Mazda CX-90 Towing Guide: The Flagship Hauler

Know Your Powertrain: Inline 6 vs. PHEV

Your towing capacity is strictly defined by what is under the hood.

• The 5,000 lb Club (Inline 6 Turbo): If you own the 3.3L Inline 6 Turbo (specifically the Premium Sport, Premium Plus, or Turbo S trims equipped with the factory tow package), you are rated for 5,000 lbs. This engine's smooth torque delivery makes it excellent for pulling bunkhouse trailers.

  Note: Lower trims like the Turbo Select or Preferred may be limited to 3,500 lbs if they lack the "Mi-Drive" Towing Mode or factory hitch coolers. Always check your door jamb sticker.

• The 3,500 lb Club (PHEV Models): While the CX-90 PHEV offers incredible horsepower, its towing capacity is generally capped at 3,500 lbs across all trims. This protects the battery and electric motors from overheating under sustained load.

  Best Match: Travel Trailers Under 3,500 lbs like the Prolite or Tab 400.

The "Mi-Drive" Advantage

The secret weapon of the CX-90 is the Mi-Drive Towing Mode.

• What It Does: When you connect a trailer (using the Genuine Mazda Hitch), this mode optimizes the All-Wheel Drive system to account for the extra weight on the rear axle. It adjusts the transmission shift points to hold gears longer, ensuring you have power on hills without "hunting" for gears.

• Why It Matters: This system provides stability that feels far more confident than standard SUVs, resisting the "tail wagging" effect often felt when towing boxy travel trailers.

What Can I Tow With a CX-90?

• For Inline 6 Owners (5,000 lbs): You are in the sweet spot for single-axle family campers. The Jayco Jay Flight SLX 184BS or Grand Design Imagine XLS are perfect matches. These trailers offer slide-outs and full bathrooms while staying under the 5,000 lb limit loaded.

• For PHEV Owners (3,500 lbs): Stick to aerodynamic, lightweight units. A Teardrop Trailer or a Pop-Up Camper is ideal. The electric torque of the PHEV makes pulling these lighter loads effortless, even from a dead stop.

Essential Equipment: The Brake Controller

This is the #1 missed item for new Mazda owners.

• The Reality: The CX-90 does not come with a factory integrated brake controller on the dashboard.

• The Fix: To tow a trailer over 3,000 lbs legally, you must install a controller. Mazda dealers often sell a re-branded Redarc Tow-Pro, which installs with a tiny, non-intrusive knob on your dash. Our Service Department can install this or a wireless Echo controller to keep your luxury interior looking clean.

Ready to Tour?

Your CX-90 was built for the long haul.

• Find Your Match: Browse our inventory of Travel Trailers Under 4,500 lbs to find a safe and comfortable match for your Mazda.

• Verify Your Trim: Unsure if you have the 3,500 lb or 5,000 lb rating? Visit our Towing Guide Resource Center for a trim-by-trim breakdown.

• Get Equipped: Need a 7-pin harness or brake controller? Book an appointment with our Service Team today.