There is something about the roads around Columbia, South Carolina, that invites exploration. The winding lanes shaded by oak trees, the long stretches leading toward Lake Murray, and the hum of city traffic downtown all ask for a vehicle that feels both capable and composed. The 2025 Mazda CX-90 steps into that role with quiet confidence. It is a three-row SUV designed not only to carry passengers but to move them in every sense of the word.
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 feels like a statement. It carries a presence that immediately draws attention. The body sits low and poised, the proportions stretched in a way that gives it a sense of forward motion even while parked. Every line appears deliberate, each curve leading the eye from the bold front grille to the clean, sculpted rear. The piano black accents and the sharp LED lighting make it look refined without being overly formal. It fits perfectly in front of a modern downtown restaurant or alongside a lakeside trailhead. On Columbia roads, it commands space with a quiet, assured grace.
Mazda’s approach to design has always centered on simplicity that feels alive. The 2025 Mazda CX-90 continues that philosophy, offering balance rather than flash. Its 21-inch alloy wheels, available in a machine-cut finish, fill the arches with purpose. The rear spoiler and smooth tailgate hint at movement and strength. The look is cohesive, almost tailored, as though every surface was shaped with a craftsman’s touch. The result is an SUV that stands tall among others but never needs to raise its voice to be noticed.
Beneath its sculpted exterior sits the heart of what makes this SUV special. Mazda developed a new 3.3-liter e-SKYACTIV G Turbo Inline 6 engine that delivers impressive strength with remarkable composure. The engine produces up to 340 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque with premium fuel, making it the most powerful Mazda yet. The inline-six layout is naturally balanced, and that gives the 2025 Mazda CX-90 a feeling of smooth, uninterrupted motion. It accelerates with confidence, not aggression. The 48-volt M Hybrid Boost system adds subtle electric assistance, helping the SUV glide away from stops and fill in power during gear changes. The result is performance that feels steady and responsive, even when pulling onto I-26 or climbing through hilly backroads.
Mazda pairs this powertrain with an eight-speed automatic transmission that shifts precisely when you expect it to. There’s no hesitation, just a sense of calm, fluid control. The i-ACTIV all-wheel-drive system continuously monitors traction and adjusts power to the wheels that need it most. On a rainy Columbia morning or a gravel driveway near Lake Murray, it keeps the 2025 Mazda CX-90 sure-footed and stable. Drivers who appreciate a sense of control will feel immediately at home.
The magic of this SUV is not only in its strength but in how natural it feels behind the wheel. Mazda’s engineers focused on creating harmony between the driver and the vehicle. The 2025 Mazda CX-90’s steering is crisp and responsive, and the chassis feels composed without being stiff. The Kinematic Posture Control system subtly applies the brakes on the inside wheel during turns to reduce body roll. The benefit is an SUV that feels smaller than it is when carving through curves. It moves with the poise of a vehicle tuned by people who truly enjoy driving.
The Mi-Drive system allows the driver to select from different modes to match the conditions. Sport mode tightens response for a livelier drive, Off-Road mode improves traction on loose surfaces, and Towing mode adjusts the powertrain to handle up to 5,000 pounds. These features work seamlessly, giving the 2025 Mazda CX-90 adaptability without complication. It feels ready for weekend adventures or the daily routine.
Step inside, and the sense of craftsmanship is unmistakable. The interior of the 2025 Mazda CX-90 feels designed to welcome rather than impress. Every detail, from the stitching along the dash to the tactile finish of the controls, carries a sense of care. Depending on the configuration, it can seat up to eight passengers or six with the available captain’s chairs. The available Nappa leather seating in Japanese Premium White or Tan feels luxurious without being fragile. The seats cradle the occupants comfortably for long drives, and the three-zone automatic climate control ensures everyone enjoys the right temperature.
The cabin layout reflects Mazda’s human-centered philosophy. The wide center display sits within easy reach, and the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster keeps the driver informed without distraction. Connectivity feels natural through wireless smartphone integration, and the Bose® 12-speaker sound system fills the cabin with balanced, crisp sound. Even small touches, like the illuminated cup holders and retractable rear sunshades, show an understanding of what makes daily life easier. Fold down the rear seats, and the 2025 Mazda CX-90 reveals a spacious cargo area ready for gear, groceries, or luggage for a family trip. The hands-free liftgate and clever storage compartments make it clear that convenience was part of the design from the start.
Safety, as always with Mazda, remains a quiet promise built into the structure and systems of the 2025 Mazda CX-90. It includes an extensive suite of features that enhance confidence without taking over the driving experience. Smart Brake Support, Lane Departure Warning, and Blind Spot Monitoring are standard. The more advanced trims include additional technology such as Front Cross Traffic Alert, Cruising and Traffic Support, and Driver Monitoring. The Head-Up Display projects information onto the windshield, keeping the driver’s attention on the road ahead. It is an extra set of eyes that feels reassuring rather than intrusive. Columbia drivers navigating school zones or busy intersections will appreciate how naturally these systems assist when needed.
Driving the 2025 Mazda CX-90 feels calm and deliberate. The inline-six provides an almost musical hum when pressed, but it settles into quiet composure once at speed. The ride feels solid yet refined, with suspension tuning that absorbs imperfections without losing connection to the pavement. On highways, it cruises effortlessly, and on neighborhood streets, it glides with a confidence that makes even routine errands enjoyable. This is an SUV that encourages you to take the long way home.
Compared with its competitors, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 offers something distinctly its own. Many midsize SUVs focus solely on space or features. Mazda adds emotion to the equation. The rear-biased all-wheel-drive platform gives it a balanced feel that stands apart from front-wheel-drive rivals like the Toyota Highlander or Kia Telluride. Inside, the quality of materials and attention to detail rival more expensive European models. The 2025 Mazda CX-90 manages to combine performance and sophistication without losing the simplicity that makes Mazda vehicles so approachable.
Every journey in this SUV feels intentional. It blends strength with restraint and power with polish. The design invites admiration without asking for it, and the drive leaves a lasting impression of stability and control. On Columbia roads, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 feels completely at home, ready to take on every curve and straightaway with equal assurance.
For those who value both performance and composure, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 represents a rewarding step forward. It is powerful when it needs to be, comfortable when it matters most, and confident in every setting. The combination of the turbo inline-six engine, precise handling, and refined interior craftsmanship makes it a standout choice for families, commuters, and enthusiasts alike.
To experience this balance of strength and refinement, visit McKinney Mazda near Columbia, South Carolina, and take the 2025 Mazda CX-90 out for a drive. From the first press of the accelerator to the final turn into your driveway, you will understand what true driving confidence feels like.
