CardinaleWay Mazda Corona - Is i-Activ AWD® Standard on the 2026 Mazda CX-90 in Corona, CA?
Every 2026 Mazda CX-90 comes standard with i-Activ AWD®. At CardinaleWay Mazda Corona, we hear this question from shoppers comparing 3-row SUVs for school drop-offs and weekend hikes. With i-Activ AWD® included across all CX-90 trims, you get year-round traction and confident handling without needing to step up or add a package — it is built in from the start.
What sets i-Activ AWD® apart is how proactively it works. Rather than waiting for wheels to slip, the system continuously monitors inputs to anticipate changes in wheel load and roadway conditions, then smoothly distributes torque to the wheels that can use it most. The result is predictable control in rain, gravel turnouts near Lake Mathews, or quick merges on the 91. It is tuned to feel natural — an ally you barely notice until you need it — and it integrates seamlessly with the CX-90’s SKYACTIV®-Drive 8-Speed Automatic Transmission and the responsive e-SKYACTIV®-G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbo powertrain.
- Always-on confidence: i-Activ AWD® is engaged full time, constantly reading conditions to balance traction and handling.
- Rain-ready traction: The system helps you stay composed during sudden downpours on the 15 by proactively shifting torque.
- Canyon-road control: On winding Ortega Highway, torque distribution works with Kinematic Posture Control to enhance stability through corners.
- Light off-road composure: Gravel, graded trails, or campground paths — the system optimizes grip without drama.
- Towing assurance: Available Towing mode within Mi-Drive helps stabilize the vehicle when you are properly equipped to pull up to 5,000 pounds.
- Everyday efficiency: Intelligent control sends power where it is needed, helping the CX-90 feel smooth and composed in daily driving.
Standard i-Activ AWD® pairs with Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) so you can match the response to your route. Normal mode is balanced for daily commutes around Corona. Sport mode sharpens throttle and shift mapping for confident passes on the 91. Off-Road is designed to help maintain momentum on low-traction surfaces. On select models, available Towing mode fine-tunes power delivery and shifting when you are hauling gear — ideal for a family boat day or a mountain getaway.
Inside, the 2026 CX-90 backs its confident capability with an elegant, quiet cabin that can seat 7 or 8, depending on second-row configuration. Available features like a Bose® sound system, Nappa leather-trimmed seating, and a panoramic moonroof elevate long drives, while technologies such as the 360° View Monitor with See-through View and Trailer Hitch View can boost low-speed awareness when maneuvering in tight lots or aligning a trailer. Whether you choose a sophisticated Rhodium White Premium, Deep Crystal Blue Mica, or Jet Black Mica exterior, the CX-90 carries the KODO design language that looks athletic and refined at a glance.
Safety remains a core part of the story. The 2026 Mazda CX-90 and CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid EV have earned a 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+. Standard i-Activsense® features — including Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Lane-keep Assist — complement i-Activ AWD® by adding awareness, helping you and your passengers feel secure from city streets to mountain passes. Add Mazda Connected Services with the MyMazda App for remote conveniences like Remote Engine Start, vehicle location, and door lock/unlock — especially helpful when summer heat hits your parked vehicle.
- Experience i-Activ AWD® locally: Test drive from our store up to Skyline Drive and back for a mix of grades, curves, and traffic patterns.
- Try Mi-Drive: Toggle between Normal and Sport on a safe stretch to feel how throttle and shift mapping change response.
- Practice low-speed precision: Use a parking lot to experience the available 360° View Monitor with See-through View.
- Plan a family fit check: Explore 2nd-row bench or captain’s chairs and fold-flat cargo configurations for strollers, sports gear, or a weekend cooler.
When you are ready, our team will help you compare 3.3 Turbo and 3.3 Turbo S models — both include i-Activ AWD® as standard — and tailor a CX-90 to your life in Corona. From routine maintenance with Genuine Mazda Parts to guidance on accessories like Roof Rack Crossbars or a Trailer Hitch, our factory-trained technicians and product specialists keep ownership simple and enjoyable.
In short, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 delivers the confidence of standard i-Activ AWD® across every trim, the flexibility of Mi-Drive for changing conditions, and premium refinement for everyday comfort. Visit CardinaleWay Mazda Corona to see how the CX-90’s capability and craftsmanship come together for your routes across Riverside County and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is i-Activ AWD® standard on every 2026 Mazda CX-90?
Yes. Every 2026 Mazda CX-90 includes i-Activ AWD® as standard equipment across all trims.
How is i-Activ AWD® different from a traditional AWD system?
Instead of waiting for wheel slip, i-Activ AWD® proactively monitors vehicle dynamics data and adjusts torque distribution to help deliver predictable handling before conditions change — whether it is rain-slick streets or uneven surfaces.
Which Mi-Drive modes affect the AWD system on the CX-90?
Normal, Sport, and Off-Road modes are standard, with available Towing mode on select models. Each mode adapts power delivery and shifting, working with i-Activ AWD® to suit your route and load.
Does i-Activ AWD® impact towing on the CX-90?
i-Activ AWD® helps with confident traction. When properly equipped with a tow hitch, the 2026 CX-90 can tow up to 5,000 pounds, and available Towing mode within Mi-Drive optimizes response while you are hauling.
What features complement i-Activ AWD® for everyday confidence?
Standard i-Activsense® technologies — like Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Lane-keep Assist — enhance awareness, while available tools such as the 360° View Monitor with See-through View and Trailer Hitch View assist with tight maneuvers and trailer alignment.
Visit CardinaleWay Mazda Corona to explore the 2026 Mazda CX-90 in person, compare trims, and experience i-Activ AWD® on the roads you drive every day in Corona, CA.