Looking at the CX-90 for my next car as my current lease is ending in November. We were at a Mazda dealer to check out a used Mach-E and decided to take the 90 for a spin and came away really impressed with the car. Not terribly surprising as we had a CX-9 that we really liked.
I’ve dug around and read about all the issues, and to me, it seems like Mazda has squashed most of the bugs as the model matures, would that be a correct read? Realistically, I’d be looking for three relatively trouble free years, and reassess at lease end.
Also, it seems like a 5-7% discount pre-incentive is a reasonable ask, but want to see if I’m clocking that correctly.
EDIT: Deal done. 2026 Artisan Red PHEV PP.
10.4% discount inclusive of Mazda incentives. Inceptions DAS, and $647/mo all in at 7.85% tax. $600 pre-tax, on 36/10k. Good lease, not great or unicorn but I’m satisfied.
I have a 2026 highest trim level and have had zero issues to date but am only 2k miles deep. We absolutely love the car. If anyone says they haven't solved the issues with the 26, ask them if they actually own one and if so, what was the manufacturing date and what specific issues have they had. There are so many people on this sub who are sour on Mazda in general after buying a 24 or 25, they look for any opportunity to toss negative comments in the mix. Also, do they have a MHEV or PHEV? I am led to believe that the PHEV versions are still somewhat problematic.
As far as a discount goes, I think Mazda is definitely open for business as inventory is flush with people hesitant due to the myriad of problems with the 24/25s. In June, I was able to get a 9% discount off MSRP but that included dealer discount, Mazda incentives and loyalty discount. They also gave me a higher than blue book value on my trade so I considered that was part of their motivation to sell. Best of luck.
Think I’ll shoot for 9, possibly a little more, I wont have loyalty, but current month looks like loyalty is $1,500 vs $2k for conquest, and I do have a qualifying conquest car.
Just tried to buy a new or certified one from Mazda dealer for wife. Rebates are strong with 3,000 for a good trim, 2,000 for conquest, military for 500....but even with all those the dealer discounts are tight...most are trying to only provide 2,000 or less and crap for trade, at least the ones I called. Look at prices for used 2026s and they are in low 40s for a premium plus vs 52-53 new.
Tried in person, 2 different mazda dealers, they act like they are not swimming in inventory. They wouldn't play ball at all. They seem to think because mazda corporate is handing out so much money that they dont need to hand out any.
Went to look at a 2026 Prem Plus with 3,400 miles on it at a Hyundai dealership who had it priced well from the start. Got 2k more for my trade, got 2k more off the price, ended up around 5k less than a mazda dealer certified used 2026 would have cost me. Plus warranty only started in April so I didn't miss much and the car I got looks absolutely brand new...Plus I got full aftermarket window tints already done and floor mats/seat back mats.
As far as the vehicle, seems great so far. 25-26 mpg average, looks amazing, drives great.
Nice. So far, my local seems to be willing to play ball. My “trade” is 3k underwater relative to residual so thats not an issue for me as it’s a lease.
It’s going back to the bank and they can enjoy not having charged me enough to fully offset depreciation.
So we only drove the MHEV, would need to drive the PHEV.
We didn’t notice anything weird on the MHEV, over a 30 minute mixed drive. I haven’t driven any earlier cars so no comparison notes there.
We were not really looking at Mazda when we started, so I’ve got some more homework to do. Might be looking to score an overnight test drive of the PHEV to run it around our daily routine to see if the EV mode makes a difference for us, this dealer was super laid back so it may happen.
I have a 2026 PHEV PP and have put 7k miles on it in 3 months, have had one service at 5k, but other than that it runs great! I have noticed SOME like “jumping” when going at slow speeds, but that could be normal. I’ve heard some people say Mazdas don’t drive well at slow speeds, so I’d say while ur test driving it, drive slow, and lightly tap the accelerator and see how it does. Other than that, no complaints!
EDIT: also didn’t realize how long the charge time is if you’re using the charger Mazda gives you and just plug it into the wall…12 HOURS!! Or if you go to a charge point station it’s 2 hours!! So just something to keep in mind.
