CardinaleWay Mazda Peoria - Why i-ACTIV AWD® and Mi-Drive Make the 2026 Mazda CX-90 a Confident Family SUV around Glendale, AZ
For families who want poise and capability from school drop-off to mountain day trips, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 delivers a compelling blend of standard i-ACTIV AWD® traction and adaptable Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) modes. The CX-90’s e-SKYACTIV®-G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbo pairs with an 8-speed automatic to feel strong yet smooth in the city, while i-ACTIV AWD® continuously monitors inputs to route torque where it’s needed. Around Glendale, AZ—where hot pavement, monsoon downpours, and dusty side roads can happen in the same week—this standard AWD advantage helps keep the experience predictable and composed. Then, with Mi-Drive at your fingertips, you can match the SUV’s responses to your route: Normal for everyday cruising, Sport for an energetic throttle and shifting feel, Off-Road for loose surfaces, and available Towing when the weekend calls.
What separates this system in real life is how naturally it behaves. In daily traffic, you notice the CX-90’s stability without thinking about it—the steering feels precise, power delivery is confident, and the suspension stays settled. Head north for a desert hike and Off-Road mode helps optimize traction on unpaved stretches. When the highway opens, Sport mode makes merges more assertive and passing feel effortless. Add Kinematic Posture Control, and body movements in corners stay nicely managed, which passengers will appreciate on winding roads. It’s the kind of consistency and calm that reduces fatigue, especially when your schedule involves multiple stops across town and an evening practice on the other side of the Valley.
- Normal mode: Balanced throttle and transmission mapping for smooth city driving and family errands.
- Sport mode: Sharper acceleration feel and smarter shift logic for confident highway merges and passing.
- Off-Road mode: Optimized traction management for dirt roads and rutted paths to trailheads.
- Available Towing mode: Tailored power delivery for hauling small campers or gear when properly equipped.
Inside, the CX-90 keeps everyone comfortable and connected. Available Nappa leather-trimmed seating, the available Panoramic Moonroof, and a quiet, well-crafted cabin align with long family drives. Mazda Connected Services with the MyMazda app supports Remote Engine Start, vehicle locating, and lock-unlock—plus in-vehicle Wi-Fi with a one-year trial helps passengers stream and study on the go. For situational awareness, the available 360° View Monitor with See-through View is invaluable in crowded lots, while i-Activsense® features such as Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Assist, and Lane-keep Assist provide confident guidance. If backing into a tight space at school pickup is stressful, Trailer Hitch View and the parking camera perspectives simplify the task.
Audio and infotainment further enhance daily life. The Mazda Connect™ system integrates Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and available Bose® audio supplies rich, balanced sound for podcasts, playlists, and turn-by-turn directions. With USB-C ports available through the third row and multiple power outlets, everyone stays charged. Cargo flexibility is equally thoughtful—keep all rows upright for school gear or fold the second and third rows to unlock up to 74.2 cu ft when you’re loading sports equipment or a weekend haul from home improvement runs.
Ultimately, what stands out is how cohesively the 2026 Mazda CX-90’s systems work together. Standard i-ACTIV AWD® offers confidence in variable weather, Mi-Drive helps you fine-tune responses to the road, and safety and visibility technologies add assurance without distraction. It’s a formula that serves families who juggle busy weekdays and active weekends—and it feels right-sized for the way Greater Phoenix lives and drives. CardinaleWay Mazda Peoria is serving Deer Valley, Chandler, and Glendale with guided test drives that highlight these real-world benefits in the routes you actually travel.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is i-ACTIV AWD® standard on the 2026 Mazda CX-90?
Yes. All CX-90 models include standard i-ACTIV AWD® for confident traction across changing pavement and weather.
Which Mi-Drive modes come on the CX-90?
Mi-Drive includes Normal, Sport, and Off-Road, with available Towing mode when properly equipped.
Does the 360° View Monitor with See-through View help in tight parking?
Absolutely. It provides camera angles that reveal areas around the SUV that can be hard to see, simplifying maneuvering in garages and school pickup zones.
Can I start the CX-90 remotely?
Remote Engine Start is available through Mazda Connected Services in the MyMazda app, which also supports lock-unlock and vehicle locating.
Is there a premium audio system?
Yes—an available Bose® audio system brings immersive, balanced sound throughout the cabin.
If you want to explore how i-ACTIV AWD® and Mi-Drive feel on your daily route, we can set up a drive that mirrors your commute and weekend plans. You’ll get a clear sense of how the technology enhances stability and control in the settings you know best.