2026 Mazda CX-70 vs. CX-90: Two-Row or Three-Row SUV?
The CX-70 and CX-90 share the same platform, the same inline-6 turbo engines, and nearly identical exterior dimensions. The real decision is what fills the space behind the second row: a third row of seats, or cargo room.
Buy the CX-90 if you regularly carry more than five people. It seats up to eight, or seven with available second-row captain's chairs. Buy the CX-70 if five seats are enough and you'd rather have open cargo space: 39.6 cu. ft. behind the second row, compared with 14.9 cu. ft. behind the CX-90's third row when all seats are up. Both are about the same size on the outside, so the CX-90 doesn't take up more space in your driveway.
2026 CX-70 vs. CX-90 Specs (Gas Inline-6 Models)
This comparison covers the 3.3L inline-6 turbo trims only. Plug-in hybrid versions are not included. Figures come from Mazda's 2026 specification decks.
| Specification | 2026 CX-70 | 2026 CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| Rows / max seating | 2 rows / 5 passengers | 3 rows / 8 passengers (7 with captain's chairs) |
| Cargo behind 3rd row | No third row | 14.9 cu. ft. |
| Cargo behind 2nd row | 39.6 cu. ft. | 40.0 cu. ft. (3rd row folded) |
| Max cargo (rear seats folded) | 75.3 cu. ft. | 74.2 cu. ft. |
| Overall length (without plate holder) | 200.8 in. | 200.8 in. |
| Wheelbase | 122.8 in. | 122.8 in. |
| Width (with wheel arch molding) | 78.5 in. | 78.5 in. |
| Engines | 3.3L Turbo: 280 hp / 332 lb-ft (regular fuel) 3.3L Turbo S: 340 hp / 369 lb-ft (premium fuel) | 3.3L Turbo: 280 hp / 332 lb-ft (regular fuel) 3.3L Turbo S: 340 hp / 369 lb-ft (premium fuel) |
| Drivetrain | 8-speed automatic, standard i-Activ AWD | 8-speed automatic, standard i-Activ AWD |
| Max towing* | 3,500 lbs. (Preferred); 5,000 lbs. (Premium and above) | 3,500 lbs. (Select, Preferred); 5,000 lbs. (Premium Sport and above) |
| Third-row legroom / headroom | N/A | 30.4 in. / 36.9 in. |
| Starting MSRP (gas) | $42,750 (3.3 Turbo Preferred) | $39,300 (3.3 Turbo Select) |
*5,000-lb. ratings apply when equipped with Mazda Genuine Towing Accessories. CX-90 cargo figures are for the three-passenger third row used on all gas inline-6 trims. Starting MSRPs exclude the $1,645 destination and handling charge, taxes, title, and fees; dealers set actual sale prices.
Where the Two SUVs Differ
Seating: five versus up to eight
The CX-70 seats five on every trim, with a 60/40 split, reclining second-row bench. The CX-90 comes standard with a three-passenger second-row bench and a three-passenger third row, for eight seats.
On select CX-90 trims you can choose second-row captain's chairs instead, which drops capacity to seven. The 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus comes with captain's chairs as standard. Our CX-90 captain's chairs vs. bench seat guide breaks down every configuration.
Cargo: open space versus extra seats
With the CX-70, the area behind the second row is all cargo space: 39.6 cu. ft. With the CX-90's third row in use, cargo shrinks to 14.9 cu. ft. Fold the CX-90's third row and you get 40.0 cu. ft., which is about the same as the CX-70.
With every rear seat folded, the two are nearly identical: 75.3 cu. ft. in the CX-70 and 74.2 cu. ft. in the CX-90.
Size: nearly the same footprint
It's natural to assume the three-row CX-90 is the bigger vehicle, but Mazda lists the same 200.8-inch length, 122.8-inch wheelbase, and 78.5-inch width for both. Height differs by a tenth of an inch at most. If garage space or parking is part of your decision, it shouldn't rule out the CX-90.
Third-row space
The CX-90's third row has 30.4 inches of legroom and 36.9 inches of headroom, compared with 39.4 inches of legroom and 39.3 inches of headroom in the second row. If you plan to seat adults in the third row often, bring them along for a test drive so they can try it.
Shared engines and capability
Both models use the same two versions of the 3.3L turbo inline-6, the same 8-speed automatic, and standard i-Activ AWD. Both reach 5,000 lbs. of towing once you move past the entry trims. If you're weighing the two engine outputs, see our CX-70 3.3 Turbo vs. 3.3 Turbo S comparison; the same outputs apply to the CX-90.
2026 Gas Trims and Starting Prices
The CX-90 has an extra entry-level trim (3.3 Turbo Select), so its starting price is lower than the CX-70's. Higher trims are close in price.
| CX-70 trim | Starting MSRP | CX-90 trim | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| No equivalent | — | 3.3 Turbo Select | $39,300 |
| 3.3 Turbo Preferred | $42,750 | 3.3 Turbo Preferred | $43,450 |
| 3.3 Turbo Premium | $46,780 | 3.3 Turbo Premium Sport | $47,480 |
| 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus | $49,570 | 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus | $50,270 |
| 3.3 Turbo S Premium | $53,440 | 3.3 Turbo S Premium Sport | $54,140 |
| 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus | $56,870 | 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus | $57,570 |
Trims are paired by position in each lineup, not by identical equipment. Check the window sticker of any vehicle you're considering for its exact features. Pricing reflects Mazda USA's published 2026 starting MSRPs and is subject to change.
Which One Matches Your Needs?
Choose the CX-70 if...
- You rarely carry more than five people
- You want 39.6 cu. ft. of cargo space without folding seats
- You prefer a five-seat cabin on every trim
Choose the CX-90 if...
- You need six, seven, or eight seats
- You want the option of second-row captain's chairs
- You'd like the lower-priced Select trim as a starting point
Either works if...
- You want the 3.3L inline-6 turbo and AWD
- You need up to 5,000 lbs. of towing (Premium trims and above)
- Garage space is tight; both share the same footprint
Thinking about a smaller SUV instead? Compare the 2026 Mazda CX-5 vs. CX-70.
Sources
Specifications and pricing on this page come from Mazda North American Operations' published 2026 materials, as of October 2026:
Sit in Both at Mazda Cape Cod
The fastest way to settle the two-row versus three-row question is to load your family into both. Visit us at 141 Stevens Street in Hyannis, or browse current inventory first.
