2026 Mazda CX-90 in Easley, SC

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is designed with a technical structure that centers on three distinct powertrain groups. These include the Standard Powertrain with the e-SKYACTIV G 3.3-liter inline-six turbocharged engine, the High Powertrain version of the same inline-six system, and the e-SKYACTIV PHEV system built around a 2.5-liter inline-four paired with an electric motor and high-voltage battery. Each powertrain uses the SKYACTIV Drive eight-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode that provides consistent engagement during acceleration and controlled engine response during load changes. All versions include i-Stop idle reduction technology that improves efficiency during stationary operation through controlled engine restarts that rely on integrated starter functions. All versions also include i-ACTIV all-wheel drive that continuously manages torque distribution at the wheels through predictive data monitoring designed to maintain grip on changing surfaces through rapid adjustments in output.

The Standard Powertrain offers 280 horsepower between 5000 and 6000 rpm along with 332 pound-feet of torque between 2000 and 3500 rpm when using regular 87-octane fuel. When operating with premium fuel in higher trims, the system produces 319 horsepower between 5500 and 6000 rpm with 369 pound-feet of torque. The High Powertrain uses premium fuel and increases total output to 340 horsepower between 5000 and 6000 rpm with 369 pound-feet of torque between 2000 and 4500 rpm. The PHEV system produces a combined 323 horsepower with 369 pound-feet of torque through coordination between the 2.5-liter engine and the electric motor. The electric motor contributes 173 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 199 pound-feet of torque at 400 rpm, while the gasoline engine supplies the remainder of the system output. The PHEV includes a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 17.8 kilowatt hours that supports an all-electric range rated up to 26 miles, along with a charge-depleting operation that transitions to hybrid mode once the battery reaches defined thresholds.

Detailed Driving and Control Systems

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 includes multiple driving modes within Mazda Intelligent Drive Select. Standard Powertrain models include Sport and Off Road modes. Upper Standard and High Powertrain models add Towing mode. PHEV models include Sport, Off Road, EV mode, and EV-focused settings that allow either use of stored electric energy or conservation of battery charge. Many trims also include a Charge Mode button that forces the engine to regenerate battery levels for later electric use. The combination of drive modes allows the vehicle to adjust throttle mapping, torque distribution, and traction control behavior in line with the selected environment.

The chassis system includes a front double wishbone suspension and an independent rear multi-link suspension with a stabilizer bar. Steering control is provided through a rack and pinion system with electric power steering assistance. The overall steering ratio is 17.13 with an approximate steering rotation of 2.9 turns lock to lock across all configurations. The braking system is a diagonal hydraulic setup with electronic brakeforce distribution and an anti-lock braking system. Front brake sizing varies by trim, beginning at 13.8 inches on some versions and going up to 13.7 inches on High Powertrain models. Rear brakes operate as ventilated discs with similar trim-dependent sizing.

All versions include Kinematic Posture Control, which applies targeted braking to support stability during cornering. Hill Launch Assist maintains hold pressure during forward starts on grades. Hill Descent Control manages speed on declines. Off-Road Traction Assist maximizes grip by controlling wheel spin through calibrated braking and torque management. Towing capacity varies by configuration. Standard and PHEV versions are capable of up to 3500 pounds, while High Powertrain and upper Standard Powertrain models with proper equipment allow up to 5000 pounds.

Exterior Engineering and Functional Design

Exterior features across the 2026 Mazda CX-90 vary by trim level, though all versions incorporate a unified structure focused on lighting, accessibility, and aerodynamic shaping. Headlighting uses LED units with auto on and off functions. Auto leveling is standard on all trims, and the Adaptive Front Lighting System is included on selected higher trims. LED daytime running lamps and LED taillights appear across the lineup. Rain-sensing windshield wipers are standard, with rear intermittent wipers included on each model. A windshield wiper de-icer is present on selected trims for cold climate operation.

Wheel configurations include 19-inch alloy wheels with a silver metallic finish on lower trims and 21-inch alloy wheels with silver metallic, machine-cut, or blackout design elements on mid and upper trims. Tire sizing is either 265 55 R19 or 275 45 R21 depending on wheel type. All versions include a temporary spare tire. Exterior molding options vary between black, piano black, body color, or combinations of bright trim depending on the package. Roof rails appear on most versions with either satin chrome or piano black finishes. Side mirrors include heating across the lineup and add power folding, auto dimming, and memory tilt features in higher trims.

