2025 Mazda CX‑90: A Premium Family SUV That Redefines Everyday Luxury
A Fresh Outlook on Mazda’s Flagship SUV
The 2025 Mazda CX‑90 has arrived in Japan as the brand’s most ambitious three‑row SUV to date. From the moment you see it on the showroom floor, the SUV commands attention with a bolder silhouette and an elevated sense of purpose. Mazda has taken its “Kodo – Soul of Motion” philosophy and turned it up a notch, delivering a vehicle that feels both larger than life and intimate enough for daily family life. Whether you are shuttling kids to school, heading for a weekend escape, or simply cruising through city traffic, the CX‑90 promises an experience that feels markedly more refined than the previous generation.
Design Evolution: From Subtle to Statement
Mazda’s design team has abandoned the understated approach of the past and given the CX‑90 a genuine premium presence. The new model sits on a wider track, which not only improves stability but also creates a more commanding stance. Sculpted panels flow from the front bumper to the rear, while the signature “Kodo” lines are deeper, adding a sense of motion even when the vehicle is parked. LED headlights with a distinctive daytime running pattern sit beneath a chrome‑accented grille that mirrors the brand’s newer design language. Subtle chrome trim runs along the window surrounds and lower bumper, offering a touch of elegance without tipping into excess. Together, these cues make the CX‑90 look like a vehicle that belongs on the road of any upscale market.
Interior Luxury: A Lounge for the Whole Family
Step inside, and the cabin feels less like an SUV interior and more like a private lounge. Mazda has turned to top‑grade materials throughout: hand‑stitched Nappa leather seats, real wooden veneer on the centre console, and soft‑touch surfaces on door panels. The three‑row layout is versatile—buyers can opt for two captain’s chairs in the second row or a bench seat that expands passenger capacity to seven. The second‑row seats slide forward and recline independently, granting easy access to the third row and a comfortable ride for rear‑seat passengers.
Technology is woven seamlessly into the cabin. A 12.3‑inch diagonal infotainment screen dominates the centre console, offering crisp graphics and intuitive navigation. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay eliminate the need for cables, while a premium Bose 12‑speaker system delivers concert‑hall clarity. Ambient lighting can be adjusted to suit the mood, and a heated steering wheel adds a touch of comfort during colder mornings.
Powertrain Choices: Power Meets Efficiency
Mazda equips the CX‑90 with two distinct power options, each designed to appeal to different driving philosophies.
The first is a 3.3‑liter turbocharged inline‑six that pushes up to 340 horsepower. The engine’s smooth power delivery and responsive throttle make overtaking on the highway feel effortless, while the eight‑speed automatic gearbox ensures shifts are razor‑sharp.
The second option is a plug‑in hybrid system that pairs the same inline‑six with a 75‑kilowatt electric motor. The combined output is slightly lower than the pure‑gas version, but the hybrid shines with an electric‑only range of roughly 45 kilometres, making short city trips virtually emission‑free. Regenerative braking recaptures energy during deceleration, and the system seamlessly switches between electric, gasoline, and hybrid modes based on driving conditions. Both powertrains send power to all four wheels through Mazda’s sophisticated all‑wheel‑drive system, providing confidence on wet or winding roads.
Driving Dynamics: Agile Confidence in a Large Frame
Despite its sizable dimensions, the CX‑90 behaves with surprising agility. Mazda’s Large Platform, a structural foundation shared with the brand’s flagship models, gives the SUV a low centre of gravity and improved torsional rigidity. The front suspension now features a double‑wishbone setup, while the rear employs a multi‑link design tuned for comfort without sacrificing handling precision.
On tight city streets, the steering feels light yet communicative, allowing the driver to place the vehicle exactly where they want it. On the highway, the chassis remains composed, absorbing bumps with a calm confidence that reduces driver fatigue on long journeys. The combination of refined chassis engineering and responsive power delivery makes the CX‑90 feel more like a sporty crossover than a traditional family SUV.
