If you are shopping for a refined three-row SUV that feels premium without feeling overly complicated, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 deserves a serious look. Built around Mazda’s driver-focused philosophy, this SUV brings together confident power, standard i-Activ AWD®, elegant design, advanced safety technology, and family-ready versatility. For drivers comparing options around Dane County, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 near Verona, WI stands out as a vehicle that can handle school routines, work commutes, weekend errands, and longer road trips with the same calm confidence.
At Russ Darrow Mazda of Madison, we know online shoppers want more than a quick feature list. A vehicle needs to make sense for real life. The Mazda CX-90 does exactly that with seating for up to eight passengers, available premium interior materials, available advanced camera technology, flexible cargo space, and an engaging e-SKYACTIV®-G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbocharged engine lineup. It feels upscale, drives with precision, and offers thoughtful details throughout the cabin.
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is a three-row SUV designed for drivers who want family space, premium craftsmanship, and confident performance in one well-balanced package. Mazda engineered the CX-90 with a longitudinal powertrain layout, standard i-Activ AWD®, and responsive turbocharged Inline 6 power to create a more connected driving feel than many traditional three-row SUVs. Inside, the cabin focuses on comfort and harmony, offering seating for seven or eight passengers depending on configuration, plus available amenities such as Nappa leather-trimmed seats, a Bose® sound system, panoramic moonroof, and convenient USB-C charging outlets for passengers in the second and third rows.
Safety is also central to the 2026 Mazda CX-90 near Verona, WI. The model includes standard and available i-Activsense® safety features, and Mazda notes that the 2026 Mazda CX-90 earned a 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award. With available technology such as the 360° View Monitor with See-through View and Trailer Hitch View, Mazda Connected Services, and Apple CarPlay® integration, this SUV feels modern, intuitive, and reassuring.
The CX-90 stands out because it does not ask shoppers to choose between driving enjoyment and practical utility. It has the space expected from a three-row SUV, yet it also delivers the poise and steering feel Mazda is known for. For drivers near Verona, WI, that balance can be especially useful when a single vehicle needs to feel comfortable on Beltline commutes, easy to maneuver around Madison, and capable enough for family travel throughout Wisconsin.
The heart of the 2026 Mazda CX-90 is its e-SKYACTIV®-G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbocharged engine, offered in 3.3 Turbo and 3.3 Turbo S models. Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo models produce up to 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, while Turbo S models are tuned for up to 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque when using recommended premium fuel. That power delivery feels smooth and composed, which matters in a three-row SUV carrying passengers, cargo, or both. The engine pairs with a SKYACTIV®-Drive 8-Speed Automatic Transmission with manual-shift mode, helping the CX-90 respond naturally whether you are accelerating onto the highway or moving through stop-and-go traffic. Unlike some larger SUVs that feel disconnected from the road, the CX-90 maintains a refined sense of control. It is powerful, but it also feels polished, giving drivers a confident connection to the vehicle without sacrificing cabin comfort.
Every Mazda crossover SUV includes i-Activ AWD®, and the 2026 Mazda CX-90 benefits from this standard system in a meaningful way. Rather than waiting for wheel slip and reacting after the fact, i-Activ AWD® proactively monitors vehicle dynamics data in real time. Mazda explains that the system watches for variations in wheel loads a driver may not notice, then automatically manages torque distribution to help provide predictable handling. This is a strong advantage for families and commuters who encounter changing road conditions, gravel driveways, rain-slick streets, or unpaved routes. The CX-90 also offers Mazda Intelligent Drive Select, known as Mi-Drive, with Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and available Towing modes. These modes allow the SUV to adjust its response for different situations. Whether you want smooth everyday driving, sharper throttle response, added traction support, or towing-oriented control, the CX-90 is engineered to help the vehicle feel stable and composed.
The Mazda CX-90 was designed to help up to eight passengers enjoy time on the road together. Depending on configuration, the cabin seats seven or eight passengers, with a second-row bench or optional 2nd-row captain’s chairs. All CX-90 3.3 Turbo and 3.3 Turbo S models include a 60/40 split 3-person third-row bench seat, giving families flexibility when balancing people and cargo. With all seats upright, the CX-90 offers 14.9 cu ft of cargo volume, and with the second and third row seatbacks folded down, cargo capacity expands up to 74.2 cu ft. That flexibility makes a noticeable difference when the week includes sports bags, groceries, luggage, school projects, or home improvement supplies. The CX-90 is spacious, but Mazda also pays attention to how that space feels. The cabin layout is intentional, creating a quiet and harmonious environment rather than simply adding rows of seats. It is family-friendly without losing its premium character.
