May I gush for a moment?
This 2026 Mazda CX‑90 3.3 Turbo S Premium Sport is one of those rare three‑row SUVs that manages to check almost every box: roominess, power, handling, safety. (I initially included quality, too, but Mazda just fell from its top-three spot in the JD Power Vehicle Dependability Study and now sits just below the industry average.)
Still, I contend this is one of the best overall three‑row SUVs you can get.
Finished in Soul Red Crystal Metallic with a black leather interior, this one looks every bit as upscale as Mazda intends.
The driving experience matches the looks. The turbocharged in-line six roars under throttle, giving this big SUV a surprising amount of oomph. The transmission fires off crisp, confident shifts, helping the CX‑90 feel smaller and sportier than its size suggests. Handling is taut and balanced, just as Mazda fans expect.
It’s not without quirks. The center LED screen is primarily controlled using a knob and button setup on the center console. It takes some getting used to, but it’s hardly a deal-breaker. It also means Mazda preserved plenty of physical buttons, which is a bonus these days. (Mazda additionally says “some trims have touch screen functionality when paired with Apple CarPlay integration for your iPhone or Android Auto.”)
Practicality is another strong point. Even with the third row up, there’s still usable cargo space. Fold it down and the CX‑90 becomes downright cavernous. Versatility isn’t theoretical, either — it handled hauling three kids for me one day and a giant car‑body part the next.
If you’re shopping for a three‑row SUV, this one simply belongs at the top of the list.
This exact one comes to $56,065, after shipping.
