The 2026 Mazda CX-90 Inline 6 Turbo: The Most Underrated Three-Row SUV on the Market

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Let’s be honest — when most people think of a three-row family SUV, they picture something boxy, beige, and utterly forgettable. A people-mover that gets the job done but never excites. Then there’s the 2026 Mazda CX-90 Inline 6 Turbo — a vehicle that dares to ask: why can’t hauling your family around be genuinely thrilling?

At Browning Mazda, we’ve spent a lot of time behind the wheel of the CX-90, and we’re here to tell you: this is not your average three-row SUV. Not even close. Whether you’re car-shopping seriously or just starting to explore your options, the 2026 CX-90 gas deserves your full attention — and after reading this, we think you’ll agree.

An Engine That Actually Excites

Let’s start where it matters most: under the hood. The 2026 CX-90 gas is powered by a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine — and if you know your automotive history, you know that inline-six engines are legendary for their smoothness, balance, and character. This isn’t a compromise powertrain. This is a statement.

In standard Turbo trim, the CX-90 produces 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, delivered from as low as 2,000 RPM. That means the power is there the moment you need it — merging onto the freeway, passing on the highway, or simply keeping up with the chaos of daily family life. Step up to the Turbo S variants and output climbs to an exhilarating 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque (on premium fuel), propelling this three-row SUV from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds. In a vehicle that seats up to eight people, that’s genuinely impressive.

The engine is paired with a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive across every single trim level. No compromise, no upselling required. AWD is just part of the deal — because Mazda builds the CX-90 as if every road deserves respect.

Drives Like Nothing Else in Its Class

Here’s something you don’t often hear said about three-row SUVs: the CX-90 is genuinely fun to drive. Automotive journalists consistently praise it for its sporty, responsive handling and driver-focused feel that sets it firmly apart from the more utilitarian competition.

The steering carries just the right amount of weight — communicative and confidence-inspiring, not numb like you’d find in many SUVs at this price point. The brakes are firm and performance-oriented. Body roll is remarkably controlled for a vehicle of this size. On the highway, the CX-90 is planted, composed, and serene — with wind and road noise suppressed to a level that rivals luxury brands costing tens of thousands more.

Edmunds’ expert testers noted that the CX-90 is “quicker, better-handling and more enjoyable to drive than nearly everything in the class.” That’s not marketing — that’s independent evaluation from one of the most respected names in automotive journalism.

An Interior That Redefines Value

Step inside the 2026 CX-90 and you’ll immediately feel like you’ve paid more than you did. Mazda’s Kodo design philosophy — rooted in Japanese concepts of beauty, craftsmanship, and simplicity — permeates every surface, every material, every detail of the interior.

Even the base Select trim comes dressed in high-quality synthetic leather upholstery, with a clean, driver-focused cockpit that puts essential controls exactly where your hands naturally fall. Move up the trim ladder and you’re greeted with genuine leather, ventilated front seats, a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a panoramic sunroof, and a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system that transforms your daily commute into a concert hall experience.

The top Premium Plus trims offer quilted Nappa leather upholstery and upgraded interior materials that honestly make you question whether you’ve accidentally walked into an Acura or Infiniti showroom. The CX-90’s interior is that good.

And for families, the practicality is real: tri-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a wireless phone charger, and multiple USB ports ensure everyone rides in comfort — front to back, row to row.

Technology That Keeps You Connected and Safe

Technology in the 2026 CX-90 is thoughtfully implemented. The available 10.25-inch and 12.3-inch infotainment screens offer wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, keeping your digital life seamlessly connected. A head-up display on higher trims projects critical driving information directly into your line of sight, so your eyes stay where they belong — on the road.

But where the CX-90 truly shines is in its standard safety technology suite. Every single 2026 CX-90 comes equipped with:

• Adaptive Cruise Control — maintains safe following distances automatically
• Frontal Collision Mitigation — warns and brakes to help prevent forward impacts
• Blind-Spot Warning with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert — keeps eyes on what you can’t see
• Lane Keeping Assistance — gentle steering corrections to keep you centered
• Driver Attention Monitor — alerts you if fatigue sets in on long drives
• Safe Exit Assist — prevents rear passengers from opening doors into oncoming traffic

The results speak for themselves: the 2026 Mazda CX-90 earned an outstanding 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from NHTSA — the highest rating possible. Mazda was also recently ranked the Safest New-Car Brand by Consumer Reports. When you put your family in a CX-90, you’re putting them in one of the safest vehicles on the road.

Fuel Economy That Surprises

A turbocharged inline-six powering a full-size three-row SUV — and it still delivers 25 MPG combined (23 city / 28 highway)? Yes, really. The CX-90 achieves this in part thanks to its integrated mild-hybrid system that smooths out power delivery and improves efficiency without any plugging-in required. This is fuel economy that beats most of its non-hybrid competitors outright.

With an 18.5-gallon fuel tank, you’re looking at a real-world highway range of over 518 miles on a single tank. Road trips just got a whole lot more manageable.

Trim Levels: Something for Every Budget

The 2026 CX-90 gas lineup offers four trim levels, giving you a clear path to the features that matter most to you:

• 3.3 Turbo Select — Starting at $39,300: 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, synthetic leather, 10.25″ infotainment, full safety suite, AWD standard. An incredible value entry point.
• 3.3 Turbo Preferred — Starting at $43,450: Adds 21-inch wheels, sunroof, genuine leather, heated/ventilated front seats, 12.3″ screen with wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging.
• 3.3 Turbo Premium Sport — Starting at $47,480: Panoramic sunroof, Bose audio, head-up display, integrated navigation, hands-free power liftgate, and the ability to tow up to 5,000 lbs.
• 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus — Starting at $50,270: Adaptive headlights, surround-view camera, premium Nappa leather, front cross-traffic warning, and the full luxury experience.

And for true performance enthusiasts, the Turbo S variants (Premium Sport and Premium Plus) unlock the full 340-hp version of the engine — offering sports-car power wrapped in a refined three-row package.

The Value Proposition Is Undeniable

Let’s put this in perspective. The 2026 CX-90 starts under $40,000, delivers luxury-brand interior quality, sports-car-influenced handling, a silky smooth inline-six engine, standard AWD, a full complement of advanced safety features, and one of the most distinctive designs in its class. Compare it to an Acura MDX (starting around $50,000+), an Infiniti QX60 (starting around $49,000+), or a Lincoln Aviator (starting around $56,000+) — and you begin to realize what a remarkable achievement the CX-90 represents.

Independent experts agree. Edmunds notes that the CX-90’s interior is so refined it “wouldn’t be out of place if cross-shopped against the Acura MDX, Infiniti QX60 or Lincoln Aviator.” And the kicker? It starts at a fraction of those prices.

Add in the current incentives available — including special APR financing as low as 0.9% — and the CX-90 becomes even harder to resist. This is the rare moment when the best choice and the most affordable choice are the same vehicle.

Why Browning Mazda?

As California’s #1 Mazda Dealership, Browning Mazda is proud to carry a full inventory of the 2026 CX-90 Inline 6 Turbo across all trim levels. Our team knows this vehicle inside and out — because we’re enthusiasts too. We don’t just sell the CX-90; we believe in it.

Whether you want to explore financing options, schedule a test drive, or simply come in and feel that stunning interior for yourself, we’re here and ready. The 2026 Mazda CX-90 isn’t a compromise — it’s a revelation. Come discover why.

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Interested in the 2026 Mazda CX-90? Let’s Talk.

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