Mazda rolled into 2025 riding the high of a record-smashing 2024, with new sheetmetal and fresh nameplates pulling buyers into showrooms. The streak hasn’t broken yet: sales through August are up 3.5 percent, totaling 293,495 units. But there’s a catch—prices are climbing, and the timing isn’t exactly subtle.
Earlier this week, Mazda quietly pushed through increases on a couple of staples. The CX-5—still the brand’s volume king—now costs $280 more. Even the MX-5 Miata, Mazda’s halo car and a perennial enthusiast darling, is $300 pricier. No justification was offered, though inflation, tariffs, and higher input costs are the obvious suspects.
The bigger shocker is the 2026 CX-90. Mazda’s three-row flagship now starts at $38,800 before a $1,530 destination charge, up from $38,045 just a year ago. That’s not pocket change, and the increases ripple across the lineup:
3.3 Turbo Preferred: $42,950 (+$1,805)
3.3 Turbo Premium Sport: $46,980 (+$380)
CX-90 PHEV base: $50,495 (+$550)
CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus: $58,500 (+$550)
Those hikes landed the same week Mazda dropped its August sales report, which painted a mixed picture. Deliveries fell 7.6 percent year-over-year to 38,140 units, though the decline shrank to 4.1 percent when adjusted for one fewer selling day.
Still, Mazda’s portfolio is showing its split personality. The CX-5 led the way with 11,759 sales, down 8.8 percent from last August, but still up 2.1 percent year-to-date. The CX-90 had a banner month—6,801 sold, up nearly 13 percent. The CX-50 is red hot too, with a 15.7 percent August gain and a massive 36.3 percent jump YTD. On the flip side, the CX-30 fell off a cliff, down 40 percent for the month and 35 percent YTD. The Mazda3 sedan held its ground (+4.2 percent YTD), but the hatchback is in freefall, down 43.1 percent so far this year.
The feel-good story belongs to the MX-5. Miata sales climbed 15.5 percent in August, and year-to-date numbers are up almost 30 percent. The little roadster may not move big volumes, but it’s punching well above its weight in showroom buzz.
So where does this leave Mazda? On balance, 2025 is shaping up to be another growth year, but the margin is slim. With buyers more price-sensitive than ever, the brand will be hoping the CX-90’s shine—and the MX-5’s cult following—outweigh the sting of higher MSRPs. Otherwise, the momentum that carried Mazda to record heights last year could start to sputter.
Mazda has never been shy about pushing against the grain. While most three-row crossovers lean hard into beige anonymity, the 2026 CX-90 doubles down on what Mazda does best: delivering family-hauling utility without sacrificing driving pleasure. Pricing now starts at $38,800 and stretches to just over $57K for the flagship trims, keeping it competitive with rivals like the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and Toyota Grand Highlander.
What’s New for 2026
The CX-90 doesn’t receive a sheetmetal overhaul, but Mazda made thoughtful updates to keep things fresh. The big news is standard Alexa voice commands, packaging tweaks across trims that bundle in more equipment, and a new Polymetal Gray Metallic paint option. Every CX-90 still rides on Mazda’s rear-drive-based Large Platform, and all trims include i-Activ AWD.
Underneath, the CX-90 continues to punch above its weight with engineering not often found in this segment: a double wishbone front suspension, multilink rear suspension, and Mazda’s Kinematic Posture Control. The latter subtly brakes an inside wheel during cornering to flatten body roll and keep passengers more comfortable. Translation: this three-row actually enjoys a twisty road.
Powertrain Choices: Inline-Six or Plug-In Hybrid
Mazda keeps things simple with two core powertrains.
3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six (e-Skyactiv G): Available in two strengths. The standard version makes 280 hp and 332 lb-ft on regular fuel, while the hotter Turbo S tune bumps output to 340 hp and 369 lb-ft (on premium). Both are paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and an 8-speed automatic, delivering up to 25 mpg combined.
Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV): A 2.5-liter four-cylinder teams with an electric motor and 17.8-kWh battery, producing 323 hp and 369 lb-ft. It can travel up to 26 miles on electricity alone and tows a respectable 3,500 pounds.
The Turbo S trims unlock the CX-90’s full towing potential of 5,000 pounds, but every version has enough grunt to move a full cabin without strain.
Trim Breakdown
Mazda’s trim walk for 2026 reads like a carefully calibrated ladder:
Turbo Select ($38,800): Eight-passenger seating, 19-inch wheels, 10.25-inch display with wired CarPlay/Android Auto, and the full suite of i-Activsense safety gear.
Turbo Preferred ($42,950): Adds ventilated seats, heated second row, larger 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, and a sunroof.
Turbo Premium Sport ($46,980): Goes dark with blacked-out trim and 21-inch wheels, while also gaining Bose audio, panoramic moonroof, and enhanced driver assists.
Turbo Premium Plus ($50,270): Nappa leather, adaptive headlights, and a 360-degree camera.
PHEV Preferred ($50,495): Electrified grunt plus ventilated seats, wireless charging, and 21-inch wheels.
