2026 Mazda CX-90: Price, Specs, and Real-World Review

Three-row SUVs are everywhere, but Mazda’s newest contender brings something most rivals don’t: a turbocharged inline-six engine. Starting at $39,300, the 2026 CX-90 aims to blend premium driving feel with practical family space, and this review covers its pricing, specs, and how it compares to the Toyota Highlander.

Starting price: $39,300 ·
Engine: 3.3L turbocharged inline-6 ·
Horsepower: 280–340 hp ·
Seating capacity: 7 ·
Trim levels: 6 ·
Segment: Full-size crossover SUV

Is a Mazda CX-90 a good car?

What do owners say about reliability?

• J.D. Power predicts above-average reliability for the CX-90, consistent with Mazda’s brand reputation.
• Mazda offers a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty (Mazda USA, manufacturer website).

Early owner forums report few major complaints, though some note the infotainment system can lag. The powertrain has been praised for smoothness.

How does the CX-90 perform in safety tests?

The IIHS has not yet released a 2026 rating, but the 2024 model earned a Top Safety Pick+ award. Expect similar performance.

What is the driving experience like?

• Car and Driver, a leading automotive review outlet calls the CX-90’s handling “surprisingly agile for a three-row SUV.”
• The standard 280-hp engine feels responsive, while the 340-hp Turbo S version delivers strong passing power.

The implication: The CX-90 prioritizes driving dynamics more than most family haulers, a trade-off that enthusiasts will appreciate.

How much will the CX-90 cost?

What are the trim-level prices?

Six trim levels are available for the 2026 Mazda CX-90. The starting MSRPs per Mazda USA, official spec page:

• 3.3 Turbo Select – $39,300
• 3.3 Turbo Preferred – $43,450
• 3.3 Turbo Premium Sport – $47,480
• 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus – $50,270
• 3.3 Turbo S Premium Sport – $54,140
• 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus – $57,570

Edmunds reports an average price paid around $39,304 for the base trim (Edmunds, car pricing platform).

Why is the CX-90 so cheap compared to rivals?

The CX-90 undercuts segment heavyweights like the Toyota Highlander at similar trims. For example, a Highlander XLE starts at $46,765 while a CX-90 Turbo Preferred starts at $43,450. Mazda focuses on value through standard AWD and a more powerful engine.

The catch: Lower initial price may come with slightly higher depreciation compared to Toyota and Honda models.

Two trims, one pattern: The CX-90 offers more base power for a lower price than the Highlander.

Does the Mazda CX-90 have a BMW engine?

What engine does the CX-90 actually use?

Mazda developed its own 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, not sourced from BMW. It’s part of Mazda’s Large Product Group platform, designed exclusively for the brand.

Is the inline-six designed by Mazda or BMW?

Completely Mazda. The engine produces 280 hp and 332 lb-ft in standard form, and 340 hp and 369 lb-ft in Turbo S variants (Car and Driver, automotive review outlet). It mates to an 8-speed automatic and standard AWD.

One engine block, two power outputs: The CX-90’s turbo inline-6 is rare in its class.

The verdict: Mazda engineered its own inline-six, distinguishing the CX-90 from the turbo-fours found in most rivals.

Which is bigger, CX-9 or CX-90?

Dimensions comparison: length, width, height

• The CX-90 is longer and wider than the CX-9, shifting from mid-size to full-size classification (Wikipedia, encyclopedia entry).
• The CX-90 measures about 200.3 in length, while the CX-9 was 199.4 in.

Cargo space and seating differences

Both seat seven, but the CX-90 offers more third-row legroom. Cargo space behind the third row is roughly 14 cubic feet, similar to the CX-9. The CX-90’s wider body improves shoulder room.

The result: The CX-90 provides marginally more space for passengers, though cargo capacity remains class-standard.

Will the Mazda CX-90 be available in Europe?

Is the CX-90 sold in European markets?

Mazda does not currently sell the CX-90 in Europe. The Mazda Motor Europe website lists the CX-60 (a two-row mid-size SUV) as its flagship for that market.

What models does Mazda offer in Europe instead?

European buyers get the CX-60, CX-5, and CX-30. The CX-90 is built for North America and possibly other global markets outside Europe.

The pattern: Mazda tailors its lineup regionally; the larger CX-90 likely exceeds European parking and emissions constraints.

The CX-90 delivers a powerful and refined driving experience that rivals luxury SUVs.

— Car and Driver, automotive review outlet (Car and Driver)

The CX-90 is designed to offer premium driving dynamics without the premium price tag.

— Mazda USA official site (Mazda USA)

The CX-90 is the enthusiast’s pick in the three-row class, but it’s not for everyone. For an American family that values driving fun and wants standard AWD without a hybrid premium, the CX-90 makes a compelling case. For a European buyer, the choice is clear: look for the CX-60, or wait and see if Mazda brings the CX-90 overseas.