Knowledge Library · Reviews

Powered by Pulse — Value Added. The #1 source of truth in revenue operations. Find the bottleneck. Fix the pipeline. Win the quarter.

Best Mazda CX-90 Model Years (Ranked) in 2027

Curated byKory White · Fractional CRO · Maryland

Best Mazda CX-90 Model Years (Ranked) in 2027

📖 2,151 words🗓️ Published Aug 8, 2026

Direct Answer

The 10 best best mazda cx-90 model years (ranked) are ranked below on measured performance, build quality, price, and how each one actually holds up in daily use rather than how it reads on a spec sheet. Each pick lists what it costs, who it suits, and what it gives up against the one above it, so the list can be read straight down without doubling back.

1. 2025 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo S

Best Mazda CX-90 Model Years (Ranked) in 2027 — figure 1

The 2025 Turbo S ranks first because it is the most polished and refined version of the CX-90 ever produced. Its 340-horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque from the 3.3-liter inline-six, running on premium fuel, delivers the strongest performance. Mazda's second-year calibration work has smoothed out the low-speed transmission hesitation and stop-start roughness that plagued launch cars. This is the definitive driving experience for the model.

2. 2025 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo

Best Mazda CX-90 Model Years (Ranked) in 2027 — figure 2

The 2025 3.3 Turbo is the rational middle choice, ranking second for its blend of refinement and sensible running costs. It produces a healthy 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel, avoiding the premium-fuel premium of the Turbo S. It benefits from the same year-two software updates, ensuring smooth low-speed drivability. This is the version that will age best with no premium-fuel dependency.

3. 2024 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo

Best Mazda CX-90 Model Years (Ranked) in 2027 — figure 3

A documented 2024 3.3 Turbo ranks third because it offers the best value, providing nearly the same experience as a 2025 for a significant discount. Its 280-horsepower regular-fuel engine is genuinely quick and shares the same platform and cabin architecture as newer models. The key is verifying that all software campaigns have been closed, which closes most of the gap to the 2025. This is the smartest financial move for most buyers.

4. 2024 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo S

Best Mazda CX-90 Model Years (Ranked) in 2027 — figure 4

The 2024 Turbo S ranks fourth, offering the top-tier 340-horsepower engine at a used-car discount. It provides the same premium interior and powerful performance as the 2025 model but requires the same VIN verification for software updates. Its value depends on finding a documented example, as an un-updated early build will feel unfinished. For those wanting maximum power without paying new-car prices, this is the pick.

5. 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus

Best Mazda CX-90 Model Years (Ranked) in 2027 — figure 5

The 2025 PHEV ranks fifth for buyers who can charge at home and have a commute within its roughly 25-mile electric range. Its combined 323 horsepower from the 2.5-liter four and electric motor is ample, and it can cover most weekday driving on electricity alone. The second-year model benefits from refined mode transitions, making it a more seamless daily driver. Its appeal is highly specific to a particular usage pattern.

6. 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus

Best Mazda CX-90 Model Years (Ranked) in 2027 — figure 6

The 2024 PHEV ranks sixth, offering the plug-in's electric-only capability at a used-price discount. It provides the same 25-mile range and 323-horsepower output as the 2025, but early models had less seamless transitions between electric and gasoline power. Its value is contingent on verifying the battery's health and that the previous owner actually plugged it in. This is a niche pick for the right, charging-capable buyer.

7. 2025 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Preferred

Best Mazda CX-90 Model Years (Ranked) in 2027 — figure 7

The 2025 3.3 Turbo Preferred ranks seventh as the smartest mid-tier configuration, balancing cost and features. It delivers the refined 280-horsepower engine with a comfortable level of equipment without the premium-fuel requirement. This trim provides most of the daily usability of higher trims, making it a practical choice for families. It is the quiet standout for those who want a well-equipped car without the top-tier price.

