I Tested the 2026 Mazda CX-90 Turbo S—Here’s Why It’s My Favorite Sporty Family SUV

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The 2026 Mazda CX-90 proves a three-row family SUV doesn’t have to drive like a lumbering tank. Mazda’s largest vehicle blends luxury comfort, sharp handling, and real performance, thanks to a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine and standard all-wheel drive. During my time testing the 2026 Mazda CX-90 Turbo S Premium Sport, I found an SUV that delivers the rare combination of family-friendly practicality and sports-sedan driving dynamics—with quick acceleration, confident cornering, and a surprisingly refined ride.

Most full-size SUVs force you to choose between comfort, space, and performance. The CX-90 doesn’t. It’s a vehicle built around “ands,” not “buts”: fast and comfortable, roomy and engaging to drive, practical and genuinely fun behind the wheel.

What It Is

The Mazda CX-90 fits in a crowded market of full-size SUVs. I’ve tested several of these drivable yachts in the last year including a Jeep Grand Wagoneer, the Hyundai Palisade, and a Ford Explorer (all 2026 models). You’ll notice the CX-90’s elongated front-end right away, then appreciate the extra storage space when you load up a few camping supplies and a cooler in the back (with the third-row seats folded down). Standard AWD is helpful on snowy roads, but this is not an off-roader by any means like the Land Rover Defender. No matter, I’m here for the performance and the amenities, and the CX-90 does not disappoint. 

2026 Mazda CX-90 Turbo S Premium Sport Overall Impressions 

When I first saw the 2026 Mazda CX-90 Turbo S, I had to blink twice. It’s big and has a wide stance, but the sleek design and performance characteristics have more in common with a Mazda MX-5 Miata sports car. That’s no accident. A Mazda representative told me they "borrowed" some of the performance specs from the MX-5 to make sure the CX-90 feels sporty. What’s most compelling here is that the CX-90 is not a poser. It’s genuinely fast, has enough room for your gear and a few passengers, and glides on the road. Usually, you have to pick performance over comfort, but I felt the CX-90 delivered on both of those.

Key Features

Let’s start with a few key performance specs first. The CX-90 is a blast to drive since it has a 340-horsepower engine and a double-wishbone suspension for great handling on tight corners. Hold on for the ride, right? Mazda went the extra mile though and uses something called Kinematic Posture Control (or KPC) to modulate the engine torque instead of just applying light brake pressure. For me, that meant less body roll and more fun on twisty roads. I drove on a roundabout three times in succession—annoying my wife to death—and it never felt tippy.

I mentioned the 0-60 spec of 7.0 seconds already but (twist my arm) I repeated the test a few times, just for thoroughness. I don't have access to a test track (I’ve seen results closer to around 6.5 seconds going 0-60) but the CX-90 is much faster than a Hyundai Palisade. A Ford Explorer ST that’s similar in size comes equipped with a bigger 400-horsepower engine and is rated at 5 seconds in a 0-60 test. Once again, the CX-90 is not the absolute fastest SUV around. It’s more well-rounded for comfort, speed, handling, and design.

As for tech, in all of my years reviewing cars, I would say the CX-90 is getting there. Mazda is not my first pick for the most technology-laden brand compared to BMW, Mercedes-Benz or Volvo, but I noticed a few key safety upgrades in this model. Collision avoidance is phenomenal. Several times during my week-long test drive, pulling up to a stop sign, the car beeped and flashed an indicator to tell me a vehicle was approaching from the left or right. It’s brilliant. You can also tweak the collision detection sensitivity to give you an early warning or just when needed. I didn’t test the Alexa voicebot (it wasn’t configured properly) but that’s a handy addition. You can ask for the weather or get directions. I did wish the CX-90 included the latest Alexa+ bot that’s more conversational and sounds like an actual human voice.

And then, about the comfort. Alas, there is no espresso maker. I had to make my own. Still, the creature comforts are a step above the norm. I found the seats to be comfortable and not overly stiff like they are in some Hyundai and Kia models. The Premium Plus version of the CX-90 uses a unique cross-stitch on the leather seats and has extra power outlets for passengers. There’s even a customization option for the CX-90 where everyone can have a captain's chair. The Explorer ST is faster, the BMW X7 has high-end tech (but also costs way more), the Grand Wagoneer has more room for your stuff. The CX-90? It has a mix of everything. 

Pros

• Great handling around corners and quick acceleration
• Safety tech warns you about oncoming traffic

Cons

• Not as fast as the Explorer ST
• A little tight on storage if you use the third-row seats

Final Verdict

In the end, this blend of performance and comfort made the CX-90 a good match for me. The ride is not choppy or rough and the acceleration is amazing, so you might kick yourself a few times realizing how smooth the CX-90 feels given its larger size. And then, let’s talk about price. The CX-90 Turbo S Premium Sport I tested has a sticker price of $56,065. The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is closer to $66,000 for the base model and is not that sporty, even if it has more cargo room. The faster Ford Explorer ST is roughly the same price at $54,905 but I felt the CX-90 has a more luxurious interior. For the price, the CX-90 ticks all of my boxes.

Why You Should Trust Me

I’m an automotive geek. I’ve been testing and reviewing cars since 2010, racking up more miles behind the wheel than I care to admit. One of my all-time favorite tests was a Bugatti Veyron that I borrowed for an afternoon in Miami once; it drives like you have strapped a jet engine to the back. I’ve also tested several high-end Mercedes-Benz AMG sports cars both on the track and on the highway, but most importantly—I’ve tested “everyday” vehicles including most crossover and SUV models that compare evenly to the Mazda CX-90.