Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a New 2026 Mazda CX-90 in Mesa, AZ
The three-row SUV that turns errands into anticipation is here. If you are weighing your options for a refined, family-ready vehicle that still speaks to driving enthusiasts, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 in Mesa, AZ belongs at the top of your list. Mazda’s flagship SUV pairs elegant KODO design with confident performance, thoughtful technology, and an interior that feels purpose-built for everyday calm. At CardinaleWay Mazda Mesa, we see local drivers respond to the CX-90’s rare blend of craftsmanship and capability the moment they settle into the driver’s seat.
Whether your week is a rotation of school runs and sports drop-offs or weekend escapes to the Superstitions, this SUV meets the moment with a standard Inline 6 Turbo powertrain, i-Activ AWD®, and a cabin flexible enough for seven or eight. Shoppers traveling from Scottsdale and Apache Junction often tell us they love how it manages to be serene on the inside and sure-footed on the outside, even when life gets busy. If you are cross-shopping other three-row SUVs, keep reading—this guide gathers the facts you need to feel confident before test driving and buying.
2026 Mazda CX-90 Overview
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is Mazda’s most advanced three-row SUV, engineered to deliver poise and precision for up to eight passengers. Every model features standard i-Activ AWD® and a responsive SKYACTIV®-Drive 8-Speed Automatic Transmission, anchored by the refined e-SKYACTIV®-G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbocharged engine. CX-90 3.3 Turbo models deliver up to 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, while 3.3 Turbo S models offer up to 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque when using recommended premium fuel. Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) lets you tailor responses for Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and an available Towing mode. Inside, the CX-90 brings harmony to daily driving with premium materials, an available Bose® sound system, and convenient power outlets and USB-C charging access for passengers in all three rows on select models. Safety and situational awareness rise to the top with standard and available i-Activsense® technologies, plus the available 360° View Monitor with See-through View and Trailer Hitch View. With seating for seven or eight, a quiet cabin, and cargo capacity up to 74.2 cu ft with the 2nd and 3rd rows folded, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 offers a smart, elegant path to family versatility.
5 Key Reasons the 2026 Mazda CX-90 Stands Out in Mesa, AZ
Shoppers evaluating three-row SUVs expect balanced power, space, and safety. The CX-90 adds another layer: a focus on driver confidence and design harmony you feel in every mile. Here are five reasons it stands out for families and commuters alike.
- Standard AWD confidence
- Refined Inline 6 Turbo power
- Flexible 7- or 8-passenger seating
- Advanced safety and driver assistance
- Seamless connectivity and charging access
Mazda made i-Activ AWD® standard so traction and composure are baked into every commute. The e-SKYACTIV®-G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbo delivers effortless torque for merging and passing, while Mi-Drive optimizes responses for changing surfaces or tasks like towing when properly equipped. Inside, the CX-90’s three-row layout adapts with available 2nd-row captain’s chairs or a bench, and technology feels easy rather than fussy. Add in i-Activsense® features that monitor, alert, and assist, plus a polished cabin anchored by human-centric design, and you get a daily driver that embraces the entire family without losing sight of the joy of driving.
Key Features of the 2026 Mazda CX-90
e-SKYACTIV®-G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbo
The heart of the 2026 CX-90 is a turbocharged e-SKYACTIV®-G 3.3L Inline 6 that balances smoothness with satisfying thrust. CX-90 3.3 Turbo models produce up to 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, while 3.3 Turbo S models are tuned to provide up to 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque when using recommended premium fuel. Paired with a SKYACTIV®-Drive 8-Speed Automatic Transmission with manual-shift mode, this powertrain delivers quick, clean shifts and linear power that makes the SUV feel responsive and composed. The Inline 6 layout contributes to refinement at highway speed, yet remains eager around town. Whether you are overtaking on the 60 or easing into rush-hour gaps, the CX-90 supplies the confident power you want without sacrificing everyday civility.
