This Mazda SUV is pulling buyers away from German luxury brands
Say “luxury SUV” and names like Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi usually come to mind. But in 2026, you don’t need to sign up for a luxury brand payment to get something that feels really premium and really fun to drive.
The curveball comes from Japan, and it’s not Lexus, Acura or Infiniti. It’s the Mazda CX-90, a three-row SUV that’s much classier than its badge suggests.
In higher trims, it packs a smooth inline-six with real punch, while trims like the CX-90 Premium Sport keep things comfortable and well-equipped without blowing your budget. The result is an SUV upscale enough to tempt buyers who otherwise would have headed straight to the German showroom.
To provide you with the most current and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article comes from Mazda and other authoritative sources, including Edmunds, the EPA, TrueCar and TopSpeed.
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The 2026 Mazda CX-90 Premium Sport looks much more premium than it appears
Premium materials, sleek styling and an inline six-cylinder engine give it a real luxury vibe
Mazda’s reputation wasn’t built on sumptuous interiors. For years, the brand signed off its ads with “Zoom Zoom,” leaning heavily on its sporty side, the same mindset that made cars like the Mazda MX-5 Miata cult favorites and carried over into SUVs like the Mazda CX-90.
The CX-90 still has that athletic look, but it also dips a toe into true luxury territory without wearing a European badge. This is especially true in the Premium Sport trim, which feels rich inside with leather surfaces and neat trim on the dashboard and doors.
You can move up to the S Premium Plus for extras like a hands-free tailgate, improved power seat adjustments and a larger panoramic sunroof, but the Premium Sport already hits the sweet spot. It offers the high-end vibe that most buyers want without pushing the price into luxury brand territory.
An interior that punches above its weight
No, there is no such thing as handcrafted wood from a centuries-old forest or a fancy analog clock borrowed from a jewelry house. What you get is a clean, modern cabin that looks well-designed, with a standard 12.3-inch screen (on Preferred and above) that supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa, plus an available 12-speaker Bose system that’s absolutely worth adding.
In the CX-90 Premium Plus, second-row captain’s chairs come standard, providing rear passengers with a significantly more comfortable configuration. You lose a seating position when you go this route, but the trade-off is a more lounge feel, and if you want to go all out, Nappa leather is reserved for the upper trims.
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Three rows with a surprisingly sporty touch
Balanced handling and straight-six power set it apart
For a nearly 5,000-pound SUV, the CX-90 feels way more nimble than it has any right to be. There’s some body roll if you really push it, but it grabs corners with confidence and feels noticeably sharper than rivals like the Kia Telluride or Toyota Grand Highlander.
This sportier setting means the vehicle leans firmly over rough pavement. It’s not punishing, but you’ll feel the road more than in some softer, comfort-focused competitors.
As Mazda’s only three-row SUV, it’s also your ticket to transporting up to eight people with a bit of that old “Zoom Zoom” spirit built in. The third row works well for kids and shorter trips, although adults may start to negotiate second-row seats on longer trips.
2026 Mazda CX-90 Specifications
|
Engine |
3.3-liter turbocharged inline-6 |
|---|---|
|
Transmission |
8-speed automatic |
|
Power |
280 hp, 340 hp (S versions) |
|
Couple |
332 lb-ft, 369 lb-ft (S versions) |
|
Transmission |
All-wheel drive |
|
Loading volume |
16 cubic feet, 40 cubic feet (3rd row row) |
|
Empty weight |
4,945 pounds |
|
EPA Fuel Economy |
23 MPG city, 28 MPG highway |
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The Premium Sport version hits the sweet spot
Premium feel and solid performance without the price tag of luxury brands
We’d park our money on the CX-90 Premium Sport, unless you really want the extra oomph of the S trims. It starts at $46,980 before options like the $900 Premier Tow package, putting it squarely in the mix with mainstream players like the Honda Pilot.
Step up to the more powerful S trims and you’re not just paying for more power. Prices climb quickly, reaching around $57,370, which starts to push it closer to true luxury brand territory.
Choose the “S” if you want more punch
Every CX-90 comes with a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six, which already sets it apart in a class filled with turbocharged fours. Even the standard configuration in trims like the Premium Sport produces a healthy 280 horsepower.
Step up to the S Premium Sport or S Premium Plus and power increases to 340 horsepower. In the world of three-row midsize SUVs, this is about as lively as you can get without getting into the full price tags of luxury brands.
2026 Mazda CX-90 Price
|
Mazda CX-90 Select 2026 |
$38,800 |
|---|---|
|
Favorite 2026 Mazda CX-90 |
$42,950 |
|
2026 Mazda CX-90 Premium Sport |
$46,980 |
|
2026 Mazda CX-90 Premium Plus |
$50,270 |
|
2026 Mazda CX-90 S Premium Sport |
$53,940 |
|
2026 Mazda CX-90 S Premium Plus |
$57,370 |
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Is the CX-90 worth it?
An interesting alternative to traditional luxury SUVs
If you want a three-row SUV that feels truly premium but still has some edge, the CX-90 Premium Sport makes a strong case. It offers a near-luxury vibe and plenty of features without going beyond what many buyers already expect to spend on a new SUV.
Fold the third row down and it transforms into a serious cargo-hauling vehicle, ready for road trips, Costco runs, or a full range of weekend sports. Add the Premier Tow package and it can tow up to 5,000 pounds, which only adds to its everyday usefulness.
The firmer ride won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, especially for buyers used to softer luxury cruisers like the Grand Highlander. But if you’re willing to trade a little comfort for sharper handling and a punchy inline-six, the CX-90 seems like a smart way to get a flavor of luxury without the luxury badge.
