How Do the 2026 Mazda CX-90 Trim Levels Differ?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 lineup includes six inline-six mild-hybrid trims, ranging from the 3.3 Turbo Select to the 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus, along with three plug-in hybrid trims: PHEV Preferred, PHEV Premium Sport, and PHEV Premium Plus. Standard 3.3 Turbo models produce 280 horsepower, while Turbo S models produce up to 340 horsepower on recommended premium fuel. Depending on configuration, inline-six CX-90 models seat seven or eight passengers, while CX-90 PHEV models seat seven. Available premium features include Nappa leather-trimmed seating and a Bose 12-speaker audio system.

Every 2026 CX-90 comes equipped with standard i-ACTIV AWD and an e-SKYACTIV Drive 8-speed automatic transmission. For families navigating the gently rolling inland hills and varied weather around Burlington, standard all-wheel drive ensures confident traction on wet roads and suburban commutes alike.

Equipment becomes progressively more upscale across the 2026 CX-90 lineup. The 3.3 Turbo Select starts with leatherette-trimmed seating and a 10.25-inch center display, while higher inline-six trims add features such as leather or Nappa leather upholstery, larger displays, panoramic moonroofs, Bose audio, and additional driver-assistance technology. CX-90 PHEV models begin with a 12.3-inch center display and offer additional luxury and technology features as you move through Premium Sport and Premium Plus.

To compare these configurations in person, visit our Burlington showroom location or give our team a quick call to check current vehicle availability.

Table of Contents

• What Is the Seating Capacity Across 2026 Mazda CX-90 Trims and Configurations?
• What Engine Options Power the 2026 Mazda CX-90 Trim Lineup?
• What Equipment Upgrades Separate the CX-90 Select, Preferred, and Premium Trims?
• How Does the 2026 Mazda CX-90 Compare to the Toyota Grand Highlander?
• What Are the Most Common Questions About 2026 Mazda CX-90 Trims?
• Why Choose Modern Mazda for Your New 2026 CX-90?

What Is the Seating Capacity Across 2026 Mazda CX-90 Trims and Configurations?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 offers seven- and eight-passenger seating configurations. Inline-six models can seat eight with a three-person second-row bench and three-person third row, or seven when equipped with second-row captain’s chairs. CX-90 PHEV models seat seven, using either a second-row bench with a two-person third row or available second-row captain’s chairs paired with a three-person third row, depending on configuration.

Seating capacity varies by powertrain and configuration. The 3.3 Turbo Select and 3.3 Turbo Preferred come standard with eight-passenger seating using second- and third-row bench seats. The PHEV Preferred, by contrast, seats seven passengers with a second-row bench and two-person third row.

Higher trims offer additional seating flexibility and second-row comfort. The 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus can be configured for seven passengers with second-row captain’s chairs or eight passengers with a second-row bench. PHEV Premium Sport and PHEV Premium Plus seat up to seven passengers and can be configured with either a second-row bench or captain’s chairs. The 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus is a seven-passenger model with second-row captain’s chairs, a center console, and a three-person third row.

Dimensions and utility specs vary slightly across these seating structures:

• Cargo volume depends on the third-row seating configuration. Models with a three-person third row provide up to 14.9 cubic feet behind the third row and 74.2 cubic feet with the rear rows folded, while configurations with a two-person third row provide up to 15.9 cubic feet behind the third row and 75.2 cubic feet maximum.
• Curb weight spans from 4,846 lbs on entry mild-hybrid packages up to 5,243 lbs on PHEV Premium Package models.
• Towing capacity starts at 3,500 lbs on the Turbo Select Package and increases to 5,000 lbs on the Turbo Premium Package, Turbo Premium Plus Package, and all Turbo S variants.
• Maximum payload varies by vehicle configuration and equipment. Owners should refer to the Tire and Load Information label on the driver’s door frame for the specific payload limit of their vehicle.

When comparing CX-90 seating configurations, shoppers can evaluate second-row access, seat movement, and third-row entry to determine which layout best fits their family’s needs. If you are open to pre-owned model years alongside new inventory, explore our current selection of pre-owned inventory to evaluate different cabin layouts.

What Engine Options Power the 2026 Mazda CX-90 Trim Lineup?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 lineup features three distinct powertrains: a 3.3L Turbo inline-six mild hybrid generating 280 horsepower, a high-output 3.3L Turbo S inline-six producing 340 horsepower, and a 2.5L e-SKYACTIV® PHEV plug-in hybrid delivering 323 horsepower. Every engine option routes power through an e-SKYACTIV® G 8-Speed Automatic Transmission mated to standard all-wheel drive.

The standard 3.3L Turbo engine powers the Turbo Select Package, Turbo Preferred Package, Turbo Premium Package, and Turbo Premium Plus Package. Delivering 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, this powertrain utilizes a 48-volt M-Hybrid Boost system that places an electric motor between the engine and transmission to smooth out low-speed acceleration and assist restart events. It achieves an EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined (23 city / 28 highway).

Drivers commuting along the rolling hills of the I-40 and I-85 corridors near Mebane often appreciate the rapid passing power of the high-output 3.3L Turbo S powertrain. Available on the 3.3 Turbo S Premium Sport and 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus, the high-output inline-six produces up to 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque when using Mazda’s recommended 91-octane premium fuel. In independent testing, Car and Driver recorded a 6.3-second 0–60 mph time for a Turbo S Premium Plus.

The plug-in hybrid lineup consists of PHEV Preferred, PHEV Premium Sport, and PHEV Premium Plus. Its e-SKYACTIV PHEV powertrain combines a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and a 17.8-kWh battery. The system produces 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque on recommended 91-octane premium fuel and provides up to 26 miles of all-electric driving range.

