If you’re looking for a quality three-row SUV that works for daily family life, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 may be the one for you. This standout vehicle addresses what modern families actually need while delivering the quality and dependability that Mazda built its name on. The CX-90 offers families a compelling choice, from its smart design to its top-notch safety technology and flexible seating options. Our John Kennedy Mazda team has created a guide to its features below.
What Makes the 2026 Mazda CX-90 Stand Out in the Three-Row SUV Market
The CX-90 exemplifies luxury, performance, and practical innovation. Many automakers focus on utility, but Mazda’s philosophy centers on creating a superior driving experience. Its position between basic SUVs and expensive luxury vehicles blends mainstream practicality with high-end touches. It utilizes a rear-biased drivetrain and a standard inline-six engine, which justifies its slightly higher price tag. When families shop around, they typically compare it with the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot, but Mazda’s upscale feel and more engaging ride are hard to beat.
Powertrain Options That Actually Make Sense for Families
The CX-90 has a 3.3-liter inline-six turbocharged engine that generates 280 hp in base models and up to 369 hp in the S trims. That extra horsepower is welcome when you’re merging onto U.S. Route 422 or passing slow-moving trucks on Interstate 78. Gas mileage is satisfactory; the CX-90 gets 23 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg combined. This SUV’s upper trim level models can also tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
The CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) is perfect if your family is looking for greener alternatives. It pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with an electric motor for a combined 323 hp. You can drive up to 26 miles on just electricity, which is ample for running errands around Pottstown without using gas. Its overall efficiency is 56 MPGe with its 17.8 kWh battery, though towing capacity drops to 3,500 pounds.
You won’t need to worry about Pennsylvania’s unpredictable weather; the standard Mazda i-Activ AWD drivetrain handles any weather, providing solid grip when roads turn slick.
Interior Space and Comfort: Where Families Spend Their Time
Some days, your family spends a lot of time in the car. The CX-90’s interior seats seven or eight passengers, depending on the trim you choose. The PHEV and upper-trim inline-six models come with cooled and heated front seats, along with heated second-row seats, and the premium trims offer nappa leather-trimmed seats and a panoramic moonroof. Your passengers will notice the upscale materials and craftsmanship.
There’s between 14.9 and 15.9 cubic feet of storage behind the third row, which is plenty of space for groceries, 40 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a max of 74.2 cubic feet for major hauls. Dedicated heating and cooling vents in the third row keep occupants comfortable regardless of the weather, a feature most competitors lack. Mazda’s innovative design makes third-row access simple for anyone in the family.
Ideal Family Size and Usage Scenarios
The CX-90 is perfect for families with two to four kids. You can choose second-row captain’s chairs for easier third-row access, or opt for bench seating to squeeze in another passenger. Multigenerational families benefit too — grandparents can climb in and out without the usual struggle thanks to well-designed entry points.
Daily driving is less stressful when you have the right vehicle. If your family loves weekend activities, you’ll appreciate how the CX-90 adapts — you can tow boats or campers, pack up sports gear or camping equipment, and haul shopping finds home.
Safety Features That Give Parents Peace of Mind
Mazda ensured the CX-90 doesn’t lack for safety technology that addresses practical parental concerns. Both the 2025 gas-only and PHEV models earned the coveted Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick+ award. It also received five-star National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ratings across the board. This double validation means you’re choosing one of the safest vehicles for your precious cargo.
The standard i-Activsense package includes all the must-haves: Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Smart Brake Support, blind-spot monitoring with vehicle exit warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and driver attention alert. These systems work together to help avoid accidents. You can also add traffic jam assist, a 360-degree view monitor, adaptive front lighting, and parking sensors.
Technology and Infotainment for Modern Families
Every CX-90 comes with a 10.25-inch or 12.3-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. Higher trims include six USB-C ports scattered throughout all three rows; lower trims have four. The 2026 models even add Alexa Built-in across all trims, so you can use voice commands instead of fumbling with buttons while driving.
Long trips demand good entertainment. The base eight-speaker audio system sounds fine, but the optional 12-speaker Bose setup transforms your SUV with sound. The interface is straightforward, and voice commands let you keep your eyes on the road.
Cost of Ownership and Value Proposition
The 2026 CX-90 lineup starts at $38,800 MSRP for the base 3.3 Turbo Select and tops out at $57,370 MSRP for the Turbo S Premium Plus. PHEV options start at $50,495 MSRP for the Preferred trim; the PHEV Premium Plus starts at $58,500 MSRP. At John Kennedy Mazda, we offer flexible financing that works with your budget and occasional special deals that make ownership surprisingly affordable.
Long-term costs are also reasonable. Some Mazda models scored an impressive 82/100 from J.D. Power’s Quality & Reliability ratings. The average annual maintenance for a Mazda is about $462, and the 10-year cost of ownership for a CX-90 is estimated at about $8,226. Some sources indicate the five-year retention rate is between 53% and 55%, which is better than many competitors.
The warranty package includes bumper-to-bumper coverage for three years/36,000 miles and powertrain coverage for five years/60,000 miles. For PHEVs, hybrid parts are covered for eight years/80,000 miles; rust-through on both versions is covered for seven years/100,000 miles.
Test-Drive the 2026 Mazda CX-90 at John Kennedy Mazda Pottstown Today
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is a great choice for families who want a three-row SUV that delivers on luxury, safety, and driving fun. This vehicle addresses real-world family needs without compromising. There’s no reason to wait — schedule a test-drive today. Visit John Kennedy Mazda right here in Pottstown to explore our selection and special offers, or contact us with any questions. Come see for yourself how this remarkable SUV can make everyday driving something you genuinely look forward to.
Images from mazdausa.com
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