2026 Mazda CX-90 vs. Acura MDX: A Detailed Comparison

Exterior Design and Features

• 🎨 The Artisan Red color is highlighted as a strength of Mazda's palette, showcasing a beautiful shape with no harsh edges.
• 💡 The front design, with its LED lighting and functional air curtains, is preferred over the rear.
• ⚠️ A fake vent on the side is noted as a "zonk," along with the lack of exhaust finishers on the rear.
• ⚙️ The CX-90 features a rear-wheel drive biased all-wheel drive system, contrasting with the MDX's front-wheel drive bias, promising better driving dynamics.

Powertrain and Performance

• 🚀 Under the hood is a 3.3L inline-six turbocharged engine producing 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
• ⏱️ It achieves 0-60 mph in approximately 5.9 seconds and offers a towing capacity of up to 5,000 lb.
• ⛽ Fuel economy is rated at 23 MPG city and 28 MPG highway.
• ⚡ The mild-hybrid system is noted for negating turbo lag and providing smooth, linear torque delivery.

Interior Quality and Technology

• 🪵 The interior features open-pore wood trim and soft-touch materials, though the yellow hue of the wood in the tested trim is questioned.
• 📱 A 12.3-inch infotainment system is present, which is not a touchscreen unless using Apple CarPlay, controlled via a rotary dial.
• 📸 High-quality backup cameras with trajectory lines are praised for their functionality and ease of use without touching the screen.
• 🔊 A 12-speaker Bose sound system and a panoramic sunroof contribute to an open and airy cabin feel.

Seating and Cargo Space

• 💺 The CX-90 offers a captain's chair arrangement in the second row with heated and ventilated seats, along with ample storage and charging options.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The third row provides slightly more room than the MDX but is still best suited for shorter trips or smaller passengers, with limited legroom.
• 📦 Cargo space is 16 cubic feet with the third row up, expanding to 40 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 75 cubic feet with the second row folded.

Driving Experience and Comparison

• 🎯 The CX-90 is described as driver-focused, offering good feedback and a fun driving experience, especially in sport mode.
• 🕹️ Physical buttons and knobs for climate control and seat functions are appreciated for their ease of use.
• 💨 The turbocharged straight-six engine provides a more robust and energetic feel compared to the MDX's naturally aspirated V6.
• 🛣️ The vehicle is praised for its smooth ride, comfortable handling, and maneuverability, making it a strong competitor in the midsize luxury SUV segment.