Is the 2026 Mazda CX-90 the Right Three-Row Step Up From a CX-5?

Stepping up from a two-row compact SUV to a three-row full-size SUV is a bigger shift than it might look on paper. The 2026 Mazda CX-90 and the all-new 2026 CX-5 come from the same brand and share the same engineering philosophy — but they serve fundamentally different buyers. If you're a current CX-5 owner wondering whether the CX-90 makes sense for your next vehicle, the answer depends less on brand preference and more on five specific questions about how your life has changed.

Work through each one honestly and the right direction tends to become clear.

Do You Need a Third Row?

This is the most direct question to start with, because the CX-90's biggest advantage over the CX-5 is also its most fundamental one. The CX-5 seats five, full stop. The CX-90 MHEV seats up to eight in its standard bench configuration, with an available seven-passenger layout using second-row captain's chairs. A third row of seating changes what the vehicle can do for a family — it absorbs a carpool, carries grandparents, fits three kids and their gear in a single vehicle rather than two.

If the third row isn't something your life regularly requires, much of the CX-90's size premium works against you rather than for you: it's longer to park, wider to navigate in tight spaces, and costs more to operate. For buyers who genuinely need seven or eight seats on a regular basis, it's the feature that makes the step up worth taking.

How Much More Power Do You Actually Want?

The 2026 CX-5 uses the SkyActiv-G 2.5 L four-cylinder producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. That's a composed, capable engine for a compact SUV — it manages highway merges, hill climbing, and loaded driving without drama.

The 2026 CX-90 MHEV GS steps up to a 3.3 L inline-six turbocharged engine producing 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque on regular 87-octane fuel, assisted by a 48-volt M-Hybrid Boost system. Higher trims with the high-output engine (GT-P and Signature) reach 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft on premium fuel. The difference in real-world feel — especially when the vehicle is loaded with passengers and cargo — is significant. The inline-six moves a heavier vehicle more confidently.

For buyers moving from the CX-5 who value composed, quiet acceleration, the CX-90's extra power is a genuine upgrade, not just a spec-sheet talking point.

Does Towing Capacity Matter to You?

The 2026 CX-5 is rated for 1,500 lbs (680 kg) of towing capacity across all trims. That handles a small utility trailer or a light cargo haul, but it puts boat trailers, campers, and heavier recreational equipment out of reach.

The 2026 CX-90 MHEV GS is rated for 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) with Mazda Genuine Towing Accessories. From the GS-L trim up, where Towing mode is added to Mi-Drive, that capacity increases to 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg). For buyers who tow anything on a regular or seasonal basis, that difference is substantial. The CX-90 turns into a vehicle that can pull a mid-size trailer, a boat, or a camping setup — something the CX-5 simply cannot do.

If towing matters to you now or might matter in the next few years, the CX-90 is the cleaner long-term choice.

Are You Ready for a Larger Footprint?

The 2026 CX-5 is a compact SUV — 4.5 inches longer than the previous generation, but still in the compact segment. It parks in standard stalls, fits comfortably in most residential garages, and manoeuvres easily in urban traffic.

The CX-90 is a full-size three-row SUV with an entirely different physical presence. It's longer, taller, and wider. Parking lot navigation, tight street corners, and residential garage clearance are all different experiences than in a CX-5. Buyers who park in urban centres or have narrower garage situations should check their dimensions before committing.

For buyers in suburban or rural settings with larger garages, the CX-90's footprint usually doesn't cause friction. For city-centric daily use, it's worth an honest check.

Is the Technology Upgrade Worth It to You?

Both vehicles offer strong technology packages, but the CX-90 arrives at a higher tier from the base trim. The CX-90 GS starts with a 10.25-inch Mazda Connect display, tri-zone automatic climate control, three-row USB-C connectivity, paddle shifters, and the full i-Activsense safety suite including Emergency Lane Keeping with Road Keep Assist. Higher CX-90 trims add a 12.3-inch full-colour centre display, wireless connectivity, Bose 12-speaker audio, Active Driving Display, Cruising and Traffic Support, and Mazda Online Navigation.

The 2026 CX-5 GX starts with a 12.9-inch touchscreen with Google built-in and Gemini AI assistant integration — tech that the CX-90's base trim doesn't match. Both vehicles arrive with comprehensive standard safety suites. The technology gap between them depends on which trim levels you're actually comparing.

Quick Reference: CX-5 vs. CX-90

Speak With the Team at Wolfe Mazda

The CX-90 is the right step up from the CX-5 for a specific kind of buyer — one who needs more seats, more towing capacity, or more power on a regular basis. For buyers whose lives haven't outgrown the compact-SUV format, the all-new CX-5 is the stronger everyday fit. Stop in at Wolfe Mazda in Surrey to go through both models in detail and identify which direction makes sense for you.