2025 Mazda CX-90: Experts Expose 4 Key Wins, 2 Letdowns

Yahoo

29-03-2025

Mazda's CX-90 debuted in 2023 as part of the automaker's 2024 production year lineup with an MSRP of $38,045 and a Premium Sport trim with defining features like black exterior accents and dark-finish 21-inch wheels. The CX-90's second-row bench seat is also available on more trims than last year, and you'll now find a 12.3' infotainment display on all grades except the base version. The remaining changes include minor feature alterations, like ditching a household-style power outlet in the Turbo S trim while adding elements like tilt-in-reverse side mirrors, under-floor cargo storage, and adaptive headlights.
The heart and soul of the three-row CX-90 are its performance and upscale cabin, but like any vehicle, this SUV has its flaws, so keep reading to learn more about whether these drawbacks are deal breakers.
The 2025 CX-90 has plenty of pep, with horsepower ranging from 280 to 340 and 332 to 369 lb-ft of torque. By comparison, primary competitors like Kia's Telluride and Hyundai's Palisade offer a single powertrain delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Nissan's Pathfinder also falls short of the CX-90's power with 284 to 295 horsepower and a peak torque rating of 270 lb-ft. The 2025 CX-90 is the first Mazda to use a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine enhanced by a 48-volt hybrid system. Non-S CX-90 trims make 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, while S trims make 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The middle-of-the-road plug-in hybrid variant is good for 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.
The 2025 CX-90's handling and acceleration are equally as sporty, with responsive and precise shifts from its 8-speed automatic transmission. The optional 21-inch tires can make for a stiff ride on city streets, but this feeling isn't prominent on highways. Cornering is also predictable with its body stability, giving drivers more assurance behind the wheel, which isn't always the case with Mazda's smaller vehicles. That latter boon is thanks to Kinematic Posture Control technology, which enhances handling by applying brakes to an inside rear wheel during cornering.
You won't have to compromise fuel economy to enjoy the CX-90's power, as mileage remains competitive at up to 24 mpg in the city/28 mpg on the highway, and a combined 56 MPGe (gas/electric) for the plug-in hybrid variant. The 2025 Kia Telluride offers up to 20/26 city/highway mpg, while the 2025 Nissan Palisade caps at 19/26 city/highway mpg. The Nissan Pathfinder is more competitive with the CX-90's mileage but still falls short at 21/27 city/highway mpg.
It seems Mazda gets closer to the luxury category each year, and the 2025 CX-90's cabin reflects this evolution. Higher trims feature fabric dashboard and door panel inserts, while Premium and Premium Plus grades feature standard leather and Nappa leather upholstery, respectively. You won't be outnumbered by touch-activated functions, as plenty of clearly labeled physical buttons like the center console knob help reduce user frustration. Overall, the 2025 CX-90's interior looks like a luxury SUV from brands like Lincoln, with balanced color schemes, refined ergonomics, and a contemporary feel.
One of the 2025 CX-90's most significant downsides is its tight third row. While tight third rows aren't uncommon in the mid-size SUV segment, even in the luxury category, this cramped seating causes the CX-90's interior to feel less premium than it looks, and adults certainly won't be comfortable on long journeys with the lack of headroom and legroom. Unless you have kids riding in the third row, you might as well fold it down for extra cargo space. You'll find a larger third row within rivals like the 2025 Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and Honda Pilot.
While the CX-90's driving dynamics are engaging, they're not for everyone. Mazda has steadily established a reputation for offering more athletic SUV options than comparable competitors. Still, some consumers shopping within this class are seeking more low-key performance for local errands or dropping off their kids at sports practice. In other words, drivers who want comfort over sportiness are better off with an option like the Hyundai Palisade.
Overall, the 2025 CX-90 is an excellent choice within Mazda's lineup and the mid-size SUV market as a whole—especially if you don't need to regularly transport adults or teenagers in the third row. Mazda has done an excellent job equipping the 2025 CX-90 with enough form and function to walk the walk as a daily driver while knocking on the luxury class's door, but there are other competitors to consider, like the Hyundai Palisade, if comfort is your top shopping requirement over power.