Used Mazda CX-90 1st Gen (2024-2025): Buyer's Guide

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 has 11 NHTSA recalls. The 2025 has 2. Same platform. Same inline-six engine. Completely different early-ownership risk profile.

That gap matters because one of those recalls, a steering worm gear defect that can cause sudden loss of power assist, became the subject of a new federal investigation in early 2026. NHTSA received 26 additional complaints after the original repair campaign closed. The fix isn't working for everyone. Two crashes have been linked to the issue.

The CX-90 is also genuinely one of the best-driving three-row SUVs ever built. Owners with sorted examples consistently report being surprised by how much they enjoy driving it. The inline-six is smooth and torquey. The steering has genuine feel. No other three-row at this price point handles corners the same way.

This guide exists because the gap between the best and worst ownership experiences in this generation is unusually wide. Which powertrain you choose and which model year you buy are decisions that play out differently over 80,000 miles. Read this before you go test drive one.

This Generation at a Glance

The CX-90 is Mazda's first three-row SUV on a new rear-wheel-drive-biased platform, replacing the aging CX-9 that ran from 2016 to 2023. It launched for the 2024 model year with two powertrain options: a turbocharged inline-six and a plug-in hybrid.

The wheelbase grew substantially over the CX-9, and Mazda offered seating configurations from six to eight passengers depending on trim. AWD is standard across all trims.

There was no major mechanical redesign between 2024 and 2025. The differences are software maturity, safety system tuning, infotainment screen size on most trims, and one notable power output change in the S-variant engine.

For current inventory by year, see the Mazda CX-90 market page.

Powertrain and Trim Breakdown

The 3.3T Inline-Six (Standard Power)

The base inline-six produces 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque and runs on regular unleaded. That last part matters: you are not paying a premium fuel surcharge to drive this vehicle, unlike most turbocharged luxury alternatives at this price.

Real-world fuel economy from cx90forum.com owners tracks close to EPA estimates. City driving averages 22 to 25 mpg depending on traffic. Highway at 70 mph comes in at 28 to 31 mpg for most owners. One owner reported 34 mpg on a light-traffic highway run. The onboard fuel economy display reads 2 to 3 mpg high, so calculate against actual pump fill-ups rather than trusting the gauge.

The 8-speed automatic was the source of the most-discussed 2024 complaint: jerky, hesitant behavior at low speeds. Owners on cx90forum.com described it as a shudder and lurch when pulling away from a stop, particularly in parking lots and slow traffic. The root cause is the mild hybrid system transitioning between electric assist and combustion power, compounded by early PCM and transmission control module software.

Mazda has released multiple software updates to address this. The recommended hardware fix, for cases where software alone doesn't resolve it, is replacing the transmission valve body with the updated version (part number RZ01-21-100F). Earlier revisions labeled "D" and "E" are superseded and should not be installed. Forum members who went through the full software update plus valve body replacement report the jerking is completely gone. Buying a 2025 model largely sidesteps this issue, since the software was already much improved at the factory.

Owners who had zero problems with the transmission are also common. Early production 2024 units were more likely to exhibit the issue than late 2024 builds.

A second issue specific to the mild-hybrid (MHEV) system is documented across cx90forum.com and Mazdas247: the 48V lithium battery that handles engine restarts has failed on multiple units, triggering "Hybrid Battery Malfunction" and "Engine Malfunction" warnings and leaving the vehicle undrivable. Mazda chose an enhanced flooded battery (EFB) for the 12V system rather than the more robust AGM type, which struggles when the 12V voltage droops during shutdown sequences. Mazda has authorized AGM replacements under warranty, but owner reports document Mazda using vehicle telemetry data to dispute some warranty claims if driving patterns fall outside their definition of normal. No recall has been issued for this as of May 2026. If you buy a 2024 or 2025 and see battery-related warning lights, push for warranty coverage in writing.

