SpeedSUVs.com — The mid-size three-row SUV segment is highly competitive, but the Mazda CX-90 stands out by bridging the gap between mainstream utility and luxury refinement. With its elegant styling, upscale interior, and athletic handling, this vehicle delivers a premium driving experience that rivals more expensive luxury models. Under the hood, a turbocharged inline-six engine provides smooth power, offering two distinct outputs depending on the trim level you choose. However, with six different trim options available, finding the right balance of features and cost can be a challenge for potential buyers looking to maximize their investment.
Engine Options and Performance Capabilities
At the heart of the Mazda CX-90 is a standard 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six engine. For the majority of the trim lineup, this powerplant produces a capable 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. This baseline output is more than adequate for daily driving, highway merging, and hauling family cargo. The engine’s smooth power delivery is complemented by the vehicle’s athletic handling and high-quality cabin materials, making it feel remarkably upscale.
For drivers seeking more spirited performance, Mazda offers a highly tuned version of the same engine in its top-tier S trims. This upgraded engine pumps out an impressive 340 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. In independent testing, the top-of-the-line S Premium Plus trim utilized this extra power to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 6.3 seconds. While the standard 280-horsepower engine is suitable for most families, the Turbo S variant caters directly to those who prioritize performance and acceleration.
A Close Look at the Mazda CX-90 Trim Levels
The Mazda CX-90 lineup spans multiple price points, allowing buyers to choose between basic premium comfort and near-luxury indulgence. Even the entry-level models are well-equipped, ensuring that every passenger experiences a high-end environment regardless of the chosen configuration.
The Entry-Level Options: Select and Preferred
The journey into the CX-90 lineup begins with the Select trim, priced at $40,830. Even at this entry level, the vehicle feels luxurious compared to its mainstream competitors, coming standard with elegant leatherette-trimmed seats. Moving up to the Preferred trim, which starts at $44,980, introduces real leather upholstery, heated front seats, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. These trims offer a comfortable entry point for families who want premium features without breaking the bank.
The Best Value: Premium Sport Trim
For buyers searching for the absolute best value for their money, the Premium Sport trim emerges as the ideal choice. Priced at $49,010, this mid-tier model sits comfortably above the Select and Preferred trims but remains more affordable than the high-end Premium Plus variants. The Premium Sport trim adds several highly desirable upgrades, including stylish black wheels, built-in navigation, traffic sign recognition, and Sirius satellite radio. Audiophiles will also appreciate the inclusion of a premium 12-speaker Bose surround sound system.
In addition to these technology and styling upgrades, the Premium Sport trim enhances utility. It introduces a drive mode selector that allows drivers to choose between sport, off-road, and towing modes. This trim also unlocks a higher towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, a significant upgrade from the 3,500-pound limit found on the lower Select and Preferred models.
The Luxury-Focused Premium Plus
Positioned just above the Premium Sport is the non-S Premium Plus trim, which carries a price tag of $51,800. This model brings exclusive luxury features that are not available on any other standard Turbo model. Buyers who opt for this trim will enjoy nappa-leather-trimmed seats, a 360-degree camera system, front cross-traffic alert, adaptive front lighting, a windshield de-icer, and a convenient 150-watt power outlet. It is the ultimate choice for buyers who want top-tier luxury features but prefer to stick with the standard 280-horsepower engine.
The High-Performance S Trims
At the top of the hierarchy sit the S Premium Sport and S Premium Plus trims, priced at $55,760 and $59,100 respectively. These models feature the high-output 340-horsepower engine and add an innovative interior camera system. This system can create a custom driver profile that automatically remembers your preferred seat and side mirror settings. The range-topping S Premium Plus represents the pinnacle of Mazda luxury, boasting premium cabin accents, ventilated second-row seats, a dedicated rear console, and ultra-premium nappa leather seating.
Optional Packages and Seating Configurations
Mazda offers a few select options to help buyers customize their CX-90. For those who plan on utilizing the vehicle’s towing capabilities, two distinct towing packages are available for the Premium Sport and higher trims:
- Premier Tow Package ($900): Includes a trailer hitch, wiring harness, tow ball mount, and a brake controller to safely tow up to 5,000 pounds.
- Essential Tow Package ($700): A simplified package that includes only the trailer hitch and wiring harness.
Other standalone options include a high-tech digital rearview mirror for $800. Buyers can also choose to replace the standard second-row bench seat with comfortable captain’s chairs at no additional cost. While this swap reduces the overall seating capacity from eight passengers to seven, it improves third-row accessibility and provides a more luxurious experience for second-row occupants.
Pros and Cons of the Mazda CX-90
To help you make an informed buying decision, here is a balanced overview of the strengths and weaknesses of the Mazda CX-90 lineup based on available specifications and test results:
Pros
- Premium Cabin Experience: Soft-touch materials and high-end upholstery (including standard leatherette on the base model and premium nappa leather on high trims) create a near-luxury atmosphere.
- Athletic Handling: Offers a more engaging and enthusiastic driving experience than typical mid-size three-row SUVs.
- Strong Engine Performance: The turbocharged inline-six engine provides smooth, satisfying acceleration, with up to 340 horsepower on top-tier S trims.
- Excellent Towing Capacity: Premium Sport and higher trims can tow up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with a tow package.
Cons
- Limited Base Towing: Lower trims (Select and Preferred) are restricted to a lower towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
- High-End Price Premium: The top S trims approach the $60,000 mark, which may feel expensive for a mainstream brand.
- Reduced Seating with Captain’s Chairs: Choosing the comfortable second-row captain’s chairs drops the maximum occupancy from eight to seven passengers.
Conclusion: Which Trim Should You Buy?
The Mazda CX-90 succeeds in delivering a premium, near-luxury three-row SUV experience without the heavy price tag of a traditional luxury brand. For the vast majority of buyers, the Premium Sport trim at $49,010 offers the best overall value. It successfully blends athletic performance, advanced technology, high-end audio, and full 5,000-pound towing capabilities into a reasonably priced package. However, if performance is your main priority and budget is not a constraint, the Turbo S trims offer incredible power and high-tech convenience features that make the CX-90 feel like a true flagship vehicle.
