Mazda made a big splash a few years ago with the debut of the three-row CX-90. The ute elevated the company’s profile within the “near luxury” segment. The 2026 Mazda CX-90 Turbo S Premium Plus provides what you expect from a flagship: looks, performance, and style. With Mazda, you get all that at a mainstream price.
The Mazda CX-90 Turbo S Premium Plus is a new offering for 2026.
More than ever, new car buyers want huge bang for their buck. They want lots of electronics while getting plenty of pop, and perhaps no vehicle offers that nearly unachievable mix than the CX-90.
The S Premium Plus is a new offering for 2026, and aside from the upgraded powertrain, you also get the option for black or white Japanese Premium Nappa leather seats, second row ventilated seats, front and rear interior foot lighting, a two-tone leather wrapped steering wheel and a 150-watt accessory power outlet.
You get all that for a slightly more than “average” price.
Great exterior style
The 2026 CX-90 remains basically unchanged since its debut a few years back, and I like that just fine. Take a look at the nose of the CX-90, and you’re greeted with a large black grille bordered on the top corners by two slit-like LED headlights. The combo gives the nose an aerodynamic and sleek look without seeming over-the-top.
The 2026 CX-90 remains basically unchanged since its debut a few years back.
Follow that down the side and come to a slightly flared front wheel arch, mimicked at the rear wheel. This complements the clean, flowing look from the front. The rear of the ute features a gentle curve running from the roof to the bumper that gives it some additional definition and a little heft.
Our tester came in Deep Crystal Blue Mica with complimentary 21-inch black alloy wheels which, if you live in Michigan, will keep you from thinking you’ve stolen a Michigan State Police vehicle. In all seriousness, I’m not a fan of navy blue vehicles, but this color really looked good on the CX-90.
Straight-line fun
The CX-90 can be had with a 280-horsepower 3.3-liter Inline 6-cylinder, but ours came with a turbocharged 3.3-liter SkyActiv inline 6-cylinder mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission tweaked to 340 hp and you can tell the difference.
It also comes with i-Activ all-wheel drive, which makes driving in slippery conditions, like the snow and ice you can see surrounding it in the pictures, a much less daunting experience. It tows up to 5,000 pounds, which is about standard for this segment. This powertrain offers good fuel economy, averaging 25 mpg, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. During my week with it, my average was just under that, but I spent the vast majority of the time on surface streets.
The fit-and-finish is premium, and in the S Premium Plus we drove, it had the white Japanese Premium Nappa leather seats.
The CX-90 S Premium Plus is a bit more spirited than its sibling — as well as the two-row CX-70 that I drove last month. It’s not a corning or handling machine, but if you need to get around someone or a burst of speed for any reason, it inspires confidence.
Premium space
Move into the cabin, and you can see where Mazda vehicles really stand apart from their mainstream competitors. The fit-and-finish is premium, and in the S Premium Plus we drove, it had the white Japanese Premium Nappa leather seats. The front-row passengers get eight-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated seats.
However, the dashboard, door cards and center console feature a white plastic that feels almost like burlap to the touch, plus a goldish-yellow looking accent plastic. Actually, I think it looks like a very specific color … it’s definitely yellow, the kind you typically see in a bowl. It’s not a good-looking combination. It’s the first misstep in a Mazda interior — beyond the dial they use to control the infotainment system — in years.
It’s the first misstep in a Mazda interior — beyond the dial they use to control the infotainment system — in years.
The second-row seats are heated, and those same seats can be folded flat using power switches in the cargo area at the back. The third row is handy, but if you’re any taller than about 5-foot-2, you won’t want to be back there. Still, it’s handy to have.
Tech savvy
Standard technologies include Alexa Built-in, 12.3-inch Mazda Connect center infotainment display with touch functionality when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which is also wireless as is the phone charger.
Additionally, the 12-speaker Bose sound system adds to the luxury feel of the cabin, filling it with clear, rich sound whether it’s 80 hits or the latest Headlight News podcast. The space is a harmonious mix of comfort and tech reminiscent of much more luxurious — read: expensive — sport-utility vehicles.
It also comes standard with Mazda’s i-Activsense safety suite, which includes Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Driver Attention Alert, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Vehicle Exit Warning, and a Rear View Monitor with static guidelines.
The Turbo S Premium Plus comes with a turbocharged 3.3-liter SkyActiv inline 6-cylinder mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission tweaked to 340 hp.
Buyers also get Cruising & Traffic Support, Emergency Lane Keeping that includes Blind Spot Assist, Road Keep Assist, and Head-on Traffic Avoidance Assist, Secondary Collision Reduction System, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Speed Limit Assist to the standard Mazda Radar Cruise Control.
Would I?
The Mazda CX-90 Turbo S Premium Plus gives the brand a top competitor in the large midsize segment. More importantly, it does all this at an affordable price, starting at $58,900, including the destination fee. A premium or near luxury SUV for less than $60K, if my budget allowed, it would be in the top three on my list.
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