I recently spent a week with the 2025 Mazda CX-90, and it’s the closest thing you’ll find to a sports car in the family SUV segment. From its spirited handling to its luxurious interior, the CX-90 makes a strong impression. However, its stiff ride, cramped third row, and limited cargo space hold it back from true perfection.
Car companies have generally found their recipe for success in the midsize family SUV market: a front-wheel-drive platform, adequate power, a comfortable ride, and plenty of space for passengers and their belongings. But Mazda has never been one to blindly follow the mainstream. It values driving enjoyment, even in its flagship family SUV, and the CX-90, which debuted in 2024, stays true to this philosophy. It replaces the long-serving CX-9.
The base CX-90 3.3 Turbo Select starts at $38,045. The range-topping CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus will set you back $57,950. My test car, a CX-90 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus, is the second most expensive in the lineup, with a starting price of $56,450. The addition of Premium Artisan Red paint and various fees brought the as-tested price up to $58,500.
The CX-90’s styling is bold and distinctive. Its long hood, which accommodates a longitudinally mounted straight-six engine, combined with the tall, upright cabin, gives it the proportions of a rear-wheel-drive European sport wagon. The Artisan Red paint on my test car seemed to change colors depending on the viewing angle.
Mazda employs its Takuminari, or “artisan coloring,” paint technology, using robots programmed to mimic the brushstrokes of a skilled artisan to create a rich, multi-layered, hand-painted effect.
Mazda offers two mild-hybrid and one plug-in hybrid engine options for CX-90 buyers. The CX-90 3.3 Turbo S’s turbocharged inline-six is currently the most powerful production engine in the company’s history.
My Turbo S test car is powered by a 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine, producing 340 horsepower (319 with regular gas) and 369 lb-ft of torque. A 48-volt mild-hybrid system assists throttle response at low speeds, adding 16 horsepower and 113 lb-ft of torque. All CX-90s come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The base CX-90 features a 280-horsepower version of the straight-six with less turbo boost, while the PHEV variant utilizes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor, generating a combined 323 horsepower.
My Turbo S test car is rated for an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg combined. These are impressive numbers considering the vehicle’s size, weight, and power.
The CX-90 is easily the most fun I’ve ever had driving a large family SUV. Mazda truly has, in my opinion, the best-handling SUV in its segment. The 4,900-lb CX-90 feels lively and energetic on winding mountain roads, attacking corners with poise and aggression. Many other SUVs in this class simply struggle to maintain control.
Its Kinematic Posture Control system, borrowed from the Miata roadster, brakes the inside rear wheel when entering corners to help manage body roll. Straight-six engines are naturally smooth and balanced. Combine that with the power of a turbocharger and the effortless, linear torque from the electric motor, and acceleration from a standstill becomes a genuine pleasure.
However, Mazda made a deliberate choice to prioritize driving enjoyment over ride comfort. The ride is noticeably firm, the harshest I’ve experienced in this segment. While not unpleasant in everyday driving, you’ll definitely feel bumps and rough road surfaces.
The interior’s quality and craftsmanship are worthy of a luxury SUV. The light maple wood accents throughout the cabin are a welcome addition. Mazda’s goal was to create a premium cabin experience with the CX-90, and it certainly succeeded.
The interior is both user-friendly and artfully designed. The intricately woven fabric accents on the front dash are both beautiful and unique, something I’ve never seen before in a modern vehicle.
Mazda seats typically tend to be on the firm side, but those in the CX-90 offered sufficient comfort for longer drives.
My test car’s seats were upholstered in soft white Nappa leather. The leather-wrapped steering wheel featured well-placed buttons. The CX-90 includes adaptive cruise control as a standard feature.
The CX-90’s 12.3-inch infotainment screen looks good, but its operation can be a bit finicky. Only when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto does the screen function as a touchscreen. Otherwise, you’re required to use the somewhat awkward rotary controller.
The second-row captain’s chairs are spacious and include a convenient center console for extra storage.
My test car was configured to carry six passengers; lower trim levels can accommodate up to eight. The two-passenger third row provides a decent 30 inches of legroom, however, with the seat positioned low to the floor, there’s nowhere to put your knees.
Additionally, the placement of air vents beside the passenger’s thigh seems poorly considered and can direct uncomfortable blasts of air up shorts and skirts. The CX-90’s rear cargo compartment is also among the smallest in the midsize segment.
With just under 16 cubic feet of space behind the third row, the Mazda offers cargo capacity comparable to the smaller Toyota Highlander. It falls short of the Honda Pilot and Hyundai Palisade, which boast over 18 cubic feet.
In conclusion, the CX-90 is a luxurious family SUV that will undoubtedly appeal to the driver, but it’s less successful as a practical family hauler. As someone who loves cars, the Mazda CX-90 is a dream to drive. Mazda’s decision to go with a smooth turbo straight-six engine is bold and commendable, especially in an era dominated by milquetoast four-cylinder engines. Its sporty handling, striking appearance, and beautifully appointed interior are also praiseworthy attributes. However, these very features often result in a stiff ride, a cramped rear cabin, and limited cargo space, which detract from its functionality as a daily family vehicle. While I genuinely enjoyed driving the CX-90, its appeal will likely be greatest for consumers who prioritize the driving experience over maximum people- and cargo-carrying capability.
