First Impressions: Design That Stirs Emotion
The Artisan Red Premium exterior paired with a White Nappa leather interior may be one of the most striking color combinations I’ve ever encountered in a mainstream SUV. It’s personal preference, yes—but walking up to this CX-90 each morning felt like approaching something special. Mazda calls its design philosophy Kodo—Soul of Motion —and it’s clear here, with clean, sculpted lines, minimalist details, and a presence that rivals anything from BMW or Lexus.
The Road Trip Test: Atlanta to Knoxville
We put this CX-90 through a real-world challenge: a last-minute six-hour round trip from Atlanta to Knoxville for my daughter’s volleyball tournament. Normally, that kind of turnaround would make me wish for a flight—but not in this SUV. The inline-six turbocharged engine, paired with 369 lb-ft of torque, delivered power in a way that felt both modern and familiar. Fuel economy? Averaged 21 mpg combined, a bit shy of EPA’s 23/28 rating, but I’ll admit—I leaned heavily into its 340 horsepower.
More importantly, the interior made the miles fly by. Second-row captain’s chairs, sunshades, ventilated seats, and tri-zone climate control turned what could’ve been a chore into something my teenage daughter didn’t want to leave. She skipped her team’s luxury bus to ride home to join us—a clear win for the Mazda CX-90 second row.
On the Road: Jinba-Ittai in Action
Mazda’s engineers often talk about Jinba-Ittai—the harmony between horse and rider. Behind the wheel of the CX-90, that philosophy is tangible. Despite being a three-row SUV, it drives smaller than it looks. Steering is precise, handling is confident, and the i-Activ AWD system keeps it planted in all conditions. Mazda’s Kinematic Posture Control helps keep body roll in check during spirited driving.
The 8-speed automatic transmission is mostly smooth, although shifts under hard acceleration or stop-and-go traffic can feel slightly harsh. Aggressive drivers like me will notice it; calmer drivers may never give it a thought.
Luxury Without the Premium Badge
At an MSRP of $57,045 (including Artisan Red paint and Premium Plus package), the CX-90 feels like a bargain compared to German competitors. The interior materials—White Nappa leather, aluminum accents, 12.3” digital displays, Bose audio, panoramic roof, heated/ventilated seating front and rear—would be right at home in a BMW X7 or Audi Q7.
Yet Mazda does this at a $15,000–$20,000 discount versus comparably equipped models from Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, or Lexus. It may not carry the cachet of those badges, but the fit, finish, and comfort are there.
Technology and Safety
Mazda’s infotainment system continues to split opinion. I still prefer the console-mounted rotary knob for its precision while driving, though my wife kept reaching for the screen. Fortunately, Mazda has added touch capability in certain trims to appease both camps.
Safety is comprehensive, featuring Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Traffic Jam Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Smart Brake Support (front/rear/cross traffic), lane-keep assist, emergency lane-keeping, and 360° view monitoring. It’s a full suite that competes head-to-head with anything in the luxury space.
Where It Falls Short
Fuel efficiency lags behind that of hybrid and plug-in rivals. Mazda offers both in the CX-90 lineup, but this inline-six S model prioritizes power and luxury over efficiency. Also, while I love the engaging drive, those occasional transmission hiccups under load remind you it’s not perfect.
Buyer’s Guide: 2025 Mazda CX-90 Lineup
CX-90 3.3 Turbo Select – $38,045
Entry-level, 280 hp inline-six with seating for 8, strong feature set.
CX-90 3.3 Turbo Preferred – $41,145
Adds 12.3” screen, heated seats, wireless charging, and a captain’s chair option.
CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Sport – $46,600
Blacked-out trim, towing upgrades, Bose audio, navigation, panoramic roof.
CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus – $49,600
White Nappa leather, ventilated seats, upgraded safety tech, 7-passenger.
CX-90 PHEV Preferred – $49,945
Plug-in hybrid with 323 hp, 369 lb-ft, ~25 miles of EV range.
CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus – $57,950
Top-of-the-line plug-in trim, Nappa leather, ventilated second row, and upgraded safety features.
CX-90 3.3 Turbo S Premium – $53,150
Inline-six with full 340 hp, luxury appointments, 7–8 passenger.
CX-90 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus – $56,650
Flagship trim, six-passenger, second-row console, ventilated 2nd row.
How It Stacks Up Against Luxury Rivals
BMW X7 – Starts at ~$84,000. Bigger, more powerful in higher trims, but Mazda’s driving feel is every bit as engaging for far less money.
Audi Q7 – Starting around $60,000, comparable size and tech. Audi infotainment is flashier, but Mazda’s fit and finish, along with its handling, are just as rewarding.
Mercedes GLE/GLE Coupe – Starts around $65,000. Mercedes wins on brand prestige and options, but the CX-90 offers a near-equal luxury experience at ~$10k less.
Lexus TX – Starts at ~$55,000. Lexus wins on hybrid efficiency and quietness, but Mazda wins on driving engagement and emotional design.
Final Verdict
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus is the brand’s most ambitious SUV yet, and it delivers. It’s a true family hauler that doesn’t sacrifice driver enjoyment, wrapped in a design that can sit proudly alongside German and Japanese luxury SUVs.
For those willing to look past badge prestige, the CX-90 offers luxury, performance, and design at a bargain entry point into the premium space. And in this Artisan Red with White interior, it might just be the most beautiful three-row SUV on the road.