8. 2024 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Preferred

Best Mazda CX-90 Model Years (Ranked) in 2027 — figure 8

The 2024 3.3 Turbo Preferred ranks eighth, offering the value of a used 2024 with a sensible equipment level. It provides the same 280-horsepower engine and standard all-wheel drive as higher trims, focusing on core capability. The key is ensuring its software updates are applied, as an un-serviced example will exhibit low-speed hesitation. This is a solid, cost-effective choice for buyers prioritizing the driving experience.

9. 2025 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Select

Best Mazda CX-90 Model Years (Ranked) in 2027 — figure 9

The 2025 3.3 Turbo Select ranks ninth as the cheapest route to the CX-90's defining characteristics. It includes the refined inline-six engine and standard i-Activ all-wheel drive, which are the core of the car's appeal. You sacrifice leather and convenience tech, but not the engine or the chassis. This is the entry point for those who value the driving dynamics above all else.

10. 2024 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Select

Best Mazda CX-90 Model Years (Ranked) in 2027 — figure 10

The 2024 3.3 Turbo Select ranks tenth, offering the lowest-cost entry into the CX-90 lineup. It provides the same 280-horsepower engine and rear-biased platform as more expensive models, making it a driver's choice on a budget. The trade-off is a spartan interior and the need to verify all software campaigns are closed. This is for the buyer who wants the platform and engine, and is willing to forgo luxury.

How we ranked these

We measured four variables: engine tune (280-hp regular vs. 340-hp premium), model year (2024 vs. 2025, a proxy for software maturity), trim level (Select through Turbo S Premium Plus), and powertrain family (inline-six vs. PHEV). Weighting favored drivability refinement, fuel-grade cost, and long-term ownership simplicity, with the 2025 Turbo S scoring highest on polish and the 2024 3.3 Turbo on value.

We deliberately ignored styling, brand loyalty, and resale-value speculation. Styling is subjective and unchanged between years. Brand loyalty obscures objective comparison. Resale values are too volatile for a two-year-old platform to predict meaningfully. We also excluded anecdotal reliability reports, as the sample size is too small for statistical significance. The focus stayed on verifiable, mechanical and financial factors that directly affect a purchase decision.

FAQ

What are the common issues with the 2024 Mazda CX-90?

Early 2024 models drew consistent comment for transmission hesitation at low speeds and occasional software quirks, including in the infotainment system. Mazda addressed much of this through dealer software updates and a revised transmission calibration that carried into the 2025 model year. A fully updated 2024 drives noticeably smoother than an un-serviced early build, which is why VIN-checking the campaign history matters more on this vehicle than on most.

Which CX-90 powertrain is the most reliable?

The 3.3-liter inline-six turbo, in both the 280-hp and 340-hp tunes, is the simpler and more conventional layout of the two, and it has been the more consistent performer so far. The plug-in hybrid's battery pack and dual-mode operation add complexity and therefore more potential points of failure. Both powertrains remain too new for definitive long-term reliability conclusions, so treat this as an architectural observation rather than a verdict.

Is the 2025 CX-90 worth the extra cost over a used 2024?

For most buyers, yes — the 2025 arrives from the factory with a year of refinement built in, so the transmission and mild-hybrid behavior feel more polished without any owner effort. But a documented 2024 with closed campaigns closes most of that gap for a meaningful discount. The choice comes down to whether you value convenience and warranty over upfront savings.

How does the CX-90 PHEV's electric range hold up in winter?

Treat the 25-mile figure as a warm-weather, moderate-driving ceiling. Cold weather, sustained highway speed, and aggressive climate use all reduce it. A 12-mile each-way commute fits comfortably; a 15-mile each-way commute in January may not, and you will be running the gasoline engine more than the brochure implied.

What should I check on a used CX-90 test drive?

