2025 Mazda CX-90 Review: Subtly Outperforming Honda and Toyota

      Joel Feder

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      Mazda took enthusiast feedback into account when developing its latest three-row SUV. Featuring a rear-wheel-drive-based drivetrain, a turbocharged inline-six engine, traditional buttons and knobs, and an appealing design, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 should, by most measures, be flying off the shelves.

      However, it's no surprise that the majority of car buyers aren't enthusiasts. This is evident in Mazda's sales figures, having sold only 54,676 CX-90s in 2024, compared to Hyundai's 110,005 Palisades and Honda's 141,245 Pilots. Nonetheless, these numbers are a significant improvement over the previous generation's best year, which saw 34,580 units sold in 2022.

      So, there is a positive trend in sales, indicating that more consumers should take notice of this impressive family vehicle.

      The Basics

      2025 marks the CX-90's second year in the market. Mazda introduced black trim elements with a new Sport trim and made the second-row bench seat more widely available, alongside making the larger 12.3-inch infotainment screen standard on additional trims. Essentially, Mazda has broadened some configurations while maintaining the same overall design.

      The design remains unchanged, which is a good thing, as the CX-90 stands out as the most stylish and premium-looking mainstream three-row SUV currently available. Its chrome details sparkle in the sunlight, and the design is sleek, not overly aggressive or complicated. It boasts attractive lines with a long dash-to-axle ratio, giving it an athletic appearance that rivals like the Acura MDX cannot achieve. The horizontal lighting elements, particularly at the back, enhance the width of the vehicle over its height.

      Inside, the dashboard's horizontal design is straightforward and set low for a clear view out front. The slender A-pillars do not impede sightlines. Controls are user-friendly, incorporating buttons and knobs for climate and audio adjustments. The 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system is somewhat cumbersome to operate because Mazda still depends on an outdated rotary scroll wheel. While some Apple CarPlay functions can be accessed via the touchscreen, using it can still be frustrating as you must activate CarPlay every time you start the vehicle, requiring two clicks of the scroll wheel to initiate it. No other vehicle currently on the market necessitates restarting CarPlay with each ignition cycle, which is inconvenient.

      The front seat cushions are somewhat short—even for someone who is 5-foot-10. The second row is stadium-style, with passengers sitting higher than those in front, a result of the plug-in hybrid's battery packaging that continues with non-hybrid models as well. The third row is not as accommodating for adults as in vehicles like the Jeep Grand Cherokee L or Chevrolet Traverse, though children will find it adequate. Just be prepared for some complaints and negotiations over legroom between rows. My kids appreciated the second-row center console for storing snacks during a road trip, and they enjoyed the heated and ventilated captain's chairs. The fit and finish are top-notch, far exceeding what is found in Honda, Kia, Hyundai, or Toyota vehicles, which lack the suede or linen-like materials and stitching found in the CX-90's dashboard.

      Driving the 2025 Mazda CX-90

      The fully equipped Turbo S Premium Plus model I tested features Mazda's new 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, producing 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. It is combined with an in-house designed and built eight-speed automatic transmission, distributing power to all four wheels. This engine is impressive, with smooth power delivery and minimal turbo lag. Compared to those from Stellantis and Mercedes-Benz, which have a higher pitch, the inline-six produces a deeper growl. The transmission performs adequately, though it is not as seamless as the ZF transmission found in the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, sometimes resulting in stuttering during the 1-2 or 2-3 shifts when the torque converter locks up while cold. It does operate more smoothly once warmed up.

      Additionally, the turbo-six is notably efficient, boasting an EPA rating of 23 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg combined. These figures surpass most V6 competitors and remain accurate in real-world conditions. During a mixed driving test of 226 miles, the CX-90 averaged 24.1 mpg, and on a 208-mile highway trip exceeding 70 mph, it achieved an average of 28.6 mpg.

      Steering is well-weighted, providing sufficient feedback while cornering, satisfying an enthusiast without being overly boosted or light. The double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension offer a firm and controlled ride. If Porsche were to produce a mainstream three-row SUV priced under $40,000, it might handle similarly to this one. However