The Best Three-Row SUV: 2026 MAZDA CX-90 vs. the Competition
If you're searching for the best three-row SUV, the powertrain, standard equipment, and baseline capability of each model matter as much as the sticker price. The 2026 MAZDA CX-90, the 2026 Kia Sorento, the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas, and the 2026 Hyundai Palisade all seat three rows, but the differences between them are specific and verifiable. Hall Mazda Virginia Beach put together this comparison so you can weigh the facts.
AWD Standard on Every Trim - No Upgrade Required
The 2026 MAZDA CX-90 comes with rear-biased i-Activ AWD® standard on every trim, so traction on wet roads, loose surfaces, and uneven terrain is part of every configuration, not an upgrade. The 2026 Kia Sorento limits standard AWD to its two highest trims, the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas makes it optional on SE trims, and the 2026 Hyundai Palisade charges extra for it on most of its lineup. When traction and driving dynamics matter, Mazda does it better.
Engine Output Across the Lineup
The 2026 MAZDA CX-90 3.3 Turbo produces 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque from a turbocharged inline-six, with torque arriving low in the rev range for confident passing and merging; the Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo S raises that to up to 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft on 91-octane fuel. The 2026 Kia Sorento peaks at 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft from a four-cylinder, and the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas produces 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft with no higher-output option available. The 2026 Hyundai Palisade falls short in both model variants, with its V6 generating only 260 lb-ft of torque and the hybrid making 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque, falling short of their Mazda equivalents.
Plug-In Hybrid Capability and Towing
The new Mazda PHEV pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with a 68-kW electric motor for 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, cutting fuel costs on daily trips while still towing up to 3,500 lbs when equipped with Mazda Genuine Towing Accessories. The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas and 2026 Hyundai Palisade have no plug-in hybrid option, and even though the 2026 Kia Sorento offers a PHEV, its towing capacity in that configuration drops to 2,000 lbs, forcing a capability penalty you don't get in the Mazda model.
Explore the 2026 MAZDA CX-90 in Virginia Beach, VA
On standard AWD, engine output, and plug-in capability, the 2026 MAZDA CX-90 holds a verifiable advantage over the Kia Sorento, Volkswagen Atlas, and Hyundai Palisade. Visit our Mazda dealership in Virginia Beach to see the complete lineup. Once you've taken a test drive, we can walk you through Mazda financing options that fit your budget.
