Should You Buy a 2026 Mazda CX-90 Inline 6? Thorough Review By A Mechanic

CX-90 Turbo S owner (and admitted big Mazda fan) here. I can 100% understand the concerns about the complexity of the car and how expensive it may be to maintain out of warranty. That said, I feel as though this is something to keep in mind for most new cars. We’re seeing engine failures and transmission issues from various manufacturers across the spectrum. Main concern I have with the video: I would not classify the CX-90 as a luxury car. I would consider it more premium or “near-luxury.” As you’ve noted, the price of this car starts at just under $40,000. That should give you a good indication of the market where Mazda is aiming. It seems like you agreed with this sentiment by the end of the video, but that was after spending most of the time suggesting that it was a luxury car. When my wife and I were looking to purchase a car, we were not cross-shopping this with cars from BMW and Lexus. Those cars were much more expensive. This car is most comparable to the Grand Highlander/Palisade/Honda Pilot/Subaru Ascent, etc. If anything, it’s filling a niche between those cars and Acura while aspiring to be compared to the BMWs of the world at some point in the future. When you compare it with that competition, there is really no comparison as far as design and driving feel is concerned. The rear wheel bias and inline six does make for an exhilarating drive when you compare it to the floaty and often uninspiring competition in its price range. I would argue that it does get within the realm of the X5s of the world, but the BMWs do show you why they cost so much more. The B58 is also one of the greatest inline sixes ever made. As you’ve noted, the CX-90 is a pretty handsome car as well. I often find myself looking back at it. This is probably where me being a Mazda fan plays into this. I have long admired Mazda’s commitment to design and I find it hard to drive a boring box-shaped people mover. Mazda has long offered vehicles that go against the grain design-wise. The CX-90 also gets incredible gas mileage for its size. In the real world it gets the same “city” gas mileage as my Fiesta ST in day to day driving aside from long highway trips. This is where the complexity of the drivetrain begins to make sense. iStop enables me coast on battery on the highway and around town. Horsepower numbers only tell part of the story. You don’t buy a car like this to be faster than other people. I wanted something that could move out of its own way while getting good gas mileage. A turbo inline six without the mild hybrid system would get atrocious gas mileage by 2026 standards. These 48V systems, as complex as they are, are how we can continue to enjoy these motors while still meeting mileage standards. The biggest hack? Certified pre-owned. My wife and I purchase a 2025 CPO Turbo S Premium Plus (the top model with nappa leather) for well under $50,000 out the door. The CPO warranty is 7 years, 100k miles (better than the new car warranty). I find it hard to think of a better driving three row SUV for the money. As someone who is on the forums/reddit/Facebook I can definitely say there were teething issues…especially with the 2024 models. It required a series of recalls and software updates to improve the car. That said, 2025 and 2026 models are vastly improved, but of course long term reliability remains to be seen. It’s a brand new platform. As a car enthusiast, I don’t think there is a more compelling option in its price range. Complex? Absolutely, but I would take it nine times out of ten compared to anything else in its price range. Especially when you hear the sound of that engine. I am happy to have an “early stage” product that gives me a smile on my face as opposed to being one out of 15 *insert SUV here* in the school pick up line or grocery store parking lot. I also applaud Mazda for giving us a new Japanese inline six motor for the first time in what must have been decades. I’m excited for where this path may lead with this motor and platform. I’m here for a reason though! I loved the thoroughness of your overview and 100% understand this is your opinion. I also respect your expertise and look forward to the next video. I thought I’d give my perspective as one of the folks who chose to buy one of these cars!

Do not buy any car before watching this guy's reviews. He is technically sound and honestly brutal.

So that spark plug all the way at the back is never getting changed lol

3 timing chains in the back 😂😂😂 they should of asked audi how well that worked out for them

so in 20 years,, we managed to make engines more complicated and hard to service without gaining much on HPs and MPGs.

Your videographer does a great job. I appreciate being able to see underneath the vehicle so well. Keep up with your excellent reviews.

Reliability is my #1, and I steered clear of the 90 unfortunately. Too many red flags with that motor.

I’d like to see his review of the new CX-5, to see how he will roast the giant screen. Also the new Telluride

"Mega complication" equals expensive maintenance costs

Looks like a lease item

Can we just appreciate that a small car company like Mazda came out with a new I6 while everyone else is downsizing? Sure the engine isn’t perfect (not even the newest of the newest toyota engines are), but it’s absolutely respectable nonetheless. Perfect looking car with a perfect looking interior with a smooth I6, Mazda really cares about their cars and owners.

This was going to be my next car until I watched your video. I trust your opinion and don’t want issues popping up.

driving dynamics is all that matters to some people

Hilarious that Youtube dropped a CX-90 commercial into this feed 🙂

Consumer Reports annual owner reliability report just came out. Unfortunately, Mazda went from 6th to 14th place which is a huge drop, they're even behind Audi. It's mostly due to their CX-70 and CX-90 PHEVs. I'm disappointed because I always thought of Mazda as a "sleeper" Japanese quality brand

Fffff thattttt once I heard 3 timing chain and in the back I change the video for a 2026 Honda pilot 😂😂😂😂 from the same guy 😂

The Cameraman and you are the best team on the internet. Thank from Québec !

Mazda been watching your videos for years complaining about manufacturers not covering anything underneath. They make the executive decision to cover everything knowing one day you will review it. In New video, Nothing but complaining about coverings. They're like what just happened here😮

I really wanted to like the inline 6. The idea of a Mazda inline 6 is glorious, but its current iteration needs much improvement. If Mazda does eventually improve this powertrain, this SUV will be #1

I need some complications in my life, might buy me one of these.