Styling takes a more upright and muscular turn with the CX-90, signaling a departure from the curvier form of the outgoing CX-9. Broader proportions and a stronger stance lend it an air of confidence, shedding the swoopy wagon vibe for something that leans into the SUV persona. With a more pronounced front fascia and squared-off roofline, it carries itself with fresh composure and visual heft.
Mazda continues to evolve its design playbook, drawing on the essence of KODO while injecting a more assertive character. Previous models leaned into fluidity and elegance, but this iteration favors sharpness and strength. Subtle tweaks in surface treatment and stance allow the CX-90 to maintain visual harmony while projecting newfound presence and intention.
From its carefully contoured panels to the polished grille treatment, design elements on the CX-90 reinforce a premium outlook. Minimalist body lines, crisp LED lighting, and tight panel gaps elevate its curb appeal. Mazda’s knack for punching above its price class shows no signs of slowing down here; if anything, the CX-90 raises that bar once more with mature, upscale styling choices.
PERFORMANCE
Mazda’s commitment to crafting vehicles with genuine road feel comes through clearly in the CX-90. It cruises with grace during daily errands, offering a polished and composed ride that aligns with others in its class. Apply more throttle on a winding road, however, and its refined dynamics shine through, revealing steering that communicates well and a chassis that eagerly responds to quick directional changes.
At the core of that poised handling lies Mazda’s Kinematic Posture Control. Instead of using weighty hardware, the system subtly engages the inner brakes during turns to improve stability. This action gently shifts the load across the suspension, complementing the chassis setup and keeping body motions tidy. The result is a more composed ride through curves without adding complexity under the sheetmetal.
By enhancing agility through intelligent calibration rather than mechanical heft, Mazda keeps the experience engaging and modern. Compared to the outgoing model, the CX-90 feels more rooted and substantial, giving up some light-footedness in favor of better overall control. Power delivery comes from a 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six paired with a mild-hybrid system, delivering a punchy yet smooth driving character that feels like a natural progression for the brand.
Smoothness isn’t perfect across the board. Under moderate throttle, the engine can transmit some vibration into the cabin, especially around the steering column and dashboard. That said, braking leaves a strong impression. Pedal feedback stays consistent and firm, while transitions between regenerative and standard braking happen so seamlessly that most drivers likely won’t detect them during regular use.
VERDICT
Across seven days behind the wheel, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus made its case as a well-equipped contender in the upscale SUV space. Priced at $56,450 before delivery, this particular version arrived without optional add-ons. After factoring in destination and standard fees, the total came to $57,905, placing it squarely among the higher-priced options in the non-luxury three-row segment.
What we liked
Notable strengths include a cabin that feels thoughtfully designed with quality materials, an inline-six engine that supplies power with minimal effort, and handling that remains poised and responsive for a vehicle of this scale and intent.
What we didn’t like
Areas for improvement include a third row that offers limited room for adult passengers, a suspension that can feel jittery over rougher surfaces, and a pricing structure that creeps close to the entry points of established luxury marques.
