The 2026 Mazda CX-90 brings a premium, driver-focused approach to the three-row SUV segment, blending confident performance with a polished cabin and intuitive technology. As a local research and buying guide for Palatine, IL shoppers, this page highlights the standout strengths you’ll notice in daily driving around Northwest Highway and Route 53, explains the key differences in trims, and shows how the CX-90 fits real family routines from school drop-offs to weekend getaways. With standard i-Activ AWD®, a refined e-SKYACTIV® G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbo engine lineup, available 360° View Monitor with See-through View and Trailer Hitch View, and seating for up to eight, the CX-90 is designed to feel calm, capable, and upscale mile after mile. If you’re comparing top choices for comfort, safety, and confidence in Chicagoland traffic, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 deserves a top spot on your list.
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is engineered to make every drive feel composed and responsive. The standard e-SKYACTIV® G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbo works with a smooth SKYACTIV®-Drive 8-Speed Automatic Transmission to deliver robust, ready power without the coarse edge or lag you might expect from larger SUVs. Trims designated “Turbo S” are tuned for up to 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque on recommended premium fuel, while Turbo models offer up to 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque on regular unleaded—an easy match for commuting, merging, and passing on the Jane Addams Tollway. Standard i-Activ AWD® proactively monitors road conditions and helps distribute torque for confidence in rain, on gravel pull-offs, and during quick lane changes. With Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive), you can tailor responses with Normal, Sport, and Off-Road modes, plus an available Towing mode when properly equipped. Select models support up to a 5,000-pound towing capacity when equipped with a tow hitch, and features like Kinematic Posture Control help the CX-90 feel planted and stable on curvy, two-lane roads.
Inside the CX-90, the emphasis is on quiet refinement and ergonomic ease. Controls fall naturally to hand, the center display is crisp and clear, and the available Bose® audio system creates a richer listening experience for longer drives on Lake Cook Road. Families can configure seating for seven or eight, and easy-fold 2nd-row seats help you access the 3rd row quickly. Cargo space measures 14.9 cubic feet with all seats up and expands to as much as 74.2 cubic feet with the 2nd and 3rd rows folded, making weekend projects and Costco runs straightforward. Mazda Connected Services (complimentary for one year) and the MyMazda App allow remote engine start, remote lock/unlock, and vehicle status checks, while the available panoramic moonroof adds an open ambience that makes the cabin feel special every day.
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is part of a lineup recognized with a 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, so you can shop with confidence. Mazda’s i-Activsense® suite includes standard and available features designed to support your awareness, from Smart Brake Support and Blind Spot Monitoring to available Front Cross Traffic Alert and Brake. When parking downtown near Palatine Metra or backing out of school lots, the available 360° View Monitor with See-through View can reveal obstacles typically hidden from your line of sight. And for longer commutes, available Cruising & Traffic Support helps reduce the mental load by assisting with steering, acceleration, and braking within its operational parameters.
| Trim | Highlights |
|---|---|
| 3.3 Turbo Select | Standard i-Activ AWD®, 3-row seating for up to 8, leatherette-trimmed seats |
| 3.3 Turbo Premium Sport | Mi-Drive with Sport/Off-Road/Towing modes, 21-inch alloy wheels with Black Metallic finish, up to 5,000-pound towing when properly equipped |
| 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus | Nappa leather-trimmed seats, Front Cross Traffic Alert and Brake, 360° View Monitor with See-through View and Trailer Hitch View |
| 3.3 Turbo S Premium Sport | Up to 340-hp 3.3L Turbo Inline 6 on recommended premium fuel, Mazda Driver Personalization System, Piano Black accents and dark chrome molding |
For Palatine drivers, our location makes the research-to-test-drive path simple—just head west and you’ll be comparing CX-90 trims in no time. Our team focuses on clear answers and no-nonsense guidance, whether you’re weighing seating for eight versus 2nd-row captain’s chairs or deciding between the Turbo and Turbo S powertrains. We support you well beyond delivery with factory-trained technicians, genuine Mazda parts, and online scheduling that fits busy weekday routines and weekend errands around Deer Grove Forest Preserve, downtown Palatine, and beyond.
If you’re planning to trade in your current vehicle, our online tools make it easy to estimate its value and apply it toward your 2026 Mazda CX-90. Upload basic details about your current car, receive a transparent estimate, and see how it all fits into your next steps. You can also start a finance application online to save time, then visit our showroom for a hands-on trim comparison. We keep everything streamlined so you can focus on the fun part—choosing the color, features, and seating layout that fit your life.
Many competitors lead with front-wheel drive and offer AWD as an upgrade, but the CX-90 starts with i-Activ AWD® across the board for predictable traction when you pull away from angled curbs or navigate slick side streets. Its e-SKYACTIV® G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbo lends a calm, refined feel that’s hard to match with traditional V6 or smaller turbo-four setups, and Kinematic Posture Control helps keep the body settled on sweeping ramps and curves along Quentin Road. Available 360° View Monitor with See-through View and Trailer Hitch View give you an edge when maneuvering in older parking lots around Palatine and aligning a trailer without a spotter. Some rivals skip this level of camera sophistication or reserve it for their very top trims. And while several competitors can tow, the CX-90’s up-to-5,000-pound rating (when properly equipped) on select models pairs beautifully with the drivetrain’s composure and the available Towing mode in Mi-Drive. For shoppers who value road feel, cabin quiet, and real-world versatility, the CX-90 stands out as a refined, right-sized solution.
Ready to explore? Browse our current 2026 Mazda CX-90 inventory, compare colors and seating layouts, and schedule your test drive. You can apply for financing online, value your trade, and contact our team with any questions about i-Activ AWD®, Mi-Drive modes, or the available 360° View Monitor features. If you’re between trims, book back-to-back drives so you can feel the differences in steering response, ride comfort, and cabin materials before you decide.
From school mornings near Palatine High School to weekend plans at Deer Grove, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 delivers the right blend of smooth performance, passenger comfort, and driver-assist tech for everyday life in the Northwest suburbs. Our team is here with local, practical guidance—whether that’s helping you set up Mazda Connected Services for remote start on frosty commutes or showing how the 360° View Monitor eases parallel parking downtown. Stop by to see how the CX-90 fits your routine and how we can support you through an easy, informative buying experience.
*Vehicle images and features shown are for illustration only and may vary by trim and option.