Mazda CX-90: Three Rows With Mazda's Driving Feel
Mazda's answer to a three-row SUV that still drives like a Mazda, with a third row best treated as occasional seating.
Written and reviewed by Nicholas Velez, Founder, Car Dogs · Updated August 29, 2026
The CX-90 brings Mazda's driving-feel and interior-quality strengths to the three-row class, competing with the Highlander and Pilot. As with most three-rows in this size class, the third row is better for kids and short trips than for full-time adult seating, so set expectations before you buy on the badge alone.
Be honest about the third row
If you carry six or seven people regularly, sit in the third row yourself first. Like most three-row crossovers at this size, it's more comfortable for occasional use than daily adult duty.
Turbo engine and towing
The CX-90's turbocharged engines bring real towing capability for the class, but that performance raises the maintenance stakes — confirm oil-change discipline on any used example, and check the specific configuration's tow rating against your needs.
What to inspect on a used one
- Full service records, especially oil-change consistency given the turbocharged powertrains.
- Third-row and cargo-area wear as a sign of how hard family life was on the vehicle.
- Evidence of a hitch and what it towed, if towing capability was part of the appeal.
- Open recalls for the specific VIN through NHTSA.
Alternatives worth pricing
- Toyota Highlander — similar mission, less engaging to drive, stronger resale.
- Honda Pilot — roomier third row for the size, less refined interior.
- Kia Telluride / Hyundai Palisade — more standard equipment and a more usable third row.
Hauling a family on Inland Empire freeways
A loaded CX-90 on a long I-10 or 15 haul with all three rows in use still drives more like a car than most three-rows this size, which is the whole appeal. Just budget realistic time for stops — a full cabin and cargo load changes how the turbo engine and cooling system work in summer heat, especially climbing the Cajon Pass.
If towing a trailer for weekend trips is part of the plan, check the transmission and engine cooling service history closely — sustained towing in triple-digit heat is hard duty even for a capable powertrain.
Running costs and when to walk away
- Expect turbo-appropriate maintenance costs — this is not a budget three-row to service, even though the purchase price competes with the class.
- A gap in oil-change records on a CX-90 is a bigger red flag than on most non-turbo three-rows; get a pre-purchase inspection that includes a scan for stored codes.
- Walk away from any example with evidence of overheating (coolant residue, replaced hoses without a clear reason) or a tow history that doesn't match the seller's story.
The short version
The CX-90 gives three-row buyers Mazda's driving feel and interior quality, but treat the third row as occasional seating and keep the turbo engine on a strict oil-change schedule.
Common questions
- Is the CX-90's third row usable for adults?
- For short trips, reasonably. For regular adult use, most three-rows this size — including this one — are tight. Sit back there yourself before deciding.
- How much can a CX-90 tow?
- It varies by engine and configuration, and the turbocharged versions offer real capability for the class. Check the specific vehicle's rating against your trailer's actual weight rather than a general spec sheet.
- CX-90 or Highlander?
- The CX-90 generally wins on driving feel and interior materials; the Highlander typically has stronger resale and a similarly tight third row. Compare specific trims and drive both.
- Is the CX-90 a good tow vehicle for Inland Empire weekend trips?
- The turbocharged versions offer real towing capability for the class, but sustained towing in summer heat is demanding duty. Check cooling system and transmission service history closely on any used example with a tow history.
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