A Closer Look at the 2026 Mazda CX-90
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 brings a refined, driver-focused approach to the three-row SUV segment, combining premium craftsmanship with a responsive driving experience that makes every mile feel intentional. For Salinas, CA shoppers who want confident highway passing power, everyday family-friendly versatility, and technology that feels seamless from the first drive, this SUV deserves a top spot on your research list. With seating for up to eight, standard i-Activ AWD®, and an available panoramic moonroof, the CX-90 blends design and capability in ways that stand out on commutes across the 101, weekend drives along River Road Wine Trail, and school-day drop-offs around North Salinas. Our team is here as your local buying guide, ready to help you compare trims, understand towing and seating configurations, and determine how features like Mazda Connected Services or the 360° View Monitor with See-through View can simplify daily life.
Performance & Capability for Every Mile
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is built around Mazda’s balanced, rear-biased platform and an e-SKYACTIV®-G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbocharged engine, tuned for smooth, linear power and refined quietness. With up to 340 horsepower on Turbo S models when using recommended premium fuel, standard i-Activ AWD® for confident traction, and an available Towing mode within Mi-Drive, the CX-90 is ready for steep grades, merging on Highway 101, and weekend getaways that call for bringing more along. The SKYACTIV®-Drive 8-speed automatic transmission delivers crisp yet unobtrusive shifts, and Kinematic Posture Control helps settle body motion in turns for a planted, composed feel—especially helpful on winding stretches toward the coast. Properly equipped, the CX-90 can tow up to 5,000 pounds, and its 8.0 to 8.1 inches of ground clearance (depending on wheels) makes it a capable partner when your plans extend beyond the pavement.
Interior Comfort & Technology
- Seating layouts: 7 or 8 passengers with available 2nd-row captain’s chairs
- Quiet refinement: Premium materials with thoughtful sound insulation
- Power & ports: Front 12-volt plus USB-C outlets available in 2nd and 3rd rows
- Audio upgrade: Available Bose® premium sound system
- Panoramic view: Available panoramic moonroof for open, airy ambience
- Connected ease: Mazda Connected Services with MyMazda app and Wi-Fi hotspot (trial)
- Smart screen tech: Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration
- Helpful visibility: Available 360° View Monitor with See-through View and Trailer Hitch View
Every element of the CX-90’s cabin is crafted with intention. High-quality materials, precise switchgear, and a driver-centric layout create a calm, focused environment, while convenient power outlets and available USB-C ports in all three rows help everyone stay charged. The available panoramic moonroof brightens the interior, and the available Bose® system raises the bar for family playlists. Mazda Connected Services and the MyMazda app provide access to features like Remote Engine Start, vehicle location, and door lock/unlock, while the Mazda Connect™ infotainment system integrates Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ for a familiar, seamless interface you can enjoy on every drive around Salinas.
Safety & Driver Assist Features
- Award-winning confidence: 2026 Mazda CX-90 and CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid EV are 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ (as of Aug 2025)
- Core driver assists: Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane-keep Assist
- Traffic aids: Available Cruising & Traffic Support for smoother congestion driving
- Cross-traffic help: Front Cross Traffic Alert and Brake (available)
- Enhanced awareness: 360° View Monitor with See-through View (available)
- Exit safety: Vehicle Exit Warning (available)
- Driver focus: Driver Monitoring (available)
- Rear reminders: Standard Rear Seat Alert
Mazda’s i-Activsense® technologies elevate situational awareness, from lane guidance to braking support. The 360° View Monitor with See-through View expands your perspective in tight parking areas or when aligning a trailer, and available features like Front Cross Traffic Alert and Brake add reassurance at busy intersections. With the 2026 CX-90 earning top safety recognition and a suite of standard and available features designed to help avoid or mitigate hazards, Salinas families can feel confident navigating everything from school zones to crowded shopping centers.
