Mercedes-Benz. BMW. Lexus. Audi. Cadillac. Your personal definition of a luxury car maker likely includes mention of the same culprits. However, you don’t have to wade into the financially crippling waters of traditional luxury brands to get a comfortable, upscale ride in 2026. In fact, one Japanese automaker wagers you can do it without compromising on three rows, athleticism, and value.
Believe it or not, it’s not a Lexus. It’s not even an Acura or an Infiniti. It’s the surprisingly posh 2026 Mazda CX-90. At the top trims, the CX-90 is unexpectedly deluxe and thrusty courtesy of a bump in six-cylinder power. At lower trims, like the CX-90 Premium Sport, the CX-90 is comfy and well-appointed without losing its place as a worthy value proposition. So much so, in fact, that the CX-90 might siphon off some of the fan base once reserved for the traditional luxury automakers.
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 Premium Sport: Deceptively Luxurious
Mazda has something of a reputation. Spoiler alert: it’s not for lavishness. Over a decade ago, the Japanese automaker would cap its commercials off with “Zoom Zoom.” In short, the brand behind perhaps one of the greatest everyman sports cars ever got some mileage out of being, well, sporty. It’s a philosophy the brand attempted to instill into all of its cars and SUVs, including the three-row, family-friendly Mazda CX-90.
But the CX-90 does something beyond offering some Zoom Zoom to midsize, three-row SUV shoppers; it blurs the lines between utility and luxury without a stuffy European badge. Enough, in fact, that we’d stick with the mid-tier Mazda CX-90 Premium Sport trim rather than stretching to the range-topping CX-90 S Premium Plus. The Premium Sport gets a well-appointed cabin, complete with leather everything and handsome paneling on the doors and center console. However, the Premium Plus trim also adds a few desirable qualities you won’t find on lower trims, like an eight-way power-adjustable leather driver’s seat, a hands-free power rear liftgate, and a more substantial panoramic moonroof.
An Upscale Interior
Granted, you won’t find hand-hewn wood from some ancient English forest or a Cartier clock set into the dash. What you will find, however, is a stylish interior layout blending form and function. A 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration is standard kit above Preferred or higher trim level, and a 12-speaker Bose Premium audio system is an optional extra we’d pick.
To add to the comfort level, a set of leather, second-row captain’s chairs is standard equipment for the CX-90 Premium Plus, something for which your back-seat dwellers would be grateful. But going for the individual seating drops the CX-90’s overall capacity, though it makes for a more comfortable environment for passengers. A Nappa leather upholstery option is a welcome upgrade. But you’ll find the Nappa leather is exclusively for Premium Plus trims.
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Three Rows And Athletic Handling
Although it’s larger than the more diminutive, more agile offerings in the brand’s lineup, the CX-90 has no business being as nimble as it is. You’ll find body roll in the 4,945-pound SUV if you go looking for it, but it will cling to corners enough to satisfy driving enthusiasts. Needless to say, the CX-90 is more sporty than segment competitors like the Kia Telluride or Toyota Grand Highlander.
That said, the CX-90’s athleticism comes at a bit of a compromise. On rough pavement, the three-row Mazda’s ride is on the rougher side. Not as jarring as a performance-focused sports car, but firm nonetheless. On the other hand, as Mazda’s resident three-row offering, the CX-90 is the best way to Zoom-Zoom with seating for up to eight. Still, even with a third row, full-grown adults might find the extra seating a bit tight. In a pinch, you could get an entire water polo team into the CX-90. But you might not want to make it a lengthy trip.
2026 Mazda CX-90 Specs
|
Engine |
Turbocharged 3.3-Liter I6 |
|
Transmission |
8-Speed Automatic |
|
Horsepower |
280 HP, 340 HP (S trims) |
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Torque |
332 LB-FT, 369 LB-FT (S trims) |
|
Drivetrain |
All-Wheel Drive |
|
Cargo Volume |
16 Cubic Feet, 40 Cubic Feet (3rd Row Stowed) |
|
Curb Weight |
4,945 LBS |
|
EPA Fuel Economy |
23 MPG City, 28 MPG Highway |
Premium Value At The Premium Sport Trim
We’d stick with the CX-90’s Premium Sport trim, unless you need the extra gusto of the S trim levels. The third-level trim starts at $46,980 before the addition of extras like the $900 Premier Tow package. That also puts the CX-90 Premium Sport on par with less luxe competitors like the 2026 Honda Pilot. The more potent S trims add more than just horsepower to the equation, pushing the starting price up to $57,370 at the top level.
Dial ‘S’ For More Performance
Regardless of trim, you’ll find a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline six under the Mazda CX-90’s hood. No turbo four-cylinder mills in the mix. However, while lower trims, like the aforementioned CX-90 Premium Sport, produce a commendable 280 horsepower.
Opting for the CX-90 S Premium Sport or CX-90 S Premium Plus boosts output up to a muscular 340 horsepower. Simply put, you won’t find a more thrust-happy engine in the rest of the midsize, three-row SUV segment.
2026 Mazda CX-90 Pricing
|
2026 Mazda CX-90 Select |
$38,800 |
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2026 Mazda CX-90 Preferred |
$42,950 |
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2026 Mazda CX-90 Premium Sport |
$46,980 |
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2026 Mazda CX-90 Premium Plus |
$50,270 |
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2026 Mazda CX-90 S Premium Sport |
$53,940 |
|
2026 Mazda CX-90 S Premium Plus |
$57,370 |
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So, Should You Buy One?
If you’re looking for a surprisingly luxurious three-row SUV that doesn’t fail to excite, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 might just be the ticket. And with plenty of goodies available at the Premium Sport trim, the CX-90 can punch above its weight without exceeding the price of an average new car. And just because things appear opulent on the inside doesn’t mean you should shy away from putting the CX-90 through its paces.
With the third row folded, the CX-90 will swallow up mass quantities of groceries, luggage, or sporting equipment. Need to tow something? The three-row CX-90 will pull up to 5,000 pounds with the Premier Tow pack. Don’t need the third row? The CX-70 does what the CX-90 does, just without the third row. However, the Mazda CX-90’s firm ride could stand to soften up a bit, something that connoisseurs of luxury SUVs might find too jarring. For those types, the spacious, road trip-ready 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is graceful in direct comparison. That said, you might have to live without the added sportiness you’d experience in the Mazda.