The Mazda CX-90 debuted for the 2024 model year, replacing the CX-9 that had been on the market since 2007. The CX-9 (named with a single digit) and the CX-90 that replaced it share similar external dimensions, but the CX-90’s much longer wheelbase translates to more room inside for passengers and cargo. Depending on the configuration and trim level, the three-row CX-90 offers six-, seven-, or eight-seat layouts. The towing capacity is rated at up to 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds). The Mazda CX-70 is marketed as an entirely different model but is essentially a five-seat version of the CX-90 with some minor exterior styling differences.
The Mazda CX-90 is offered with three powertrain options. The base e-Skyactiv G 3.3-litre turbocharged inline six engine produces 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. An upgraded version of the same engine is available with up to 340 hp (on premium fuel) and 369 lb-ft. Both versions are equipped with M-Hybrid Boost, which is Mazda's 48-volt mild hybrid system. A plug-in hybrid CX-90 model is also offered with an e-Skyactiv G 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and an electric motor (fed by a 17.8-kWh battery pack) good for 323 hp and 369 lb-ft. Fully charged, the CX-90 PHEV can travel up to 43 kilometres on electricity.
Like the CX-9 that preceded it and pretty much every vehicle Mazda sells, the CX-90 is a sportier choice than many of its rivals. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard equipment, and power goes to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Along with the i-Activ AWD system, all Mazda CX-90s feature Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (or Mi-Drive) with Sport and Off-Road modes along with Kinematic Posture Control, a software feature borrowed from the MX-5 sports car. Mazda says the high-tech suspension software “suppresses body lift on tight corners to enhance the grip and help all occupants to maintain a natural posture,” and it seems to work.
Buyers who value a sporty driving feel, a premium interior, and a stylish design over maximum interior and cargo space — and who don’t mind Mazda’s sometimes fiddly knob-and-button-based infotainment system, which only works as a touchscreen when used with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto — will find a lot to like in the CX-90. If you’re not sure which side of the crossover SUV equation you fall on, we’d suggest taking a test drive.
Mazda CX-90 Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Mazda CX-90 years are the best?
There isn’t much difference between the Mazda CX-90 models that have been released so far as of this writing. The powertrains have stayed the same, though there has been some variation in trim levels from year to year. This being the case, shopping for a used CX-90 could come down to factors such as price and the number of kilometres on the odometer. Your personal preference on colours could also play a part, with Machine Gray Metallic and Rhodium White popular options, while Mazda’s Artisan Red Metallic is the standout hue.
What are the worst Mazda CX-90 years?
Technically, the 2024 Mazda CX-90 has had more issues and complaints from owners than other model years, but the overall number has been small. CarComplaints.com shows few problems, and J.D. Power’s ratings aren’t much different for the 2024, 2025, and 2026 model years. However, Consumer Reports says the Mazda CX-90 is one of the least reliable vehicles in its class, particularly the plug-in hybrid version.
Is a used Mazda CX-90 a good deal?
Currently, the Mazda CX-90 presents a good deal as a three-row SUV on the used vehicle market in Canada. CX-90s are consistently priced $5,000 to $10,000 less than similarly aged and equipped competitors such as the Toyota Grand Highlander, Hyundai Palisade, and Honda Pilot.
Mazda CX-90 Pros and Cons
Pros
- Stylish design
- Premium interior materials
- Fun to drive
Cons
- Smaller inside than class leaders
- Ride borders on stiff
- Unintuitive technology
Mazda CX-90 Generations
Mazda CX-90 First Generation (2024-Present)
In addition to its three powertrain options, the 2024 Mazda CX-90 debuted in a multitude of trim levels. On the mild hybrid, trims in Canada at launch were GS, GS-L, GT, GT-P, and Signature. Trims for the CX-90 PHEV in Canada for 2024 were GS, GS-L, and GT. Equipment was essentially the same between both powertrain types.
The base GS trim featured eight-passenger seating and generous specs. The interior featured cloth seats, a 10.25-inch full-colour centre display running the Mazda Connect infotainment system and offering wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a 7-inch LCD instrument panel display and an eight-speaker sound system. Keyless entry, push-button start, front and second-row dual USB-A inputs, three-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a six-way manual-adjustable driver’s seat were standard features. Exterior features included 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights with auto-leveling, LED daytime running lamps, LED taillights, power and heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
Mazda’s i-Activsense setup was included on all CX-90 models, including the base trim. Standard safety features included smart city brake support (automatic emergency braking), blind spot monitoring, Mazda's radar cruise control with stop & go (adaptive cruise control), a driver attention alert, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.
The next step up the ladder was the CX-90 GS-L, which included available seven-passenger seating with second-row captain’s chairs. This trim added 19-inch alloy wheels, paddle shifters on the steering wheel, a height-adjustable power liftgate, a front wiper de-icer, USB-C ports in all three rows, a rear centre armrest with integrated storage, leatherette upholstery, a 10-way power driver’s seat and four-way power front passenger seat, a heated steering wheel, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and more. Adding the captain’s chairs made the Enhanced Package available, which equipped a power sliding moonroof, a hands-free power liftgate, rear parking sensors, a wireless phone charger, chrome roof rails, and the 2,268-kilogram (5,000-pound) towing capacity with a towing mode in the Mi-Drive system.
The GT trim added these features plus available greige leather upholstery (that’s something in between grey and beige), 21-inch wheels, power-folding exterior mirrors, a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, SiriusXM satellite radio with a three-month trial, SiriusXM Traffic Plus and Travel Link services with a five-year trial, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, on-board navigation, rear door sunshades, heated outboard second-row seats, a head-up display, and a longer list of driver assistance features including a surround-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, traffic sign recognition, vehicle exit warning, and more.
On the GT-P trim, which was exclusive to the mild hybrid, the engine was upgraded to the higher-output version. It also added Nappa leather upholstery, an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, driver’s seat memory including exterior mirrors, ventilated front seats, an available white interior colour scheme, cruise and traffic support, and emergency lane keep assist with blind spot assist.
The Signature trim was also exclusive to the mild hybrid and was the top of the line-up. Features included 21-inch machined alloy wheels, body-coloured exterior accents, a 12.3-inch centre display with touchscreen functionality for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a six-seat capacity with second-row captain’s chairs including ventilation, a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, additional driver assistance features such as head-on traffic avoidance assist and a see-through function for the surround-view camera, and an optional tan interior.
For the 2025 model year, the GS-L trim gained wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, a wireless charging pad, and a hands-free power liftgate. The 12.3-inch infotainment system was brought down into the GT trim, and the GT-P was available with either captain’s chairs or a bench in the second row.
For 2026, the Signature trim became available on the PHEV, and winter-friendly features were equipped on more trims.
Fuel economy measures up at 9.4 L/100 km combined on the base engine, 9.5 L/100 km combined with the high-output version, and 4.2 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres for the plug-in hybrid (or 9.2 L/100 km combined when operating in hybrid mode). The latter also has 43 kilometres of electric-only range.
As a used buy, the Mazda CX-90 looks like excellent value. Prices start at about $34,000 for cars with fewer than 80,000 kilometres on the odometer. Plug-in hybrid prices are only slightly higher than the gas model starting at roughly $40,000, though the PHEV is less plentiful on the used vehicle market.
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