Spend deliberate time at 0-15 mph: pull away from full stops repeatedly, reverse, do a three-point turn, creep in simulated traffic. This is where the clutch-pack transmission's behavior shows. Also test the PHEV's charging port with an actual session, and load the car with your car seats and stroller to verify third-row and cargo space.

Does the base CX-90 still get the inline-six and AWD?

Yes. Every trim from the Select upward gets the 3.3-liter inline-six and standard i-Activ all-wheel drive. The base Select is the cheapest route to the CX-90's defining characteristics — you give up leather and convenience tech, not the engine or the chassis. This makes the lower trims excellent value.

How does the CX-90 compare to the Telluride or Grand Highlander?

The CX-90's differentiator is dynamics: the rear-biased platform and longitudinal six give it a steering and balance character none of those match. Its weaknesses relative to that set are third-row space and, for the PHEV, cargo volume. If your priority is maximum third-row habitability for adults, the CX-90 is not the class leader.

What is the fuel economy of the 3.3 Turbo?

The 3.3 Turbo lands in the neighborhood of 25 mpg combined on EPA figures, which is competitive for a three-row AWD SUV with six cylinders and is materially helped by the 48-volt system smoothing stop-start and low-rpm response. The Turbo S gives up a little to its higher output. Confirm current figures on fueleconomy.gov for the exact trim and year.

Are there any open recalls on the 2024 CX-90?

Check the NHTSA database and Mazda's own campaign lookup with your VIN. Early builds had software campaigns for transmission and mild-hybrid behavior, not safety recalls. An open campaign is not a dealbreaker — the fix is a dealer visit — but it should be negotiated into the deal or done immediately after purchase.

Sources

flowchart TD S["Best Mazda CX-90 Model Years Ranked in"] S --> N0["1. 2025 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo S"] N0 --> N1["2. 2025 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo"] N1 --> N2["3. 2024 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo"] N2 --> N3["4. 2024 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo S"]

flowchart LR C["Best Mazda CX-90 Model Years Ranked in"] C --> H0["8. 2024 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Preferre"] C --> H1["9. 2025 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Select"] C --> H2["10. 2024 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Select"] C --> H3["How we ranked these"]

Related on PULSE

[More best mazda cx-90 model years (ranked) rankings and buying guides](/knowledge)
[PULSE Tools and calculators](/tools)
[Everything on PULSE RevOps](/)

Download:

## Direct Answer

The 10 best best mazda cx-90 model years (ranked) are ranked below on measured performance, build quality, price, and how each one actually holds up in daily use rather than how it reads on a spec sheet. Each pick lists what it costs, who it suits, and what it gives up against the one above it, so the list can be read straight down without doubling back.

## 1. 2025 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo S

![Best Mazda CX-90 Model Years (Ranked) in 2027 — figure 1](/assets/qa/ca0615-b1.jpg)


```mermaid
flowchart TD
  S["Best Mazda CX-90 Model Years Ranked in"]
  S --> N0["1. 2025 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo S"]
  N0 --> N1["2. 2025 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo"]
  N1 --> N2["3. 2024 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo"]
  N2 --> N3["4. 2024 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo S"]
```


The 2025 Turbo S ranks first because it is the most polished and refined version of the CX-90 ever produced. Its 340-horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque from the 3.3-liter inline-six, running on premium fuel, delivers the strongest performance. Mazda's second-year calibration work has smoothed out the low-speed transmission hesitation and stop-start roughness that plagued launch cars. This is the definitive driving experience for the model.

## 2. 2025 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo

![Best Mazda CX-90 Model Years (Ranked) in 2027 — figure 2](/assets/qa/ca0615-b2.jpg)


```mermaid
flowchart LR
  C["Best Mazda CX-90 Model Years Ranked in"]
  C --> H0["8. 2024 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Preferre"]
  C --> H1["9. 2025 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Select"]
  C --> H2["10. 2024 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Select"]
  C --> H3["How we ranked these"]
```


The 2025 3.3 Turbo is the rational middle choice, ranking second for its blend of refinement and sensible running costs. It produces a healthy 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel, avoiding the premium-fuel premium of the Turbo S. It benefits from the same year-two software updates, ensuring smooth low-speed drivability. This is the version that will age best with no premium-fuel dependency.


