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 theTurbo S Premium Plus AWDtrim, 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 byTan Nappa leather, and a simple, calming dash layout. Thefront seats are heated and ventilated, and therear seats get both heat and ventilation too– a rare bonus at this price point. Captain’s chairs in the second row are standard, and the12.3-inch digital displaylooks crisp.

 

 

Tech perks:

• 12-speaker Bose® system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
• Heads-up display
• Navigation
• 360° view monitorwith 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 a3.3-liter turbo inline-6that makes340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque more than enough for passing, merging, or towing. It’s paired with an8-speed automaticandi-ACTIV all-wheel drive.

 

 

Mazda also includesKinematic 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 yearsthan 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.