The 2026 Mazda CX-90 has officially arrived—and it’s no minor refresh. With sharper styling, stronger engine options, and an interior that flirts with luxury-car elegance, the latest version of Mazda’s flagship SUV aims squarely at buyers who want performance and refinement without a six-figure price tag.
Backed by a reputation for sharp handling and solid engineering, the facelifted CX-90 is poised to make serious waves in the midsize SUV segment. Whether it’s a spirited weekend escape or daily school runs, this SUV does it all—effortlessly and in style.
Aggressive Styling Refresh Elevates Road Presence
Mazda’s “Kodo” design language gets a bold update on the 2026 CX-90. The front fascia now features a wider grille with horizontal slats, complemented by narrower LED headlights that slice inward for a more focused expression. Revised bumpers give it a planted, aggressive stance without compromising elegance.
The CX-90 stretches to 200.8 inches in length with a 122.8-inch wheelbase, ensuring spacious cabin proportions. Yet, thanks to 8 inches of ground clearance and smartly sculpted lines, it retains agility for urban maneuvers and outdoor adventures alike.
Higher trims like the Turbo S Premium Plus showcase 21-inch alloy wheels, matte black accents, and subtle aerodynamic refinements that reduce wind noise and enhance efficiency at highway speeds.
Performance That Thrills Without Compromise
At the heart of the CX-90 lies a new breed of performance-tuned powertrains. Leading the pack is the Turbo S 3.3-liter inline-six mild-hybrid, pushing out a commanding 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough to move this nearly 4,850-pound SUV from 0 to 60 mph in under 6.5 seconds—a stunning number for a three-row family hauler.
The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Mazda’s i-Activ all-wheel-drive system, offering confident handling whether on slick city streets or open highways.
For buyers seeking value with punch, the base turbo variant offers 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. A PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) option generates a combined 323 hp, while still delivering up to 25 mpg combined and towing capacity up to 3,500 pounds across all trims.
Engine refinement, exhaust tuning, and improved torque curves result in a drive experience that’s more sports sedan than SUV.
Premium Cabin Design Approaches Luxury Territory
Mazda has crafted a truly upscale interior in the 2026 CX-90, designed to spoil occupants while remaining intuitive and functional.
Step inside and you’re greeted by Nappa leather upholstery, open-pore wood trim, and brushed metal finishes. Everything feels high-touch and thoughtfully arranged. The driver’s seat offers multiple memory settings, heating, ventilation, and bolstered side support for spirited drives.
The dashboard is dominated by twin 12.3-inch displays—one for the digital gauge cluster and another for infotainment, which supports wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Mazda’s software interface is clean and fast, while controls are smartly angled toward the driver.
Three-zone climate control, second-row captain’s chairs (optional), and ample third-row access make it ideal for family use. When you fold the rear seats, the cargo space maxes out at 74.2 cubic feet, easily accommodating travel bags, sports gear, or DIY store hauls.
Sound is delivered via a crisp 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, and a head-up display projects real-time driving data onto the windshield. There’s even ambient lighting that adapts to your playlist or driving mode for a more immersive cabin vibe.
Tech and Safety Suite That Builds Confidence
Mazda continues to raise the bar on safety. The 2026 CX-90 includes the comprehensive i-Activsense suite standard across trims, which bundles:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane centering assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- 360-degree camera system
- Night vision
- Junction turn assist
Front and rear parking sensors, a digital rearview mirror, and an advanced collision mitigation system give the driver peace of mind in tight urban environments and long highway stretches.
What’s more, over-the-air software updates keep safety systems and navigation tools up-to-date without dealership visits.
The CX-90 earns top marks in crash testing, with many families sharing testimonials about how the vehicle’s safety tech actively prevented accidents.
Pricing, Trims, and U.S. Market Momentum
Mazda is pricing the CX-90 to undercut rivals like the Volvo XC90, Acura MDX, and BMW X5—without skimping on power or design.
- Base Select trim starts at $40,330
- Mid-level trims (Preferred, Premium) range from $45,000 to $52,000
- The top-tier Turbo S Premium Plus hits $58,000, with all the bells and whistles
The plug-in hybrid variant is also eligible for federal tax credits, making it an appealing option for eco-conscious drivers who don’t want to give up luxury or towing capability.
Since its reveal, the 2026 CX-90 has generated intense buzz on social media, thanks to viral TikTok dyno runs and drag strip videos showcasing its off-the-line power. Mazda’s Michigan plant is working overtime to meet demand as dealer waitlists grow
How It Compares and Why It Matters
While many competitors offer strong engines or plush interiors, few manage to blend both at this price point. The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is a rare fusion of practicality, performance, and polish, offering an experience that rivals some European SUVs costing $10,000–$20,000 more.
Mazda has doubled down on its driver-first DNA, refusing to follow the full-electric trend blindly. Instead, it delivers a fun-to-drive, safe, and tech-forward SUV with just enough edge to stand out in a crowd of lookalikes.
This facelift doesn’t just refresh the CX-90—it elevates it to new heights.