## 3. 2024 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo

![Best Mazda CX-90 Model Years (Ranked) in 2027 — figure 3](/assets/qa/ca0615-b3.jpg)


A documented 2024 3.3 Turbo ranks third because it offers the best value, providing nearly the same experience as a 2025 for a significant discount. Its 280-horsepower regular-fuel engine is genuinely quick and shares the same platform and cabin architecture as newer models. The key is verifying that all software campaigns have been closed, which closes most of the gap to the 2025. This is the smartest financial move for most buyers.

## 4. 2024 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo S

![Best Mazda CX-90 Model Years (Ranked) in 2027 — figure 4](/assets/qa/ca0615-b4.jpg)


The 2024 Turbo S ranks fourth, offering the top-tier 340-horsepower engine at a used-car discount. It provides the same premium interior and powerful performance as the 2025 model but requires the same VIN verification for software updates. Its value depends on finding a documented example, as an un-updated early build will feel unfinished. For those wanting maximum power without paying new-car prices, this is the pick.


## 5. 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus

![Best Mazda CX-90 Model Years (Ranked) in 2027 — figure 5](/assets/qa/ca0615-b5.jpg)


The 2025 PHEV ranks fifth for buyers who can charge at home and have a commute within its roughly 25-mile electric range. Its combined 323 horsepower from the 2.5-liter four and electric motor is ample, and it can cover most weekday driving on electricity alone. The second-year model benefits from refined mode transitions, making it a more seamless daily driver. Its appeal is highly specific to a particular usage pattern.

## 6. 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus

![Best Mazda CX-90 Model Years (Ranked) in 2027 — figure 6](/assets/qa/ca0615-b6.jpg)


The 2024 PHEV ranks sixth, offering the plug-in's electric-only capability at a used-price discount. It provides the same 25-mile range and 323-horsepower output as the 2025, but early models had less seamless transitions between electric and gasoline power. Its value is contingent on verifying the battery's health and that the previous owner actually plugged it in. This is a niche pick for the right, charging-capable buyer.


## 7. 2025 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Preferred

![Best Mazda CX-90 Model Years (Ranked) in 2027 — figure 7](/assets/qa/ca0615-b7.jpg)


The 2025 3.3 Turbo Preferred ranks seventh as the smartest mid-tier configuration, balancing cost and features. It delivers the refined 280-horsepower engine with a comfortable level of equipment without the premium-fuel requirement. This trim provides most of the daily usability of higher trims, making it a practical choice for families. It is the quiet standout for those who want a well-equipped car without the top-tier price.

## 8. 2024 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Preferred

![Best Mazda CX-90 Model Years (Ranked) in 2027 — figure 8](/assets/qa/ca0615-b8.jpg)


The 2024 3.3 Turbo Preferred ranks eighth, offering the value of a used 2024 with a sensible equipment level. It provides the same 280-horsepower engine and standard all-wheel drive as higher trims, focusing on core capability. The key is ensuring its software updates are applied, as an un-serviced example will exhibit low-speed hesitation. This is a solid, cost-effective choice for buyers prioritizing the driving experience.


## 9. 2025 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Select

![Best Mazda CX-90 Model Years (Ranked) in 2027 — figure 9](/assets/qa/ca0615-b9.jpg)


The 2025 3.3 Turbo Select ranks ninth as the cheapest route to the CX-90's defining characteristics. It includes the refined inline-six engine and standard i-Activ all-wheel drive, which are the core of the car's appeal. You sacrifice leather and convenience tech, but not the engine or the chassis. This is the entry point for those who value the driving dynamics above all else.

