Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Best Mazda CX-90 Model Years (Ranked)
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO Syndicate
Best Mazda CX-90 Model Years (Ranked)
The Mazda CX-90 is Mazda's flagship three-row SUV, launched for the 2024 model year to replace the aging CX-9. Built on Mazda's new rear-biased Large Platform, it introduced an inline-six turbocharged engine and a plug-in hybrid option, a major leap upmarket for the brand.
Because the CX-90 is so new, "model years" here means a short, still-unfolding history: the 2024 launch year, the lightly updated 2025, and the distinct powertrain and trim variants (Turbo, Turbo S, PHEV) that define a buyer's real choice. This ranking sorts those years and variants best-first, flags the early transmission and software quirks worth checking, and shows where the smart used and new-buy value sits today.
Direct Answer
The best overall Mazda CX-90 is the 2025 model year, which keeps the excellent 3.3L inline-six turbo and rear-biased dynamics while benefiting from a year of running software and transmission refinements that smoothed out the launch model's low-speed shift hesitation. For shoppers focused on value, the best value is a 2024 CX-90 3.3 Turbo (mid grade), which delivers the same upscale interior and strong 280-horsepower six at a meaningful used discount off sticker.
The Turbo S trims add 340 horsepower for buyers who want maximum thrust, while the PHEV suits those wanting short electric commutes. Verify any early build's transmission software updates before purchase, since that is the model's most-discussed early concern.
1. 2025 CX-90 3.3 Turbo S 🏆 BEST OVERALL
The 2025 CX-90 is the model at its best. Mazda spent the first year addressing the low-speed shift hesitation and mild-hybrid software behavior that early reviewers flagged, so the eight-speed automatic (a clutch-pack design rather than a torque converter) behaves more smoothly.
The 3.3L turbocharged inline-six in Turbo S tune makes a strong 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft on premium fuel, paired with standard i-Activ all-wheel drive.
The cabin is genuinely premium, with available Nappa leather, real wood, and a 12.3-inch display. Rear-biased balance gives it the most engaging drive in the three-row class. With a year of refinement behind it, the 2025 is the CX-90 to buy if your budget reaches it.
2. 2024 CX-90 3.3 Turbo (Mid Grade) 💎 BEST VALUE
The 2024 3.3 Turbo is the value sweet spot. It uses the lower-output tune of the inline-six, making 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft on regular fuel, which is plenty for a family hauler and avoids the premium-fuel requirement of the Turbo S. As the launch model year, used examples now sell at a clear discount off original sticker.
You still get the same rear-biased Large Platform, standard AWD, and the upscale interior that makes the CX-90 feel a class above its price. The best value is a Preferred or Premium trim 2024 Turbo, which bundles leather, a power liftgate, and driver-assist tech. Confirm the transmission software updates were applied and the deal is excellent.
3. 2025 CX-90 3.3 Turbo
The 2025 Turbo combines the most sensible engine with the refined second-year build. The 280-hp inline-six runs happily on regular gasoline, returns roughly 25 mpg combined, and pulls strongly thanks to the mild-hybrid 48-volt assist that smooths stop-start and low-rpm response.
For most families this is the rational pick: you get the 2025's smoother transmission calibration without paying for the Turbo S's premium-fuel performance. Trims from Select through Premium Plus cover a wide price range, and standard all-wheel drive plus three rows of seating make it a practical, handsome alternative to a Telluride or Grand Highlander.
It is the engine and year combination that ages best.
4. 2025 CX-90 PHEV
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The 2025 CX-90 PHEV pairs a 2.5L four-cylinder with an electric motor and a 17.8 kWh battery for roughly 25 miles of electric range and a combined output near 323 horsepower. For drivers with a short commute who can charge at home, it can cover daily trips on electricity and switch to gasoline for road trips, with three-row seating intact.
It qualified for certain plug-in hybrid incentives depending on year and state, improving its effective value. The trade-offs are a smaller cargo area beneath the floor and a less characterful engine than the inline-six. Choose the PHEV if electric commuting and efficiency outweigh outright smoothness and power.
5. 2024 CX-90 3.3 Turbo S
The 2024 Turbo S brought the full 340-hp inline-six to the launch year. It is quick, refined when warm, and sounds terrific for a family SUV. Turbo S and Turbo S Premium Plus sit at the top of the lineup with the richest equipment, including Nappa leather, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera.
The caveats are the launch-year items: the low-speed transmission hesitation and mild-hybrid software behavior that Mazda refined for 2025, plus the premium-fuel requirement to reach rated output. A well-documented 2024 Turbo S with the latest software updates is a strong performer at a used discount, but verify those updates were completed.
6. 2024 CX-90 PHEV
The 2024 PHEV introduced Mazda's plug-in three-row, using the 2.5L four plus electric motor for around 323 combined horsepower and roughly 25 miles of electric range. As the launch PHEV, it shares the lineup's early software refinement timeline, so confirm updates were applied.
It remains a sensible buy for home-charging commuters who want to minimize gasoline use without giving up three rows. Some early owners noted the transition between electric and gas modes felt less seamless than rivals, an area improved over time. Priced used below a comparable RAV4 Prime or Sorento PHEV in many markets, the 2024 PHEV can be a smart efficiency-focused value for the right driver.
7. 2024 CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus
The Turbo Premium Plus trim of the 2024 car packages the 280-hp inline-six with near-top-tier luxury features, including ventilated front seats, a Bose audio system, and second-row captain's chairs on some configurations. It delivers most of the cabin richness of a Turbo S while keeping the regular-fuel engine and lower running costs.
