Mazda's boldest swing
The CX-90 replaced the CX-9 with genuine ambition: a longitudinal, rear-biased platform, a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six — 280 hp standard, 340 hp on premium fuel in Turbo S form — and cabin materials aimed squarely at buyers cross-shopping Acura. Gas models span roughly $38,800 to $57,370 plus destination; the plug-in hybrid, from $50,495, pairs a 2.5-liter four with an electric motor for 323 hp and about 26 miles of EV range.
All-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic are standard everywhere; towing reaches 5,000 lb; seating runs six to eight depending on trim.
What it gets right
The drive. The inline-six is smooth, muscular and characterful in a class of anonymous V6s and thrashy fours, the chassis genuinely enjoys a curved on-ramp, and combined economy of about 25 mpg is honest for the output. Upper trims' cabins — real wood, suspended stitching, restrained design — read a class above their price point. As a driver's choice among three-rows, it stands nearly alone.
The honest assessment
The asterisks are real. The eight-speed's low-speed behavior — a clutch-pack design rather than a torque converter — can be clunky in parking-lot creep, a trait updates have softened but not erased. The third row and cargo hold trail a Telluride or Grand Highlander meaningfully. And early reliability has been below class average: recalls have included a steering-assist-loss campaign covering 43,752 units, PHEV software recalls for stalling and drive-power loss, and an electrical-unit recall — a record used-buyers should check line by line on any specific car.
The PHEV adds complexity to that picture; its recall history is the range's busiest, and its refinement trails the six.
The questions buyers actually ask
CX-90 or Telluride? The Kia is the better family appliance — roomier, simpler, proven. The Mazda is the better car to drive, and feels more expensive inside. Decide which sentence describes your life.
Is the PHEV worth it? With home charging and short commutes it can be — 26 EV miles covers school runs. But the inline-six is the better-executed powertrain and the safer bet.
Turbo or Turbo S? The 280-hp car is plenty; the 340-hp S sweetens the drive but wants premium fuel to deliver its headline. Fine in the sub-$50k trims to stay standard.
- Gas ~$38,800–$57,370; PHEV from $50,495 with ~26 miles EV range
- 340-hp inline-six (premium fuel) is among the class's best engines
- Tight third row and cargo vs Telluride/Grand Highlander
- Low-speed transmission clunk and below-average early reliability; verify recall work
- Standard AWD, 5,000-lb towing, six-to-eight-seat layouts
Key takeaways
- Gas ~$38,800–$57,370; PHEV from $50,495 with ~26 miles EV range
- 340-hp inline-six (premium fuel) is among the class's best engines
- Tight third row and cargo vs Telluride/Grand Highlander
- Low-speed transmission clunk and below-average early reliability; verify recall work
- Standard AWD, 5,000-lb towing, six-to-eight-seat layouts
Sources & further reading
- Mazda USA 2026 pricing
- NHTSA recall records
- Consumer Reports reliability coverage and US road tests, 2026
Figures, prices and policy details were current at the last-updated date above. Automotive pricing, incentives and regulations change frequently — verify time-sensitive details with the linked primary sources. Read our editorial policy and fact-checking standards.
