2026 Mazda CX-90 vs. 2026 Volkswagen Atlas:
Which Three-Row SUV Fits Cincinnati Drivers?
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 and 2026 Volkswagen Atlas give Cincinnati-area drivers two three-row SUV choices with different powertrains, drivetrain configurations, interior layouts, and utility features. The Mazda CX-90 uses a 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and standard i-ACTIV AWD®. The 3.3 Turbo produces 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, while Turbo S models produce up to 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive or available 4MOTION® all-wheel drive is offered depending on configuration.
For drivers commuting through Cincinnati, Fairfield, West Chester, Hamilton, Sharonville, and Mason, Jake Sweeney Mazda Tri-County helps shoppers compare the Mazda CX-90 and Volkswagen Atlas according to performance, drivetrain, seating, cargo, technology, safety, towing, and everyday driving needs.
2026 Mazda CX-90 vs. 2026 Volkswagen Atlas
Key Highlights
| Feature | 2026 Mazda CX-90 | 2026 Volkswagen Atlas |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | 3.3L turbocharged inline-six | 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 280 hp / up to 340 hp Turbo S | 269 hp |
| Torque | 332 lb-ft / up to 369 lb-ft Turbo S | 273 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Standard i-ACTIV AWD® | FWD / available 4MOTION® AWD |
| Seating | 7 or 8 | Up to 7 |
| Maximum Towing | Up to 5,000 lbs. | Up to 5,000 lbs. |
| Maximum Cargo | Approximately 75 cu. ft. | 96.6 cu. ft. |
Specifications vary by trim and configuration.
2026 Mazda CX-90 Brings Turbocharged Inline-Six Performance
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 pairs a 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six with an eight-speed SKYACTIV®-Drive automatic transmission. The 3.3 Turbo produces 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, while Turbo S models produce up to 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft with recommended premium fuel. i-ACTIV AWD® is standard on the gasoline CX-90 lineup.
2026 Mazda CX-90 Performance Highlights
- 3.3L turbocharged inline-six
- 280 horsepower
- Up to 340 horsepower in Turbo S models
- 332 lb-ft of torque
- Up to 369 lb-ft in Turbo S models
- 8-speed SKYACTIV®-Drive automatic
- Standard i-ACTIV AWD®
- Up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity
2026 Volkswagen Atlas Performance Highlights
- 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder
- 269 horsepower
- 273 lb-ft of torque
- 8-speed automatic transmission
- Front-wheel drive
- Available 4MOTION® all-wheel drive
- Up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity when properly equipped
2026 Mazda CX-90 Offers Standard All-Wheel Drive
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 gasoline models include standard i-ACTIV AWD®, while the Volkswagen Atlas offers front-wheel drive or available 4MOTION® all-wheel drive depending on trim. The CX-90 therefore provides standard all-wheel-drive capability throughout its gasoline lineup, while Atlas shoppers can select their preferred drivetrain configuration.
A Cincinnati commuter traveling I-75, a West Chester driver using I-275, or a Fairfield family traveling along Northland Boulevard can use either SUV for daily commuting, school transportation, shopping, appointments, and weekend travel around the region.
2026 Mazda CX-90 Provides Three-Row Seating
The Mazda CX-90 provides seating for seven or eight passengers depending on configuration. Available equipment includes Nappa leather, heated and ventilated seating, a panoramic moonroof, and Bose® premium audio.
2026 Mazda CX-90 Interior Highlights
- Seating for seven or eight
- Available Nappa leather
- Available heated and ventilated seats
- Available panoramic moonroof
- Available Bose® premium audio
- Three-row seating
- Flexible second-row configurations
2026 Volkswagen Atlas Interior Highlights
- Seating for up to seven
- Three-row seating
- Spacious second- and third-row areas
- Available leather seating
- Available heated and ventilated seats
- Available panoramic sunroof
- Up to 96.6 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats folded
2026 Mazda CX-90 Uses MAZDA CONNECT™ Technology
The Mazda CX-90 uses MAZDA CONNECT™ technology with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. Available technology includes Bose® premium audio, a 360° View Monitor, and Amazon Alexa integration.
2026 Mazda CX-90 Technology Highlights
- MAZDA CONNECT™
- Apple CarPlay®
- Android Auto™
- Available Bose® premium audio
- Amazon Alexa integration
- Available 360° View Monitor
- Connected vehicle technology
2026 Volkswagen Atlas Technology Highlights
- 12.0-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay®
- Android Auto™
- Wireless smartphone connectivity
- Wireless charging
- Six USB-C ports
- Available premium audio
- Available connected vehicle technology
2026 Mazda CX-90 Uses i-ACTIVSENSE® Driver Assistance Technology
Mazda equips the CX-90 with i-ACTIVSENSE® safety and driver-assistance technology. Depending on configuration, available systems include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and collision-avoidance technology.
What Do Automotive Experts Say About the 2026 Mazda CX-90?
Car and Driver highlights the CX-90's turbocharged performance and premium-focused cabin. Its review also notes the SUV's composed handling and refined driving character.
"a rare level of polish"
Source: Car and Driver: 2026 Mazda CX-90 ReviewWhat Are 2026 Mazda CX-90 Owners Saying?
An Edmunds owner reviewing a 2026 Mazda CX-90 Turbo S Premium Sport wrote: The owner also described the vehicle after replacing a previous Mazda CX-9.
"The car looks stunning and drives fantastically."
Source: Edmunds: 2026 Mazda CX-90 Consumer ReviewsWe Help Cincinnati Drivers Explore the 2026 Mazda CX-90
At Jake Sweeney Mazda Tri-County, we help you compare the 2026 Mazda CX-90 according to power, standard i-ACTIV AWD®, seating, cargo, technology, safety, towing, and daily driving requirements.
Our dealership is located at 135 Northland Blvd. in Cincinnati. We serve drivers traveling from Fairfield, West Chester, Hamilton, Sharonville, Mason, and nearby communities. We can help you explore available CX-90 configurations, arrange a test drive, discuss financing and trade-in options, and provide Mazda service and parts support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more horsepower?
Does the 2026 Mazda CX-90 have standard AWD?
How many passengers can the Mazda CX-90 carry?
Can the Mazda CX-90 tow?
Does the Mazda CX-90 have a turbocharged engine?
Where can Cincinnati drivers explore the Mazda CX-90?
Explore the 2026 Mazda CX-90 at Jake Sweeney Mazda Tri-County
Visit Jake Sweeney Mazda Tri-County at 135 Northland Blvd. in Cincinnati to explore available 2026 Mazda CX-90 configurations, arrange a test drive, and discuss financing and trade-in options.
