Do you need a spacious three-row SUV for your whole family? Well, you don’t have to settle for a gigantic option like the Ford Expedition or Chevy Tahoe. While they’re pretty spacious, they can be too big. Consider the convenient and comfortable 2025 Mazda CX-90 instead. 

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 is better for family SUV than you think 

I typically drive massive monster trucks and SUVs to review. But the 2025 Mazda CX-90 provided a sigh of relief as navigating tight city areas with massive cars started to get a bit annoying. 

My week with the CX-90 was fun, relaxing, and enjoyable as I found comfort in each row. It’s time for families to stop overlooking this option. 

However, let me start with a few potential drawbacks: 

• There’s no touch screen (but the rotary dial system is easy to master) 
• Cargo space for personal items is a bit lacking 
• Hybrid and PHEV powertrains add quite a bit to the price 
• Taller adults may feel tightly packed in the third row 

I’ve driven the Mazda CX-90 on a few different occasions, so I’ve experienced each hybrid and PHEV powertrain option. This time I had the gas-powered 3.3-liter inline-six turbo benign with 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. 

It allows the CX-90 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.3 seconds. It provides plenty of power for making confident passes on the highway and to spice up boring commutes. 

The transmission can be slow to respond at time but mostly provides smooth power shifts that are complimented by responsive handling and solid braking. This SUV will stop on a dime if needed. 

Plus, if you don’t feel like pretending to be a race car driver, the CX-90 can be relaxing and effortless to drive. It has a convenient turning radius with excellent visibility to navigate through tight parking lots. Plus, the safety alerts and parking sensors aren’t too sensitive.

The cabin is quiet and peaceful at highway speeds and while the ride is slightly stiff, the suspension soaks up impacts with ease for a smooth ride. I wouldn’t expect this ride to contribute to carsickness. 

While the front row has large, well-padded seats, the captain’s chairs in the second row are also quite comfortable. The third-row seats are slightly smaller, but at 5’1” I found them to be specious and comfortable. They sit at a relaxed angle that makes napping possible. 

The HVAC controls are strong and responsive to keep everyone at their preferred temperature. There are vents in each row for everyone to enjoy with tons of USB ports to keep devices charged. 

Also, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 provides 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 40 cubes behind the second row, and up to 74.2 cubic feet overall. It can tow 5,000 lbs if you need to carry more stuff. 

But what really hits home is the interior quality. The leather upholstery is plush and durable with a sophisticated layout. The panoramic sunroof is massive and provides beautiful views of nature. 

Accent stitching and metal accents provide pops of color to draw the eye. Also, the buttons and controls are located within the driver’s reach with clear labeling. 

Overall, the CX-90 offers ample space for families while providing a sophisticated yet comfortable interior that’s warm and inviting. But this isn’t like a slow minivan. It has plenty of kick with athletic handling.