The 2024 Mazda CX-90 4WD, with the 3.3L inline-six, gets a combined fuel economy of 25 MPG. This places Mazda’s new three-row SUV in the middle of its competitors, acceptable for a vehicle made to carry families and gear with some towing ability. It won’t win any fuel efficiency contests, but it’s a reasonable choice for buyers who want Mazda’s driving feel and a high-quality interior.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the CX-90 4WD gets 24 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. The small difference between city and highway numbers suggests the CX-90’s engine and transmission work well in different driving situations. Expect to see numbers around 24 MPG in cities with lots of stoplights, while longer highway trips at steady speeds might reach or go past the 28 MPG estimate. The eight-speed automatic transmission probably helps keep the engine efficient.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2024 Mazda CX-90 4WD is $1,750. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Fuel costs will change based on driving habits, local fuel prices, and the type of fuel used. The $1,750 is a good way to compare the CX-90 to other vehicles. Buyers can estimate their own fuel costs based on their driving and fuel choices. All Mazda fuel economy data is available here.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides an estimation, but real-world fuel economy often changes. The CX-90 is a heavy vehicle, and its all-wheel-drive system, while useful in bad weather, adds weight and hurts efficiency. Quick acceleration and hard braking will lower fuel economy. Smooth driving and following speed limits can help drivers get close to the EPA estimates. The CX 90 MPG across all years may change depending on model year updates.

How it compares

The CX-90 is in a popular segment. The Kia Telluride, another three-row SUV, gets around 20 MPG combined with all-wheel drive. The Honda Pilot, known for its reliability, offers around 22 MPG combined. A Volvo XC90 B5 AWD manages about 24 MPG combined. These differences matter because a few MPG can mean hundreds of dollars in fuel costs each year. Buyers often weigh these MPG differences against things like looks, features, and price. The Acura MDX with SH-AWD typically achieves about 21-22 MPG combined, towards the bottom of this group.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid quick acceleration and braking. The CX-90 has a turbocharged engine that works best with smooth throttle use. Hard acceleration uses more fuel, canceling out fuel savings. Predict traffic and keep a steady speed when you can.

Make sure your tires have the right amount of air. Low tires increase rolling resistance, which lowers fuel economy. Check your tire pressure often and fill them to the pressure on the door sticker. This is important on a heavy vehicle like the CX-90.

Don’t let the engine idle a long time. Idling uses fuel without moving the vehicle. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern vehicles restart fast, so there’s no need to idle.

Reduce weight. Extra weight in your vehicle lowers fuel economy. Remove items from the cargo area and cabin. Every pound matters, especially in a vehicle as heavy as the CX-90.