Reviewed: The 2026 Mazda CX-90 Turbo S – The Crossover That Tosses Out the Rulebook

by Greg Karpinski

Mazda has been quietly rewriting its own rulebook and the CX-90 Turbo S is the clearest sign yet of that upmarket ambition paying off.  This isn’t a three-row crossover chasing badge prestige, it’s one built around balance, feel and the kind of driver engagement that most rivals forgot somewhere between comfort mode and automatic lane centering.  With its rear-drive architecture, turbocharged inline six cylinder power and an interior that genuinely punches above its price point, the CX-90 Turbo S makes a compelling case that the “driver’s crossover” doesn’t have to be an oxymoron, it can be Mazda’s new calling card.

The Fine Print: Mazda wanted to see what we thought of the CX-90 Turbo S so badly, they dropped off a top-of-the-line example finished in Deep Crystal Blue with a full tank of gas for a week.  We took it pumpkin picking.

The CX-90 Turbo S cuts a clean, confident figure and, in our tester’s Deep Crystal Blue, it looks properly upscale – rich, glossy and understated in a very Mazda way.  Still, we’d be lying if we didn’t admit a little disappointment that we didn’t get an example in one of Mazda’s excellent Takuminuri colors like Artisan Red, Rhodium White, Polymetal Gray, Machine Gray or the always awesome Soul Red.  It’s still amazing that Mazda only charges $595 for these colors, which seem to have their own inherent glow and add that extra layer of depth that Mazda does so well.  Design-wise, the CX-90 feels long and elegant rather than bulky, with a strong shoulder line, restrained chrome accents and proportions that immediately signal that this is something more premium than the CX-9 it replaced.  Our only real exterior nitpick?  Mazda still hasn’t figured out how to hide the rear wiper and, once you notice it dangling back there, it’s hard not to wish they’d borrowed a page from Range Rover’s playbook and hidden it under the rear spoiler.

Dimensionally, the CX-90 is right where it needs to be for a three-row crossover that wants to look athletic instead of awkward.  It measures 201.6 inches long, 77.8 inches wide and 68.7 inches tall, riding on a generous 122.8-inch wheelbase that gives it that classic long nose, rear-drive proportions Mazda is leaning into.  The Turbo S Premium Plus rolls on 21-inch machine cut multi-spoke alloy wheels that fill the wheel wells nicely without tipping into overstyled territory.  Overall, the exterior doesn’t shout for attention, it earns it quietly and, aside from that exposed rear wiper, it’s a handsome, cohesive design that’s aging very gracefully.

Stepping inside the CX-90 Turbo S Premium Plus and it’s immediately clear that Mazda is serious about moving upmarket.  Our tester’s premium white Nappa leather interior is stunning – airy, elegant and a bold contrast to the Deep Crystal Blue exterior.  The seats are beautifully stitched and supportive without feeling stiff, the materials feel rich everywhere your hands land and the overall layout feels calm and intentional rather than busy.  There’s real attention to detail here, from the curly maple wood trim to the fabric dash design with a hanging stitch, coming together to create a cabin that feels far more expensive than the badge in the grille suggests.

From a space and usability standpoint, the CX-90 delivers solid numbers for a three-row crossover that prioritizes driving dynamics.  Front occupants get a generous 41.7 inches of legroom, while the second row offers 39.4 inches, making it comfortable for adults rather than just kids.  Cargo space checks in at 14.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to about 40 cubes with the third row folded and nearly 74 with both rows stowed, though you’ll have to be careful not to gouge that fancy rear center console if you’re loading anything big.  It’s not the roomiest in the segment, but the space is well-shaped and easy to use, which matters just as much in daily life.

Technology is cleanly integrated rather than overwhelming.  The CX-90 features a 12.3-inch center display paired with another 12.3-inch fully digital gauge cluster, both crisp, quick and easy to read with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay standard.  Mazda’s control philosophy leans heavily on physical buttons and a rotary controller, which we still appreciate for reducing distraction while driving.  That said, a few quirks remain: the touch entry is limited to the front doors only and continues that frustrating logic of being unable to unlock the passenger door, after you’ve already unlocked the driver.  Also, the fact that there’s no power-folding third row in something that is leaning heavily premium feels like an odd omission, even at this price point.  Still, those gripes don’t overshadow what is otherwise one of the most thoughtfully designed and genuinely premium interiors in the segment.

Under the hood of the CX-90 Turbo S you’ll find Mazda’s impressive 3.3L turbocharged inline six cylinder with mild hybrid assist, producing 340hp and 369lbft of torque on premium fuel.  That power flows through an eight-speed automatic transmission and Mazda’s full-time AWD system giving the CX-90 a crisp, willing feel whether you’re merging on the highway or hustling through backroads.  In real-world testing, the Turbo S hits 60mph in the mid five second range and zips through the quarter mile in the low 14 second range, which is quite good for a three-row crossover.  Fuel economy is rated at 23mpg city and 28 highway, so it’s not just quick, but it’s also efficient enough that you won’t hate taking it on longer trips.  Considering its competitors often sip much more aggressively, that’s a big part of the CX-90’s appeal.  Frankly, the only letdown here is the inconsistent i-Stop system, which kills the engine smoothly, but every time it needs fired up again, there’s a pretty big jolt.  Mazda could really benefit from spending some time with Toyota’s engineers, who have this absolutely nailed in their vehicles.

Handling is where the CX-90 sets itself apart from the everyday crossover pack.  Mazda has engineered this big SUV with Miata DNA to help it feel smaller than it is, with lively turn-in, balanced weight distribution and a chassis that rewards enthusiasm.  On twisty roads it doesn’t sway on its suspension, instead feeling planted and willing, almost like a “big Miata” in crossover clothes – composed through corners with a confidence that belies its three-row practicality and nearly 5000 pound curb weight.  The suspension soaks up bumps and imperfections without floating and the steering delivers just enough feedback to keep you connected without tiring your arms.  It’s rare to find a vehicle this size that makes driving genuinely fun, but the CX-90 Turbo S manages it while still being refined and comfortable, a combination that’s tough to beat in this segment.

Taken as a whole, the CX-90 Turbo S feels like a breakthrough moment for Mazda.  It’s engaging to drive, beautifully built, genuinely quick and thoughtfully efficient, all while offering three rows of usable space and real luxury inside.  In many ways, it’s the best driver-focused vehicle in its segment and a convincing step forward in Mazda’s upmarket push.  A few small frustrations keep it from true perfection, but they’re details not deal-breakers.  Mazda isn’t just knocking on the premium door anymore, with the CX-90 Turbo S, they’re standing right on the threshold.