Mazda is renowned for producing SUVs with sleek and alluring styling, upscale and high-tech interiors, and exhilarating driving dynamics that make every journey a pleasure. Most of them also offer impressive towing capacities in their respective classes.In this guide, we look at the power, towing capability, and cargo space of each of these stylish SUVs.
The first versatile Mazda SUV in our lineup is the CX-5, a compact vehicle with a big personality. It features Mazda’s signature styling with its bold grille, long hood, and sensual curves that give the impression of movement even when stationary. You have a choice of eight trim levels and two engines to ensure that you get the features and power you need.
Most trims feature a 2.5L Skyactiv-G four-cylinder engine that delivers 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. Under the hood of the top two trims is a turbocharged 2.5L engine. With regular fuel, it makes 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Filling up with 93 octane gas increases the output to 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft.
All CX-5 models come standard with a six-speed automatic transmission and i-Activ AWD. Higher-spec trims offer Mi-Drive — an intelligent drive select system with sport and off-road modes to tailor your driving experience. With either powertrain, the CX-5 has a towing capacity of up to 2,000 pounds.
You can seat five people in the CX-5’s surprisingly spacious and luxurious cabin, which also offers up to 30.8 cubic feet of cargo space. With the 40/20/40-split rear seats folded, you get a cargo area of up to 59.3 cubic feet.
Introduced for the 2023 model year, the Mazda CX-50 is a small SUV similar in stature to the CX-5 but created for the more adventurous driver. It’s offered in no fewer than 10 trim levels to suit every budget. It blends sleek and elegant design with rugged features that will appeal to outdoor types. This is exemplified by the new Meridian Edition, with its black alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, and unique trim and graphics.
The CX-50 is available with the same drivetrain options and power output as the CX-5. Every CX-50 trim comes standard with i-Activ AWD and Mi-Drive. With the base engine, it offers a towing capacity of up to 2,000 pounds. Stepping up to the 2.5L turbo increases the maximum towing capacity to 3,500 pounds, enabling it to pull a good size boat or recreational trailer.
Inside, the CX-50 has ample seating for five, along with a 31.4 cubic-foot cargo area. Folding the 60/40-split second row gives you 56.3 cubic feet for all your gear.
If you need a more family-oriented vehicle, the striking Mazda CX-9 is a sophisticated three-row midsize SUV. Its long, elegant styling creates a sophisticated road presence that stands out from other vehicles in its class.
All CX-9 trims feature the turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and i-Activ AWD with off-road traction assist. The powertrain generates 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque with 87 octane gas or 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft with premium gas. With the CX-9, you can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
The CX-9 offers seating for six when fitted with second-row captain’s chairs or seven with the available 60/40-split bench seat. With a full complement of passengers, you have 14.4 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats. Fold down the third row for a 38.2 cubic-foot cargo area, increasing to a generous 71.2 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.
The 2024 Mazda CX-90 midsize three-row crossover is the all-new flagship of the Mazda lineup. It has an even more distinctive and upscale appearance and, with its larger dimensions, offers more passenger and cargo space.
The CX-90 is available with three new powerful engines, including a plug-in hybrid, which is a first for the U.S. market. The base engine is the e-Skyactiv G 3.3L inline six-cylinder turbo with mild hybrid boost for smoother acceleration and better fuel economy. This powertrain provides a system output of 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.
In CX-90 Turbo S models, the inline six is boosted to deliver 319 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque with regular gas. The output increases to 340 horsepower when using premium gas. The CX-90 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle features the e-Skyactiv G 2.5L four-cylinder engine paired with a 68 kW electric motor. This powertrain develops a system output of 319 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque with 87 octane fuel or 323 horsepower with 93 octane gas.
Each engine is mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. For the CX-90, the i-Activ AWD system is rear-biased for a sportier and more balanced drive. With the CX-90 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, you can tow a trailer of up to 3,500 pounds. With the straight-six engine, a Mazda tow hitch, and available Mi-Drive towing mode, the CX-90 offers an impressive maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
The CX-90’s well-appointed cabin is available with three seating layouts for six, seven, or eight passengers. You have the option of a second-row bench or captain’s chairs and a two- or three-seat third row, so you can tailor the configuration to suit your family’s needs. Behind the third row, you get up to 15.9 cubic feet of luggage capacity, while folding it down gives you up to 40.1 cubic feet. Folding down the second and third rows creates a 75.2 cubic-foot cargo area.