Mazda’s i-Activsense® safety technology helps the 2026 Mazda CX-90 support driver awareness from multiple angles. Standard safety features include systems such as Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Lane-keep Assist, while additional available features expand visibility and driver support. Mazda highlights technologies such as Smart Brake Support – Front Crossing, Smart Brake Support – Turn-Across Traffic, Road Keep Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Head-on Traffic Avoidance Assist, Cruising & Traffic Support, Vehicle Exit Warning, Driver Monitoring, and the available 360° View Monitor with See-through View. These systems are designed to alert the driver to potential hazards, help monitor nearby traffic, and support more confident maneuvering. The CX-90 has also earned recognition that matters to safety-conscious shoppers, including a 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award. For online consumers comparing family SUVs, this safety depth is one of the CX-90’s strongest qualities because it blends everyday assistance with thoughtful engineering.
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 brings useful technology into the cabin without overwhelming the driver. Mazda Connected Services, accessed through the MyMazda App, allows owners to locate the vehicle, start the engine, lock and unlock the doors remotely, and use additional connected features. A one-year trial subscription is included with the purchase of every new Mazda. Inside, all Mazda CX-90 models include Bluetooth® connectivity, Apple CarPlay® integration for your iPhone®, Android Auto™ integration, and the Mazda Connect™ Infotainment System. Available technology such as the 360° View Monitor with See-through View and Trailer Hitch View is especially helpful in parking areas, tight driveways, or when lining up with a trailer. Mazda notes that this system provides an enhanced view of the area directly ahead of and beside the vehicle that would normally be obstructed, visible on the center display. Add available USB-C charging outlets in the second and third rows, and the CX-90 feels thoughtfully equipped for modern passengers.
The best way to choose your CX-90 is to think about how the SUV will function during a normal week. A commuter may prioritize driver assistance technology and cabin comfort, while a growing family may focus on second-row access, cargo room, and charging ports. Shoppers near Verona, WI should also consider standard i-Activ AWD® as a major long-term advantage for confidence across changing Wisconsin road conditions.
Does the 2026 Mazda CX-90 have all-wheel drive?
Yes. The Mazda CX-90 includes i-Activ AWD® as standard. This system is always engaged and proactively monitors vehicle dynamics data in real time, automatically controlling torque distribution to support predictable handling.
How many passengers can the 2026 Mazda CX-90 seat?
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 can seat seven or eight passengers depending on configuration. Models may be equipped with a second-row bench seat or optional 2nd-row captain’s chairs, while 3.3 Turbo and 3.3 Turbo S models include a 60/40 split third-row bench seat.
What engine does the 2026 Mazda CX-90 use?
Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo and Turbo S models use the e-SKYACTIV®-G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbocharged engine. The 3.3 Turbo models offer up to 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, while Turbo S models are tuned for up to 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque when using recommended premium fuel.
Does the 2026 Mazda CX-90 offer remote engine start?
Yes. Remote Engine Start is available through Mazda Connected Services once the vehicle is registered through the MyMazda App. Mazda Connected Services also supports features such as remote lock and unlock, vehicle location, and other connected functions.
A good test drive should feel practical, not rushed. Bring the people or items that matter if possible, such as child seats, a stroller, sports bags, or work gear. The Mazda CX-90 is designed to serve many roles, so use the drive to confirm that it feels natural during the routines you actually live.
Choosing Russ Darrow Mazda of Madison means working with a team that supports the full ownership experience, not just the purchase. We can help you compare CX-90 configurations, understand available Mazda technology, explore financing options, and plan future service. That continuity matters when buying a premium three-row SUV because long-term confidence starts with clear answers from the beginning.
If you are ready to compare a 2026 Mazda CX-90 near Verona, WI, start by identifying the features that will improve your daily routine. From there, we can help you narrow the choices and make the shopping process straightforward. The CX-90 offers a rare blend of upscale design, family utility, and engaging performance, so it is worth seeing in person.
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is an excellent choice for online shoppers who want a three-row SUV with substance, sophistication, and everyday usefulness. It brings together standard i-Activ AWD®, smooth Inline 6 Turbo performance, flexible seating, advanced i-Activsense® safety technology, and a premium cabin that feels carefully designed from front to back. Whether you are upgrading for more passenger room, seeking stronger towing confidence, or simply wanting a more rewarding SUV to drive, the CX-90 makes a compelling case. Russ Darrow Mazda of Madison is ready to help you compare trims, review available features, explore your trade options, and schedule a test drive that fits your plans. Reach out to our team today to request more information, ask specific questions, or begin your shopping process online. With the right guidance and the right SUV, your next drive can feel more refined, capable, and enjoyable.