i-Activ AWD® with Mi-Drive
Every 2026 CX-90 features standard i-Activ AWD®, Mazda’s proactive all-wheel-drive system that constantly monitors vehicle dynamics data to predict changes in wheel load and optimize torque distribution. Instead of reacting after slip occurs, i-Activ AWD® works in the background to help keep the SUV settled and predictable, on-road or off the beaten path. With Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive), you can tailor the experience with Normal and Sport for daily driving, Off-Road for looser surfaces, and an available Towing mode when properly equipped. The system integrates with chassis technologies such as Kinematic Posture Control to help the CX-90 remain composed during cornering and quick transitions. The result is a three-row SUV that feels planted and confident, even with a full family and weekend gear on board.
i-Activsense® Safety Technologies
Mazda’s i-Activsense® suite delivers awareness and assistance without distraction. Notable standard and available features include Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane-keep Assist, Road Keep Assist, Front Cross Traffic Alert and Brake, Head-on Traffic Avoidance Assist, Cruising & Traffic Support, Vehicle Exit Warning, and Driver Monitoring. For enhanced visibility when parking and maneuvering, the available 360° View Monitor with See-through View and Trailer Hitch View displays an augmented perspective on the center screen to help you see areas that would normally be obstructed. We are also proud that eight Mazda vehicles—including the 2026 Mazda CX-90 and CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid EV—have earned a 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award. Visit www.iihs.org to learn more. Safety is about confidence and clarity; the CX-90 makes both feel natural on every drive.
Panoramic Moonroof and Premium Cabin
The CX-90’s interior is crafted for quiet, harmony, and flexibility. An available panoramic moonroof draws natural light into all three rows, creating an open, airy ambience on daily commutes and long weekends alike. Seating for up to eight with a 2nd-row bench, or seven with available captain’s chairs, makes it easy to fit the family and friends. Materials are carefully chosen, with available Nappa leather-trimmed seats and refined accents that feel warm rather than flashy. Convenience runs throughout the cabin: on select models, passengers in the 2nd and 3rd rows can access USB-C charging outlets, and multiple power outlets are placed thoughtfully up front. Pair that with an available Bose® sound system, and the CX-90’s interior feels like a considered space—designed for conversation, comfort, and arriving refreshed.
Mazda Connect™ and Mazda Connected Services
Technology in the CX-90 is integrated to simplify, not overwhelm. Every model features Bluetooth® connectivity, Apple CarPlay® integration for iPhone® and Android Auto™ integration, while Mazda Connect™ keeps infotainment intuitive and responsive. Mazda Connected Services, accessible through the MyMazda App, adds modern convenience with remote engine start, vehicle locator, and remote lock/unlock, along with an in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot—complimentary for one year. The available 360° View Monitor enhances confidence in tight spaces, and Trailer Hitch View helps line up your rig when it is time for a getaway. It all comes together to make the CX-90 feel like a helpful co-pilot, whether you are navigating unfamiliar neighborhoods or coordinating a busy pickup schedule.
5 Buying Considerations Before You Choose Your Mazda CX-90
Choosing your CX-90 becomes straightforward when you focus on how you will use it most days. Use these considerations to zero in on the configuration that fits your life.
- Seating layout and family fit
- Performance priorities and drive modes
- Towing plans and garage space
- Safety and visibility needs
- Connectivity and charging access
Decide whether you want seating for eight with a 2nd-row bench or enhanced comfort with captain’s chairs for seven. If you value brisk acceleration and highway passing torque, consider a 3.3 Turbo S model. If towing is on your list, confirm you have the proper hitch and try the available Towing mode in Mi-Drive during your test drive. Think through your most frequent routes—if you often park in tight lots or parallel spaces, the available 360° View Monitor with See-through View is a game changer. And if your crew carries devices, confirm you get the USB-C access you want in rows two and three on select models. A quick conversation with our team will help you map those needs to the right trim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is i-Activ AWD® standard on the 2026 Mazda CX-90?
Yes. All Mazda crossover SUVs, including the CX-90, feature standard i-Activ AWD®. The system proactively monitors vehicle dynamics data and automatically adjusts torque distribution to enhance stability, traction, and predictability in changing conditions.