Additional exterior elements include a roof-mounted shark fin antenna, a rear roof spoiler in body color, privacy glass on rear windows and liftgate glass, and a programmable power liftgate operation. Some trims upgrade this function to hands-free liftgate operation. The grille design differs by trim, with either honeycomb or bar-type mesh finished in black, piano black, or bright metallic. Inline six or PHEV badging appears depending on the chosen powertrain, with black chrome or bright finish options determined by trim.

Interior Systems and Cabin Configuration

Seating capacity varies from seven to eight passengers depending on the seating layout. Bench seating is standard in many trims for an eight-passenger configuration, while captain's chairs reduce capacity to seven. Second-row seating includes easy slide and tilt mechanisms for access to the third row along with available retractable sunshades. Third-row seating appears in either a 60/40 fold-down system for three-passenger versions or a 50/50 split for two-passenger versions, depending on the trim. Front seating includes available heating and ventilation across trims, with seat memory functions added on many mid and upper levels. Upholstery options include leatherette, leather, and Nappa leather in black, greige, white, or Japanese Premium White depending on trim.

Climate control uses a three-zone automatic system. Airflow is distributed through dashboard vents and dedicated rear ducts along with third-row vents. Illumination inside the cabin includes overhead lighting, LED map lights, LED glove box lighting, front foot lamps, rear foot lamps on upper trims, door pocket lighting, and switch backlighting. Storage areas include multiple cup holders, overhead console storage, glove box storage, cargo area under-floor storage, and door pocket storage. Many trims include a power tilt and telescopic steering wheel with memory settings, while lower versions include a mechanical tilt and telescopic system.

Technology and Driver Interface Features

The infotainment system is built around either a 10.25-inch or a 12.3-inch full-color center display, depending on the trim. A 12.3-inch fully digital meter display is included in most mid- and upper-level trims. A head-up display appears on upper trims with a large view format that projects speed, navigation prompts, and active safety alerts. Mazda Connected Services are accessible across the lineup with available remote engine start, remote door locking and unlocking, hazard light activation, vehicle status alerts, navigation updates, and emergency notification features. Wireless phone charging appears on many trims, and all trims include multiple USB-C ports across the first, second, and third rows. Audio systems include an eight-speaker system on lower trims and a Bose twelve-speaker system on upper trims.

Voice command capability is integrated into the Mazda infotainment architecture. The system supports navigation functions on applicable trims through Mazda Online Navigation. Alexa Built In appears across the lineup. Information displays include ambient temperature, trip computer functions, fuel economy data, coolant temperature monitoring, power consumption data for PHEV models, and multiple status indicators related to i-ACTIVSENSE systems.

Safety Structure and Assistance Systems

Safety systems include frontal, knee, curtain, and side impact airbags across all trims. All versions include three-point seatbelts in all seating positions with pretensioners and load limiters in the front and rear outboard seats. Driver monitoring and driver attention alert features appear in many trims. Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist are present across the lineup. Smart Brake Support provides automatic emergency braking in forward motion, while upper trims add Smart Brake Support Turn Across Traffic and Smart Brake Support Rear with pedestrian detection. Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Blind Spot Monitoring with Vehicle Exit Warning appear on all trims. Emergency Lane Keeping is available in many configurations and includes Blind Spot Assist, Road Keep Assist, and Head-On Traffic Avoidance Assist. Some trims include Trailer Hitch View displays that support trailer alignment. Parking sensors appear on most trims in both front and rear positions. Traffic Sign Recognition is included in several mid- and upper-level trims. Rearview monitors provide either static or dynamic guidelines depending on trim.

The structural layout uses a unibody design with Mazda's Ring Structure reinforcement. The brakes are supported by roll stability control and traction control features. The LATCH system is provided in the second and third rows for compatible child restraint systems. Security systems in many trims include a burglar alarm and an engine immobilizer.

Visit McKinney Mazda for a Test Ride

To understand the engineering of the 2026 Mazda CX-90 in full detail, a hands-on demonstration provides the most practical perspective. A test drive allows direct evaluation of the powertrain response along with inspection of the digital interfaces and cabin systems. Our team at McKinney Mazda in Easley, SC, is prepared to guide you through each technical feature to ensure clarity during your visit. We encourage you to schedule an appointment so that you can review the available configurations and assess the performance systems for yourself. Your test drive appointment will provide a complete view of how the specifications align with your driving requirements.