2026 Mazda CX-90

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is a viable budget alternative to three-row SUVs from established luxury brands. It's powerful and athletic, yet it balances its handling capabilities with a compliant ride. But there is a trade-off, and it's one that many three-row SUV buyers are sensitive to: interior packaging. The CX-90 has a smaller third-row seat and cargo area than most competitors, especially those from non-luxury brands. For families needing maximum space, that might be a deal-breaker.

If you like the idea of a hybrid SUV, there aren't many other places to look other than Toyota, which offers the Highlander and the larger Grand Highlander. The latter offers two hybrids: a traditional efficiency-oriented one and a performance-oriented one that strikes an agreeable balance between power and fuel economy. If you're instead drawn to the CX-90's luxury leanings at non-luxury prices, the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride will deliver that in spades. And finally, if you're digging the CX-90's promise of driver engagement, the Acura MDX should provide what you're seeking, along with a luxurious interior and a price point that still undercuts various European brands.

Mazda offers CX-90 buyers three powertrain choices. The 3.3 Turbo model has a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six that generates 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. In the Turbo S, that same straight-six is tuned to deliver 319 horsepower and 369 lb-ft on regular gas (it's better with premium). For shoppers wanting to save more at the pump, there's the CX-90 plug-in hybrid that pairs a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a plug-in hybrid system to produce a total of 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. On a full battery, the PHEV can travel 25 miles on electricity alone before it switches over to its gas engine and drives like a regular hybrid. Unfortunately, the transitions between electric and gasoline power are clunky, making for a disappointingly unrefined hybrid driving experience.

Edmunds tested a 2024 Mazda CX-90 plug-in hybrid for more than a year and over 20,000 miles. We documented everything, including real-world fuel economy and electricity usage. Our opinions about the powertrain also migrated toward the negative as our time with it went on. Read more about that and everything else discovered during our ownership of a CX-90 here.