2027 Mazda CX-90 Review, Pricing, and Specs

tags:

@ 24/07/2026

Chevron Down Icon

2027 Mazda CX-90 Turbo S Premium Plus

Marc Urbano|Car and Driver

2027 Mazda CX-90 Turbo S Premium Plus rear

Marc Urbano|Car and Driver

2027 Mazda CX-90 Turbo S Premium Plus interior

Marc Urbano|Car and Driver

2027 Mazda CX-90 Turbo S Premium Plus

Marc Urbano|Car and Driver

Images View Photos

front three quarter view of dark blue suv parked in front of modern beige building under clear sky.

Marc Urbano|Car and Driver

MSRP

HIGHS

First-class interior accommodations, thrifty on fuel, handles well for its size.

LOWS

Stiff ride, low-speed transmission misbehavior, third-row legroom is too snug for adults.

VERDICT

The Mazda CX-90 is a handsome and well-equipped three-row SUV, but its coarse engine note, balky transmission, and puny third row undercut its luxury aspirations.

By Austin Parsons

Overview

The CX-90 exemplifies Mazda's push to position itself as a premium brand. From its graceful body lines to its splendid cabin swathed in leather and faux suede, it's evident that pricier luxury SUVs were pinned to the CX-90 designers' vision board for inspiration.

An inline-six engine is found under the CX-90's hood, which is a rarity in its segment. Producing 280 horsepower in base trims and 340 horsepower in upper-tier S models, the CX-90 has enough grunt, but the engine's agricultural sound and the automatic transmission's low-speed shuddering betray the CX-90's upscale aspirations. So do its overly heavy steering, a suspension that sacrifices too much ride comfort in pursuit of handling prowess, and several cabin features that we wish worked better. While the CX-90 stands out in the crowded mid-size three-row SUV segment for its great looks and a level of interior luxury uncommon in its price bracket, its shortcomings require addressing before it can achieve luxury-brand status.

Expert Tip: Buyers who are seeking an SUV in this size class but who don't need to carry more than five—and are smitten with the CX-90's looks—should check out the almost-identical CX-70, which features this same design and equipment without the third-row seats. For those who fancy a hybrid powertrain in their SUV, the CX-90 lineup also includes a plug-in hybrid version, which we review separately.

Video poster

What's New for 2027?

The Mazda CX-90 is now entering its fourth year of production, and we don’t expect any major changes for the 2027 model year.

What's Your Car Worth?

Car and Driver calculates your car's value in three free and easy steps - using the same Black Book® data dealers use to appraise vehicles.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Engines: 280-hp turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six, 340-hp turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Drivetrain: all-wheel drive

All CX-90s nonhybrids feature a 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six engine. The powertrain is good for 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque in non-S trims and 340 ponies and 369 pound-feet in the S models. A CX-90 plug-in-hybrid variant is also offered, making 323 horsepower and 369 pound-feet, but we review that model separately.

All models come with an eight-speed automatic, and the CX-90 has all-wheel drive standard. To date, we've only driven the S model, which offers plenty of power for city and highway driving. The 340-hp inline-six isn’t particularly smooth, nor were we satisfied with the transmission’s tendency to cause low-speed, head-bobbing shifts. There are steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, but no manual-shift mode—odd for a Mazda. We found it best to let the eight-speed automatic shift for itself.

Surprisingly, for an inline six—an engine configuration that's known for its innate smoothness—the CX-90's engine issues unrefined sounds at higher rpm, though it’s smooth enough at lower revs. The CX-90 delivers the handling athleticism Mazdas are known for, although the suspension lets through more harsh impacts than we'd like when traversing broken pavement. We had a CX-90 Turbo S for long-term duty, and reported on what it’s like to live with and how it held up to 40,000 miles of road trips, grocery runs, school field trips, and home improvement errands.

0–60-MPH Times

C/D 60-mph Test: 6.3 seconds (S Premium Plus), 6.9 seconds (Premium Plus)

In Comparison: In our testing, the 340-hp CX-90 S Premium Plus got to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds, which puts it ahead of rivals such as the Kia Telluride and Toyota Grand Highlander in the run to 60 mph. The 280-hp version of the engine available in non-S trim levels propelled the CX-90 to 60 mph in a slightly slower 6.9 seconds, which is still competitive for this segment.