What owners consistently love about this powertrain: the inline-six is smooth across the rev range in a way that turbo four-cylinders are not. Throttle response is linear. At highway speeds, the engine is nearly inaudible. Multiple reviewers have described the steering and handling as legitimately athletic for a three-row SUV, with an experience closer to a sports sedan than a family hauler.

The 3.3T Inline-Six (S Variants)

The S-designation trims carry a higher-output tune of the same engine. In 2024 that meant 340 horsepower. For 2025, Mazda retuned the S variants to 319 horsepower, a reduction of 21 horsepower with the same 369 lb-ft torque.

The practical difference between 280hp and 319hp in a 4,600-pound SUV is modest. Both achieve a 0-to-60 time in the 6.6 to 7.2 second range depending on trim. The S trims also add more premium interior materials, larger wheels, and sport-tuned suspension. Fuel economy penalty is one mpg city.

The S variants require premium fuel to access full power output, unlike the standard 280hp tune.

From a reliability standpoint, the S-variant engine shares all the same issues as the standard tune. No S-specific mechanical problems have emerged beyond what affects the broader lineup.

The PHEV

The CX-90 PHEV pairs a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder with an electric motor and a 17.8 kWh battery pack. Combined system output is 323 horsepower. The EPA rates EV range at 26 miles; real-world owners on cx90forum.com report 21 to 28 miles depending on temperature, terrain, and how aggressively they drive.

Two things buyers consistently get wrong about this powertrain before they buy one:

It does not qualify for the federal tax credit. The CX-90 is manufactured in Japan, which disqualifies it from the North American assembly requirement. The $7,500 credit is not available on new or used purchases. Budget accordingly.

It is less efficient as a PHEV than competing plug-in hybrids. The CX-90 PHEV consumes approximately 56 kWh per 100 miles of electric driving. The Kia Sorento PHEV manages 43 kWh per 100 miles. If your case for buying the PHEV is electricity cost savings, those savings are smaller than the alternatives.

Charging: the included 120V Level 1 charger takes roughly 11 hours for a full charge. A Level 2 home charger (240V, J1772) drops that to about 2.5 hours from 20 percent to full. The CX-90 PHEV has no DC fast charge capability. If you plan to charge daily, budget for a Level 2 installation if you don't already have one.

Cold weather buyers: the CX-90 PHEV has no heat pump. It uses resistive heating, which pulls 8 to 10 kilowatts from the battery. At 32°F, real-world EV range drops 16 to 46 percent compared to the 70°F baseline. Below 14°F, the car will not operate on battery alone and maintains the gas engine continuously. Below -4°F, the system reserves 80 percent of battery capacity as a thermal buffer, restricting usable EV range to a fraction of the rated amount. Owners in Minnesota, New England, or Canada buying a PHEV for the electric range may find the car functions as a heavy, expensive hybrid for five months of the year.

The PHEV had a harder first year than the I6. Per CarScout's NHTSA data, the 2024 PHEV variant was affected by several additional recalls beyond those that hit the I6: a powertrain control module that could prevent the engine from restarting after a start-stop event, inverter software that caused loss of drive power in EV mode, and battery management system software faults. The 2025 PHEV received updates across the board and has far fewer documented issues.

Owners on cx90forum.com who have 2025 PHEVs with sorted software generally report high satisfaction. The driving experience in hybrid mode is smooth, the electric torque fills in cleanly at low speeds, and daily commutes well within the 26-mile EV range make the car effectively a home-charged daily driver.

The dealership network's familiarity with PHEV diagnostics varies significantly by location. If you're buying a used PHEV, confirm that your local Mazda dealer has serviced CX-90 PHEVs before. This matters for warranty work and for diagnosing anything unfamiliar.

Trim-Specific Notes

For most buyers, the 3.3 Turbo Preferred or Premium Sport trim is the sweet spot in the 2025 lineup. Both include the 12.3-inch infotainment screen (missing from the Select base trim), heated and ventilated front seats, and the standard 280hp powertrain. The Premium Sport adds 5,000-pound tow rating for the first time in that power tier.

