Cardinale Mazda - Is i-Activ AWD® Standard on the 2026 Mazda CX-90 for Salinas, CA Drivers?
Yes, every 2026 Mazda CX-90 model includes i-Activ AWD® as standard, giving Salinas, CA drivers confident traction. At Cardinale Mazda, we know shoppers compare AWD systems closely, especially for a 3-row SUV that will handle school runs, Highway 68 commutes, and weekend adventures to the coast. The CX-90’s standard i-Activ AWD® is designed to be proactive, not reactive. Instead of waiting for a slip, the system continually monitors vehicle dynamics and road inputs, then intelligently directs torque to help maintain stability and predictability in changing conditions.
That always-on awareness pairs naturally with the CX-90’s balanced chassis and composed ride. Under the hood, the available e-SKYACTIV®-G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbocharged engine and SKYACTIV®-Drive 8-Speed Automatic Transmission deliver smooth power, while Kinematic Posture Control helps the CX-90 feel planted in corners—useful when the road turns twisty near the Santa Lucia foothills. The result is confident, refined performance that feels right at home on wet morning drives through Salinas Valley and on packed family trips to Monterey Bay.
Where this technology really shines is how intuitively it adapts to your plans. With Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive), you can tailor the CX-90’s dynamics with Normal, Sport, and Off-Road modes—plus available Towing mode when you need it. Heading out on a gravel road? Off-Road mode works with i-Activ AWD® to help optimize traction and throttle response. Planning to bring a small camper to Big Sur? When properly equipped with a tow hitch, the CX-90 Inline 6 can tow from 3,500 to 5,000 pounds, and the available 360° View Monitor with See-through View and Trailer Hitch View can help make hitching more confidence-inspiring.
Inside, capability meets calm. The CX-90’s spacious 3-row cabin welcomes up to eight passengers, with available features like a panoramic moonroof, a Bose® sound system, and thoughtfully placed USB-C outlets to keep everyone connected. i-Activsense® driver-assistance features—such as Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Lane-keep Assist—add peace of mind around town and on longer drives. Combine that with standard i-Activ AWD®, and you have an SUV engineered for everyday ease and weekend versatility in and around Salinas.
For shoppers comparing AWD availability across trims, this is where the CX-90 simplifies the process. You do not have to step up to a specific package or seek out a particular configuration—i-Activ AWD® comes standard on every 2026 Mazda CX-90, including 3.3 Turbo, 3.3 Turbo S, and the CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid EV. That consistency helps you choose based on seating, design, and performance preferences without wondering whether AWD is included.
If you are deciding whether standard i-Activ AWD® is right for your family’s routine, consider the daily realities of driving in the Salinas area—coastal fog, wet pavement, and occasional dirt or gravel surfaces. The CX-90’s AWD system is designed to help the SUV feel composed and communicative across it all, so the drive stays seamless while the scenery changes.
- Everyday confidence: i-Activ AWD® actively monitors and adjusts for traction to help you feel in control in rain, fog, or mixed surfaces.
- Seamless integration: The system works hand in hand with Mi-Drive modes—and with features like Kinematic Posture Control—for a natural, connected drive.
- Family-first stability: Predictable handling inspires confidence when you have a full crew onboard across city streets and highways.
- Weekend versatility: From trailheads to beach access roads, Off-Road mode complements i-Activ AWD® for balanced traction on uneven terrain.
- Towing support: Available Towing mode and Trailer Hitch View pair with standard AWD for composed trailering when properly equipped.
From first test drive to everyday ownership, our team at Cardinale Mazda is here to help you get the most from the CX-90’s capabilities—whether you value smooth highway cruising, all-weather traction, or weekend adventure flexibility. If standard AWD is on your must-have list, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 makes the decision easy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How does i-Activ AWD® work on the 2026 Mazda CX-90?
i-Activ AWD® continually reads vehicle dynamics data and road conditions, then proactively allocates torque between the front and rear to help the CX-90 maintain stability and traction. The system is always on, designed to feel transparent and natural in everyday driving.
Is i-Activ AWD® standard on both the Inline 6 and the Plug-In Hybrid EV?
Yes. All 2026 Mazda CX-90 models—3.3 Turbo, 3.3 Turbo S, and the CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid EV—include i-Activ AWD® as standard equipment.
Will AWD impact the CX-90’s driving feel or efficiency?
The CX-90 is tuned for balanced, responsive performance. The integration of i-Activ AWD® with the SKYACTIV®-Drive 8-Speed Automatic Transmission and Mi-Drive helps preserve a connected feel while delivering confident traction. Actual efficiency varies with driving conditions, but the engineering goal is seamless capability without sacrificing the refined Mazda drive experience.
How do Mi-Drive modes interact with i-Activ AWD®?
Mi-Drive adjusts throttle mapping, transmission behavior, and AWD torque distribution to match your selection. Normal prioritizes balance, Sport sharpens response, Off-Road helps optimize grip on uneven surfaces, and available Towing mode supports stability when trailering.
What other features complement AWD for visibility and control?
Available 360° View Monitor with See-through View and Trailer Hitch View can enhance low-speed maneuvering and hitch alignment. i-Activsense® features—such as Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Lane-keep Assist—further support awareness on busy local roads and highways.
Ready to experience how standard i-Activ AWD® elevates the 2026 Mazda CX-90 in Salinas, CA? Visit our showroom at Cardinale Mazda to explore seating options, Mi-Drive modes, and available features like the panoramic moonroof and Bose® audio. Our team, serving Monterey, Pebble Beach, and Carmel-by-the-Sea, will help you compare trims and set up a drive that mirrors your daily routes—so you can feel the difference where it matters most.