What you get in each 2025 CX-90 trim
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 comes in four trim levels: S, Preferred, Premium, and Premium Plus. Each step up adds comfort features, technology, and safety equipment rather than changing the core vehicle. The S is the base model with manual cloth seats and an 8-inch touchscreen. The Preferred adds heated seats, a power liftgate, and wireless phone charging. The Premium brings leather upholstery, a Bose audio system, and a 10.25-inch display. The Premium Plus tops the lineup with a panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel, and premium leather.
All trims share the same chassis, safety structure, and engine options. The differences are in what you touch, see, and hear while driving. If you plan to keep the vehicle long-term, the jump from S to Preferred is often worth the cost because heated seats and wireless charging are features you use every day. The Premium and Premium Plus appeal more to buyers who want luxury touches and are less concerned about resale value.
Key Takeaways
- The 2025 CX-90 offers a choice between a 2.5-liter gasoline engine and a 2.5-liter plug-in hybrid, with the hybrid available on Preferred and higher trims only.
- All-wheel drive is standard on every 2025 CX-90 model, so you cannot order front-wheel drive.
- The S and Preferred trims have an 8-inch touchscreen, while Premium and Premium Plus get a larger 10.25-inch display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Heated seats come standard on Preferred and above; the S trim does not include them.
- The plug-in hybrid model adds about 15 miles of all-electric range and costs roughly $3,000 to $4,000 more than the gasoline version, depending on trim.
Engine and powertrain options
The 2025 CX-90 uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine in two forms: standard gasoline and plug-in hybrid. The gasoline engine produces 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine is available on all four trims. The plug-in hybrid version adds an electric motor and battery pack, delivering a combined 322 horsepower and approximately 15 miles of all-electric range on a full charge. The hybrid is available only on Preferred, Premium, and Premium Plus trims—not on the base S.
All-wheel drive is standard across the entire 2025 lineup. Mazda does not offer a front-wheel-drive option for this model year. The gasoline engine achieves roughly 23 to 25 mpg combined depending on driving conditions, while the plug-in hybrid achieves higher efficiency when you charge regularly and drive shorter distances. If you have a home charger or regular access to charging, the hybrid makes sense financially over five to seven years. If you rarely charge or drive long distances frequently, the gasoline engine is simpler and less expensive upfront.
Interior technology and infotainment
The S and Preferred trims come with an 8-inch touchscreen running Mazda Connect, which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto but requires a wired connection. You get a six-speaker audio system on the S and an eight-speaker system on the Preferred. The Premium and Premium Plus upgrade to a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, meaning you can connect your phone without plugging in a cable. Both higher trims also include a Bose premium audio system with ten speakers.
Climate control is dual-zone automatic on Preferred and above, while the S has manual controls. The S and Preferred have a standard power outlet in the rear; Premium and Premium Plus add USB-C ports throughout the cabin. Wireless phone charging is standard on Preferred and higher. If you use navigation apps or music streaming constantly, the wireless connectivity on Premium and Premium Plus saves frustration, but the wired connection on lower trims works reliably once you plug in.
Safety features and driver information
Mazda's i-Activsense safety suite is standard on all 2025 CX-90 trims and includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The system works across all trims without additional cost. A 360-degree camera system is standard on Preferred and above; the S has a standard rearview camera only. Parking sensors are included on Premium and Premium Plus.
The CX-90 earned a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a "Good" rating in most Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash tests. All trims include eight airbags, electronic stability control, and hill-start information. If safety technology is your priority, the Preferred trim gives you the 360-degree camera and most driver aids at a lower price than jumping to Premium. The S trim still has the core safety features but lacks the camera system.
Seating, cargo, and comfort options
The 2025 CX-90 seats five passengers across all trims. The S has cloth upholstery with manual seat adjustment. The Preferred upgrades to cloth with heated front seats and power adjustment for the driver's seat. The Premium and Premium Plus feature leather upholstery with heated and ventilated front seats, plus a heated steering wheel on Premium Plus. Rear passengers get heated seats on Premium and Premium Plus only.
Cargo space is 28.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, consistent across all trims. A power liftgate is standard on Preferred and above; the S has a manual liftgate. The Premium Plus adds a panoramic sunroof, which reduces headroom slightly but adds visual space. Roof rails for cargo carriers are standard on all trims. If you frequently load bulky items or use a roof rack, the power liftgate on Preferred and higher saves your back.
Paint colors and exterior options
The 2025 CX-90 is offered in eight exterior colors: Polymetal Gray, Zircon Sand, Rhodium Gray, Deep Crystal Blue, Polymetal Silver, Jet Black, Soul Red Crystal Metallic, and Ceramic Metallic. Metallic and pearl finishes cost extra—typically $400 to $600 more than solid colors. All trims come with LED headlights and taillights as standard. The Premium Plus adds LED fog lights; lower trims have halogen fog lights or none.
Wheel options vary by trim. The S and Preferred come with 18-inch wheels as standard, with 19-inch wheels available. The Premium and Premium Plus start with 19-inch wheels and offer 20-inch options. Larger wheels improve handling feel but reduce ride comfort and increase tire and fuel costs over time. The 18-inch wheels on the S and Preferred are a practical choice if you prioritize comfort and lower maintenance costs.
Pricing structure and trim comparison
The 2025 CX-90 S with the gasoline engine is the entry point. Each trim step adds $2,000 to $3,500 in base price. The plug-in hybrid adds approximately $3,000 to $4,000 to the price of any trim it is available on. Destination charges, taxes, and dealer fees are separate and vary by location. Manufacturer incentives and rebates change throughout the year and depend on your region and credit profile.
To compare trims fairly, list the features that matter most to you—heated seats, larger screen, leather, sunroof—and find the lowest trim that includes them all. The Preferred is often the best value because it adds heated seats, wireless charging, and the power liftgate for a modest increase over the S. The Premium jump is larger and mainly adds luxury finishes rather than function. The Premium Plus is the choice if you want every available feature and do not mind paying for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get front-wheel drive on the 2025 CX-90?
No. All-wheel drive is standard and mandatory on every 2025 CX-90 trim. Mazda does not offer a front-wheel-drive version of this model year. If front-wheel drive is important to you, you would need to look at a different Mazda model or a different brand.
Is the plug-in hybrid worth the extra cost?
It depends on your driving habits and charging access. If you charge at home or work and drive under 15 miles most days, the hybrid saves money on fuel over five to seven years. If you rarely charge or drive long distances frequently, the gasoline engine is simpler and costs less upfront. Calculate your annual fuel costs under both scenarios to decide.
What is the difference between the Premium and Premium Plus?
The Premium Plus adds a panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. Both trims have the same 10.25-inch screen, Bose audio, and leather seats. The Premium Plus costs $2,000 to $2,500 more. If you want the sunroof and heated steering wheel, the Premium Plus is the only way to get them; they are not available as standalone options on lower trims.
Do all trims have the same safety features?
All trims include the i-Activsense suite with adaptive cruise, lane-keeping information, and automatic emergency braking. The S lacks the 360-degree camera system that comes standard on Preferred and above. If you want the camera for parking and low-speed maneuvering, you need Preferred or higher.
What warranty comes with the 2025 CX-90?
Mazda includes a three-year or 36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty on all new 2025 CX-90 models. The plug-in hybrid battery has an eight-year or 100,000-mile warranty. Extended warranties and service plans are available through Mazda dealers but are not included in the base price.