2025 Mazda CX-90 – Overview

Last year, Mazda introduced the CX-90 as the successor to the CX-9, marking a notable shift toward a more upscale, premium mid-size three-row SUV. While the CX-90 continues the brand’s move into higher-end territory initiated by the compact CX-50, it breaks new ground with its all-new architecture and inline six-cylinder engine options. Its platform, inspired by designs from BMW and Land Rover, gives the CX-90 a sleek, sophisticated look highlighted by a long hood and a cabin set farther back. Under the hood, buyers can choose the standard turbocharged 3.3-liter engine, available in either 280 or 340 horsepower, or opt for the plug-in hybrid variant (covered in a separate review). The CX-90 earned the prestigious Editors’ Choice award for 2024 and outperformed four competitors in a recent comparison test. For those interested in a similarly equipped SUV but without the need for a third row, the nearly identical CX-70 offers the same design and features minus the extra seats. Overall, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 stands out as one of the best options in its segment.

When Is The 2025 Mazda CX-90 Coming Out?

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 is slated for release in the latter half of 2024, with dealers expected to receive the first models around the fall season. This timing positions it well for the 2025 model year and gives Mazda a fresh contender in the competitive three-row SUV market.

Pre-orders and detailed configurations started becoming available in mid-2024, with Mazda’s marketing emphasizing the CX-90’s blend of performance and luxury.

What’s New for 2025 Mazda CX-90 ?

In its second model year, the CX-90 introduces a new Premium Sport trim, which replaces the previous Premium trim that came with the standard engine. The Premium Sport stands out with its distinctive blacked-out exterior details, including the grille, badging, side mirrors, lower bumpers, and roof rails. It also features sleek 21-inch wheels finished in dark tones. Another update for 2025 is the wider availability of the second-row bench seat, offering an alternative to the optional captain’s chairs. Additionally, the 12.3-inch infotainment screen becomes standard on all trims except the base model. The Preferred Plus trim and the base Turbo S trim have been discontinued for this model year.

Pricing and Which Model to Choose

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 is priced starting at $39,300, with top trims and options pushing the price up to $57,905.

For those seeking maximum power and luxury, the S models stand out. They come equipped with the inline-six engine delivering a robust 340 horsepower—an increase of 60 horsepower over the lower trims. Along with the performance boost, the S trim offers premium features such as Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, ambient interior lighting, 21-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, and a hands-free power liftgate.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The CX-90 marks a milestone for Mazda as the first model to feature its new turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. This powertrain delivers 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque in the standard trims, while the S models ramp up output to a robust 340 horsepower and 369 pound-feet. The use of an inline-six engine — a common trait among luxury SUVs like the BMW X5 and Land Rover Range Rover Sport — highlights Mazda’s push toward a more premium market position. Additionally, a plug-in hybrid variant is available, producing 323 horsepower and 369 pound-feet, though it is covered in a separate review.

All CX-90s come equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, consistent with Mazda’s SUV lineup. Having tested the S model, we found its power more than adequate for both city streets and highway cruising. The 340-horsepower inline-six runs smoothly, but the paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel felt sluggish, making it preferable to let the automatic transmission handle gear changes on its own. Interestingly, the engine produced some unexpected rough sounds that contrasted with its otherwise refined operation.

The CX-90 offers composed handling and sporty dynamics typical of Mazda vehicles, though the suspension transmits a bit more road harshness than ideal. We’ve committed to a long-term test of the CX-90 Turbo S to evaluate its performance and durability over 40,000 miles of daily driving, errands, and road trips.

0-60 MPH Acceleration

While we haven’t tested the 280-horsepower version yet, our test of the 340-horsepower CX-90 recorded a 0 to 60 mph time of 6.3 seconds at the track.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA rates the Mazda CX-90 with the base 280-horsepower engine at 24 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The more powerful 340-horsepower S model sees a slight drop to 23 mpg city while maintaining the same 28 mpg highway rating. During our 75-mph highway test, the CX-90 Turbo S achieved an impressive 29 mpg. For detailed official fuel economy figures, you can visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Mazda CX-90 features a stylish and thoughtfully designed cabin, highlighted by unique touches like fabric inserts on the dashboard and door panels in higher trims. Most models come standard with a second-row bench seat, allowing the SUV to accommodate seven or eight passengers, depending on whether the third row seats two (in premium trims) or three (in more mainstream versions). That third row is best suited for children due to limited space.

Second-row captain’s chairs, praised for their comfort, come standard on the Premium Plus trims and are available as an option on most others—except the base Select trim. Opting for captain’s chairs reduces seating capacity to six or seven, depending on the third row layout. Leather upholstery becomes standard starting with the Preferred trim, while the softer, more luxurious Nappa leather is exclusive to the Premium Plus models.

Cargo capacity is practical for the class, offering 16 cubic feet behind the third row—enough for about three carry-on suitcases. Folding the third row down expands cargo space to 40 cubic feet, accommodating up to 16 carry-on bags. With all rear seats folded, the CX-90 offers a generous maximum of 75 cubic feet of cargo room.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Mazda CX-90 features a centrally mounted infotainment screen integrated into the dashboard, controlled primarily through a click wheel located on the center console. This setup, while less common than a touchscreen, reduces the need to reach forward and helps keep your eyes on the road—though it does come with a bit of a learning curve for navigation. All trims except the base Select come equipped with a 12.3-inch central display.

Higher trims include factory navigation as standard, with the option to add it on lower trims. Wireless charging is also available on select trims. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard across the lineup, with wireless connectivity offered on all models except the base Select.

Lower trims feature a 7.0-inch digital gauge cluster and an eight-speaker audio system, while the Premium Sport trim upgrades to a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system. The Premium Plus trim adds a fully digital gauge cluster, a feature that is also standard on the top-tier Turbo S models, which combine both the upgraded audio and digital gauges.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The Mazda CX-90 comes standard with the i-Activsense suite, a comprehensive package of driver-assistance technologies that includes automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and several other safety features. For detailed crash test results and safety ratings, you can refer to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Key Safety Features Include:

• Automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection (standard)

• Blind-spot monitoring (standard)

• Adaptive cruise control (standard)

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Mazda offers a limited warranty covering 3 years or 36,000 miles and a powertrain warranty lasting 5 years or 60,000 miles. However, unlike some rivals, the CX-90 does not come with complimentary scheduled maintenance.

• Limited warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

• Powertrain warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

• Complimentary scheduled maintenance: Not included

2025 Mazda CX-90 Specifications

Final Verdict

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 successfully elevates Mazda’s SUV lineup into a new realm of luxury, technology, and performance. It balances the fun-to-drive dynamics Mazda is known for with practical three-row versatility and upscale interior appointments.

Its powerful turbocharged inline-six engine and plug-in hybrid options provide flexibility for different buyers’ needs, while the rich safety features and advanced infotainment tech enhance everyday usability.

If you’re in the market for a midsize three-row SUV that stands out with European-like refinement but at a more accessible price point, the CX-90 is one of the best choices on the market in 2025.

2025 Mazda CX-90 Videos