Cars

2025 Mazda CX-90 Review: Specs, Price, and Drive Report

JH
John H
Senior Cars Expert
8 min read

2025 Mazda CX-90 Review: Specs, Price, and Drive Report

The automotive world is eagerly awaiting the arrival of the 2025 Mazda CX-90, a bold evolution in Mazda's SUV lineup. Positioned as a flagship three-row SUV, the 2025 CX-90 combines premium design, cutting-edge technology, and refined performance to compete with top-tier luxury crossovers. With its blend of elegance, power, and everyday usability, this model aims to redefine what a midsize SUV can be. In this comprehensive review, we cover everything you need to know about the 2025 Mazda CX-90—its specs, expected pricing, interior and exterior features, safety innovations, and our firsthand drive report.

Exterior Design: Elegance Meets Athleticism

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 continues the brand’s Kodo design philosophy, which emphasizes fluid lines, dynamic proportions, and minimalist sophistication. From the front, the bold signature wing grille flanks slim LED headlights, giving the SUV a poised and confident stance. The long hood and sweeping roofline contribute to its athletic presence, while the precise character lines emphasize motion even when standing still.

Available in a range of premium paint finishes—including Soul Red Crystal, Snowflake White Pearl Mica, and Machine Gray Metallic—the CX-90 exudes a premium aura. The flush door handles and clean panel gaps reflect Mazda’s attention to aerodynamic efficiency and high build quality. The rear features sleek LED taillights with sequential turn signals and a gently sculpted liftgate that enhances both form and function.

With a wheelbase stretching 114.2 inches and an overall length of 196.9 inches, the CX-90 is designed to dominate the midsize SUV segment with presence and practicality. Standard 20-inch alloy wheels are available in multi-spoke designs, while higher trims may offer unique finishes and larger wheel options. Adaptive LED headlights, heated power-folding mirrors, and a hands-free power liftgate complete the exterior’s premium touches.

2025 Mazda CX-90 in sleek exterior design

Interior: Craftsmanship and Comfort

Step inside the 2025 Mazda CX-90, and you’re greeted by a cabin that rivals luxury brands in both materials and design. Mazda has applied its “Human-Centric” philosophy, focusing on ergonomics, driver engagement, and serene aesthetics. High-quality soft-touch surfaces, genuine wood trim, and optional semi-aniline leather upholstery elevate the interior ambiance.

The CX-90 seats up to seven passengers across three rows, with second-row captain’s chairs available on higher trims for added comfort. The first and second rows offer generous legroom and bolstered support, ideal for long drives. Third-row access is simplified with a one-touch tumble feature, and while the rearmost seats are best suited for children or shorter adults, they represent a significant improvement over previous Mazda models.

Storage solutions are thoughtfully integrated throughout the cabin. The center console features a dual-level design with wireless charging, USB-C ports, and concealed storage. A panoramic glass roof enhances the sense of space, flooding the cabin with natural light. Ambient lighting with customizable color schemes adds to the premium feel, especially at night.

Infotainment and Technology

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 features the latest iteration of Mazda’s infotainment system, powered by the new Mazda Intelligence Platform. This architecture brings faster processing, sharper graphics, and seamless connectivity. The centerpiece is a 10.25-inch touchscreen mounted slightly toward the driver for easier access. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and fully wireless, ensuring effortless smartphone integration.

Also standard is Mazda’s 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, offering customizable displays including navigation, audio, and driver assistance data. Higher trims add a head-up display (HUD) that projects speed, navigation cues, and safety alerts directly into the driver’s line of sight.

Audio enthusiasts will appreciate the available 21-speaker Bose premium sound system, engineered specifically for the CX-90’s cabin acoustics. Additional tech highlights include:

The Mazda Connect rotary dial remains available for those who prefer tactile control over touchscreens, offering intuitive menu navigation without taking eyes off the road.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 comes with two primary powertrain options, both emphasizing smoothness, responsiveness, and efficiency. The base engine is a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four (2.5T) that produces 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque when using premium fuel. This engine is available with front- or all-wheel drive and pairs with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

However, the true standout is the available twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine, offered in two outputs:

Both versions of the inline-six are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard i-Activ AWD. The engine’s placement and tuning deliver near 50/50 weight distribution, enhancing balance and handling. Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) further improves cornering stability by adjusting engine torque and brake pressure.