The 2024 Select trim came with a 10.3-inch screen, which feels noticeably small against the competition at this price. If you're shopping used 2024s, factor in that the base screen size is a daily-use compromise.

The S Premium and S Premium Plus trims add adaptive suspension, a head-up display, and upgraded audio. They also add cost, both at purchase and at service. The adaptive suspension components carry repair costs that make a well-optioned Premium Plus a smarter long-term value for most buyers.

Seating configuration is a meaningful decision. The six-seat layout (captain's chairs in row two) is available on Premium Plus and S Premium Plus trims. The seven and eight-seat configurations use a second-row bench. Third-row access in the eight-seat version requires folding the bench, which is notably less convenient than the six or seven-seat layouts. If you have three kids who regularly need the third row, test this access before you commit.

Which Model Year to Target Within This Gen

The 2025 is the clear buy. Here is the math: 11 recalls on 2024 versus 2 on 2025, with one of those 11 now under active federal investigation for an inadequate repair. The price difference between a used 2024 and a lightly used 2025 does not compensate for that risk exposure.

If you are buying a 2024 because the price is compelling, request documentation that all 11 recalls have been completed. Pay specific attention to the steering recall (NHTSA campaign 24V022000). NHTSA opened an investigation in early 2026 because 26 consumers filed complaints saying the fix didn't resolve the loss of power steering assist. Two crashes are associated with the issue. A vehicle with no steering recall documentation is a vehicle to walk away from.

Late-2024 production units, those built after approximately mid-2024, had factory-applied software improvements and show fewer reported issues on cx90forum.com. If you can verify production date, this is worth checking.

The 2025 PHEV is significantly better than the 2024 PHEV. Mazda updated the hybrid software, the inverter control, and the battery management system. Owners who had the worst 2024 PHEV experiences were often dealing with the original software stacks before Mazda worked through the teething issues.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Run every VIN through a recall check before anything else. For a 2024, check all 11+ campaigns. For a 2025, check at minimum the fuel gauge recall (campaign 7825I, September 2025, covers both model years): the sending unit circuit board reacts with ethanol in fuel and corrupts the reading, so the gauge shows fuel remaining when the tank is actually empty. The car stalls with no warning. This affects 104,854 vehicles across the CX-90 and CX-70 lineup. Fix is a BCM software update, free of charge.

For all CX-90 variants:

• Start the vehicle cold and pull away from a stop several times at low speed. Any shudder, jerk, or lurch on initial acceleration is the transmission valve body and PCM software issue. Ask the dealer to document what software version is installed and whether the valve body has been updated to part number RZ01-21-100F.

• After 20 minutes of driving, brake firmly from 40 mph. Any squeal, squeak, or vibration through the pedal is the brake judder issue covered by Mazda Service Alert SA-016/24. Dealers have been instructed to sand pads and apply a disc quiet compound. That fix is often temporary. Ask for documentation of brake work history. Some owners were charged up to $1,500 for brake repairs that should have been warranty work.

• Park with the panoramic roof closed and pour water over the front corners of the roof while a second person watches the interior headliner and the front right pillar. The sunroof drain hose TSB covers a displaced drain tube that lets water pool inside the A-pillar. This is a simple fix but only if you know it needs to be done.

• On a 2024, take one highway on-ramp at speed and verify the automatic emergency braking does not activate unexpectedly. A VCM software recall covered 9,914 vehicles for phantom braking caused by the system misidentifying truck reflections or diagonal metal walls as obstacles and applying full emergency braking at highway speed. If this has been fixed (look for it in recall documentation), you're clear. If you feel the car brake on its own during normal driving, the recall repair was not completed or did not hold.

• Check all four tires for even wear. OEM tires from Mazda's suppliers (Falken, Toyo, Yokohama) carry UTQG treadwear ratings of 280 to 300, well below the 500-plus rating on typical all-season replacements. A CX-90 PHEV owner reported all four tires worn out at 16,500 miles. Mazda replaces OEM tires under warranty if tread life is below 50 percent before 15,000 miles. Confirm whether that coverage has been used.

