How the Mazda CX-90's Eight-Passenger Seating Configuration Works for Multi-Generational Families

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 MHEV GT offers standard eight-passenger seating with a second-row bench and updated third-row bench accommodating three passengers across. For British Columbia families managing multi-generational households or carpooling responsibilities, the ability to seat eight provides flexibility that seven-passenger configurations with captain's chairs cannot match.

Understanding when eight-passenger seating delivers practical advantages helps Burnaby families determine which CX-90 configuration aligns with their actual transportation needs.

The Eight-Passenger Configuration Explained

The CX-90 MHEV GT's eight-passenger layout uses a 2-3-3 seating arrangement: two in the first row, a three-person bench in the second row, and three passengers across in the third row. This totals eight positions compared to seven-passenger layouts using second-row captain's chairs (2-2-3 arrangement).

The second-row bench includes a center seating position with its own headrest and seatbelt between two outboard positions that retain reclining, sliding, and heating functions (on equipped trims). The third row similarly provides three distinct seating positions, each with proper headrests and three-point seatbelts.

Who Benefits from Eight-Passenger Capacity

Eight-passenger seating addresses specific family situations where seven seats create limitations.

Families with Three or More Children: A family with three children fills a seven-seat configuration completely—three in the second row, both parents in front. This leaves no room for grandparents, friends, or carpooling without a second vehicle. The eight-passenger layout provides that extra position in the third row.

Multi-Generational Households: British Columbia's housing costs encourage multi-generational living arrangements. An eight-passenger vehicle accommodates larger family groups for grocery shopping, medical appointments, or recreational outings without splitting into multiple cars. Weekend trips to the Interior or Vancouver Island become simpler when everyone fits in one vehicle.

Carpooling and Youth Activities: Youth sports and school activities generate carpooling needs. Eight seats allow more flexible rotation schedules and accommodate larger groups. The CX-90's 423 L of cargo space behind the third row handles reasonable equipment loads even with all seats occupied.

Second-Row Comfort with Bench Seating

The second-row bench maintains individual passenger comfort while achieving three-across capacity. Each outboard position includes reclining and sliding functions that allow passengers to customize their seating position. Heated seats (available on equipped trims) extend to the outboard positions.

For shorter trips around Metro Vancouver or when all three positions aren't occupied, passengers can shift to outboard positions for maximum comfort. The center position maintains proper support and cushioning for when that eighth seat serves a needed purpose.

Cargo Space and Flexibility

The CX-90 provides 423 L of cargo space behind the third row when all seats are upright—sufficient for grocery bags, backpacks, sports equipment, or luggage for weekend trips with all eight passengers aboard. Behind the second row with the third row folded, cargo capacity expands to 1,133 L. Full cargo mode with both rows folded provides 2,101 L behind the front seats.

The eight-passenger configuration doesn't reduce these cargo volumes compared to seven-passenger layouts. Families gain the eighth seat without sacrificing utility when fewer passengers ride along.

Real-World Application

Consider a British Columbia family with two adults, three children, and two grandparents planning a weekend trip to Kelowna. The eight-passenger CX-90 accommodates everyone in one vehicle. Parents occupy the front seats, three children fill the second-row bench, and both grandparents sit in the third row. Cargo behind the third row holds weekend bags for eight people, with larger items fitting between rows as needed. The group travels together without the coordination complexity of two-vehicle travel.

Safety and Performance

The CX-90 extends i-Activsense safety technologies to protect all eight passengers. Blind Spot Monitoring with Vehicle Exit Warning, Smart Brake Support, and other driver assistance features function identically whether seven or eight passengers occupy the vehicle. Three-point seatbelts at every position provide proper restraint, and LATCH anchors accommodate child safety seats across multiple positions.

The 3.3 L turbocharged inline-six engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology produces 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque in standard configuration (340 hp and 369 lb-ft in high-output versions). Either output handles fully-loaded eight-passenger trips confidently, with torque delivery from low rpm supporting pulling power even under maximum passenger weight. Fuel economy achieves 9.9 L/100 km city, 8.4 L/100 km highway, and 9.3 L/100 km combined.

Making the Seating Decision

Families evaluating the eight-passenger versus seven-passenger question should audit their actual transportation patterns. How often does that eighth seat serve a real need? Do you regularly transport three children simultaneously? Does your household include extended family members who frequently travel with you?

If the eighth seat remains empty most of the time, optional captain's chairs may provide better daily comfort through individual armrests and walk-through third-row access. If you frequently encounter situations where seven seats create limitations—leaving a family member behind, requiring a second vehicle, or declining carpool responsibilities—the eighth seat delivers tangible value.

The CX-90 MHEV GT provides eight-passenger seating as standard, with optional captain's chairs for families prioritizing second-row comfort over maximum capacity. The CX-90 MHEV GS-L trim also offers eight-passenger seating as standard at a lower entry price.

Visit Metrotown Mazda

The 2026 CX-90's eight-passenger seating configuration provides flexibility for British Columbia families managing diverse transportation needs. Contact our team at Metrotown Mazda in Burnaby to explore both seating configurations and determine which CX-90 layout works best for your family.