25 MPG combined for the 2025 Mazda CX-90 4WD 3.3L 6-cyl makes it a good choice for buyers who want good performance, premium features, and reasonable running costs in a three-row SUV. This vehicle is not focused only on extreme efficiency, but designed to give a refined driving experience without heavy penalties at the gas pump. The CX-90 appeals to people who have outgrown smaller crossovers but do not want to sacrifice driving dynamics or luxury for utility. They are often professionals with families, who value intelligent engineering and a cohesive design. They accept this fuel economy as a balanced outcome for a vehicle that prioritizes the driving experience, advanced engineering, and genuine all-wheel-drive capability.

City and highway performance

Looking at the 2025 Mazda CX-90’s EPA figures, its 24 MPG city rating comes from its engine and transmission managing urban driving. The 3.3L inline-six engine, with an eight-speed automatic transmission, works efficiently to give smooth acceleration and confident torque delivery from a stop. This powertrain feels not taxed in stop-and-go traffic; instead, it provides a refined, linear powerband that makes city maneuvers easy. Mazda’s engineers prioritized responsiveness and refinement, ensuring that the CX-90 never feels sluggish, even with a full load of passengers and cargo. For those who drive more highway miles, the 28 MPG highway figure is also impressive. At cruising speeds, the inline-six settles into a quiet, efficient rhythm, benefiting from its balance and the smooth gear changes of the automatic transmission. This allows for long road trips without frequent fuel stops, an important point for families or individuals who travel between cities often. The CX-90 shows that a larger, capable SUV does not need to use a lot of fuel on the open road; it maintains a good balance between power and economy.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $1,750 for the 2025 Mazda CX-90 4WD 3.3L 6-cyl. This figure is based on an assumption of 15,000 miles driven per year, split between city and highway driving, using national average fuel prices. For many buyers, an annual cost under $2,000 for a three-row, all-wheel-drive SUV is quite reassuring. While individual driving habits and local fuel prices will naturally cause this figure to change, the EPA’s estimate gives a useful benchmark for budgeting. This $1,750 annual outlay reinforces that the CX-90 offers accessible luxury and practicality without high running costs. This economic argument connects with the target buyer, who expects value and transparency in their vehicle ownership experience. When considering the features, the driving dynamics, and the premium interior, this annual fuel expenditure highlights the CX-90’s intelligent overall design.

Real-world expectations

In real-world driving, owners of the 2025 Mazda CX-90 can expect fuel economy figures that generally match the EPA estimates, especially if they drive mindfully. Mazda’s engineering consistently produces vehicles that perform predictably, and the CX-90 is no exception. Aggressive acceleration, frequent hard braking, and continuous high-speed cruising will, of course, cause the MPG to be lower than the stated figures. However, for a driver who uses smooth inputs, anticipates traffic, and uses the vehicle’s intelligent coasting capabilities, hitting or even slightly exceeding the 25 MPG combined rating is possible. Many real-world tests confirm the CX-90’s ability to maintain its efficiency, even when full of passengers and cargo. The intelligent all-wheel-drive system, which can smoothly shift power where needed, does not significantly hurt fuel economy during normal driving conditions, only engaging more when required. The CX-90 is not a hybrid, nor does it claim to be, but its efficient inline-six architecture provides a strong foundation for consistent, respectable fuel economy without added complexity or cost.

How it compares

Placing the 2025 Mazda CX-90 4WD 3.3L 6-cyl’s 25 MPG combined figure into context means looking at its main competitors in the premium three-row SUV segment. The CX-90 offers a distinct option, often compared against vehicles ranging from mainstream large SUVs to entry-level luxury offerings. For comparison, a similarly sized and powered competitor like the Honda Pilot 4WD with its 3.5L V6 typically achieves 22 MPG combined (19 city/24 highway), making the CX-90 more efficient, especially on the highway. Stepping into the luxury realm, the Acura MDX with its 3.5L V6 SH-AWD configuration delivers 21 MPG combined (19 city/25 highway), again putting the CX-90 in a superior position for fuel economy. Even the Kia Telluride AWD with its 3.8L V6 comes in at 21 MPG combined (19 city/24 highway). The CX-90’s 25 MPG combined makes it a highly competitive option, showing Mazda’s ability to get impressive efficiency from a powerful, non-hybrid powertrain in a three-row luxury SUV. This efficiency advantage is a strong selling point for buyers who want a refined driving experience but also consider ongoing running costs. For more details on CX-90 MPG across all years, explore CX 90 MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Maintaining smooth and consistent throttle inputs is one of the most effective ways to optimize the CX-90’s fuel economy. Rapid acceleration and abrupt braking force the engine to work harder than necessary, consuming more fuel. Aim to progressively increase speed and anticipate stops to allow for gentle deceleration.

Regular maintenance, as outlined in your owner’s manual, plays an important role in the CX-90’s efficiency. Keeping tires properly inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure minimizes rolling resistance, and ensuring the engine has clean air filters and fresh oil allows it to operate at its peak efficiency.

Reducing unnecessary weight in the vehicle and minimizing aerodynamic drag can also contribute to better MPG. Remove items from the cargo area that aren’t needed, and if you have a roof rack installed, consider removing it when not in use to reduce wind resistance on the highway.

Use the CX-90’s intelligent drive modes if available. While the specific impact varies, some modes are designed to optimize powertrain behavior for efficiency, potentially reducing fuel consumption during everyday driving by moderating throttle response and shift points without compromising power too much.

Planning your routes to avoid heavy traffic and excessive idling will also yield benefits. Stop-and-go conditions are less efficient than maintaining a steady speed, so taking a slightly longer route that keeps the CX-90 moving can sometimes save fuel compared to battling through gridlock. For a complete list of all Mazda fuel economy data, please visit our dedicated page.