Shopping for a three-row midsize SUV in 2026 means making some tough choices, and the Mazda CX-90 and Chevrolet Traverse sit right at the top of many family wish lists. They share similar starting prices and seat up to eight people, but that’s where the overlap ends. One leans into driving enjoyment and near-luxury vibes, while the other prioritizes space and loaded tech features. Picking between them comes down to what matters most to you behind the wheel and in the back rows.
- The 2026 Mazda CX-90 and Chevrolet Traverse are close competitors in the midsize SUV market, but each brings very different capabilities and attitudes.
- The CX-90 uses an inline-6-cylinder engine, a type usually found in luxury cars, and torque vectoring, making it the pick for drivers who need a family hauler but love to drive.
- The Traverse has one of the most spacious interiors in its class, along with an available advanced driver assistance system that can take over some of the work of highway driving.
Under the Hood: Inline-Six vs. Turbo Four
These two SUVs take wildly different engine approaches. The Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo models feature an e-SKYACTIV G 3.3L inline-6 turbocharged engine that puts out up to 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, while Turbo S models are tuned to produce 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque when using recommended premium fuel. Every CX-90 pairs that engine with a SKYACTIV-Drive 8-speed automatic transmission. And all-wheel drive comes standard across the lineup.
The Traverse takes a different route, powered by a 328-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic, with either standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. That’s a lot more power than the base CX-90, though the optional turbocharged engine in the Mazda has even more. If you’re considering the 2025 Chevy Traverse RS or its 2026 successor, you’ll get that same 328-hp turbo-four with Super Cruise included as standard equipment.
Fuel economy tips in the CX-90’s favor. The 2026 CX-90 3.3 Turbo and Turbo S models both earn EPA-estimated mileage of 23 MPG city and 28 MPG highway. The Traverse, by comparison, gets 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. That gap adds up over a year of daily commuting.
Cabin Space and Cargo Capacity
Families with lots of gear to haul should pay close attention here, because the Traverse wins the space battle convincingly. The Chevrolet Traverse offers up to 22.9 cubic feet with all seats in place and a maximum of 97.6 cubic feet with the second row folded. The CX-90, on the other hand, has 14.9 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 40 cubic feet behind the second row, and a total of 74.2 cubic feet of cargo space.
The Traverse also has more legroom in both the front and second rows. The CX-90 offers 30.4 inches of third-row legroom, a little more than the Toyota Highlander but less than the Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, Ford Explorer, and Chevy Traverse. If you regularly pack six or seven people into your SUV, the Traverse will keep rear passengers happier on long road trips.
Tech, Safety, and Infotainment
The Mazda CX-90 and Chevrolet Traverse have similar infotainment tech and starting prices. The Traverse impresses with its 17.7-inch diagonal display screen that can be personalized to your liking. The CX-90, meanwhile, comes with a 10.25-inch central display, a 7-inch display in the instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Stepping up to Preferred or higher trims gets you a 12.3-inch screen with wireless smartphone connectivity.
One big advantage for the Traverse is Super Cruise. This feature allows for eyes-on-the-road, hands-off-the-wheel driving on approximately 750,000 miles of North American highways, and it can even do hands-free lane changes. No Mazda model currently offers anything comparable to that level of hands-free driving.
On the safety side, both SUVs are well-equipped out of the box. The CX-90 has earned the Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and a maximum 5-Star overall score from NHTSA. The Chevy Traverse received the NHTSA top overall safety rating of 5 Stars and also earned the Top Safety Pick award from IIHS.
Pricing and Trim Lineup
The CX-90 Turbo Select starts at $40,330, with higher trims like the Turbo Preferred at $44,480 and the range-topping Turbo S Premium Plus at $58,900. The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse has a starting sticker price of $42,695, with the range-topping Traverse RS kicking off at $57,295. The CX-90 undercuts the Traverse at the entry level by about $2,300, and it includes AWD as standard, which would cost you an additional $2,000 on the Chevy.
Chevrolet does add two new paint options for 2026: Polar White and Sandstone Gray. The CX-90 counters with standard Alexa voice commands, revised packaging for better value, and a new premium paint color in Polymetal Gray Metallic.
Picking the Right SUV for Your Family
For a sleeker, classier exterior and athletic driving manners, the CX-90 takes the lead. Choose the Traverse if you need more space or want the convenience of Super Cruise. Families who value behind-the-wheel engagement, fuel efficiency, and a near-luxury feel will gravitate toward the Mazda. Families who need every cubic foot of cargo room and want a massive touchscreen with hands-free highway driving will be happier in the Chevy. Both SUVs earn strong safety ratings and offer plenty of standard features, so there’s no wrong choice. It all comes down to whether you’d rather drive something fun or something big.
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