2026 Mazda CX-90 Preferred First Test: Strong Value, Still Needs On-Road Refinement

Pros

• Premium cabin
• Good value
• Looks handsome

Cons

• Transmission has abrupt shifts
• Tough competition
• Cramped interior

The Mazda CX-90 has been around for a while now, and although it’s on the small side for a three-row SUV, its premium-looking cabin and sharp exterior styling help make up for its lack of size. We should know. We’ve had extensive seat time behind the wheel of the CX-90 plug-in hybrid and the closely related CX-70 with the high-output version of Mazda’s gas-powered inline-six, both of which we tested for a full year.

Recently, we also had a chance to properly evaluate a 2026 Mazda CX-90 Preferred model. Sitting one step above the CX-90’s base trim, the Preferred came equipped with Mazda’s standard output, 3.3-liter inline-six under its sleek hood.

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The primary purpose of this test was to find out if a Mazda CX-90 powered by the standard six helps address any of the deficiencies in driving dynamics we experienced with the other models we tested. And secondarily, we wanted to see whether the lower-powered engine is good enough to choose over the higher-powered option.

Problem Not Solved

Indeed, most of the CX-90 lineup is motivated by the base 3.3-liter inline-six, which produces 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. Like the high-output version, which boosts power to 340 hp and 369 lb-ft when running on premium fuel, the base engine features a mild hybrid system and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard across the lineup.

One of the biggest issues with the models we’ve tested powered by the high-output engine has been the transmission issues we’ve experienced at low speeds. Shifts often felt unrefined, causing noticeable jerkiness when pulling out of driveways or maneuvering through parking lots, especially when the powertrain was cold. Unfortunately, the 2026 CX-90 Preferred exhibited similar behavior, though to a somewhat lesser degree. It wasn’t as jarring as in our CX-70, but the gearbox similarly struggled during low-speed situations.

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We also struggled to steer it at times. While we’ve long praised Mazda vehicles for their sporty driving character, and the CX-90 is decently engaging for a three-row SUV from a ride and handling standpoint, its steering can feel unreasonably heavy. One of our staffers even thought the vehicle had a flat tire because of how much effort it took to turn the wheel. The answer to question one: No, the base engine doesn’t help the CX-90 drive any better.

On the bright side, despite its lower output, the base engine felt adequately powered for an SUV of this size. Merging onto the freeway proved effortless, and the CX-90 had no trouble getting up to speed from a stop. At the track, our Preferred trim sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, not far off of the 6.5-second run posted by a high-output CX-90 we tested. That small gap carried over to the quarter mile, as well, where the Preferred completed the run in 15.2 seconds, compared to 14.9 seconds for the 340-hp model. Question two? Yes, you’d probably be just fine with the lower-powered engine.

Premium Cabin, Strong Value

Even in the lower-level Preferred trim, the CX-90’s cabin feels premium. It shares many features with higher trims, including the same 12.3-inch infotainment screen, heated front seats, leather upholstery, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel—all of which are welcome amenities at its $44,480 as-tested price.

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The cabin’s design further reinforces the premium feel. A leather-covered dashboard and clean layout elevate the interior experience, and aside from the lack of a digital instrument cluster, the Preferred felt about as upscale as other, higher-trim models we’ve tested. In general, the CX-90’s interior is a step above what you’ll find in an equivalent Honda or Toyota, and while it isn’t perfect, passengers in the first and second rows should have little to complain about.

The third row is a different matter. It’s not a comfortable place for adults, with limited legroom and headroom. While the space works well enough for children, we wish the CX-90’s third row did a better job accommodating adult passengers.

Another area that could use improvement is the CX-90’s technology setup. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen feels basic, but the bigger letdown is that it only functions as a touchscreen when Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is connected. When using Mazda’s native infotainment system, such as changing radio stations, you’re required to rely on the rotary controller instead. (The good news is that the new CX-5’s new touchscreen setup is a huge step forward, one that we’ll hopefully see the CX-90 adopt soon.)

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All things considered, however, the CX-90’s cabin delivers strong value. Its near-luxury appointments, combined with a relatively affordable price, make it easy to see why it would hold plenty of appeal for families. One thing worth noting is that for 2026, Mazda is removing second-row captain’s chairs from the Preferred trim. Sharp-eyed readers may notice that our test vehicle was equipped with them, but it was a 2025 model-year example. Aside from that change, there are no other updates to the CX-90’s cabin for 2026.

Is the 2026 Mazda CX-90 the Real Deal?

Mazda has been busy pushing its brand upmarket since the launch of the CX-90, aiming to compete more directly with Acura and Lexus. But maybe it should have been benchmarking the Koreans, instead. The 2026 Hyundai Palisade and the upcoming 2027 Kia Telluride also offer high-quality interiors, more interior space, and lower prices than the CX-90. While pricing for the 2027 Telluride has yet to be announced, we expect it to land around $40,000 to start. The Palisade, meanwhile, recently won a comparison test against the Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave.

So, while the 2026 Mazda CX-90 has its strong points, it’s facing stiffer competition than ever, most recently from the Korean offerings that have quickly reshaped the three-row SUV segment. As our latest test reinforced, the CX-90 needs more improvement in some areas to make it truly class competitive, but for now at least, its handsome exterior styling and premium-feeling interior could still be enough to win over the right families.