What Makes the 2027 Mazda CX-90 Stand Out?

The 2027 Mazda CX-90 stands out in the midsize three-row crossover class by combining standard rear-biased i-Activ all-wheel drive, a longitudinal 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, and cabin materials that mirror high-end luxury vehicles. Built on Mazda’s longitudinal large-vehicle platform with Kinematic Posture Control, the CX-90 generates up to 340 hp while accommodating six, seven, or eight passengers across three seating rows.

Mazda’s flagship three-row crossover brings an athletic driving personality to a segment typically dominated by soft family haulers. The longitudinal engine layout shifts the weight balance rearward, creating balanced handling dynamics and precise steering response. Inside, upper trim levels showcase available Nappa leather upholstery, Japanese-inspired fabric dashboard stitching, and genuine wood trim accents that rival European luxury crossovers costing significantly more.

Every CX-90 incorporates Mazda’s i-Activsense suite of active safety technologies as standard equipment. Drivers benefit from automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control on every model. Modern connectivity features include standard Amazon Alexa voice integration, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto paired with a 10.25-inch or available 12.3-inch central display.

For drivers navigating the gentle hills and scenic lakeside routes around Burlington, standard all-wheel drive provides continuous stability across changing weather conditions. To learn more about incoming model availability or plan a test drive, visit our dealership address on Alamance Road or give our team a call directly at (336) 417-5253.

Table of Contents

• What Are the Main Engine Options and Horsepower Ratings for the 2027 Mazda CX-90?
• How Much Seating Capacity and Cargo Space Does the 2027 Mazda CX-90 Offer?
• Which Has More Cargo Space: the Mazda CX-90 or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
• Which CX-90 Trims Offer the 5,000-lb Towing Capacity and Standard i-Activ AWD?
• Common Questions About the 2027 Mazda CX-90
• Experience the 2027 Mazda CX-90 at Modern Mazda

What Are the Main Engine Options and Horsepower Ratings for the 2027 Mazda CX-90?

Under the hood, the 2027 Mazda CX-90 features a 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, alongside an available plug-in hybrid variant. Standard Turbo models generate 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, while the high-output Turbo S configuration raises output to 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque on recommended premium fuel.

The core powertrain architecture centers on a longitudinal 3.3-liter inline-six cylinder design. An inline configuration is inherently balanced compared to traditional V6 setups, producing smoother operation across the rpm range. The integrated 48-volt MHEV mild-hybrid electric motor sits between the engine and transmission, providing instant low-speed electric boost and smoothing out the start-stop system. Both non-S and Turbo S variants utilize an eight-speed automatic transmission engineered without a traditional fluid torque converter, replacing it with a multi-plate wet clutch for direct power transfer and rapid shifts.

The available e-Skyactiv PHEV combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and a 17.8-kWh battery pack. This setup generates a total system output of 323 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque while enabling an estimated 26 miles of all-electric driving range before switching to hybrid mode.

In EPA fuel economy testing, the 3.3-liter mild-hybrid inline-six delivers an estimated 23 mpg city / 28 mpg highway / 25 mpg combined, making it one of the more efficient six-cylinder three-row crossovers available. To explore power choices and options, view our new Mazda inventory online.

How Much Seating Capacity and Cargo Space Does the 2027 Mazda CX-90 Offer?

The 2027 Mazda CX-90 provides flexible seating configurations for six, seven, or eight occupants and delivers up to 74.2 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity with the second and third rows folded flat. Behind the third row, the vehicle offers 14.9 cubic feet of cargo space, which expands to about 40 cubic feet when the third row is stowed.

Interior flexibility depends on the selected trim and seating layout. Base configurations feature a second-row bench seat to carry up to eight people, while upper trims offer second-row captain’s chairs. The second row comprises dual captain’s chairs on Turbo S Premium and PHEV trims, and the top Turbo S Premium Plus adds ventilated second-row captain’s chairs and quilted leather upholstery.

Our sales advisors observe that local families testing three-row crossovers usually check the second-row slide mechanism and try stowing the third row before comparing total cargo cubic footage. Front-row occupants enjoy about 42 inches of legroom, second-row passengers receive nearly 39 inches, and the third row provides 30 inches of legroom, making the rearmost seats best suited for children or shorter journeys.

Families in Graham taking sports gear and luggage to weekend events often utilize the 40 cubic feet of storage behind the second row without folding down row two. You can also browse our pre-owned vehicle lineup to compare room across different model years.

Which Has More Cargo Space: the Mazda CX-90 or 2026 Toyota Highlander?

The 2026 Toyota Highlander offers more overall cargo volume at 84 cubic feet maximum compared to the 2027 Mazda CX-90’s maximum capacity of about 74 cubic feet. However, the Mazda CX-90 provides more third-row passenger legroom at about 30 inches versus the Highlander’s tighter 28 inches. Note that the 2026 model is the final year of the gas and hybrid Highlander, as Toyota is moving the Highlander nameplate to an all-electric SUV for 2027.

