The Japanese model that conquers traditional luxury buyers

Mercedes Benz. BMW. Lexus. Audi. Cadillac. Your personal definition of a luxury car manufacturer probably includes mention of the same culprits. However, you don’t have to wade into the financially crippling waters of traditional luxury brands to get a comfortable, luxurious ride in 2026. In fact, one Japanese automaker is betting you can do this without sacrificing three rows, athleticism and value.

Believe it or not, it’s not a Lexus. It’s not even an Acura or an Infiniti. It’s surprisingly chic 2026 Mazda CX-90. At the top end, the CX-90 is unexpectedly luxurious and powerful thanks to a bump in six-cylinder power. At lower trims, such as the CX-90 Premium Sport, the CX-90 is comfortable and well appointed without losing its place as a worthwhile value proposition. So much so that the CX-90 could siphon off some of the fanbase once reserved for traditional luxury automakers.

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 Premium Sport: Deceptively luxurious

Mazda has a certain reputation. Spoiler alert: it’s not for opulence. More than a decade ago, the Japanese automaker ended its commercials with “Zoom Zoom.” In short, the brand behind perhaps one of the best sports cars for anyone who has ever put in some miles by being, well, sporty. It’s a philosophy the brand has tried to implement in all its cars and SUVs, including the family-friendly three-row Mazda CX-90.

But the CX-90 does more than offer midsize three-row SUV buyers some Zoom Zoom; it blurs the lines between utility and luxury without a stuffy European emblem. Enough, in fact, that we’d stick with the mid-range Mazda CX-90 Premium Sport trim rather than stretch to the range-topping CX-90 S Premium Plus. The Premium Sport gets a well-appointed cabin, complete with leather everything and nice paneling on the doors and center console. However, the Premium Plus trim also adds a few desirable features you won’t find on lower trims, such as an eight-way power-adjustable leather driver’s seat, a hands-free power liftgate, and a more substantial panoramic moonroof.

A luxurious interior

Granted, you won’t find hand-hewn wood from an old English forest or a Cartier clock in the dash. What you will find, however, is a stylish interior layout that blends form and function. A 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa integration is standard kit above the Preferred or higher trim level, and a 12-speaker Bose Premium audio system is an optional extra we’d choose.

To increase comfort levels, a set of leather captain’s chairs in the second row are standard equipment for the CX-90 Premium Plus, something for which rear-seat occupants would be grateful. But opting for the individual seats reduces the overall capacity of the CX-90, although it provides a more comfortable environment for passengers. A Nappa leather upholstery option is a welcome upgrade. But you’ll notice that the Nappa leather is exclusive to Premium Plus trims.

Three rows and athletic handling

Although larger than the smaller, more agile offerings in the brand’s range, the CX-90 doesn’t need to be as agile as it is. You’ll find body roll in the 4,945-pound SUV if you go looking for it, but it will cling to corners enough to satisfy car enthusiasts. It goes without saying that the CX-90 is sportier than segment competitors such as the Kia Telluride or Toyota Grand Highlander.

That said, the CX-90’s athleticism is a bit of a compromise. On rough surfaces, the three-row Mazda’s ride is on the rough side. Not as shocking as a performance sports car, but still sturdy. On the other hand, as Mazda’s three-row offering, the CX-90 is the best way to zoom, with seating for up to eight people. Still, even with a third row, adults might find the extra seating a bit cramped. In no time you could fit an entire water polo team into the CX-90. But maybe you don’t want to make it a long trip.

2026 Mazda CX-90 Specifications

Premium value with the Premium Sport trim

We’ll stick with the Premium Sport trim of the CX-90 unless you need the extra enthusiasm of the S trim levels. Third-level equipment starts at $46,980, before the addition of extras like the $900 Premier Tow Package. That also puts the CX-90 Premium Sport on par with less luxurious competitors like the 2026 Honda Pilot. The more powerful S trims add more than just horsepower to the equation, pushing the top-level starting price to $57,370.

Choose ‘S’ for more performance

Regardless of trim, you’ll find a 3.3-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder under the hood of the Mazda CX-90. No turbo four-cylinder mills in the mix. While lower trims like the aforementioned CX-90 Premium Sport produce a commendable 280 horsepower.

If you choose the CX-90 S Premium Sport or CX-90 S Premium Plus, you increase the power to a whopping 340 hp. Simply put, you won’t find an engine with more thrust in the rest of the three-row midsize SUV segment.

Prices Mazda CX-90 2026

So, should you buy one?

If you’re looking for a surprisingly luxurious three-row SUV that doesn’t fail to captivate, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 might just be the ticket. And with plenty of goodies available in Premium Sport trim, the CX-90 can punch above its weight without exceeding the price of an average new car. And just because things look opulent inside doesn’t mean you should shy away from putting the CX-90 through its paces.

When the third row is folded, the CX-90 will take up large amounts of groceries, luggage or sports equipment. Do you need to tow something? The three-row CX-90 tows up to 5,000 pounds with the Premier Tow package. Don’t need the third row? The CX-70 does what the CX-90 does, only without the third row of seats. However, the Mazda CX-90’s firm ride could soften a bit, something that luxury SUV connoisseurs may find too jarring. The spacious, road trip-ready car is for those types of people 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is graceful in direct comparison. That said, you might have to live without the extra sportiness you’d experience in the Mazda.

Sources: Mazda, Edmunds, Real carThe EPA