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.