## 10. 2024 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Select

![Best Mazda CX-90 Model Years (Ranked) in 2027 — figure 10](/assets/qa/ca0615-b10.jpg)


The 2024 3.3 Turbo Select ranks tenth, offering the lowest-cost entry into the CX-90 lineup. It provides the same 280-horsepower engine and rear-biased platform as more expensive models, making it a driver's choice on a budget. The trade-off is a spartan interior and the need to verify all software campaigns are closed. This is for the buyer who wants the platform and engine, and is willing to forgo luxury.


## How we ranked these

We measured four variables: engine tune (280-hp regular vs. 340-hp premium), model year (2024 vs. 2025, a proxy for software maturity), trim level (Select through Turbo S Premium Plus), and powertrain family (inline-six vs. PHEV). Weighting favored drivability refinement, fuel-grade cost, and long-term ownership simplicity, with the 2025 Turbo S scoring highest on polish and the 2024 3.3 Turbo on value.

We deliberately ignored styling, brand loyalty, and resale-value speculation. Styling is subjective and unchanged between years. Brand loyalty obscures objective comparison. Resale values are too volatile for a two-year-old platform to predict meaningfully. We also excluded anecdotal reliability reports, as the sample size is too small for statistical significance. The focus stayed on verifiable, mechanical and financial factors that directly affect a purchase decision.


## Related questions

### Is there a 2026 Mazda CX-90 worth waiting for?

Only the 2024 and 2025 model years are established at this writing. If you need a three-row now, a current, fully updated car is a sound buy. Waiting typically buys incremental refinement rather than a redesign, and you pay for that patience in continued use of whatever you drive today.

### Does the Turbo S require premium fuel?

Yes, to reach its rated 340 hp and 369 lb-ft. The 280-hp 3.3 Turbo runs on regular. Filling a Turbo S with regular will not damage it, but you will not get the output you paid for — which makes the upcharge hard to justify.

### Which CX-90 powertrain is likely to age best?

The 280-hp 3.3 Turbo. It is a relatively simple layout with no premium-fuel dependency and no traction battery to degrade over time. Both powertrains are too new for definitive long-term data, but on architecture alone the regular-fuel six carries the fewest future variables.

### How much of the 2024-versus-2025 gap closes with software?

Most of it. The differences reviewers flagged — low-speed shift hesitation and mild-hybrid stop-start roughness — were addressed through calibration updates rather than hardware revisions. A 2024 with its campaigns closed drives materially closer to a 2025 than an un-serviced early build does.

### Is the CX-90 a good tow vehicle?

It is capable within its rating, and the Turbo S's extra torque helps at the upper end. Confirm the specific rating for your trim and configuration in the owner's manual, and factor tongue weight and passenger load rather than trusting a headline maximum figure.

### What is the best value CX-90 configuration?

A used 2024 3.3 Turbo with verified software updates. It delivers the same platform, cabin, and most of the performance as a 2025 Turbo S, but runs on regular fuel and has already absorbed the steepest depreciation. The Turbo Premium Plus trim adds most of the luxury without the premium-fuel requirement.

## FAQ

**What are the common issues with the 2024 Mazda CX-90?**

Early 2024 models drew consistent comment for transmission hesitation at low speeds and occasional software quirks, including in the infotainment system. Mazda addressed much of this through dealer software updates and a revised transmission calibration that carried into the 2025 model year. A fully updated 2024 drives noticeably smoother than an un-serviced early build, which is why VIN-checking the campaign history matters more on this vehicle than on most.

**Which CX-90 powertrain is the most reliable?**

The 3.3-liter inline-six turbo, in both the 280-hp and 340-hp tunes, is the simpler and more conventional layout of the two, and it has been the more consistent performer so far. The plug-in hybrid's battery pack and dual-mode operation add complexity and therefore more potential points of failure. Both powertrains remain too new for definitive long-term reliability conclusions, so treat this as an architectural observation rather than a verdict.

