2025 Mazda CX-90 Review: A Premium Take on Three-Row SUVs

2025 Mazda CX-90

Introduction

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 continues to redefine what a three-row SUV can offer, bringing Mazda’s vision of luxury, performance, and practicality to the forefront. Replacing the outgoing CX-9, the CX-90 is designed for families and enthusiasts who value premium features, dynamic performance, and elegant styling.

For 2025, Mazda has introduced subtle updates, including a new Premium Sport trim and expanded second-row bench seating options. With its robust engine lineup, spacious cabin, and refined aesthetics, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 is ready to compete head-on with segment leaders.

2025 Mazda CX-90 Specifications

2025 Mazda CX-90 Engine

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 offers an impressive range of specifications, designed to cater to diverse buyer needs:

Engine Options:

– 3.3L Turbocharged Inline-Six (280 hp, 332 lb-ft torque).

– 3.3L Turbocharged Inline-Six Turbo S (340 hp, 369 lb-ft torque with premium fuel).

– 2.5L Plug-in Hybrid (323 hp, 369 lb-ft torque with a 17.8-kWh battery pack).

Drivetrain: Standard AWD across all trims for confident handling.

Transmission: Smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission, optimized for performance and fuel efficiency.

Performance: The Turbo S variant clocks a 0-60 mph time of just 6.3 seconds, offering sports car-like acceleration in an SUV.

Fuel Economy:

– Turbo: 24/28 mpg (city/highway).

– Turbo S: 23/28 mpg (city/highway).

– Plug-in Hybrid: Estimated 56 mpg-e combined, with 26 miles of pure electric range.

This powertrain versatility ensures there’s a CX-90 for everyone, whether you prioritize efficiency or raw performance.

Exterior Design

2025 Mazda CX-90

Mazda’s Kodo design philosophy gives the 2025 Mazda CX-90 its striking presence on the road. The long hood, bold grille, and elegant contours echo the styling of high-end luxury SUVs. The introduction of the Premium Sport trim brings a sporty edge with black accents on the grille, roof rails, and lower bumpers.

Dimensions: Its commanding 200.8-inch length and 78.5-inch width provide ample space for passengers and cargo.

Notable Features: LED headlamps, signature daytime running lights, and sculpted alloy wheels contribute to the CX-90’s premium aesthetic.

Color Palette: Options like Artisan Red Premium and Deep Crystal Blue Mica enhance its visual appeal, offering something for every taste.

Mazda’s attention to detail ensures the CX-90 stands out in a crowded segment, blending luxury and functionality seamlessly.

Interior Features

2025 Mazda CX-90 Interior

Inside, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 continues to impress with its thoughtful design and high-quality materials. Every detail is crafted to enhance comfort and elevate the driving experience.

Cabin Design: Nappa leather upholstery, suede accents, and fabric inserts on the dashboard and door panels give the interior a sophisticated look. Even the base trims boast above-average materials.

Seating Configurations:

– Standard second-row bench seating accommodates seven or eight passengers, depending on the trim.

– Premium trims offer second-row captain’s chairs, reducing seating capacity to six or seven but enhancing comfort.

Cargo Space:

– 16 cubic feet behind the third row (ideal for light luggage).

– Expandable to 40 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 75 cubic feet with all rear seats down.

2025 Mazda CX-90 hasn’t skimped on technology either. A standard 12.3-inch infotainment display (except in base trims) is paired with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it easy to stay connected. Premium trims also include a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a fully digital gauge cluster.

Safety Features

2025 Mazda CX-90 continues to prioritize safety with its i-Activsense suite, ensuring peace of mind for every journey. The CX-90 received a five-star safety rating from NHTSA, further solidifying its reputation as a family-friendly SUV.

Standard Features:

– Adaptive cruise control.

– Automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection.

– Lane-keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring.

Available Add-Ons:

– A 360-degree camera for better parking visibility.

– Driver attention monitoring for added safety during long drives.

Whether navigating busy city streets or tackling long highway stretches, the CX-90 is equipped to keep you and your passengers safe.

Driving Experience

2025 Mazda CX-90 driving

Mazda’s engineering expertise shines in the CX-90’s driving dynamics. It delivers a balance of comfort and athleticism rarely seen in the mid-size SUV segment.

Performance: The inline-six engine provides smooth power delivery, while the plug-in hybrid offers impressive torque for city and highway driving.

Handling: With sharp steering and agile handling, the CX-90 feels more like a sporty crossover than a bulky SUV.

Comfort: While the suspension is tuned for a sportier feel, it occasionally lets in more road harshness than rivals like the Toyota Highlander.

Whether cruising through urban environments or embarking on long road trips, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 offers a rewarding experience for drivers and passengers alike.

Pricing and Variants

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 comes in nine trims, offering a wide range of features and price points to suit different buyers:

Turbo Select: $37,845

Turbo Preferred: $40,945

Turbo Premium Sport: $46,400

Turbo Premium Plus: $49,400

Plug-in Hybrid Preferred: $49,945

Turbo S Premium: $52,950

Plug-in Hybrid Premium Sport: $54,900

Turbo S Premium Plus: $56,450

Plug-in Hybrid Premium Plus: $57,950

The Plug-in Hybrid Preferred strikes the best balance between features and value, while the Turbo S Premium Pluscaters to those seeking maximum performance and luxury.

Pros

– Premium styling and materials.

– Engaging driving dynamics for an SUV.

– Versatile powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid option.

Cons:

– Tight third-row space; better suited for children.

– Infotainment system may feel unintuitive to new users.

– High-end trims overlap with luxury SUV pricing.

Competitors Comparison

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 faces tough competition, but it carves its niche as a luxury-leaning mid-size SUV:

Hyundai Palisade: Offers a roomier cabin and more accessible pricing but lacks the CX-90’s sporty character.

Toyota Highlander: Prioritizes reliability and resale value but falls short on driving engagement.

Kia Telluride: Matches the CX-90 in design and features but offers slightly better rear-seat comfort.

Check out my full review of the Toyota Highlander and Kia Telluride for a closer look.

Conclusion

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 is a compelling choice for buyers seeking a mid-size SUV with luxury aspirations. While it may not have the outright space of some competitors, its upscale interior, refined performance, and advanced safety features make it a standout option. Whether you’re drawn to the powerful inline-six engine, the efficient plug-in hybrid, or the sleek design, the CX-90 delivers on multiple fronts.

Additional Features

– Warranty: 3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

– Ownership Benefits: Mazda’s reliability and low maintenance costs contribute to long-term value.

2025 Mazda CX-90 Review Verdict
If you value style, performance, and premium touches, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 is an excellent investment. Families needing maximum rear-seat space, however, may find rivals like the Palisade or Telluride more suitable.

Check out Nova Motor Edge for more car reviews and all things automotive.

Visit Mazda for more information.

Image credits/source – Mazda

CATEGORIES:

Car Reviews

No responses yet

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest Comments

No comments to show.