CardinaleWay Mazda Mesa - Is i-Activ AWD® Standard on the 2026 Mazda CX-90 for Families around Chandler, AZ?
For many families weighing a three-row SUV, the all-weather assurance of all-wheel drive is non-negotiable. If you are exploring the 2026 Mazda CX-90, there’s good news: i-Activ AWD® is standard across every CX-90 model. That means you get Mazda’s predictive, always-engaged all-wheel-drive capability without having to shop packages or step up to a separate trim. The system constantly monitors vehicle dynamics data, anticipating changes in wheel load and proactively distributing torque to promote grip before slip occurs. In practical terms, this translates to calm launches on wet intersections, settled cornering on curvy roads, and extra confidence when you leave paved surfaces for trailheads or campsites.
Families around Chandler, AZ will also appreciate how seamlessly i-Activ AWD® works with Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive). With Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and available Towing modes, the CX-90 adapts its throttle response, shift logic, and traction strategy around your needs. Heading up to higher elevations on the weekend? Off-Road mode helps you maintain steady progress on loose surfaces. Bringing home supplies or a small boat? The available Towing mode supports poise and composure when properly equipped with a tow hitch. Because the system is predictive—not simply reactive—you feel supported without the herky-jerky adjustments that can accompany less sophisticated setups.
- What it means for daily driving: The AWD system’s continuous monitoring helps the CX-90 accelerate smoothly from a stop and track confidently in heavy rain or through standing water.
- How it helps on weekend adventures: Off-Road mode works with i-Activ AWD® to improve traction when the pavement ends, ideal for gravel roads or light trails to your favorite overlook.
- Why it feels natural: Torque is routed proactively, so the SUV maintains balance and control without frequent, intrusive corrections.
Beyond traction, you’ll find that i-Activ AWD® complements the CX-90’s rear-biased layout and the smooth e-SKYACTIV®-G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbocharged engine to deliver a poised, premium driving experience. The system’s integration is subtle by design—what you notice most is how composed the CX-90 feels as conditions change. Ground clearance of 8.0 to 8.1 inches (depending on wheel size) adds a touch of capability while preserving on-road refinement, and available visibility tech such as the 360° View Monitor with See-through View helps with low-speed maneuvers at trailheads, parking garages, and school pickup lines.
Drivers often ask whether they need to activate AWD manually. You don’t—i-Activ AWD® is always engaged. You simply select the Mi-Drive mode that best matches your route, and the system takes care of the rest. The result is a reassuring, no-drama feel that pairs well with i-Activsense® safety technologies like Smart Brake Support, Lane-keep Assist, and Blind Spot Monitoring, plus modern connectivity that includes Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ through the Mazda Connect™ Infotainment System. One test drive is all it takes to appreciate how the engineering works behind the scenes, so you stay focused on your passengers and the road ahead.
CardinaleWay Mazda Mesa welcomes you to explore how i-Activ AWD® transforms confidence in real-world driving. Our team can help you map a route that includes wet intersections, curvier stretches, and a brief detour onto graded roads, so you can feel the difference for yourself. We’re committed to clear answers and thoughtful guidance, serving Apache Junction, Chandler, and Gilbert with a selection of trims and accessories to fit your life. If AWD capability is on your must-have list, the CX-90’s standard setup is a standout advantage you’ll appreciate every day.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How does i-Activ AWD® differ from traditional AWD systems?
Traditional systems typically react after wheel slip begins. i-Activ AWD® is proactive, monitoring inputs hundreds of times per second to anticipate changes and route torque before slip, promoting smoother, more stable driving.
Do I need to turn i-Activ AWD® on?
No. It’s always engaged. You can select a Mi-Drive mode—Normal, Sport, Off-Road, or available Towing—to tailor response for your drive, but there’s nothing extra to switch on for AWD.
Which CX-90 models include i-Activ AWD®?
Every 2026 Mazda CX-90 includes i-Activ AWD® as standard equipment, regardless of trim, so you benefit from the same predictive traction strategy across the lineup.