2026 MAZDA CX-90 shown above (left) with available features. 2026 GMC Acadia shown above (right) with optional features.
While the midsize SUV market has plenty of contenders vying for attention, few of them offer third-row seating like the 2026 Mazda CX-90. Explore how that model stacks up against the 2026 GMC Acadia and why you’re ultimately better served by going with the Mazda. Then, come to the convenient Mazda of Port Charlotte location to explore your buying options.
Performance
Capability is one of the most important facets of midsize SUVs, and you’ll find that the Mazda CX-90 is the superior option with its available e-SKYACTIV®1-G 3.3L turbocharged 6-cylinder engine. That system generates 340 horsepower2 and 369 lb.-ft. of torque compared to the 328 horsepower and 326 lb.-ft. of torque from the GMC Acadia’s 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Both models have a 5,000-lb. maximum towing capacity3,4, which is helpful for hauling your watercraft to the Charlotte Beach Public Boat Ramp. However, the Mazda model once again pulls ahead in terms of the gas economy, providing an EPA-estimated 24/28/25 MPG city/hwy/combined5 fuel efficiency rating compared to the GMC’s estimated 20/27/23 MPG city/hwy/combined6 efficiency rating. In terms of overall capability, the roads in this part of the state demand a vehicle calibrated to handle rain and mud, which the Mazda does with its standard rear-biased i-ACTIV AWD7, while AWD is only an available feature on the 2026 Acadia.
Interior
Both the2026 MAZDA CX-90Â and the 2026 GMC Acadia were thoughtfully crafted to have three rows of seats, making them useful for traveling with up to eight family members. Another similarity between the two models is that they each feature a standard 3-zone automatic climate control system to help maintain a comfortable atmosphere. Yet, the Mazda has more to offer in terms of overall quality, starting with its standard leatherette seating trim, while the GMC stays behind with cloth. Also, while the Mazda CX-90 provides available 8-way power-adjustable seats for both the driver and front passenger, that level of refinement is only available for the pilot of the Acadia. Although these models do have some commonalities, the Mazda has the right combination of luxury appointments that make it the clear choice for your trips to Audubon-Pennington Nature Park.Â
Technology
You’ll find numerous tech features that enhance your travel experiences in each model, like six standard USB ports8 to restore battery life in both. The 2026 Acadia has a larger infotainment screen, a standard 15.0-inch diagonal GMC Premium Infotainment System, compared to the available 12.3-inch full-color center display for the Mazda CX-90. The latter midsize SUV still has a larger 12.3-inch fully digital LCD Meter Display, while the GMC uses a standard 11.0-inch diagonal Driver Information Display to showcase your fuel level, warning lights, and other valuable data. If you like to see your speed without taking your eyes off the road, you’ll be happy to know that the Mazda has an available Active Driving Display with Traffic Sign Recognition9, and the Acadia has an optional 8.0-inch diagonal heads-up display10 that serves the same purpose. While these midsize SUVs have some areas of overlap, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 has more power, better design, and a rich variety of tech features that make it the winner of this comparison. Book a test drive appointment to get a complete understanding of what makes this vehicle special.
2026 MAZDA CX-90
- Available e-SKYACTIV®*-G 3.3L turbocharged 6-cylinder engine with 340 horsepower** and 369 lb.-ft. of torque
- Standard rear-biased i-ACTIV AWD
- 5,000-lb. maximum towing capacity***
- 8-person capacity
- Available 8-way power-adjustable seats for both the driver and front passenger
2026 GMC Acadia
- Available 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 328 horsepower and 326 lb.-ft. of torque
- Available AWD
- 5,000-lb. maximum towing capacity****
- 8-person capacity
- Available 8-way power-adjustable seats for driver only
*1. e-SKYACTIV® is a registered trademark of Mazda Motor Corporation.
**2. Premium unleaded fuel recommended
***3. Towing capacities shown when activating available Towing mode. Towing
mode requires use of a Genuine Mazda hitch. Towing capacities shown are
maximums and must be reduced by the weight of any passenger, cargo hitch or
optional equipment in the towing vehicle. Please refer to vehicle Owner's
Manual for details regarding towing capacities and other valuable information.
Towing a trailer may have an effect on vehicle's handling, braking,
durability, performance and driving economy. Hitches are available through
manufacturers other than Mazda.For specific information on recommended or
required equipment, see your Mazda Dealer.
4. Maximum trailering ratings are intended for comparison purposes only.
Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the
trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The trailering capacity of your
specific vehicle may vary. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or
accessories may reduce the amount you can trailer.
5. The EPA-estimated combined MPG includes both city and highway driving and
gasoline use only. Mileage will vary based on vehicle condition, driving
habits and other factors. Use for comparison purposes only. Actual results
will vary.
6. EPA-estimated MPG with 2.5L Turbo engine: 20 city/27 hwy/23 combined
(AWD)
7. i-ACTIV AWD is a registered trademark of Mazda Motor Corporation.
8. Not compatible with all devices.
9. Traffic Sign Recognition System is not a substitute for safe and attentive
driving. Factors including weather and the condition of the traffic sign can
impact recognition or display of the sign. Always check traffic signs visually
while driving. Please see your Owner’s Manual for further details
10. Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver's
responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. The driver should
remain attentive to traffic, surroundings and road conditions at all times.
Visibility, weather, and road conditions may affect feature performance. Read
the vehicle Owner's Manual for more important feature limitations and
information.