PHEV Premium Sport ($55,300): Blackout styling, Bose audio, head-up display, and 1,500-watt cargo outlet.
PHEV Premium Plus ($58,500): Nappa leather, driver personalization system, adaptive headlights, and expanded safety tech.
Turbo S Premium Sport ($53,940): The enthusiast’s pick—340 hp, blackout exterior, Bose audio, panoramic moonroof, and full safety suite.
Turbo S Premium Plus ($57,370): The flagship, with captain’s chairs, ventilated second row, Japanese Premium Nappa leather, and every bell and whistle Mazda offers.
Driving Dynamics: Still a Mazda Thing
While we haven’t yet driven the 2026 updates, the CX-90’s chassis carried over untouched—and that’s a good thing. The long wheelbase, RWD-based layout, and punchy six-cylinder give the big crossover a confident, planted feel in corners. Kinematic Posture Control remains a standout party trick, subtly curbing body lift and making the CX-90 feel more athletic than any rival this side of a luxury badge.
Interior: Premium Aspirations
Mazda’s interiors continue to punch above their mainstream price tags. Even lower trims get well-tailored leatherette, while top models indulge with Nappa leather, wood inlays, and Japanese Premium design cues. Three rows of seating remain standard, with room for up to eight, but second-row captain’s chairs are available for buyers who prioritize comfort over capacity.
Technology is no afterthought. Mazda’s latest 12.3-inch infotainment system (now with touchscreen capability) pairs with wireless smartphone integration, and the available Bose 12-speaker setup makes long trips a pleasure.
Safety: Loaded Across the Board
Every CX-90 ships with Mazda’s i-Activsense suite, including adaptive cruise with stop-and-go, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims layer on advanced features like Head-on Traffic Avoidance Assist and a 360-degree See-Through View camera—safety tech once reserved for luxury SUVs.
The Takeaway
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 isn’t reinventing itself, but it didn’t need to. Instead, it builds on its strengths—sharp driving dynamics, upscale interiors, and strong powertrain options—while adding just enough tech and convenience to keep pace with the segment leaders. If you want a three-row crossover that feels like it was tuned by people who actually like to drive, the CX-90 remains the one to beat.
Mazda has always been the carmaker for people who want a bit of driving joy without remortgaging the house. And for 2026, the faithful Mazda3 — in both sedan and hatchback flavors — returns with its usual cocktail of sharp styling, premium toys, and the sort of driver involvement that makes Corolla and Civic owners look wistfully across the lot.
The Basics: Still Sensible, Still Mazda
Every Mazda3 comes with a 2.5-liter engine, a six-speed automatic (with paddles on fancier trims), or — hallelujah — a proper six-speed manual if you opt for the hatchback-only Premium trim. Front-wheel drive is standard, but Mazda will happily sell you all-wheel drive if you fancy more grip for your morning coffee runs.
Prices start at $24,550 for the base sedan and climb all the way up to $37,890 for the turbocharged, all-bells-and-whistles Premium Plus hatchback. That’s a lot of range for one nameplate, but Mazda has carved up the lineup with the precision of a sushi chef.
Trim by Trim: Choose Your Own Adventure
Mazda3 2.5 S — The entry ticket. For $24,550 you get radar cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and more acronyms than your insurance paperwork. There’s also an 8.8-inch infotainment screen, an eight-speaker stereo, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Not basic at all.
Select Sport — Adds grown-up toys like dual-zone climate, leatherette seats, keyless entry, and black 18-inch alloys. Plus, Alexa integration for shouting at your car (or your thermostat back home). From $25,440.
Preferred — Think “company car with taste.” Heated seats, moonroof, power driver’s chair, and fancier alloys. Starts at $27,090.
Carbon Edition — Mazda’s moody fashion statement. Polymetal Gray paint, red leather seats, wireless CarPlay, and AWD as standard. $30,210 sedan, $31,450 hatch. If Batman shopped for compact cars, this is what he’d drive.
Premium (6MT) — Hatchback only, manual gearbox, Bose 12-speaker stereo, and a head-up display. Priced at $31,360, it’s a gift to enthusiasts. This may be the last affordable stick-shift hatchback with actual polish.
Turbo Premium Plus — The top dog. 250 horsepower (on premium fuel), AWD, adaptive headlights, 360° cameras, bigger screens, and all the leather and safety kit you can tick. It looks properly sinister with its gloss black aero bits. Yours for $36,740 sedan or $37,890 hatch.
Paint It (Premium) Pretty
Want it in something other than grayscale? Mazda charges $595 for all five premium paints, including Soul Red Crystal — arguably the best red paint job on any mainstream car today.
Verdict: Still the Enthusiast’s Compact
The 2026 Mazda3 continues to punch well above its weight. Even the base trim feels premium, the mid-range Carbon Edition oozes style, and the Premium hatch with a manual is a unicorn in today’s market. If you want turbocharged AWD swagger, the Premium Plus will happily play in Audi A3 territory for less money.
In short: while everyone else is stuffing CVTs and touchscreen bloatware into their compacts, Mazda’s giving you proper driver’s cars with proper choices. And for that, we raise a glass (of 93-octane).
