Understanding the 2026 Mazda CX-90's Three-Row Bench Configuration for Larger British Columbia Families

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 MHEV GT now offers standard eight-passenger seating with a second-row bench and an updated third-row bench accommodating three passengers across. For British Columbia families managing carpooling responsibilities, multi-generational households, or youth sports teams in Metro Vancouver, the ability to transport eight passengers eliminates the need for multiple vehicles during busy weekends.

This configuration provides flexibility that seven-passenger layouts cannot match. The three-across seating in both the second and third rows creates additional capacity without requiring a larger vehicle footprint. Understanding how this configuration works and when it proves most useful helps families determine if the eight-passenger CX-90 aligns with their transportation needs.

The Eight-Passenger Configuration

The 2026 CX-90 MHEV GT features an eight-passenger seating layout as standard equipment. The second row uses a bench seat accommodating three passengers, while the third row features an updated bench design also seating three passengers across. Combined with the two front seats, this creates eight total seating positions.

The second-row bench folds in a 60/40 split, allowing cargo flexibility while maintaining seating for two passengers. When additional cargo space is needed, both sections fold to create a flat load floor extending from the third-row seatbacks to the rear of the front seats. The third-row bench folds as well, providing maximum cargo capacity when passenger needs decrease.

All three second-row positions include three-point seat belts and integrated child safety seat anchors in the outboard positions. The third row provides three-point seat belts for all three positions, with LATCH anchors available. This ensures proper restraint options regardless of which seats children occupy.

Comparison: Eight-Passenger vs Seven-Passenger

The eight-passenger configuration prioritizes capacity, while the seven-passenger layout emphasizes second-row comfort and third-row accessibility. The seven-passenger setup is available as an option on the CX-90 MHEV GT-P trim.

Multi-Generational Household Applications

British Columbia's housing costs drive multi-generational living arrangements where grandparents, parents, and children share households. The eight-passenger CX-90 addresses transportation needs for these larger family units without requiring a full-size van.

A typical scenario: two grandparents, two parents, and three children travel together for holiday gatherings in the Interior or weekend trips to Vancouver Island. The eight-passenger configuration accommodates the entire household in one vehicle, simplifying logistics and reducing fuel costs compared to operating two vehicles.

The second-row bench allows adults to sit comfortably for extended drives. While the space is shared, the width accommodates three average-sized adults for trips lasting several hours. The third-row bench works well for children or teenagers, though adults can occupy these positions for shorter distances.

Carpooling and Youth Sports

Metro Vancouver families managing youth sports schedules often coordinate carpooling to reduce the number of vehicles at practice facilities and games. The eight-passenger CX-90 handles these responsibilities effectively, transporting four children plus parents or coaches in a single trip.

Hockey equipment, soccer gear, or basketball bags fit in the cargo area behind the third row when all eight seats are occupied. For tournaments requiring overnight stays, the second-row bench folds to create additional cargo space while maintaining six-passenger capacity.

School carpools benefit from the configuration as well. Four or five children travel comfortably in the second and third rows, with space for backpacks and school supplies. The high seating position provides good visibility for all passengers, addressing a concern some parents have with lower-slung vehicles.

Seating Dimensions and Comfort

The CX-90's interior dimensions support the eight-passenger configuration:

• Second-row legroom: 1,000 mm
• Second-row shoulder room: 1,476 mm
• Third-row legroom: 773 mm
• Third-row shoulder room: 1,363 mm

The second-row bench provides adequate shoulder room for three adults during highway drives. The 1,476 mm measurement indicates sufficient width to avoid constant shoulder contact, though passengers will be closer together than in captain's chairs.

Third-row legroom measures 773 mm, suitable for children and teenagers. Adults can occupy the third row for shorter trips, though legroom constraints become apparent on journeys exceeding one hour. The third-row bench works best when passengers are under 175 cm (5'9") tall.

Cargo Capacity with All Seats Occupied

When all eight seats are in use, the CX-90 provides 527 litres of cargo volume behind the third row. This accommodates several grocery bags, sports equipment bags, or backpacks without requiring seat folding.

For comparison, the cargo volume with the third row folded increases to 1,343 litres behind the second row. With both rear rows folded, capacity expands to 2,438 litres, creating a flat load floor suitable for larger items like furniture or camping equipment.

The 527-litre capacity with eight passengers proves sufficient for daily use. Families can transport children to school with backpacks, stop at the grocery store for supplies, and still have room for miscellaneous items. Weekend trips requiring luggage for eight passengers will need a roof box or cargo carrier to supplement interior space.

Climate Control and Passenger Comfort

The CX-90 GT includes three-zone automatic climate control with vents for the third row. This ensures all eight passengers maintain comfortable temperatures regardless of outside conditions. Third-row passengers adjust their own vent direction and airflow, preventing the common complaint of insufficient rear heating or cooling.