How many passengers can the CX-90 carry?
The CX-90 offers seating for seven or eight. Choose a 2nd-row bench for maximum capacity or available 2nd-row captain’s chairs for enhanced comfort. All models include a 60/40 split 3-person 3rd-row bench seat.
What is the towing capacity?
When properly equipped with a tow hitch, the 2026 CX-90 Inline 6 offers a towing range from 3,500 to 5,000 pounds. Trailer Hitch View within the available 360° View Monitor can help you align your hitch with confidence.
Which infotainment and connected features are included?
Every CX-90 includes Bluetooth®, Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and Mazda Connect™. Mazda Connected Services adds the MyMazda App for remote engine start, lock/unlock, and vehicle locator, plus an in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot with a complimentary one-year trial. The 360° View Monitor with See-through View is available on select models.
Step-by-Step Tips for Test Driving the 2026 Mazda CX-90
A focused test drive helps you feel how the CX-90 fits your daily routine. Bring your family, car seats, and any bulky items you regularly carry to make the most of your visit.
- Confirm 7- or 8-passenger fit by installing child seats and testing 3rd-row access
- Explore visibility using the available 360° View Monitor with See-through View in a tight space
- Toggle Mi-Drive between Normal and Sport to feel throttle and shift mapping changes
- Drive a rougher road to appreciate cabin quietness and Kinematic Posture Control composure
- Check device charging in rows two and three on select models and pair your phone
- Test available Trailer Hitch View alignment in the lot if towing matters to you
- Open and close the available panoramic moonroof to gauge ambience and sunshade operation
After your drive, ask our team to walk through trim differences so you can match your priorities—performance, safety tech, or cabin amenities—to the right configuration. We can also help you compare wheel sizes and ground clearance and review accessories such as Roof Rack Crossbars or a Wireless Charging Pad.
Why Buy from CardinaleWay Mazda Mesa in Mesa, AZ?
Choosing a dealership is as important as choosing your vehicle. Our team is committed to providing clarity, convenience, and a thoughtful experience from your first visit to every service milestone thereafter.
- Local expertise and convenient test drive scheduling
- Attentive product specialists who tailor recommendations to your needs
- Transparent trade-in process and flexible purchase options
- Factory-trained service with Genuine Mazda Parts
- Comfortable showroom and efficient paperwork
At CardinaleWay Mazda Mesa, we are proud to guide you through every decision with care. Our product specialists make complex features simple, our service advisors protect your time, and our team ensures you leave feeling confident about your vehicle and the support behind it in Mesa, AZ.
Next Steps
Ready to get hands-on with the 2026 Mazda CX-90 in Mesa, AZ? Use this quick checklist to plan a productive visit.
- Choose your preferred seating layout and identify must-have features
- Schedule a test drive and bring the family and any everyday cargo
- Compare trims side by side and try Mi-Drive on your normal routes
- Evaluate safety and visibility tech in real parking scenarios
- Review accessories and confirm towing setup if needed
We are here to answer questions and set up a drive on your schedule. If you want, we can pre-stage two configurations so you can compare them back to back. Contact our team to line up your test drive of the 2026 Mazda CX-90 in Mesa, AZ and outline any accessories or protection products that fit your plans.
Request More Info About the 2026 Mazda CX-90 in Mesa, AZ
When you are ready to make your next SUV a rewarding part of every day, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 delivers the rare combination of craftsmanship, capability, and calm that families appreciate for years. With standard i-Activ AWD®, intuitive technology like Mazda Connect™ and Mazda Connected Services, and an interior that welcomes seven or eight with ease, it is engineered for real life without losing sight of driving joy. Our team will help you understand trim differences, set up a thorough test drive route, and demonstrate key systems such as the available 360° View Monitor and Trailer Hitch View. Reach out to our product specialists for a personalized walkaround, to compare accessories, or to schedule time behind the wheel. We look forward to welcoming you and helping you find your ideal configuration at CardinaleWay Mazda Mesa.