The 2025 Mazda CX-90 isn’t just another three-row SUV—it’s a statement. Mazda’s flagship hauler blends premium vibes, razor-sharp handling, and a potent inline-six engine to take on heavyweights like the Toyota Grand Highlander and Kia Telluride. Starting at $38,045, it’s a steal for what you get: a near-luxury experience with the soul of a driver’s car. But it’s not flawless—cargo space and some tech quirks hold it back. Still, for families who want to feel alive behind the wheel, the CX-90 is a standout. Here’s why it’s turning heads in 2025.
Style That Stands Out
2025 Mazda CX-90 looks like it rolled out of a design studio with something to prove. Its sleek, elongated body (201.6 inches long, 84.9 inches wide) and bold Kodo grille scream sophistication, not soccer-mom blandness. For 2025, the new Premium Sport trim adds blacked-out accents, 21-inch dark-finish wheels, and a gloss-black grille for extra swagger. Colors like Platinum Quartz Metallic pop, and the optional Artisan Red Premium paint ($57,245 for the Turbo S Premium Plus) oozes class. It’s not as in-your-face as a BMW X5, but it’s every bit as elegant. Inside, Nappa leather and microsuede trim (standard on Premium Plus) create a cabin that rivals Lexus, though the suede’s long nap feels a touch cheap. Fit and finish are impeccable, making the $60,000 top trim feel like a bargain.
Powertrains That Pack a Punch
The CX-90’s heart is its 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six with M-Hybrid Boost, pumping out 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque in base trims or 340 hp and 369 lb-ft in Turbo S models. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic, is buttery smooth, hitting 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds in the Turbo S—quicker than most in its class. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant, with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and electric motor, delivers 323 hp and 26 miles of EV range, though it’s less refined, with occasional transmission hiccups at low speeds. Fuel economy shines: the gas model gets 24 mpg city/28 mpg highway, while the PHEV hits 56 MPGe combined. Towing capacity maxes out at 5,000 pounds for gas models and 3,500 pounds for the PHEV, making it versatile for weekend adventures.
Driving Dynamics That Defy Physics
Mazda’s “zoom-zoom” ethos is alive and well. The 2025 Mazda CX-90 Kinematic Posture Control brakes the inside rear wheel in corners, slashing body roll and making this 5,000-pound SUV feel nimble. Steering is precise, though some find it heavy in parking lots. The ride skews firm, especially with 21-inch wheels, but it’s composed on highways, soaking up bumps better than a Toyota Highlander. The i-Activ AWD system and Mi-Drive modes (Sport, Normal, Off-Road) ensure grip in snow or mud, though the CX-90 shines most on winding roads. It’s not a Porsche Cayenne, but it’s as fun as a three-row SUV gets.
Tech and Safety That Mostly Deliver
2025 Mazda CX-90’s tech suite is a mixed bag. The standard 10.25-inch infotainment display (12.3 inches on higher trims) runs Mazda Connect with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The click-wheel interface is less distracting than a touchscreen but clunky for some tasks. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and optional 12-speaker Bose audio system elevate the experience. However, the infotainment feels dated, and the facial-recognition driver profile system is spotty. Safety is a strong suit, with a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and standard i-Activsense features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Premium Plus trims add a 360-degree camera and intersection collision avoidance.
Room for Improvement
The CX-90’s third row is cramped, best for kids, and cargo space (14.9–15.9 cubic feet behind the third row, 74.2–75.2 cubic feet with seats folded) trails rivals like the Telluride. Some owners report squeaky brakes and software glitches, and the PHEV’s transmission can stutter during EV-to-hybrid transitions. Reliability is a concern—Consumer Reports ranks the 2025 CX-90 below average, with 10 recalls noted for 2024 models.
Why It’s a Contender
Starting at $38,045, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 undercuts premium rivals while offering near-luxury refinement. Sales spiked 77% in 2024, with 52.5% growth through February 2025, proving its appeal. It’s not perfect—cargo space, tech, and reliability need work—but its driving dynamics, upscale cabin, and value make it a top pick for drivers who refuse to settle for boring. Test drive the CX-90, and you’ll see why Mazda’s big SUV is a game-changer.