Bob Penkhus Mazda at Powers - 2026 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus - Confident, Connected Family Driving around Denver, CO
The 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus sits in the CX-90 lineup as a high-value sweet spot for Denver families who want luxury appointments, advanced assistance technology, and confident year-round traction. It pairs an e-SKYACTIV G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbo with a SKYACTIV-Drive 8-speed automatic and standard i-ACTIV AWD® for smooth, poised acceleration and traction you feel on busy I-25 interchanges and tight urban turns. Inside, this trim elevates the experience with Nappa leather-trimmed seats and a quiet, well-insulated cabin that calms the daily commute. Critically, Premium Plus adds an advanced suite of aids, including Front Cross Traffic Alert and Brake and the 360° View Monitor with See-through View and Trailer Hitch View. Whether you’re nudging forward from a partially blocked alley downtown or backing toward a tow ball for a weekend gear hauler, these tools help you spot what’s usually hidden.
What sets Premium Plus apart is how those upgrades work together to reduce mental load. You’re not just getting more features; you’re getting smarter, easier driving. The 360° View Monitor enhances low-speed confidence in crowded lots around Cherry Creek, while Front Cross Traffic Alert and Brake adds an extra set of eyes when you’re inching into cross-street traffic from a blind angle. On the move, i-ACTIV AWD® predicts wheel loading and shifts torque proactively—helpful when light dust or gravel collects near curbs or when a rain shower rolls through. Mazda’s chassis tuning and Kinematic Posture Control further stabilize the body through bends, keeping passengers comfortable and helping the driver feel in command.
Daily usability is equally strong. The Mazda Connect™ system streams Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ for seamless navigation, music, and podcasts, keeping your eyes and attention where they belong. The cabin offers thoughtful storage and easy-fold seatbacks so you can switch from school drop-offs to hauling bulky items without a plan B. Passengers appreciate the generous space in rows two and three, and available USB-C charging for back rows on select models keeps devices topped up. Families also benefit from the standard i-Activsense® roster—Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane-keep Assist, and more—raising baseline confidence every time you head out.
For weekend plans, Premium Plus supports an active lifestyle with a towing setup tailored to the lineup, including Trailer Hitch View to help at hookup time. With proper equipment, the CX-90 platform supports up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity, a practical range for a small camper, bikes, or a lightweight utility trailer. Mi-Drive modes let you dial responses for the job—Normal for balanced daily driving, Sport for lively power delivery on highway merges, Off-Road for loose surfaces, and an available Towing mode that optimizes throttle and shifting when you’ve got a load attached. The result is a well-rounded three-row SUV that behaves like a smaller vehicle in traffic yet flexes into road-trip or project mode without drama.
Why choose Premium Plus over the trims above and below it? In short, it’s the most complete blend of comfort and capability for urban and suburban Denver. Compared with entry models, you gain Nappa leather-trimmed seating and the most helpful low-speed visibility aids Mazda offers. Compared with the S-tuned variants, you still enjoy the refined 3.3L Turbo and full-time AWD confidence without jumping to the highest output configuration—ideal if your driving style prioritizes smoothness and efficiency of motion over outright thrust. It’s the trim that says yes to what matters most for families: calm, confident commuting and easy maneuvering in real-world spaces.
As you evaluate trim content, consider how you drive now and how you want to drive for the next few years. Do you regularly navigate parking garages, narrow driveways, or crowded school zones? The 360° View Monitor with See-through View will quickly become one of your favorite features. Do you want a premium seating surface that elevates the feel of the interior every single day? Nappa leather-trimmed seats check that box. Do you need a clear, supportive suite of driver-assist technologies that stay in the background until you need them? Front Cross Traffic Alert and Brake, Smart Brake Support, and Blind Spot Monitoring are the types of tools that pay for themselves in peace of mind.
When you’re ready to get hands-on, our team at Bob Penkhus Mazda at Powers can set you up with a focused test drive in the 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus. We’ll walk you through both the technology and the tactile details—steering feel, seating position, cargo reconfiguration—so you know exactly how it fits your day-to-day. For drivers across the metro, we’re serving Highlands Ranch, Englewood, and Denver with a simple process that puts your needs first and helps you get the right features the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is i-ACTIV AWD® standard on the Premium Plus trim?
Yes. All CX-90 models include standard i-ACTIV AWD®, which continually monitors inputs and proactively adjusts torque for secure, predictable handling.
Does the 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus include a panoramic moonroof?
A panoramic moonroof is available on select models. We can show you which configurations of Premium Plus include it during your visit.
What towing help does Premium Plus provide?
Premium Plus includes Trailer Hitch View within the 360° View Monitor, making it easier to line up to a trailer. With proper equipment, the CX-90 platform supports up to 5,000 pounds.
What are the standout safety and driver-assist features on Premium Plus?
In addition to the standard i-Activsense® suite, Premium Plus adds Front Cross Traffic Alert and Brake and a 360° View Monitor with See-through View for enhanced low-speed awareness.
How does the CX-90 feel on Denver streets vs. the highway?
It remains composed and quiet in the city and stable at speed thanks to balanced chassis tuning, the 8-speed automatic, and i-ACTIV AWD® traction—ideal for dense traffic and longer corridor drives.
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