Towing and Payload Capacity

Max Towing: 5000 pounds

Select and Preferred models can only tow 3500 pounds; all trims above those two have a maximum hauling capability of 5000 pounds. That peak figure matches the max towing capacity of similar three-row SUVs, such as the Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride, but doesn't come close to the Dodge Durango's 8700-pound limit.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

C/D 75-mph Highway Fuel-Economy Test: 29 mpg (S Premium Plus)
EPA City Rating: 23 mpg
EPA Highway Rating: 28 mpg

The EPA has rated the CX-90 at 24 mpg city and 28 mpg highway regardless of the engine output. On our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, a CX-90 S Premium Plus managed a laudable 29-mpg result. For more information about the CX-90's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

In Comparison: The CX-90 is one of the most fuel-efficient three-rows around, with better city and highway MPG ratings than the Kia Telluride, Toyota Grand Highlander, and Hyundai Palisade.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

First Row: The CX-90 boasts a stylish cabin design with interesting details, such as fabric inserts on the dash and door panels on high-end models. Although leather is standard starting on the Preferred trim, the more upscale and softer-feeling Nappa leather upholstery is reserved for Premium Plus trims.

Second Row: Most CX-90s come standard with a second-row bench seat. Second-row captain's chairs, which get top marks for comfort, are standard on the Premium Plus trim levels and optional elsewhere except for the Select trim. So equipped, seating capacity drops from eight to six or seven, depending on the third-row arrangement.

Third Row: The third row is contoured for two passengers in the upper trims or three in the more mainstream models. Either way, it's a tight space best suited to children.

Cargo Capacity: There's 16 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, enough for three carry-on suitcases. Fold those third-row seats, and you have 40 cubic feet, sufficient for 16 carry-on bags; with all seats folded, maximum cargo space expands to 75 cubic feet.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Infotainment: 10.3-inch touchscreen (Select), 12.3-inch touchscreen (Preferred, Premium, S)
Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Audio System: 8-speaker audio system (standard), 12-speaker Bose Premium audio system (optional)

The central infotainment display is set into the dashboard and is controlled via a rotary knob on the center console. That arrangement allows for less reaching and eyes-off-the-road time than a typical touchscreen, but navigating around the display can sometimes be an overly complex, multi-step process. All models, save for the base Select, have a 12.3-inch central display. Factory navigation is included on upper trims and can be added to the others; same with wireless charging.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard, with wireless connectivity for all but the base Select. The CX-90 lower trims feature a 7.0-inch digital gauge display and an eight-speaker stereo system. A 12-speaker Bose premium stereo is included at the Premium Sport trim level, and a fully digital gauge cluster at the Premium Plus; Turbo S models get both features.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

All CX-90s come with a suite of driver-assistance features called i-Activsense, which includes automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more.

Standard Safety Features: automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control

For information about the CX-90's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Mazda offers an adequate protection plan for buyers of new CX-90s. What it doesn't offer is something that both the Hyundai Palisade and the Toyota Highlander do: complimentary scheduled maintenance.

Limited Warranty: three years or 36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty: five years or 60,000 miles
Complimentary Maintenance: none

C/D Test Results and Specs

Each year, we put hundreds of vehicles through our rigorous instrumented testing regimen. If the data in the chart below is for a different model year, that's because this vehicle hasn't changed from when we last tested it, and the test results remain accurate.

