda CX-90 different?
A premium-oriented three-row SUV with electrified powertrains and standard AWD.
Who should consider it?
Family transport, long-distance travel and light towing
Sources & updates
Research for this Mazda CX-90 profile prioritized current manufacturer specifications, model-year equipment pages and official press material. Independent safety or regulatory records were used where available. Historical references were kept separate from current-generation specifications and image identification.
Equipment, pricing and certified figures can vary by market, trim and model year. The expandable reference list below contains the linked sources used for verification. Last editorial review: August 29, 2026.
View all official references (7 more)
Last editorial review: August 29, 2026. Specifications remain market- and model-year-specific.