2025 Mazda CX-90 review: Still the one

2025 Mazda CX-90 review by The Road Beat

Words and pictures: Mitchell Weitzman

“Still the one that turns my head,” sang Larry Hoppen of Orleans back in 1976. Their seminal hit, Still the One, might have peaked at number five on the Billboard charts, but Mazda’s CX-90 SUV deserves a number-one spot. Though no longer brand new, the CX-90 continues to wow with its impressive blend of luxury and driving excellence. It might not be as user-friendly as a ubiquitous Toyota, but with the Mazda, “we’re still having fun.” And that matters most to me.

Picks

I’ve written plenty of critical reviews over the years of test driving new cars, but it’s not like I enjoy dishing out negativity. Great vehicles, however, often demand less writing because there’s simply less to complain about. And when there’s this much to love about the CX-90, am I allowed to just say it’s brilliant and move on? That becomes tough when there is so much to deeply like.

A beautiful SUV

It’s gorgeous—outside and in. The sleek, svelte shape could easily be mistaken for a luxury British marque, but it’s the cabin that truly shines. Among three-row family SUVs in the $55,000–$60,000 bracket, none of the Asian rivals can match the CX-90’s interior.

Leather furnishings are supple, available in beautiful colorways, and paired with soft-touch materials that cover much of the cabin. To get this level of European-inspired flair elsewhere, you’d have to spend at least $10k more on a Genesis, or much, much more on a German brand. Fit and finish are superb. Simply put, it’s a stunner.

Potent Powertrain

Motivation comes from a unique 3.3L inline-six that’s both punchy and efficient, convincingly delivering over 300 horsepower while still returning an easy 23 MPG. Wound up, it sings—not with the strained blender-like groan of a four-cylinder, but with a smooth, rich note that even Simon Cowell would approve of. The refinement in noise and vibration is a revelation if you’re used to smaller engines, so bravo to Mazda for embracing the sultry song of the classic inline-six configuration.

A backroad star

Beauty doesn't just run skin-deep here luckily, as this big, 200-inch family SUV absolutely eats up backroads. Right away, I loved the weight of the steering—substantial, deliberate, and encouraging. This isn’t a car you can steer with a pinky finger, as in some Volkswagens. On the contrary, this is a car that wants you to drive, and when you do, you’ll be thankful.

Even at normal speeds, the CX-90 feels planted and confident. The brakes have solid bite and progression, and the steering precision lets you trace the edges of a road with ease. Push harder, and the CX-90 transforms into an asphalt samurai, carving through corners with vigor most family SUVs lack and reminds of a vintage BMW X5. Honestly, I can’t remember the last “normal” BMW SUV that felt this rewarding.

Grip is immense, with both ends biting hard through snaking esses that allows generous throttle application. Direction changes are sharp, and the eight-speed auto shifts seamlessly—whether on its own or via the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Ride quality stays composed even over rough patches, keeping the CX-90 settled and aids in maintaining your pace through the bends. Understeer is rare and must be thoroughly provoked to reveal itself, and the resulting balance delivers backroad pace that will trouble amateurs in their sports cars.

Nicks

Fundamentals are so strong, but true perfection is elusive, and the CX-90 does have a few blemishes worth noting. For one, it simply isn’t as large as some of its rivals, such as the Toyota Grand Highlander or Kia Telluride. Both cargo space and third-row accommodations come up short, making the last row best suited for kids or the occasional passenger rather than adults on a long journey. A minivan remains the unbeatable choice if maximum space is your priority, but among SUVs, the Mazda’s third row is weaker than most.

The interior, while otherwise a masterclass in luxury, also has its quirks. The infotainment screen, for example, isn’t the most user-friendly. Though it can function as a touchscreen, its recessed placement makes it awkward to reach, limiting the practicality of said touch controls. Mazda's native UI also is in need of updates to make acclimation friendlier. Compounding that is an oddly ratcheting gear selector that feels unintuitive and requires a bit of a learning curve.

Finally, while the 3.3L inline-six with its mild-hybrid system is a gem overall, throttle response at low speeds isn’t perfect. The system is designed to fill in the gaps of the turbocharged engine and assist at low speeds or while stopped, yet in practice it can feel slightly hesitant pulling away from a stop if you're not careful or too abrupt with the gas pedal. It’s nowhere near as frustrating as the lag found in some competitors, but it’s one area where Mazda still has room to improve.

A stupendous SUV

I love the CX-90—and you probably will too. Mazda has nailed all the essentials: it’s the best-driving SUV in its class, one of the best-looking, one of the most luxurious, and its inline-six sounds and is fantastic.

Yes, the third row is on the smaller side, but I wouldn’t choose the two-row CX-70 instead. It offers no cost savings and also no extra space in the second row. Having that third row, even if used only occasionally, is simply too practical to give up for its added flexibility. Whether it’s for kids, emergencies, or piling in friends for a night out, it’s a great asset to still have.

Even if slightly smaller than some rivals, the CX-90 remains a big, versatile SUV with a standout interior and driving dynamics that shame its everyday rivals. And for me, it’s still the one.

2025 Mazda CX-90 Turbo S Premium Plus — Spec Sheet

MSRP

• About $60,000 as-tested

Powertrain & Performance

• Engine: 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-6 with mild-hybrid assist

• Horsepower: 340

• Torque: ~ 369 lb-ft

• Transmission: 8-speed automatic

• Drivetrain: i-Activ AWD (rear-biased all-wheel drive)

• 0–60 MPH: ~ 6.5 seconds

• Max towing capacity up to 5,000 lbs (with the inline-6 turbo)

Fuel & Efficiency

• Real world economy: 23 MPG

• Fuel Tank: ~ 19.6 gallons

Dimensions

• Overall Length: 202 in

• Wheelbase: 123 in

• Width: 78 in

• Height: 69 in

• Ground Clearance 8 in

• Curb Weight: about 5,000 lbs

Cargo & Seating

• Seating Capacity: 6 (with second-row captain’s chairs + center console, 2 in third row)

• Cargo Volume behind third row: 15 cu ft

• Cargo Volume (third row folded): 40 cu ft

• Cargo Volume (second + third rows folded): 74 cu ft

Wheels & Tires

• Wheels: 21 in aluminum alloy, machine-cut finish

• Tires: 275/45R21

Suspension

• Front Suspension: Double-wishbone with coil springs

• Rear Suspension: Multi-link with coil springs

Warranty

• Basic: 3 years / 36,000 miles

• Drivetrain: 5 years / 60,000 miles

• Corrosion: 5 years / unlimited miles

• Roadside Assistance: 3 years / 36,000 miles

Thank you for reading The Road Beat's 2025 Mazda CX-90 review. Please subscribe for more unfiltered and candid road tests. Photography with mitchellweitzmanphoto.com.