For 2025, Mazda introduces a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant of the CX-90, marking a significant step in the brand’s electrification strategy. The e-Skyactiv PHEV system combines the 2.5-liter turbo engine with an electric motor and a 17.8 kWh battery pack. It delivers a total system output of 323 horsepower and an estimated 35 miles of all-electric range. This makes the CX-90 PHEV ideal for commuters who want zero-emission daily driving and long-range capability when needed.

All models feature drive mode selectors with Normal, Sport, Off-Road, Towing, and Snow settings. The Sport mode sharpens throttle response, firms up steering, and adjusts suspension damping (on models with adaptive dampers). Towing capacity reaches up to 3,500 pounds for non-hybrid models and 2,000 pounds for the PHEV—modest compared to rivals but sufficient for small trailers or watercraft.

Driving Dynamics: A Driver’s SUV

Mazda has long prided itself on building vehicles that feel alive behind the wheel, and the 2025 CX-90 is no exception. Despite its size, the CX-90 handles corners with surprising agility. The chassis is stiff and well-tuned, with minimal body roll thanks to a standard rear stabilizer bar and available adaptive dampers.

On a winding mountain road, the CX-90 feels more like a sport sedan than a three-row SUV. Steering is precise with excellent feedback, and the AWD system confidently distributes power to maintain grip. The twin-turbo inline-six delivers strong mid-range acceleration, with the 0–60 mph sprint completed in just 5.5 seconds—impressive for a vehicle of this class.

Ride comfort is equally impressive. The suspension soaks up bumps and potholes with grace, especially on higher trims with adaptive dampers. Road and wind noise are well-controlled, with acoustic glass and enhanced insulation contributing to a serene cabin—particularly in the PHEV model, which operates quietly in electric mode.

While the CX-90 isn’t designed for hardcore off-roading, the Off-Road drive mode and standard AWD provide confidence on gravel paths, snowy roads, or wet trails. Hill Descent Control and traction management systems enhance safety in slippery conditions.

Seating and Cargo Capacity

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 offers flexible seating configurations to suit a range of needs. The standard layout includes a 60/40-split second row and a 50/50-split third row. Opting for captain’s chairs reduces capacity to six but increases second-row comfort significantly.

Legroom and headroom are generous in the first two rows. Second-row passengers benefit from available heating, USB ports, and a fold-down center console. The third row, while compact, is usable for children or adults on shorter trips. Knee room is improved over previous models, and the panoramic roof prevents a claustrophobic feel.

Cargo space varies depending on seating configuration:

The cargo area features a flat load floor, tie-down hooks, and optional power-folding third-row seats. A hands-free liftgate and available cargo cover add convenience. While not the largest in class, the CX-90’s cargo area is well-organized and accessible, with deep storage bins under the floor for smaller items.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Safety is a top priority for Mazda, and the 2025 CX-90 is expected to earn top marks from the IIHS and NHTSA. It comes standard with Mazda’s i-Activsense suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including:

Higher trims add enhanced features such as:

The CX-90 also features a robust body structure made with high-strength steel and multiple airbags, including front, side, curtain, and driver’s knee airbags. LATCH anchors are available for all three rows, with the second row offering two complete sets for maximum child seat flexibility.

Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Impact

Fuel economy for the 2025 Mazda CX-90 varies by powertrain. The EPA estimates are as follows:

The PHEV model stands out for its ability to operate emission-free in urban environments. With a Level 2 charger, the battery can be replenished in about 4.5 hours. The CX-90 PHEV also qualifies for federal and some state tax incentives, potentially reducing the effective purchase price.

Mazda continues to focus on sustainable manufacturing, using recycled materials in interior trim and reducing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in cabin air. The company has also committed to carbon neutrality by 2050, with the CX-90 representing a key step in that journey.

Trim Levels and Pricing

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 is expected to be offered in five trim levels: Select, Preferred, Premium, Premium Plus, and Carbon Edition. Pricing starts at approximately $42,500 for the base Select trim with the 2.5T engine and FWD, and tops out around $65,000 for the fully loaded Carbon Edition PHEV with the high-output inline-six and all available options.

Here’s a breakdown of expected pricing and features: