Before You Buy

Mazda CX-90: Buy Score, Reliability & Ownership Costs

Midsize 3-Row Crossover · SUV

MSRP Range$40,830–$58,500
A black 2026 Mazda CX-90 3-row SUV parked in a driveway in soft evening light, shot candidly at a three-quarter angle.
Engine3.3L turbo inline-6, 280 hp or 340 hp (S trims); PHEV 323 hp combined
Transmission8-speed automatic
DrivetrainAll-wheel drive, standard
Fuel Economy25 mpg combined (gas); 26-mile EV range (PHEV)

Our Verdict

Based on Mazda's brand-level reliability data, ownership costs, and longevity signals.

Consider
74/100

Buy Score™

Pros

  • 2026 model earned IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (gas and PHEV both) plus a 5-star NHTSA overall rating
  • Turbocharged inline-6 (up to 340 hp) and PHEV (26-mile EV range) give real powertrain choice in the segment
  • iSeeCars shows better-than-average 3-row-SUV value retention despite the raw depreciation number
  • Upscale interior distinguishes it from mainstream 3-row crossovers

Cons

  • Too new for a reliable mileage-longevity track record — no iSeeCars 250k-mile data exists yet
  • NHTSA opened a new investigation in January 2026 into a steering-gear defect recurring on some vehicles after the original recall repair
  • Owner reports of turbo/ECM software faults, low-gear transmission jerkiness, and a 48V mild-hybrid battery imbalance fault on Turbo S trims
  • Higher starting price than the CX-50 or most 2-row competitors

Can this car reach 300,000 miles?

Unlikely

The CX-90 is too new for a longevity track record, and RepairPal doesn't publish model-specific data for it. Real, ongoing mechanical issues on this generation — including a steering-gear defect that NHTSA opened a new investigation into in January 2026 after it recurred on some vehicles even after the original recall repair — make 'reach 300k' harder to call than for the brand's more established models.

First-Time Buyer Friendly

45/100

Livable, but the complexity or running costs here reward buyers who already have some ownership experience.

Reliability Timeline

What tends to need attention, and when — based on Mazda brand-level reliability data.

RoutineModerateMajor

30,000 miles

Oil changes, tire rotations
Confirm all open recalls (steering gear, fuel pump control module, ECM software) have been completed — check the free NHTSA VIN lookup

60,000 miles

8-speed transmission fluid service; some owners report low-gear jerkiness that Mazda attributes to calibration rather than a fault
Brake pads

100,000 miles

Turbocharger inspection on 3.3 Turbo/Turbo S trims

150,000 miles

Suspension components — some owners report front-suspension creaking

200,000+ miles

No track record yet at this mileage — the current generation launched for the 2024 model year

What It Actually Costs to Own

Repair costs are an estimate pending a real track record — budget above the Mazda brand average given the early-model electrical and turbo issues reported so far. iSeeCars shows better resale than the segment average despite the depreciation percentage looking high in isolation.

Estimated Annual Fuel Cost$1,680
Estimated Annual Insurance$1,650
Estimated Annual Maintenance$520
Estimated Annual Repairs$500
Estimated Annual Registration$230
5-Year Depreciation~43% of purchase price

Full Specifications

Engine3.3L turbo inline-6, 280 hp or 340 hp (S trims); PHEV 323 hp combined
Transmission8-speed automatic
DrivetrainAll-wheel drive, standard
Fuel Economy25 mpg combined (gas); 26-mile EV range (PHEV)
Towing CapacityUp to 5,000 lbs (gas, most trims)
Seating7 or 8, depending on trim
Warranty3 yr/36,000 mi basic, 5 yr/60,000 mi powertrain

Check for open recalls before you buy

We don't yet have a live recall feed wired up for the Mazda CX-90, so we won't guess at a number here. Before you buy any specific CX-90, run its VIN throughNHTSA's free recall lookup tool— it takes about 30 seconds and confirms whether that exact vehicle has any open, unrepaired safety recalls.

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Sources: Mazda brand-level RepairPal score (4.0/5.0) — RepairPal notes the CX-90 itself is too new for a model-specific complaint history: repairpal.com/mazda/cx-90 (live lookup, 2026). 2026 MSRP ($40,830-$58,500), trims, and engine/towing/cargo specs: mazdausa.com and edmunds.com 2026 CX-90 MSRP pages (live lookup, 2026). 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award (gas and PHEV) and 5-star NHTSA rating: iihs.org CX-90 ratings pages and mazdausa.com/discover/leading-the-way-in-safety (live lookup, 2026). Steering-gear defect recurrence and January 2026 NHTSA investigation (RQ26002), turbo/ECM faults, transmission jerkiness, and 48V mild-hybrid battery imbalance: cx90forum.com, au7o.io known-issues page, and referenced NHTSA recall/investigation data (live lookup, 2026).