CardinaleWay Mazda Mesa - Why i-Activ AWD® Shines on Neighborhood Streets and Desert Highways around Gilbert, AZ with the 2026 Mazda CX-90
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 brings standard i-Activ AWD® to every drive, and for families navigating neighborhoods and freeways around Gilbert, AZ, the system’s quiet intelligence stands out. Unlike reactive systems that wait for slip, i-Activ AWD® proactively monitors inputs hundreds of times per second and balances torque to keep the SUV composed before the driver even notices a change. Paired with the CX-90’s SKYACTIV®-Drive 8-Speed Automatic Transmission and the smooth output of its e-SKYACTIV® G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbocharged engine, this AWD setup delivers confident traction and refined control without sacrificing the serene ride Mazda is known for. Add Mi-Drive’s Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and available Towing modes, and you get a crossover that adapts effortlessly from school-day routines to weekend canyon roads and gravel pullouts by the Salt River.
In busy parking lots, the available 360° View Monitor with See-through View helps shrink the CX-90’s footprint on screen, and when a sudden storm sweeps across the East Valley, the predictable, rear-biased handling balance from i-Activ AWD® keeps steering crisp and stable. Families who carpool will appreciate how unobtrusive the system feels—no head-tossing or hesitant engagement, just smooth assurance when painted lines are slick or intersections feel dusty. The confidence extends to comfort: available Nappa leather-trimmed seating, available panoramic moonroof, and a quiet cabin elevate the experience without adding complexity to daily logistics. With Mazda Connected Services and the MyMazda App offering Remote Engine Start and helpful status alerts, staying prepared for monsoon season or a sunrise hike never feels complicated.
For drivers who routinely head east toward the Superstition Mountains, Mi-Drive’s Off-Road mode is a welcome tool. It fine-tunes throttle inputs and traction logic so the CX-90 stays composed on unpaved access roads and trailhead parking, while Kinematic Posture Control helps the chassis remain level through turns. When you load the cargo hold with coolers, folding chairs, or camping gear, the CX-90’s chassis tuning and i-Activ AWD® work together to maintain stability—key when the road surface changes from fresh asphalt to gravel or when you crest a dip where sand collects. This harmony between hardware and software feels baked-in, not bolted-on, and it’s why the CX-90 feels premium even when the journey is simple.
Safety technology complements that traction story. i-Activsense® features like Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane-keep Assist, and available Front Cross Traffic Alert and Brake help elevate awareness when traffic swells along the SanTan corridor. And if your routine includes frequent parking garages or tight drive-thrus, the available 360° View Monitor with See-through View and Trailer Hitch View is more than gadgetry—it’s day-to-day convenience that lowers stress. Add in third-row USB-C charging and a cabin designed for easy conversation, and the CX-90 balances family practicality with the composure of a grand tourer.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How does i-Activ AWD® differ from traditional AWD systems?
i-Activ AWD® is predictive rather than purely reactive. It continuously evaluates data—steering, wheel speed, outside temperature, and more—to send torque where it’s needed before slip disrupts your line, giving the CX-90 a natural, confident feel.
When should I use Mi-Drive’s Off-Road mode?
Select Off-Road for loose surfaces like graded dirt, gravel, or sandy trailheads. The system optimizes traction and throttle mapping to maintain momentum and stability on uneven terrain.
Does i-Activ AWD® change how the CX-90 handles in the rain?
Yes. The system anticipates lower grip and adjusts torque proactively to stabilize the SUV during acceleration, braking, and turning, which is especially useful during quick monsoon downpours.
Will the AWD system feel intrusive in everyday driving?
No. The goal is seamlessness. Most drivers notice a planted, balanced feel rather than overt interventions, which is a hallmark of the CX-90’s tuning.
For shoppers comparing family SUVs, i-Activ AWD® and Mi-Drive stand out not just for capability but for the way they integrate with the CX-90’s premium ride and quiet composure. If you’re cross-shopping based on comfort and confidence, this combination is an everyday advantage. To see how it feels on your routes, schedule a test drive with CardinaleWay Mazda Mesa—serving Chandler, Gilbert, and Sun Lakes—and bring along the questions that matter most to your family’s routine.