The available panoramic sunroof extends over the second row, providing natural light and an open feeling for passengers in the middle section of the vehicle. Third-row passengers benefit from their own windows, offering good visibility and preventing the closed-in sensation some experience in the rear of three-row SUVs.

Heated outboard seats in the second row are available on the GT trim, providing warmth during British Columbia winters. The third row does not include heated seats, though the dedicated climate vents maintain comfortable temperatures.

Access and Egress

Accessing the third row with a second-row bench requires tilting and sliding the bench forward. The 60/40 split allows either side to fold, providing access from both passenger sides. The process is straightforward, though it requires more effort than walking through the centre aisle in seven-passenger configurations.

Children typically handle this process without assistance once familiar with the mechanism. Adults accessing the third row may find the process less convenient than centre walk-through designs, particularly when wearing winter coats or carrying items.

The larger door openings on the CX-90 help with access. Parents can assist younger children into the third row without excessive bending or reaching. The running boards provide a step, simplifying entry for shorter passengers.

Powertrain Options

The eight-passenger configuration is standard on the CX-90 MHEV GT, which features the 3.3 L turbocharged inline-six engine with M-Hybrid Boost producing 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel. This powertrain pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard i-Activ all-wheel drive.

With eight passengers and cargo, the CX-90 operates near its maximum load capacity. The 280-horsepower output provides adequate acceleration for highway merging and mountain pass driving, though the vehicle feels noticeably more loaded than with four or five occupants.

Fuel economy with eight passengers decreases compared to lighter loads, as expected. The additional weight requires more energy to accelerate and maintain speed, particularly on uphill grades common on British Columbia highways leading to Whistler, the Okanagan, or the Interior.

Towing Capacity

The CX-90 MHEV GT equipped with Mazda Genuine Towing Accessories supports up to 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) of towing capacity. However, combining maximum passenger load with towing creates a scenario where total vehicle weight approaches Gross Combined Weight Rating limits.

Families using the eight-passenger capacity should calculate total weight carefully when towing. Eight passengers plus cargo plus trailer weight must remain within the CX-90's specified limits. For extended trips with full passenger loads, a smaller trailer or reduced cargo weight ensures safe operation.

The Mi-Drive system includes Normal, Sport, and Off-Road modes, with Towing Mode available when a trailer is connected. Towing Mode adjusts transmission shift logic and throttle response to optimize trailer handling.

Safety Features for Eight Passengers

The CX-90 includes comprehensive safety features protecting all eight occupants:

• Eight airbags including front, side, and curtain coverage
• Three-point seat belts for all positions
• LATCH anchors in second-row outboard positions and third row
• Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Smart Brake Support Front and Rear
• Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
• Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go

The i-Activsense suite operates regardless of passenger load, providing consistent protection whether the vehicle carries two occupants or eight. The added weight with full passenger loads slightly increases braking distances, though the system accounts for this automatically.

When Eight Passengers Makes Sense

The eight-passenger configuration proves most valuable in specific scenarios:

Frequent large-group transportation: Families regularly transporting six or more people benefit from having all seats in one vehicle. This eliminates coordination between multiple vehicles and reduces overall fuel consumption.

Multi-generational households: Extended families living together or frequently traveling together utilize all eight seats regularly, making the configuration essential rather than occasional.

Carpooling commitments: Parents managing multiple children's activities and coordinating with other families need the flexibility to transport additional passengers beyond their own household.

Weekend activities: Sports teams, club activities, or social events involving groups of children are more manageable when one vehicle accommodates everyone.

Families who rarely transport more than five or six people may find the seven-passenger configuration with captain's chairs more practical, trading occasional capacity for improved daily comfort.

Technology and Convenience

The CX-90 GT includes a 12.3-inch centre display with Mazda Connect, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bose 12-speaker premium audio, head-up display, wireless phone charging, and SiriusXM satellite radio. These features remain accessible regardless of passenger load.

USB-C ports are distributed throughout the cabin, with connections available in the first, second, and third rows. This ensures all passengers can charge devices during extended trips, preventing the arguments that arise when children compete for limited charging access.

The Mazda Connect system includes navigation with real-time traffic information, helping drivers find efficient routes when transporting full passenger loads during peak traffic periods in Metro Vancouver.

Visit Metrotown Mazda in Burnaby

The 2026 Mazda CX-90's eight-passenger configuration addresses specific needs for larger British Columbia families. Understanding the trade-offs between capacity and individual comfort helps determine if this seating arrangement aligns with your household's transportation requirements.

Our team at Metrotown Mazda in Burnaby can demonstrate the eight-passenger configuration and explain how it compares to the seven-passenger option available on other trim levels. We'll help you assess which layout best supports your family's activities throughout Metro Vancouver and beyond.