15 Features that Make the 2026 Mazda CX-90 a Great Fit for Connecticut Drivers

Connecticut asks a lot from a three-row SUV. After all, the state is made up of twisting rural roads, long stretches of highway, and notoriously unpredictable weather. Drivers in Ellington need an SUV that can tackle the daily grind without compromising on fun-to-drive performance and luxury-level comforts.

Finding a three-row SUV that doesn’t skimp on luxury features isn’t easy, but Mazda infuses the Mazda CX-90 with thoughtful comfort and convenience features throughout the trim lineup. Higher-end trims add luxurious touches, including upgraded interior finishes and additional technologies designed to make driving easier, safer, and more enjoyable.

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 addresses those demands with standard all-wheel drive, turbocharged acceleration, and a three-row cabin designed for families and drivers who prefer plenty of space. Drivers looking for a Mazda dealer near Ellington will find an SUV with the capabilities they need for daily use.

The Mazda CX-90’s longitudinal powertrain layout distributes weight for better performance and more comfort over uneven roads. With multiple trims and configurations on offer, it’s easy to find a version with the features you want. Here are 15 standout features that make the 2026 Mazda CX-90 an exceptional choice.

#1 – Standard All-Wheel Drive

Every 2026 Mazda CX-90 includes Mazda’s i-Activ AWD® system. Instead of waiting until your vehicle loses traction, the system continuously monitors vehicle data and adjusts torque distribution between the front and rear axles as road and traction conditions change. That proactive operation is useful when Ellington roads shift from dry pavement to rain, slush, icy snow, or other loose surfaces.

#2 – Turbocharged Inline-Six Power

The 2026 Mazda CX-90’s standard 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six engine produces 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque in the Turbo trims. The Turbo S versions increase output to 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. This amount of power makes merging onto the highway stress-free.

#3 – Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission

Mazda pairs its powerful six-cylinder engine with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. Many competitors opt for a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which can feel sluggish and artificial to drive. The standard manual-shift mode on the Mazda CX-90 also lets drivers control gear selection.

#4 – Mazda Intelligent Drive Select

Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (known as “Mi-Drive”) offers multiple drive settings for customized performance. Choose from Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and available Towing modes. Each setting changes vehicle settings to address specific operating conditions. Choose Normal for everyday driving, then dial in a specific configuration when conditions change.

#5 – Kinematic Posture Control

This feature applies targeted braking to help limit vehicle roll during cornering. The system is designed to improve steering response and the Mazda CX-90’s stability. That matters in a three-row SUV with a long wheelbase. On winding routes outside Ellington, or curved highway exit ramps, Kinematic Posture Control helps manage weight transfer and maintain better control.

#6 – Three-Row Seating

Your 2026 Mazda CX-90 can be configured for up to eight passengers. Choose from a second-row bench or captain’s chairs, the latter of which provide a central passage to the third row and separate the seats for middle-row passengers. For growing families, the Mazda CX-90’s expansive passenger accommodations make carpools and weekend road trips more comfortable.

#7 – Configurable Cargo Capacity

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 provides 15.9 cu.ft. of cargo space behind the third row. Folding the back seats down expands the cargo area to 40.1 cu.ft. If you fold down the second row as well, your cargo capacity grows to 75.2 cu.ft., which is perfect for transporting supplies from the home improvement store for a weekend project.

#8 – 5,000 Pounds of Towing Capacity

Properly equipped 2026 Mazda CX-90 models can tow up to 5,000 lbs. Buyers planning to tow a boat or RV will benefit from the SUV’s capability because it supports typical family boats and small RVs. With the standard AWD, it’s easy to reach your favorite camping spot. Add the Mi-Drive Towing mode, and your towing experience is even simpler.

#9 – Trailer Hitch View

The available 360-degree View Monitor includes Trailer Hitch View, which displays a targeted camera perspective during trailer hook-up. Instead of relying on a friend or family member to guide you, the Mazda CX-90’s infotainment screen displays a clear view, making it a one-person job.

#10 – See-Through View

The 360-degree View Monitor also uses exterior cameras mounted around the vehicle to create a composite image around the Mazda CX-90. Using the See-Through View reveals areas near the front and sides of the vehicle that would normally be obscured by the bumpers and side panels. This feature makes maneuvering through tight spots, such as parking garages and driveways, hassle-free.

#11 – Cruising and Traffic Support

This feature combines two advanced driver-assist technologies to make everyday driving easier and safer. By combining Mazda Radar Cruise Control and Lane-Keep Assist, the system automatically manages your selected speed and provides steering assistance to keep your Mazda CX-90 centered in its lane. The system works from full stop through highway speeds.

#12 – Six Available Trim Levels

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 lineup includes six trims:

• 3.3 Turbo Select
• 3.3 Turbo Preferred
• 3.3 Turbo Premium Sport
• 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus
• 3.3 Turbo S Premium Sport
• 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus

The range moves from eight-passenger configurations with well-appointed interiors to fully loaded luxury models with Nappa leather seats, advanced camera systems, and second-row captain’s chairs.

#13 – Cabin Comforts for Winter Climates

Available heated first- and second-row seats, along with a heated steering wheel, address one of the most familiar—and hated—realities of Connecticut driving: entering a cold vehicle on a single-digit winter morning. Using app-based connected controls, Ellington drivers can even remote-start their Mazda CX-90 and set the cabin temperature so it’s warm when they slide behind the wheel.

#14 – Smartphone Connectivity

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for easy smartphone connectivity. That means you can tap into your phone’s streaming apps and navigation tools. With a wireless phone charger and up to six USB-C outlets spread across all three rows, your passengers can charge their devices while on the go. You can also activate in-cabin Wi-Fi so the kids can stay connected.

#15 – Power Liftgate

A standard power liftgate simplifies loading after a big grocery haul or when you’re stowing luggage for a family road trip. The available hands-free upgrade opens and closes the liftgate with a sensor beneath the rear bumper, so you don’t have to free up a hand to open it.

The Mazda CX-90: A Three-Row SUV Built for Connecticut Drivers

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is designed for drivers who need more than a typical three-row SUV. Its standard AWD system, turbocharged powertrain, and selectable drive modes give Ellington drivers control as conditions change with Connecticut’s seasons.

With athletic proportions and a stylish, well-appointed interior, the Mazda CX-90 delivers luxury without the price tag of a German import. High-quality materials and a thoughtful layout work well for families and professionals alike.

Performance remains a central part of the Mazda CX-90’s identity. Whether you choose the standard turbocharged engine or opt for a Turbo S trim for more power, this SUV performs like a sports sedan—agile and precise, with controlled cornering for additional driver confidence.

The configurable cabin transitions from carpool and kid-hauler to capable cargo mover. Add to that the substantial towing capability, and the Mazda CX-90 provides the SUV-level utility Ellington drivers need for life’s changing demands.

For drivers near Ellington, the Mazda CX-90 brings together the qualities that matter most in a modern, premium SUV: sophisticated styling and curb appeal, responsive performance, practical accommodations, and luxury that supports everyday drivers.