CardinaleWay Mazda Mesa - How much can the 2026 Mazda CX-90 tow in Mesa, AZ?
If you are shopping for three-row SUVs in Mesa, AZ, and wondering whether the 2026 Mazda CX-90 can confidently tow your weekend gear, you are asking the right question. At CardinaleWay Mazda Mesa, we talk to families and adventure-seekers who want one vehicle that handles school runs during the week and trailers to Saguaro Lake or Canyon Lake on the weekend. The CX-90 answers with refined power, standard i-Activ AWD®, and thoughtful technology that makes trailering feel natural rather than stressful.
Here is the clear answer shoppers want: when properly equipped with a trailer hitch, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 Inline 6 is rated to tow between 3,500 and 5,000 pounds. That range depends on the model and equipment. The e-SKYACTIV®-G 3.3L Inline 6 is offered in 3.3 Turbo models with up to 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, and 3.3 Turbo S models tuned for up to 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque when using recommended premium fuel. Every CX-90 includes a smooth SKYACTIV®-Drive 8-Speed Automatic Transmission with manual-shift mode and standard i-Activ AWD® to help deliver traction right when Mesa, AZ roads transition from city pavement to boat-ramp concrete.
Beyond raw numbers, the CX-90 is engineered to simplify the whole towing experience. Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) includes Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and an available Towing mode, so you can tailor throttle, shift mapping, and AWD behavior to your load. The available 360° View Monitor with See-through View and Trailer Hitch View helps you line up to the receiver with confidence, while the CX-90’s long-wheelbase stability and Kinematic Posture Control support a composed, planted feel on AZ-202 interchanges and desert crosswinds alike.
Before you hitch up, it helps to know which equipment and habits make towing smoother around Mesa’s heat, grades, and stop-and-go traffic. The checklist below is a quick guide our team walks through with local customers.
- Proper hitch and wiring: Ask us to install a Mazda Genuine Accessories trailer hitch and 4/7-pin harness so lighting and trailer-brake communication work seamlessly.
- Tongue weight: Aim for about 10 percent of total trailer weight on the ball to minimize sway and preserve steering feel.
- Tire and load checks: Set CX-90 and trailer tire pressures to the door-jamb and trailer placard values, and load heavy items low and forward of the trailer axle.
- Mi-Drive setup: Select the available Towing mode before you roll to optimize shift points and throttle response for a steadier pull.
- Cooling awareness: In summer heat, give the powertrain time to cool after long climbs, and avoid extended idling with heavy loads.
- Visibility aids: Use the 360° View Monitor with Trailer Hitch View when connecting, and verify mirror positioning for lane changes on US-60.
If you are deciding which CX-90 configuration best fits your towing plans, consider how often and how far you tow, plus what you will carry between trips. The Inline 6 lineup offers seating for up to eight, an available panoramic moonroof, and premium touches like an available Bose® sound system—so your daily commute will feel as refined as your highway hauls.
- Match your trailer: Know your trailer’s loaded weight and target a CX-90 configuration whose tow rating exceeds that number when properly equipped.
- Plan for passengers and cargo: Factor in family, pets, and gear—added weight reduces available capacity for tongue load.
- Choose your drive feel: Test-drive 3.3 Turbo and 3.3 Turbo S models to experience the difference in tuning and response.
- Integrate accessories: Add Mazda Genuine Accessories like the hitch, wiring harness, and a cargo solution that fits your routine.
Mesa drivers also appreciate how i-Activsense® safety features support trailering awareness. Systems such as Blind Spot Assist, Smart Brake Support, and available Front Cross Traffic Alert and Brake can help you monitor traffic when merging with a load in tow. While no assist replaces driver judgment, the CX-90’s technology can add helpful context as you navigate busy East Valley corridors.
At CardinaleWay Mazda Mesa, our team will help you confirm the right configuration, install the hitch and wiring, and share best practices for break-in, loading, and route planning. Bring your questions—and your trailer specs—and we will tailor a solution that fits your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the towing capacity of the 2026 Mazda CX-90 Inline 6?
When properly equipped with a trailer hitch, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 Inline 6 is rated to tow between 3,500 and 5,000 pounds, depending on model and equipment. Our team can help you select the configuration that aligns with your trailer’s loaded weight.
Do I need premium fuel when towing with the CX-90?
For 3.3 Turbo S models, premium unleaded fuel with an octane rating of 91 or higher is recommended to optimize performance. 3.3 Turbo models recommend regular unleaded 87 or higher. When towing, many owners choose the recommended fuel for their engine to support consistent performance, especially in summer heat.
Is a trailer hitch included from the factory?
Towing requires a properly equipped CX-90 with a compatible hitch and wiring. Many shoppers add Mazda Genuine Accessories towing hardware at our dealership so everything integrates cleanly with the vehicle’s systems, including Trailer Hitch View.
Which drive modes help when towing?
Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) includes Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and an available Towing mode. Use the available Towing mode when you are hitched to support steadier acceleration and shift behavior with a load.
Ready to see how composed the 2026 Mazda CX-90 feels with a trailer and without? Visit CardinaleWay Mazda Mesa, serving Scottsdale, Apache Junction, and Chandler, AZ, for a personalized walkaround, confirm your towing needs, and explore accessories that make weekend adventures easier. We are here to help you drive out confident—whether your destination is a campsite or a weeknight practice across town.