When comparing cargo dimensions behind each seating row, the two crossovers serve slightly different interior priorities:

• Cargo Volume Behind Third Row: The 2026 Toyota Highlander provides about 16 cubic feet, while the Mazda CX-90 offers 14.9 cubic feet.
• Cargo Volume Behind Second Row: The 2026 Highlander holds approximately 48 cubic feet, whereas the CX-90 offers about 40 cubic feet.
• Maximum Cargo Volume (Behind First Row): The 2026 Highlander tops out at 84 cubic feet, while the CX-90 reaches 74.2 cubic feet.

The capacity difference stems from platform design. Toyota uses a traditional front-wheel-drive platform that maximizes rear interior boxiness. Mazda utilizes a longitudinal rear-wheel-biased platform with a longer hood line, prioritizing front chassis rigidity, inline-six engine balance, and overall exterior styling.

While the Highlander holds slightly more cargo volume on paper, the CX-90 counters with a premium interior layout, superior front and second-row passenger comfort, and a smoother driving feel. To keep your current crossover performing at its best, book an appointment through our online service scheduling center.

Which CX-90 Trims Offer the 5,000-lb Towing Capacity and Standard i-Activ AWD?

A maximum towing rating of 5,000 lb is available on CX-90 inline-six models from the Premium Sport trim and above when equipped with a Genuine Mazda hitch and using the available Towing mode, while i-Activ all-wheel drive is standard on every trim level. The entry-level Select and Preferred inline-six models, along with the CX-90 PHEV, are rated for 3,500 lb.

Mazda structures its towing capabilities across the lineup as follows:

• 3,500-lb Towing Capacity: 3.3 Turbo Select and Preferred trims, plus all PHEV trims, when properly equipped.
• 5,000-lb Towing Capacity: 3.3 Turbo Premium Sport, Premium Plus, and Turbo S trims when equipped with a Genuine Mazda hitch and using Towing mode.

Every CX-90 utilizes Mazda’s rear-biased i-Activ AWD system. Under normal driving conditions, the system directs the majority of engine torque to the rear wheels to deliver driver engagement and sharp turn-in. When sensors detect wheel slip, g-force changes, or aggressive acceleration, power transfers to the front wheels to maintain grip on wet roads or loose gravel.

Vehicle stability is further enhanced by Kinematic Posture Control, which applies subtle braking to the inside rear wheel during high-speed cornering. This reduces body roll and keeps the chassis flat without sacrificing ride comfort. To evaluate what your current vehicle is worth toward a new crossover, try our online trade-in evaluation tool.

Common Questions About the 2027 Mazda CX-90

Q: What transmission does the 2027 Mazda CX-90 use?

Every 2027 Mazda CX-90 uses an eight-speed automatic transmission designed without a conventional torque converter. It utilizes a multi-plate wet clutch system that provides direct torque transfer, quick gear changes, and immediate throttle response while maintaining smooth power delivery during daily operation.

Q: How long does it take to charge the Mazda CX-90 PHEV battery?

Using a Level 2 240-volt home or public charger, charging the 17.8-kWh battery on the CX-90 PHEV from 20% to 80% takes approximately 90 minutes. On a standard 120-volt household outlet, the same 20% to 80% charge takes about 6 hours and 40 minutes, while a full charge from empty takes roughly 11 hours, so most owners can still replenish their electric range overnight.

Q: Does the 2027 Mazda CX-90 require premium fuel?

The standard 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six engine producing 280 hp runs on regular unleaded gasoline. High-output Turbo S models reach their peak ratings of 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque when using recommended 93-octane premium fuel, though they can operate on regular fuel with slightly reduced output.

Q: Is there a two-row option available for the Mazda CX-90?

The Mazda CX-90 is offered exclusively as a three-row SUV. Buyers who prefer a two-row, five-passenger layout with expanded cargo space can consider the Mazda CX-70, which shares the CX-90’s platform, inline-six and PHEV powertrains, and standard all-wheel drive.

To explore payment options and pre-qualification terms, submit our secure online finance application.

Experience the 2027 Mazda CX-90 at Modern Mazda

Our team at Modern Mazda of Burlington is ready to walk you through every feature, engine option, and trim level of the upcoming 2027 Mazda CX-90. Whether you want to compare seating configurations, explore plug-in hybrid efficiency, or test drive our current inventory, we deliver straightforward, customer-focused service.

Every pre-owned vehicle on our lot undergoes a thorough 150-Point Quality Assurance Inspection, comes with a CARFAX history report, and includes our SmartBuy benefits. We also provide complimentary North Carolina state inspections for as long as you own your vehicle purchased from us.

When you are ready to take the next step, stop by our Burlington showroom address, call our team at (336) 417-5253, or order OEM accessories through our genuine Mazda parts center.