Why the Mazda CX-90 Is the Ultimate SUV for Summer Family Vacations

Summer road trips have a way of revealing a vehicle’s true character. The route looks clean on paper, then reality hits: a boat needs to come along, the kids need charging cables, and someone decides a lakeside campsite three hours off the interstate sounds fun. The 2026 Mazda CX-90 handles all of it without breaking a sweat, and it does it in a way that doesn’t feel like you’re piloting a compromise.

5,000 Pounds of Confidence on a Hitch

Let’s talk towing, because that’s the question everyone has before buying an SUV of this size. The 2026 CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Sport and Premium Plus trims are rated to tow up to 5,000 lbs. when equipped with Mazda Genuine Towing Accessories. That’s enough for a mid-size travel trailer, a bass boat, a couple of jet skis on a tandem trailer, or a teardrop camper with gear loaded inside.

The entry-level 3.3 Turbo Select and Preferred trims still tow up to 3,500 lbs., which handles smaller utility trailers and pop-up campers without issue.

The engine powering those numbers is the e-SKYACTIV G 3.3L turbocharged inline six, producing 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque on regular 87-octane fuel, paired with M-Hybrid Boost for improved low-speed throttle response. That matters when you’re merging onto a highway or climbing a mountain grade with a loaded trailer behind you. The 8-speed automatic handles the work smoothly.

For trailering situations, the Premium Sport trim adds Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) with dedicated Sport, Off Road, and Towing modes. Towing mode optimizes shift points and engine braking automatically. Paired with Trailer Stability Control built into the Dynamic Stability Control system, the CX-90 keeps things composed even when crosswinds try to push a loaded trailer around.

AWD Standard, No Asterisk

Every single 2026 CX-90 comes standard with i-ACTIV All-Wheel Drive. There’s no front-wheel-drive base model to navigate around. Every trim, from the $39,300 3.3 Turbo Select on up, ships with AWD as standard equipment.

The suspension setup backs that up: double wishbone front and independent rear multi-link with a stabilizer bar. Mazda’s Kinematic Posture Control (KPC) technology suppresses body lift in corners, keeping the SUV planted and predictable on winding mountain roads. Off-Road Traction Assist is also standard across the lineup, so gravel forest service roads and soft campsite approaches stay manageable.

Cargo That Actually Works for a Real Trip

Eight-passenger seating sounds impressive until you realize most families need to haul things, not just people. The CX-90 handles the balance well. The second and third-row bench seats fold to open up significant cargo space, and the third row uses an easy-slide mechanism that makes reconfiguration fast.

The Premium Plus trim adds a 150-watt accessory power outlet in the cargo area, which makes it genuinely useful for camping gear, coolers with built-in compressors, or inflatable equipment. The hands-free power rear liftgate (standard on Premium Sport and above) means you can pop the trunk with your hands full of gear.

For families splitting seating configurations, second-row captain’s chairs are available as an option on multiple trims, giving the middle row more comfort on long hauls while still maintaining access to the third row.

The Interior for 400 Miles of Highway

A long drive tests a cabin harder than anything. Here’s what the CX-90 brings to that test:

Three-zone automatic climate control with third-row AC vents is standard across the lineup, so back-row passengers aren’t an afterthought. USB-C inputs run front to rear: four up front on Select models, with additional ports added in the second and third rows on higher trims.

Alexa Built-in is new for 2026 across the entire lineup, joining the Mazda Connect infotainment system. Kids can request music changes, check the weather at the destination, or add items to a shopping list without anyone touching the screen.

Safety Tech for the Long Haul

Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go is standard on every CX-90, handling the tedious highway stretches while maintaining safe following distance. Blind Spot Monitoring with Vehicle Exit Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Lane Departure Warning with Lane-Keep Assist are also standard across the board.

The Premium Sport and above trims add Emergency Lane Keeping with Blind Spot Assist, Road Keep Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Cruising & Traffic Support. The Premium Plus goes further with a 360-degree monitor featuring See-Through View and Trailer Hitch View, which becomes genuinely useful when backing a boat trailer into a launch ramp or maneuvering in a crowded campground.

The PHEV Option

For families who want to start the trip in electric mode and switch to gas on the highway, the CX-90 PHEV is worth a look. The e-SKYACTIV PHEV powertrain pairs a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and 17.8kWh battery for 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. All-electric range sits at up to 26 miles, and a 1,500-watt charging outlet (PHEV models only) makes it useful as a power source at a campsite. PHEV models tow up to 3,500 lbs. with Mazda Genuine Towing Accessories.

2026 CX-90 Starting Prices

The 2026 CX-90 lineup starts at $39,300 for the 3.3 Turbo Select and runs through $57,570 for the 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus. For families prioritizing towing capacity and road-trip tech, the 3.3 Turbo Premium Sport at $47,480 is the sweet spot, picking up 5,000-lb. towing capability, the panoramic moonroof, Mi-Drive with Towing mode, Bose audio, and wireless everything.

The CX-90 isn’t trying to be everything to everyone. It’s a well-engineered three-row SUV built to handle big summer plans confidently. For families who want to actually go places this summer and take the boat, the gear, or the camper along, it makes a compelling argument.

Talk with our team at Lou Fusz Mazda about CX-90 towing accessories and adventure-ready trims. We’ll walk you through which configuration fits your specific setup.

Browse our CX-90 Inventory and reach out today to schedule a test drive.

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