For PHEV variants specifically:

• Confirm the PHEV software recalls are completed: inverter software, battery management system, and powertrain control module updates are all 2024 PHEV items.

• Connect a Level 2 charger or confirm the seller will allow a full charge cycle before purchase. Drive the first 20 miles in EV mode and monitor whether the system transitions cleanly to hybrid mode without warning lights or hesitation.

• Ask how the vehicle was primarily charged. Level 1 (120V) charging for a 17.8 kWh battery is slow enough that many owners defaulted to hybrid-only operation. A PHEV that has rarely seen a plug functions like a heavy I4-powered SUV, not like the PHEV it was designed to be.

For the steering, on any 2024:

Verify recall campaign 24V022000 is completed. Then during your test drive, make several low-speed parking-lot turns and a U-turn at under 15 mph. Any increase in steering effort, stickiness, or sudden heaviness is the residual worm gear issue. This is worth walking away from if the seller cannot confirm the recall repair date and dealer documentation.

Running Costs

Premium fuel is required for S-variant trims. Regular unleaded works for all 280hp configurations.

Tire replacement is a meaningful cost center on this vehicle. When OEM tires wear out, which happens faster than most owners expect given the low UTQG ratings, budget $800 to $1,200 for a full set. Replacing with tires carrying a 500-plus UTQG rating (a standard all-season replacement spec) will improve wear life substantially. Owners who have done this report much more predictable replacement intervals.

The 3.3T I6 has no timing belt. The chain and tensioner are designed as lifetime components. Scheduled maintenance is relatively straightforward: oil and filter, cabin and engine air filters, brake fluid, and tire rotation. No known expensive intervals at 30k, 60k, or 90k miles beyond standard wear items.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2024 Mazda CX-90 3.3T inline-six reliable? The 3.3T I6 itself is mechanically sound, but 2024 production carried 11 NHTSA recalls, including a steering defect that remained under federal investigation as of early 2026. Early 2024 units also had documented transmission software issues. The engine is not the problem; the surrounding systems on 2024 models were a work in progress.

Should I buy the CX-90 PHEV or the turbo I6? Buy the I6 unless you have a Level 2 charger at home and a daily commute under 26 miles. The PHEV adds complexity, had more early recalls, and does not qualify for the federal tax credit because it is built in Japan. Owners who charge daily love it. Owners who drive it as a pure hybrid report it feels like a heavier, slower version of the I6.

Does the Mazda CX-90 PHEV qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit? No. The CX-90 is manufactured in Japan, which disqualifies it from the North American assembly requirement in the Inflation Reduction Act. This applies to both new and used CX-90 PHEV purchases. No credit applies.

What year Mazda CX-90 should I buy? The 2025 model year. It has two recalls versus 11 for 2024, improved infotainment hardware on all non-base trims, sorted transmission software from the factory, and better ADAS calibration. The 2025 is not a redesign, but it is substantially more refined as a used purchase.

How many miles will a Mazda CX-90 last? No high-mileage data exists yet since the model only launched in 2024. Mazda's prior inline-four engines routinely exceeded 200,000 miles with regular maintenance. The FA turbocharged engine in the Mazda 3 and CX-5 has a strong track record. The 3.3T inline-six is new, but the engineering fundamentals are consistent with Mazda's reliability history.

Bottom Line

Buy a 2025. If a 2024 is significantly cheaper, verify all 11 recalls are completed before anything else, with the steering recall (24V022000) confirmed in writing. Choose the I6 unless you have a real charging setup at home. The Preferred or Premium Sport trim covers everything most buyers need. Run every VIN through a recall check before you negotiate.

CarScout members can set alerts on specific CX-90 trims and model years to catch price drops as more 2025s enter the used market at usecarscout.com.

Data sourced from the NHTSA recalls database, EPA fuel economy data, and real owner experiences from cx90forum.com, Mazdas247, CarComplaints.com, and the r/mazda community. See the full Mazda CX-90 market data for current pricing and inventory.