2026 Mazda CX-90 Trim Levels
| Trim | Highlights |
|---|---|
| 3.3 Turbo Select | 280-hp e-SKYACTIV®-G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbo, i-Activ AWD®, seating for up to 8, leatherette-trimmed seats |
| 3.3 Turbo Preferred | Adds power sliding-glass moonroof, leather-trimmed heated front and 2nd-row seats, stylish 21-inch alloy wheels (availability varies) |
| 3.3 Turbo Premium Sport | 5,000-pound towing capacity (properly equipped), Mi-Drive with Sport/Off-Road/Towing modes, bold black exterior accents |
| 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus | Nappa leather-trimmed seats, Front Cross Traffic Alert and Brake, 360° View Monitor with See-through View and Trailer Hitch View |
| 3.3 Turbo S Premium Sport | Up to 340 hp with recommended premium fuel, i-Activ AWD®, Mazda Driver Personalization System, 21-inch Black Metallic wheels |
| 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus | Premium Nappa leather accents, 2nd-row captain’s chairs with center console, ventilated front and 2nd-row seats |
Why Buy from Cardinale Mazda in Salinas, CA
We combine a shopper-friendly online experience with a welcoming showroom to help you make an informed decision. Our team focuses on the details that matter in Salinas—like how the CX-90’s i-Activ AWD® and Mi-Drive handle wet mornings or steep grades, or how the available 360° View Monitor eases parking near Main Street. From deep product knowledge to a streamlined paperwork process and a Mazda Service Center ready to care for your CX-90, we aim to make ownership simple and rewarding.
- Local know-how: Guidance tailored to Salinas traffic patterns and nearby routes
- Test drives your way: Flexible scheduling and familiar roads for confident comparisons
- Transparent process: Clear communication from research to delivery
- Full-service support: On-site Mazda Service Center with Mazda-trained technicians
- Convenient location: Easy access from North Salinas, East Salinas, and surrounding communities
Value Your Trade with Cardinale Mazda
When you are ready to move into a 2026 Mazda CX-90, our trade-in tools help you estimate the value of your current vehicle and apply it toward your next SUV. Start by sharing a few details about your vehicle online, then bring it by for a quick, professional appraisal. We provide straightforward, market-aware valuations so you can shop with confidence and take the next step into a CX-90 that fits your life.
Start My Appraisal
How the 2026 Mazda CX-90 Stands Out
- Smooth inline 6: Refined power delivery up to 340 hp on Turbo S
- Standard AWD: i-Activ AWD® on every CX-90
- Trailer-friendly tech: Available Trailer Hitch View within 360° Monitor
- Premium feel: Nappa leather and thoughtful cabin design available
- Drive modes: Mi-Drive with Sport, Off-Road, and available Towing
- Parking ease: See-through View for low-speed visibility
Compared to many three-row alternatives, the CX-90’s e-SKYACTIV®-G 3.3L Inline 6 offers a notably smooth character and strong acceleration—especially in Turbo S models with up to 340 horsepower when using recommended premium fuel. Standard i-Activ AWD® is another advantage, as some competitors make all-wheel drive optional. Technology like the available 360° View Monitor with See-through View and Trailer Hitch View adds confidence where rivals often stop at basic camera systems. Inside, the CX-90’s available Nappa leather and calm, well-insulated cabin feel upscale, while Mi-Drive modes let you tailor responses for Salinas-area routines—from quick merges near the Boronda Road interchange to gravel turnouts along Gabilan Creek. The result is a three-row SUV that not only measures up well on paper, but also feels rewarding in everyday Salinas driving.
Next Steps for Your 2026 Mazda CX-90 Search
Ready to see which CX-90 fits you best? Browse our current inventory online, compare trims and seating configurations, and schedule a test drive on the routes you know. You can apply for financing to save time, value your trade to plan your budget, and contact our team with specific questions about technology, towing, or family-focused features. We are here to help you navigate each step clearly and comfortably.
Proudly Serving Salinas, CA Drivers
From school-day drop-offs to weekend coastal drives, local life asks a lot of your SUV. We understand how the details—quiet highway manners, strong passing power, and easy parking—add up daily. Our goal is to match you with a 2026 Mazda CX-90 that feels right for Salinas, with the support and insight to help you enjoy every mile after you drive home. Visit us to experience the difference and get started.
*Vehicle images and features shown are for illustration only and may vary by trim and option.