CardinaleWay Mazda Corona - Does the 2026 Mazda CX-90 Have Standard i-Activ AWD® for Santa Ana, CA Drivers?
Shopping a three-row SUV for family life, commuting, and weekend escapes around coastal and inland routes raises a common question—does the SUV come with confidence you can feel year-round? If you are considering the 2026 Mazda CX-90, the answer is yes: i-Activ AWD® is standard across the lineup, designed to proactively monitor vehicle dynamics and distribute torque where it can help most. For Santa Ana, CA drivers navigating changing pavement, occasional rain, and quick transitions between city streets and freeways, that matters every day.
Unlike reactive systems that wait for wheels to slip, i-Activ AWD® is always engaged and analyzing conditions. It looks at inputs such as steering, throttle, and wheel speed to anticipate where grip is needed, then adjusts the torque split accordingly. The result is a calm, planted feel when merging, cornering, or braking on less-than-perfect surfaces. Complementing the system, Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) offers Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and available Towing modes, so you can tailor the CX-90’s responses to the moment—whether you want a more spirited drive on a clear morning or composed traction on a dirt access road.
Power pairs beautifully with control in the 2026 CX-90. The e-SKYACTIV®-G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbocharged engine is matched to a SKYACTIV®-Drive 8-Speed Automatic Transmission with manual-shift mode for smooth, confident acceleration. That balance of refinement and responsiveness is felt across the cabin, where tuning and insulation contribute to a quiet ride. If you are carrying a full crew, you will appreciate that the CX-90 seats up to eight or offers available second-row captain’s chairs for seven, and that available USB-C charging in the second and third rows helps keep everyone powered on longer days.
Parking and tight spaces are part of everyday life, so it is worth noting the available 360° View Monitor with See-through View. This system can display areas you would not normally see over the hood or around corners of the vehicle, supporting precise, low-speed maneuvers. Add Trailer Hitch View on select trims and lining up to a trailer becomes more intuitive, which is helpful for weekend gear.
Technology is comprehensive yet focused on ease. Mazda Connected Services brings smartphone-based features through the MyMazda App, including Remote Engine Start and remote door lock or unlock, with a one-year trial included. Inside, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, Bluetooth® connectivity, and Mazda Connect™ ensure your infotainment stays dependable without complexity. For safety, i-Activsense® technologies such as Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Lane-keep Assist provide added awareness. The CX-90 line has also earned recognition, with the 2026 Mazda CX-90 and CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid EV included among Mazda vehicles awarded a 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+.
For shoppers comparing AWD systems, the CX-90’s strength lies in how natural it feels. Steering remains communicative, throttle response is consistent across modes, and body control benefits from chassis tuning that aims to make a larger SUV feel predictably nimble. That is exactly what busy families need for the varied routes of Orange County. When you are ready for a closer look, schedule time to evaluate drivability back-to-back with Mi-Drive settings and explore interior comfort from the first row to the third.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is i-Activ AWD® always on in the 2026 Mazda CX-90?
Yes. The system is engaged continuously and proactively distributes torque to help maintain stability and control as conditions change.
Which drive modes are available with Mi-Drive?
Mi-Drive provides Normal, Sport, and Off-Road on most models, with Towing available when properly equipped. Each mode adjusts powertrain and dynamics tuning.
How does the 360° View Monitor help with parking?
On select trims, See-through View can display areas you would not normally see near the front and sides, while Trailer Hitch View assists with lining up to a hitch, making close-quarters maneuvering more confident.
Can I start the CX-90 remotely?
Yes. Once registered with Mazda Connected Services through the MyMazda App, Remote Engine Start and other remote functions are available as part of the included one-year trial.
CardinaleWay Mazda Corona welcomes shoppers seeking a three-row SUV with real composure and premium comfort, serving Garden Grove, Santa Ana, and Irvine with a hands-on approach. Bring your daily routine, test Mi-Drive modes, try the available 360° View Monitor features, and ensure the seating and technology fit your life. The right AWD SUV is the one that makes each day smoother from the driver’s seat, and the 2026 Mazda CX-90 sets a high bar in that regard.