Specs panel icon

Specifications

Specifications

2024 Mazda CX-90 Turbo S AWD
Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 6-passenger, four-door wagon

PRICE
Base/As Tested: $53,125/$61,920

ENGINE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve inline-6, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 200 in3, 3283 cm3
Power: 340 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 369 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm

TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic

CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: control arms/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 13.7-in vented disc/13.8-in vented disc
Tires: Falken Ziex LT60a A/S
275/45R-21 107W M+S

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 122.8 in
Length: 200.8 in
Width: 78.5 in
Height: 68.2 in
Passenger Volume, F/M/R: 57/51/35 ft3
Cargo Volume, behind F/M/R: 75/40/16 ft3
Curb Weight: 4885 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 6.3 sec
1/4-Mile: 14.7 sec @ 99 mph
100 mph: 15.1 sec
130 mph: 30.4 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.4 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 6.5 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.6 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.5 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 130 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 177 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.85 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 23 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 29 mpg
75-mph Highway Range: 560 mi

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 25/23/28 mpg

C/D TESTING EXPLAINED

More Features and Specs

Shopping Tools

Shop For CarsResearch, compare, and find the exact car you're looking for at a dealer near you.Shop Now

What's My Car Worth?Get your car's trade-in and private-party-sale values using the same Black Book® data dealers use to appraise vehicles.Get Estimate

Compare CarsCompare features, specs, prices, and performance between different trim levels on any vehicle.Compare

Insurance MarketplaceSee what you can save on car insuranceLearn More

Auto Loans & FinancingOur finance experts answer any questions you may have about financing a vehicle.Learn More

Similar Vehicles

2027 Kia Telluride

Starting at

$40,735

EPA MPG

N/A

C/D SAYS: Kia's family hauler rolls into 2027 with a fresh design, an upgraded interior, and a more rugged X-Pro model. Learn More

Editors Choice Icon

2026 Hyundai Palisade

Starting at

$41,035

EPA MPG

20–21 combined

C/D SAYS: The mid-size Hyundai Palisade SUV is redesigned for the 2026 model year, and its new look is more premium and more boxy. Learn More

Editors Choice Icon

2026 Toyota Grand Highlander

Starting at

$43,855

EPA MPG

22–24 combined

C/D SAYS: SUV-me, please: The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander three-row SUV is nearly as practical as a minivan and it's much less dorky. Learn More

2026 Honda Pilot

Starting at

$43,890

EPA MPG

20–22 combined

C/D SAYS: The Honda Pilot is a capable family hauler with some extra off-road capability, but it lacks a standout trait to elevate it above the mid-size 3-row mid-pack. Learn More

2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

Starting at

$42,915

EPA MPG

21–23 combined

C/D SAYS: The three-row Grand Cherokee L returns for 2026, packing a new available 324-hp turbocharged inline-four engine and the same impressive off-road chops. Learn More

2026 Hyundai Santa Fe

Starting at

$36,650

EPA MPG

23–24 combined

C/D SAYS: The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is a practical family SUV that looks and feels more expensive than it actually is. Learn More

2026 Ford Explorer

Starting at

$40,260

EPA MPG

20–24 combined

C/D SAYS: The Ford Explorer has solid foundations as a fixture of the family mid-size SUV segment, but it lacks the ultimate polish of the leaders in its class. Learn More

2026 Kia Sorento

Starting at

$33,885

EPA MPG

23–26 combined

C/D SAYS: While the Telluride cramps its style a bit, the Kia Sorento is a solid mid-size three-row SUV that offers two powertrain options and plenty of trim variety. Learn More

2026 Volkswagen Atlas

Starting at

$40,785

EPA MPG

21–23 combined

C/D SAYS: The Volkswagen Atlas provides everything that you'd need from a mid-size three-row family SUV, but its outshined by competitors with more panache. Learn More

2026 Nissan Pathfinder

Starting at

$39,045

EPA MPG

21–23 combined

C/D SAYS: While not as capable off-road as its early generations, the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder makes a strong case for family hauling and practicality with its hushed, three-row interior. Learn More

2026 Chevrolet Traverse

Starting at

$42,795

EPA MPG

21–22 combined

C/D SAYS: If maximum interior space is your aim, the 2026 Chevy Traverse has it, but don't expect a first-class experience. Learn More

2026 GMC Acadia

Starting at

$45,795

EPA MPG

21–22 combined

C/D SAYS: While attractively styled and mega practical, the 2026 GMC Acadia offers little to differentiate itself from its Chevy and Buick siblings. Learn More

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below