Thinking About a 2025 Mazda CX-90?

By A.Giron | May 2, 2025

If you’re car shopping and leaning toward a practical yet premium three-row SUV, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 should be high on your list. Mazda is aiming upscale here — and after spending a week behind the wheel of the Turbo S Premium Plus AWD trim, we can confidently say this SUV delivers on comfort, performance, and value.

Design That Feels Expensive (But Isn’t)

Our test model came in Machine Gray Metallic (a $595 upcharge), and it looked sharp from every angle. With clean lines, a long hood, and upscale styling, the CX-90 turns heads without trying too hard.

Compared to others:

• The Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade look tough but more mainstream.
• Toyota’s Grand Highlander is practical, but lacks elegance.
• Acura MDX is aggressive, but Mazda’s styling is more refined.

Verdict: The CX-90 stands out with timeless, grown-up style.

Interior: Comfortable, Quiet, and Premium

Open the door and you’re greeted by Tan Nappa leather, and a simple, calming dash layout. The front seats are heated and ventilated, and the rear seats get both heat and ventilation too — a rare bonus at this price point. Captain’s chairs in the second row are standard, and the 12.3-inch digital display looks crisp.

Tech perks:

• 12-speaker Bose® system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
• Heads-up display
• Navigation
• 360° view monitor with parking sensors

Compared to others:

• Telluride is plush, but not as refined.
• Grand Highlander has more space but less luxury feel.
• Volvo XC90 is similar in quality — but costs a lot more.

Verdict: Feels and looks like a luxury SUV, without the luxury markup.

Powertrain: Finally, a Family SUV That’s Fun

This isn’t your average grocery-getter. The CX-90 comes with a 3.3-liter turbo inline-6 that makes 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque — more than enough for passing, merging, or towing. It’s paired with an 8-speed automatic and i-ACTIV all-wheel drive.

Mazda also includes Kinematic Posture Control, which improves stability and cornering — making this SUV feel more connected to the road than anything else in its class.

Driving modes:

• Normal
• Sport
• Off-Road
• Towing (up to 5,000 lbs)

Compared to others:

• Grand Highlander and Telluride get the job done but feel heavier.
• Acura MDX drives well, but the powertrain isn’t as smooth.
• BMW X5 xDrive40i feels similar — at $15K more.

Verdict: Best driving experience in its class. No question.

Fuel Economy: Strong for the Power

• 25 MPG combined
• 23 city / 28 highway
• Annual fuel cost: $2,550
• Will cost about $3,250 more over 5 years than the average new vehicle due to its performance engine.

For a powerful AWD SUV with three rows, those are solid numbers.

Safety: Packed and Proven

The CX-90 earns a 5-star overall crash rating from the NHTSA — and it’s loaded with safety tech that comes standard, not extra.

Key safety features:

• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Lane Keep Assist
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Driver Attention Alert
• Traffic Sign Recognition
• Smart Brake Support (Front & Rear)

Compared to others:

• Mazda offers everything standard; no complicated add-on packages.
• Some competitors make you pay more for this level of protection.

Verdict: Safe, simple, and comprehensive.

Everyday Practicality: Plenty for Most

You get seating for up to 7 with the captain’s chairs, a power liftgate, and easy 60/40 split-folding third-row seats. There’s also underfloor cargo storage and a rear power outlet, which comes in handy on road trips.

Compared to others:

• The Grand Highlander and Telluride offer more room in the third row.
• CX-90 trades a little space for better materials and handling.

Verdict: Big enough for family life, smartly laid out for daily use.

Final Word: Should You Buy It?

If you want a three-row SUV that feels premium, drives like a sport sedan, and doesn’t break the $60K barrier — the 2025 Mazda CX-90 Turbo S Premium Plus AWD is a fantastic choice. It’s powerful, elegant, and packed with thoughtful features Mazda typically nails.

Carsfera Score: 9.0 / 10
Our Take: Mazda’s CX-90 might be the best-kept secret in the three-row SUV world.