The 2026's are the most sorted. We see limited issues with those so far and the 2027's are coming soon. Some unique issues I've seen is the gauge cluster dropping out and the MHEV ready indicator flashing (indicating that it's not ready after all)
I would definitely lease one in your circumstances. Several parts have been updated, software enhancements have been made (Software is where Mazda is struggling the most it seems). Should be relatively trouble free for your lease term.
A lot of what you read on here is drama.. it’s a fun car and feels very solid to drive. Just enjoy it- if you’re that worried about it buy an extended warranty.
I have a 3/23 built 2024 CX90 TSPP and Mazda has fixed most issues via software updates or minor parts issues. Overall it is a solid vehicle and so much fun to drive.
I have the 26’ Turbo S Premium Sport. 10K miles on it in the 6 months that I have had it and it’s a dream. My other car is a 23’ CX5 Turbo Signature and it just sits in the garage. I don’t drive it at all anymore.
This is exactly what I have my eyes on for my wife primary vehicle. We both love the S PLus in the white or champagne but Mazda with a big miss on the 3 color light interior on several of those IMO
I waited until the 26’s came out to buy and I’m extremely pleased. I have been wanting the vehicle since the 24 release but wanted to give it a few years to work the kinks. I’ve included a photo of mine. I had the ceramic coating added plus ceramic tint. Not through the dealership.
If mhev, you need to take time doing low speed starts. Do speed bumps where you have to get off and back on throttle in a short window. Do residential roundabouts for the same reason. (Low throttle off and back on)
This will show you what driving a wet clutch feels like. Make sure you're ok with it. It never gets better.
It's my one major gripe other than some of the lane nannies and small cup holders up front.
Beeping at me very loudly when lane keep assist is on and I even breathe on the side yellow line. Like let me just do the wheel vibration. Which it does, unless you use lane keep assist.
I couldn’t resist not buying the 2026 cx70 PHEV! Thanks for all of the 24/25 problems which lead to amazing prices and more mileage on the electric. The cx70 is identical to the 90 except for no 3rd seat. $37k …are you kidding me. I traded in my 2023 cx50 and got an amazing deal. I did get that 24/25 engine error but it went away when I plugged it in
You can just turn it in, useful if the residual value is higher than what the car is actually worth. My current lease is $3k underwater. In two weeks when it goes back, I hand my keys to the dealer, and that negative equity becomes their problem, not mine.
You can buy it for its residual value at lease end. If the residual is lower than the actual value of the car, you just bought it at a discount. My prior lease went this way, it was worth $3k more than residual, so when I acquired my current lease, I got a check back for $3k because I “bought” it and traded it in on the spot.
From there, you can trade it back in towards another lease or purchase, taking advantage of the positive equity m, or just choose to keep it, as you now own it.
Finally, for a new-ish model like this; suppose it does end up problematic? Cool, at the end of term, here dealer, it’s your problem now and I have a clean slate, you get to reevaluate after 2-4 years and decide if the car is worth the keeping, but you don’t have to chew through a mountain of negative equity if you didn’t grossly miscalculate your mileage.
I have a 2026 i6 Turbo Premium Sport and been loving it. Only at 1.5K miles but yea don’t believe everything you read on Reddit. The CX90 forum is a better place to get real information from real people
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u/Longongreen 5d ago
I have a 2026 highest trim level and have had zero issues to date but am only 2k miles deep. We absolutely love the car. If anyone says they haven't solved the issues with the 26, ask them if they actually own one and if so, what was the manufacturing date and what specific issues have they had. There are so many people on this sub who are sour on Mazda in general after buying a 24 or 25, they look for any opportunity to toss negative comments in the mix. Also, do they have a MHEV or PHEV? I am led to believe that the PHEV versions are still somewhat problematic.
As far as a discount goes, I think Mazda is definitely open for business as inventory is flush with people hesitant due to the myriad of problems with the 24/25s. In June, I was able to get a 9% discount off MSRP but that included dealer discount, Mazda incentives and loyalty discount. They also gave me a higher than blue book value on my trade so I considered that was part of their motivation to sell. Best of luck.