To browse available powertrains or start your purchase online, check out our new Mazda CX-90 inventory and complete an online finance application to secure pre-approval.

What Equipment Upgrades Separate the CX-90 Trims?

Equipment upgrades across the CX-90 lineup progress from the 3.3 Turbo Select to the 3.3 Turbo Preferred, 3.3 Turbo Premium Sport, and 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus, with each step adding additional comfort, technology, styling, or capability features. Each step up the trim ladder adds concrete interior, technology, and exterior enhancements.

The entry-level 3.3 Turbo Select serves as an extraordinarily well-equipped base trim. Standard highlights include:

• i-Activsense safety technology (automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control)
• 10.25-inch center display with infotainment rotary commander
• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• Leatherette-trimmed seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel
• 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels and LED headlights
• Standard towing capacity rated at 3,500 lbs

Upgrading to the 3.3 Turbo Preferred adds everyday luxury features designed for driver comfort:

• Leather-trimmed seating
• Heated and ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats
• 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support and memory settings
• 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat
• Heated steering wheel
• 12.3-inch center display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wireless phone charging
• 21-inch alloy wheels with Silver Metallic finish
• Power sliding-glass moonroof

Stepping up to the 3.3 Turbo Premium Sport or 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus introduces high-tier luxury amenities:

• Larger 12.3-inch display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
• Bose 12-speaker audio system
• Hands-free power rear liftgate and a panoramic sunroof
• Maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs when equipped with Mazda Genuine Towing Accessories
• Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and a 360-degree View Monitor on Premium Plus trims

If you are looking to upgrade your current vehicle, our trade appraisal team can help you value your trade-in online toward a new CX-90 trim upgrade.

How Does the 2026 Mazda CX-90 Compare to the Toyota Grand Highlander?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 and Toyota Grand Highlander take fundamentally different approaches to the three-row family SUV segment. While the Grand Highlander prioritizes maximum interior square footage and boxy cargo storage, the Mazda CX-90 focuses on dynamic performance, luxury-tier cabin refinement, and standard all-wheel drive.

The CX-90 uses Mazda’s longitudinal Large Platform and offers either a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six producing 280 horsepower or up to 340 horsepower, or a 323-horsepower plug-in hybrid powertrain. The Grand Highlander offers gas, Hybrid, and Hybrid MAX powertrains built around four-cylinder engines. Mazda equips the CX-90 with standard rear-biased i-ACTIV AWD and Kinematic Posture Control, while independent reviewers such as Car and Driver have praised its responsive steering and handling.

Inside, the CX-90 offers available Nappa leather upholstery, Kakenui stitching, and premium interior trim. The Grand Highlander provides substantially more maximum cargo space, with Toyota listing up to 97.5 cubic feet behind the front seats. Depending on seating configuration, the CX-90 provides up to 74.2 or 75.2 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

Both model lines can be configured for up to 5,000 pounds of towing, although capability varies by powertrain and trim. Selected CX-90 inline-six trims reach 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, while all CX-90 PHEV models are rated for up to 3,500 pounds. Grand Highlander towing capacity also varies by powertrain.

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What Are the Most Common Questions About 2026 Mazda CX-90 Trims?

Q: Which 2026 Mazda CX-90 trims come standard with second-row captain’s chairs?

Second-row captain’s chairs are available on several 2026 CX-90 configurations. The 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus can be configured with either a second-row bench for eight passengers or captain’s chairs for seven passengers. PHEV Premium Sport and PHEV Premium Plus also offer captain’s-chair configurations while maintaining seven-passenger capacity.

Q: What is the maximum towing capacity for the 2026 Mazda CX-90?

Maximum towing capacity varies by powertrain and trim. The 3.3 Turbo Select and 3.3 Turbo Preferred are rated for up to 3,500 pounds. The 3.3 Turbo Premium Sport, 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus, and both Turbo S trims can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped with Mazda Genuine Towing Accessories. All 2026 CX-90 PHEV trims are rated for up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.

Q: Does the 2026 Mazda CX-90 require premium fuel for its inline-six engine?

Premium fuel is not required for the standard 3.3L Turbo engine, which produces 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque on regular unleaded fuel. For the high-output 3.3 Turbo S models, Mazda recommends 91-octane premium fuel to achieve the maximum 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The engine can also operate on regular 87-octane fuel, producing 319 horsepower.

Q: What safety features come standard on every 2026 Mazda CX-90 trim?

Every 2026 Mazda CX-90 includes standard i-Activsense driver-assistance features such as Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring with Vehicle Exit Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Departure Warning System with Lane-keep Assist, Rear Seat Alert, and Driver Attention Alert. Higher trims add additional technologies such as Front Cross Traffic Alert, enhanced Smart Brake Support functions, parking sensors, and available 360° View Monitor systems.

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Why Choose Modern Mazda for Your New 2026 CX-90?

At Modern Mazda of Burlington, we make purchasing your new 2026 CX-90 simple and transparent through our Internet Value Pricing philosophy. We continuously monitor regional market prices to ensure every buyer receives a fair, competitive price up front without frustrating sales tactics. Whether you want to test drive an eight-passenger 3.3 Turbo Select or explore a luxury six-passenger 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus, our knowledgeable team is dedicated to helping you find the ideal trim for your lifestyle.

When you are ready to take the next step, stop by our Burlington showroom at 2608 Alamance Rd to explore our showroom floor, or call our team directly at (336) 417-5253 to schedule a personalized test drive today.

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