For a buyer who wants the loaded interior experience without the premium-fuel Turbo S, this is the trim to target. As with all 2024 cars, confirm the transmission and mild-hybrid software were updated. The combination of a relaxed engine, full equipment, and a used discount makes a clean Premium Plus an appealing family flagship.
8. 2025 CX-90 Select / Preferred (Base Engine Trims)
The entry 2025 trims still use the 3.3L inline-six in 280-hp form, so even the most affordable CX-90 gets the standout engine and standard all-wheel drive. You give up leather and some convenience tech, but the core driving experience and platform are intact.
These trims are the best route to a new or near-new CX-90 at the lowest price, and they benefit from the second-year software refinement. The cloth or simulated-leather interior is well assembled, and the three-row layout remains practical. For a value-minded family that prioritizes the chassis and engine over luxury extras, a base 2025 Select or Preferred is a sensible, modern choice.
9. 2024 CX-90 Select (Launch Base)
The 2024 Select is the cheapest way into CX-90 ownership and still carries the 280-hp inline-six, standard AWD, and the upscale platform. It lacks higher-trim luxury equipment, but the fundamentals that make the model appealing are present.
Being a launch-year base trim, it is the most likely to be found at a steep used discount. The same advice applies as for all early cars: verify the transmission software updates and any mild-hybrid recalls or service bulletins were addressed. For a buyer chasing the lowest entry price into a modern three-row Mazda, a documented 2024 Select with completed updates is a reasonable budget pick.
10. 2024-2025 CX-90 (Pre-Update / Unserviced Builds — Caution)
The cars to approach carefully are very early 2024 builds that never received Mazda's software updates. Reviewers and owners widely noted low-speed transmission hesitation, occasional jerkiness, and mild-hybrid stop-start roughness on the first cars off the line. Mazda issued software calibrations to improve these behaviors.
An un-updated early example can feel less polished and may indicate deferred dealer service. Before buying any 2024 or early-2025 car, run the VIN for completed campaigns and recalls and take an extended low-speed test drive. The hardware is sound, so a properly updated car is fine, but an unserviced early build is the one configuration to treat with extra scrutiny.
What to Watch For When Buying
The single most important step is to verify the transmission and mild-hybrid software updates were completed, since early 2024 cars were widely noted for low-speed shift hesitation and stop-start roughness that Mazda refined through calibration updates. Run the VIN through Mazda's recall and service-campaign lookup and the NHTSA database before buying.
- Confirm software/recall campaigns are closed via VIN, especially on early 2024 builds.
- Take a deliberate low-speed test drive to feel how the eight-speed clutch-pack transmission behaves from a stop and in parking maneuvers.
- Check the fuel grade the engine needs: the Turbo S (340 hp) requires premium for full output, while the Turbo (280 hp) runs on regular.
- For PHEV models, test charging and confirm battery health and electric range.
- Inspect for normal new-car wear and verify all driver-assist features function.
How to Choose
Match the CX-90 to your priorities. For the best blend of refinement and performance, choose a 2025 Turbo S with its 340-hp six and second-year software polish. For the smartest everyday value, a 2024 or 2025 3.3 Turbo with the 280-hp regular-fuel engine delivers nearly the same experience for less.
Efficiency-focused buyers who can charge at home should look at the PHEV for its electric commuting range. Bargain hunters can target a 2024 Select or Preferred at a used discount, provided the software updates are documented. In every case, favor a car with verified service campaigns and a clean history over the lowest sticker.
FAQ
Which Mazda CX-90 year is best? The 2025 model year is the strongest choice. It keeps the excellent 3.3L inline-six and rear-biased platform while benefiting from a year of transmission and mild-hybrid software refinement that smoothed the launch model's low-speed behavior.
Are there problems with the early 2024 CX-90? The most discussed issue was low-speed transmission hesitation and jerkiness, along with some stop-start roughness from the 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Mazda addressed these with software updates, so a properly serviced car drives well. Always verify updates via VIN.
What is the difference between the Turbo and Turbo S? The Turbo makes 280 horsepower on regular fuel, while the Turbo S makes 340 horsepower but needs premium for full output. Both use the same 3.3L inline-six and standard all-wheel drive; the S adds power and higher-end equipment.
Does the CX-90 PHEV make sense? For drivers who can charge at home and have a short commute, yes. The PHEV offers about 25 miles of electric range and roughly 323 combined horsepower with three-row seating, letting you cover daily trips on electricity and use gasoline for longer drives.
Bottom Line
The Mazda CX-90 is the most engaging and upscale three-row SUV Mazda has built, and its short history makes year and variant choice straightforward. The 2025 model year is the best overall pick, refining the launch car's transmission and software, while a 2024 3.3 Turbo offers the best value at a used discount.
Favor the regular-fuel 280-hp Turbo for everyday use or the 340-hp Turbo S for performance, and always confirm software campaigns are closed via VIN. Serviced correctly, the CX-90 rewards drivers who want style and dynamics with their family hauler.
Sources
- Mazda USA official CX-90 model specifications and trims, mazdausa.com
- NHTSA recall and complaint database for Mazda CX-90, nhtsa.gov
- EPA Fuel Economy ratings for Mazda CX-90 by powertrain, fueleconomy.gov
- Car and Driver Mazda CX-90 reviews and road tests, caranddriver.com
- Edmunds Mazda CX-90 generation reviews and used appraisals, edmunds.com
- Kelley Blue Book Mazda CX-90 pricing and values, kbb.com
- Wikipedia Mazda CX-90 platform, powertrains, and specifications, en.wikipedia.org