Here in HeraldNet’s Life and Travel section recently, my longtime car colleague Larry Lark gave his impression of the 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV (plug-in hybrid vehicle). As he mentioned, the CX-90 is also available in non-hybrid versions.
I happened to be driving one of those versions right around the same time, so here’s an additional impression of the 2025 Mazda CX-90, the non-PHEV models.
The standard 2025 Mazda CX-90 offers two variants of a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine and six trims.
In the base engine, output is 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. There are four trims: Turbo Select, Turbo Preferred, Turbo Premium Sport, and Turbo Premium Plus. Prices with destination included range from $39,300 to $50,855.
The optional inline-six engine produces 340 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Its two trims are Turbo S Premium ($54,405) and Turbo S Premium Plus ($57,904).
All CX-90 models have an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is standard.
I drove the 2025 Mazda CX-90 Turbo S Premium Plus model. It’s impressively fast, as it should be, since propulsion comes from Mazda’s most powerful mass-production gasoline engine. Premium fuel is required to achieve the 340-horsepower level, but fuel economy is a respectable 23 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, and maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds.
Handling is more responsive than I imagined from this oversized Mazda SUV. Only on tightly curved roads does the CX-90 hint at its portliness.
The Turbo S Premium Plus model has six-passenger configuration with second-row captain’s chairs separated by a center console, and a two-seat third row.
Comfortable heated and ventilated second-row seats, second-row window sunshades, and three-zone automatic climate control create an agreeable atmosphere for rear-seat passengers. Those seated in the front row are downright coddled. Third-row seats are little-kid sized.
Cargo-carrying capacity is 16 cubic feet with rear seats upright, and 40 cubic feet when the seats are folded. The opening is tall and wide, and the flat floor provided frustration-free handling of my signature large cargo items: 40- and 50-pound bags of wild bird food.
The CX-90 Turbo S Premium Plus interior reflects refinement on a grand scale. Designers were able to achieve this effect thanks to the taller and broader dimensions of this SUV, Mazda’s largest ever. Mazda vehicles are traditionally on the smaller and sportier side, with fantastic interiors but too limited in scope to go all grand scale with refinement.
2025 MAZDA CX-90 TURBO S PREMIUM PLUS
Base price, including destination charge: $57,904
Price as driven: $58,499
Mary Lowry is a member of the Motor Press Guild and a member and past president of the Northwest Automotive Press Association. She lives in Snohomish County. Vehicles are provided by automotive manufacturers as a one-week loan for evaluation purposes only. Manufacturers do not control content of the reviews.
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