Safety Systems: Comprehensive Protection as Standard
Mazda has made its i‑Activsense suite a standard feature across every CX‑90 trim, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to safety. The suite comprises:
- Smart Brake Support, which can apply partial braking if a collision is imminent.
- Adaptive Cruise Control with stop‑and‑go capability, maintaining a set distance from traffic ahead.
- Blind‑Spot Monitoring paired with rear cross‑traffic alert for added awareness during lane changes.
- Lane‑Keep Assist that gently nudges the vehicle back into its lane if it drifts unintentionally.
- Traffic Sign Recognition, which reads speed limits and other road signs, displaying them on the driver’s display.
Newly added low‑light radar sensors improve object detection at dusk or in heavy rain, while an updated 360‑degree camera system offers an overhead view that aids in tight parking situations. Together, these technologies create an environment where drivers can focus on the road rather than the vehicle’s operation.
Technology & Convenience: Everyday Ease
Beyond infotainment and safety, Mazda has equipped the CX‑90 with features designed to simplify family life. A head‑up display projects speed, navigation cues, and safety alerts directly onto the windshield, allowing the driver to keep eyes on the road. USB‑C ports are placed in the front and rear rows, providing fast charging for devices. Wireless charging pads sit within the centre console, eliminating messy cables.
The cargo area is generous; with the rear seats folded, the SUV offers more than 2,100 litres of storage, enough for weekend gear, groceries, or larger items. Split‑folding rear seats enable flexible configuration, while a power‑operated tailgate makes loading and unloading effortless, even when your hands are full.
Key Specifications at a Glance
- Engine: 3.3‑L turbo inline‑six or 3.3‑L plug‑in hybrid
- Power: Up to 340 hp (gasoline) / Approx. 320 hp combined (hybrid)
- Transmission: 8‑speed automatic, all‑wheel drive
- Electric‑only range: 40‑50 km (PHEV)
- Seating capacity: 6 (captain’s chairs) or 7 (bench)
- Infotainment: 12.3‑inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bose sound system
- Safety: Full i‑Activsense suite, 360° camera, head‑up display
- Cargo volume: Up to 2,100 L with seats folded
Final Thoughts: Mazda’s Bold Step Forward
The 2025 Mazda CX‑90 arrives as a confident statement of where the brand is heading—toward a future where luxury, performance, and practicality coexist without compromise. Its refined exterior design, sumptuous interior, engaging powertrains, and suite of advanced technologies mark it as a genuine challenger in the premium three‑row SUV segment. For families that value a driver‑focused experience as much as passenger comfort, the CX‑90 delivers a compelling blend of style, substance, and sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does the plug‑in hybrid’s electric range compare to other SUVs in its class?
The CX‑90 PHEV delivers roughly 45 km of electric‑only driving, which is competitive with most premium hybrid SUVs and sufficient for most daily commutes.
2. Are there any off‑road capabilities?
While the CX‑90 is tuned for on‑road comfort and agility, its all‑wheel‑drive system with torque vectoring provides confidence on light off‑road surfaces such as gravel or dirt roads.
3. What warranty does Mazda offer for the hybrid battery?
Mazda provides an eight‑year or 160,000‑km warranty on the hybrid battery, mirroring the coverage given to its gasoline powertrains.
4. Can the second‑row captain’s chairs be swapped for a bench seat later?
Yes, the seating configuration can be changed at a dealership, allowing owners to switch between six‑ or seven‑seat layouts as needs evolve.
5. Does the CX‑90 support over‑the‑air (OTA) updates for its infotainment system?
The vehicle’s infotainment platform is OTA‑capable, receiving software updates that improve functionality and add new features over time.
Disclaimer
The information presented in this article reflects the specifications and features announced by Mazda for the 2025 CX‑90 as of the publication date. Availability of trims, options, and performance figures may vary by market and are subject to change without notice. Prospective buyers should verify details with an authorized Mazda dealer before making a purchase decision.