**Is the 2025 CX-90 worth the extra cost over a used 2024?**

For most buyers, yes — the 2025 arrives from the factory with a year of refinement built in, so the transmission and mild-hybrid behavior feel more polished without any owner effort. But a documented 2024 with closed campaigns closes most of that gap for a meaningful discount. The choice comes down to whether you value convenience and warranty over upfront savings.

**How does the CX-90 PHEV's electric range hold up in winter?**

Treat the 25-mile figure as a warm-weather, moderate-driving ceiling. Cold weather, sustained highway speed, and aggressive climate use all reduce it. A 12-mile each-way commute fits comfortably; a 15-mile each-way commute in January may not, and you will be running the gasoline engine more than the brochure implied.

**What should I check on a used CX-90 test drive?**

Spend deliberate time at 0-15 mph: pull away from full stops repeatedly, reverse, do a three-point turn, creep in simulated traffic. This is where the clutch-pack transmission's behavior shows. Also test the PHEV's charging port with an actual session, and load the car with your car seats and stroller to verify third-row and cargo space.

**Does the base CX-90 still get the inline-six and AWD?**

Yes. Every trim from the Select upward gets the 3.3-liter inline-six and standard i-Activ all-wheel drive. The base Select is the cheapest route to the CX-90's defining characteristics — you give up leather and convenience tech, not the engine or the chassis. This makes the lower trims excellent value.

**How does the CX-90 compare to the Telluride or Grand Highlander?**

The CX-90's differentiator is dynamics: the rear-biased platform and longitudinal six give it a steering and balance character none of those match. Its weaknesses relative to that set are third-row space and, for the PHEV, cargo volume. If your priority is maximum third-row habitability for adults, the CX-90 is not the class leader.

**What is the fuel economy of the 3.3 Turbo?**

The 3.3 Turbo lands in the neighborhood of 25 mpg combined on EPA figures, which is competitive for a three-row AWD SUV with six cylinders and is materially helped by the 48-volt system smoothing stop-start and low-rpm response. The Turbo S gives up a little to its higher output. Confirm current figures on fueleconomy.gov for the exact trim and year.

**Are there any open recalls on the 2024 CX-90?**

Check the NHTSA database and Mazda's own campaign lookup with your VIN. Early builds had software campaigns for transmission and mild-hybrid behavior, not safety recalls. An open campaign is not a dealbreaker — the fix is a dealer visit — but it should be negotiated into the deal or done immediately after purchase.

## Sources

- https://www.mazdausa.com/vehicles/cx-90
- https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls
- https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/noframes/46915.shtml
- https://www.kbb.com/mazda/cx-90/
- https://www.edmunds.com/mazda/cx-90/
- https://www.caranddriver.com/mazda/cx-90
- https://www.motortrend.com/cars/mazda/cx-90/

## Related on PULSE

- [More best mazda cx-90 model years (ranked) rankings and buying guides](/knowledge)
- [PULSE Tools and calculators](/tools)
- [Everything on PULSE RevOps](/)

Was this helpful?

This page will be disappearing soon.

Download the whole page as a PDF to keep — just $1.

⌬ Apply this in PULSE

Pulse CheckScore reps on the metrics that matter

Best Mazda CX-90 Model Years (Ranked) in 2027

1. 2025 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo S

2. 2025 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo

3. 2024 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo

4. 2024 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo S

5. 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus

6. 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus

7. 2025 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Preferred

8. 2024 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Preferred

9. 2025 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Select

10. 2024 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Select

How we ranked these

Related questions

Is there a 2026 Mazda CX-90 worth waiting for?

Does the Turbo S require premium fuel?

Which CX-90 powertrain is likely to age best?

How much of the 2024-versus-2025 gap closes with software?

Is the CX-90 a good tow vehicle?

What is the best value CX-90 configuration?

FAQ

Sources

Related on PULSE

Two scores — Gate vs IQ