Say “luxury SUV” and names like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi usually come to mind. But in 2026, you don’t have to sign up for a luxury-brand payment to get something that feels properly upscale and genuinely 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 a lot fancier than its badge suggests.
In higher trims it packs a smooth inline-six with real punch, while versions like the CX-90 Premium Sport keep things comfortable and well-equipped without blowing up your budget. The result is an SUV that feels premium enough to tempt buyers who might’ve otherwise headed straight for the German showroom.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Mazda and other authoritative sources, including Edmunds, the EPA, TrueCar, and TopSpeed.
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The 2026 Mazda CX-90 Premium Sport feels far more upscale than it looks
Premium materials, sharp styling, and an inline-six give it real luxury vibes
Credit: Mazda
Mazda’s reputation wasn’t built on plush interiors. For years, the brand signed off ads with “Zoom Zoom,” leaning hard into 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 edge, but it also dips a toe into genuine luxury territory without wearing a European badge. That’s especially true in the Premium Sport trim, which feels rich inside with leather surfaces and sharp-looking trim across the dash and doors.
You can climb to the S Premium Plus for extras like a hands-free liftgate, upgraded power seat adjustments, and a larger panoramic moonroof, but the Premium Sport already nails the sweet spot. It delivers the upscale vibe most buyers want without pushing the price into full-on luxury-brand territory.
An interior that punches above its weight
Credit: Mazda
No, there isn’t handcrafted wood from a centuries-old forest or a fancy analog clock borrowed from a jewelry house. What you do get is a clean, modern cabin that looks thoughtfully designed, with a standard 12.3-inch screen (on Preferred trims and up) 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, giving back-seat passengers a noticeably more comfortable setup. You do lose a seating position when you go that route, but the tradeoff is a more lounge-like feel, and if you want to go all in, Nappa leather is reserved for the top trims.
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Three rows with a surprisingly sporty edge
Balanced handling and inline-six power set it apart
Credit: Mazda
For a nearly 5,000-pound SUV, the CX-90 feels way more agile than it has any right to. There’s some body roll if you really push it, but it grips corners confidently and feels noticeably sharper than rivals like the Kia Telluride or Toyota Grand Highlander.
That sportier tuning does mean the ride leans firm over rough pavement. It’s not punishing, but you’ll feel more of the road than you would in some softer, comfort-first competitors.
As Mazda’s only three-row SUV, it’s also your ticket to hauling up to eight people with a bit of that old “Zoom Zoom” spirit baked in. The third row works fine for kids and shorter trips, though adults may start negotiating for second-row seats on longer drives.
2026 Mazda CX-90 specs
Engine
Turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-6
Transmission
8-speed automatic
Power
280 hp, 340 hp (S trims)
Torque
332 lb-ft, 369 lb-ft (S trims)
Drivetrain
All-wheel drive
Cargo volume
16 cubic feet, 40 cubic feet (3rd row stowed)
Curb weight
4,945 lbs
EPA fuel economy
23 MPG city, 28 MPG highway
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The Premium Sport trim hits the sweet spot
Upscale feel and strong performance without the luxury-brand price
Credit: Mazda
We’d park our money on the CX-90 Premium Sport unless you really want the extra punch from the S trims. It starts at $46,980 before options like the $900 Premier Tow package, which puts it right in the mix with mainstream players like the Honda Pilot.
Step up to the more powerful S versions, and you’re not just paying for added horsepower. Pricing climbs quickly, topping out around $57,370, which starts nudging it closer to true luxury-brand territory.
Choose the “S” if you want more punch
Credit: Mazda
Every CX-90 gets a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six, which already sets it apart in a class full of turbo fours. Even the standard setup in trims like the Premium Sport makes a healthy 280 horsepower.
Step up to the S Premium Sport or S Premium Plus and output jumps to 340 horsepower. In the midsize three-row SUV world, that’s about as lively as it gets without wandering into full luxury-brand pricing.
2026 Mazda CX-90 pricing
2026 Mazda CX-90 Select
$38,800
2026 Mazda CX-90 Preferred
$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?
A compelling alternative to traditional luxury SUVs
Credit: Mazda
If you want a three-row SUV that feels genuinely upscale but still has some edge to it, the CX-90 Premium Sport makes a strong case. It delivers a near-luxury vibe and plenty of features without pushing past what many buyers already expect to spend on a new SUV.
Fold the third row down, and it turns into a serious cargo hauler, ready for road trips, Costco runs, or a full slate of weekend sports. Add the Premier Tow package, and it can pull 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 shoppers used to softer luxury cruisers like the Grand Highlander. But if you’re willing to trade a bit of cushiness for sharper handling and a punchy inline-six, the CX-90 feels like a smart way to get luxury flavor without the luxury badge.
