2026 Mazda CX-90: A Family SUV with an Inline-6 and Something to Prove
An Inline-6 Is a Delightfully Expensive Answer
The e-SKYACTIV®-G 3.3L Turbo Inline-6 comes in 2 states of tune. Standard Turbo models produce 280 hp and 332 lbs. ft of torque, while Turbo S models deliver up to 340 hp and 369 lbs. ft of torque with recommended premium fuel. Both use an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard i-ACTIV AWD®. Mi-Drive provides Normal, Sport, and Off-Road modes, with Towing mode available on properly equipped models. Maximum towing capacity reaches 5,000 lbs. on select configurations, while others are rated for up to 3,500 lbs. This is considerable mechanical ambition for something likely to spend Tuesday afternoon collecting children from school.
Three Rows Without the School-Bus Atmosphere
The CX-90 can seat up to 8 passengers with a second-row bench, while available captain's chairs reduce capacity and provide a more accommodating middle row. There's 14.9 cu. ft. of cargo room behind the third row and up to 74.2 cu. ft. with the second and third rows folded. Higher trims can become properly plush, adding Nappa leather-trimmed seating, ventilated front and second-row seats, and a Bose® audio system. An available panoramic moonroof gives the cabin additional visual acreage, while second- and third-row USB-C charging helps settle the question of whose phone is currently dying.
The Crash-Test Results Are Rather Persuasive
A family SUV has responsibilities beyond transporting everyone and everything. The 2026 CX-90 earned a 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award and a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from NHTSA. Mazda's standard i-ACTIVSENSE® technologies include Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Vehicle Exit Warning. Depending on trim, available systems include Driver Monitoring, Road Keep Assist, Cruising & Traffic Support, and a 360° View Monitor with See-Through View. Trailer Hitch View can also make lining up with a trailer considerably less dependent on shouted instructions from someone standing behind the vehicle.
Screens Without Turning the Dashboard into Times Square
Mazda has resisted the industry temptation to treat the dashboard as vacant real estate for televisions. Mazda Connect™ provides infotainment functions along with Bluetooth®, Apple CarPlay® integration, and Android Auto™ integration. Mazda Connected Services includes a 1-year trial and provides compatible functions through the MyMazda app, including remote engine start and vehicle-status information. A SiriusXM® 3-month trial is also included. The technology is present, capable, and mostly content to get on with its job.
The Family SUV for People Who Still Like Cars
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 does the obligatory family-SUV things rather well: 3 rows, up to 8 seats, substantial cargo capacity, strong safety credentials, and available 5,000-lb. towing capability. What's unusual is everything Mazda piled on afterward. An inline-6. Standard AWD. Thoughtful chassis engineering. A cabin that doesn't resemble an electronics showroom. None of those things are strictly necessary for getting the family across Longview, TX. That's precisely why they're appealing. Explore the 2026 Mazda CX-90 lineup at Gorman McCracken Mazda and schedule a test drive online to discover what happens when the practical family SUV is engineered by people who still care how cars feel.