Mazda CX-90 Owner Says “AWD System Nearly Is” Perfect After Getting Unstuck in Over a Foot of New England Snow on All-Season Tires

The Mazda CX-90, a relative newcomer to the competitive three-row SUV segment, is quickly establishing a reputation for its surprising all-wheel-drive prowess, particularly in challenging winter conditions. One owner, navigating the harsh realities of New England blizzards, recently lauded the CX-90's ability to conquer deep snow, even while equipped with general all-season tires. This real-world performance report suggests Mazda's engineering has delivered a system far more capable than its segment peers, challenging the notion that only dedicated off-roaders can handle severe winter weather with confidence.

The owner, posting under the username blue250 on the r/MazdaCX90 subreddit, shared their experience: 

"The CX90 isn’t a perfect vehicle, but the AWD system nearly is, as I’ve witnessed over the past two blizzards in New England. In the attached pic, I was able to get unstuck in over a foot of snow covering both sides and snow packed underneath the vehicle. No tire spinning. This is on General all-season tires in off-road mode.

Other crossovers in my apartment complex weren’t so lucky, or maybe just had bad tires, as I could hear them spinning in place. I’ve tackled snow-covered gravel roads and bombed out ski runs with full confidence. Coming from a transverse on-demand AWD system in my previous vehicle, the difference is very noticeable."

This firsthand account directly contradicts the common assumption that all-season tires are a compromise, especially in heavy snow. While dedicated winter tires remain the gold standard for ultimate traction and safety in freezing conditions, the CX-90's ability to extract itself from a foot of snow without wheelspin on all-seasons points to a sophisticated AWD system. 

Mazda's longitudinal engine layout, a departure from many front-wheel-drive-biased crossovers, likely contributes to a more balanced power delivery, enhancing traction when it matters most.

Mazda CX-90: Unpacking Its Winter Performance Capabilities

• The CX-90 utilizes Mazda's i-Activ AWD system, which is a full-time, rear-biased system designed to anticipate traction loss rather than react to it. This proactive approach helps maintain stability and grip, particularly in slippery conditions.
• Its longitudinal engine mounting allows for a more direct power transfer to the rear wheels, enhancing the vehicle's ability to "pull" itself through deep snow. This differs from many front-wheel-drive-based AWD crossovers that often struggle with initial traction.
• The vehicle's "Off-Road Mode," when activated, optimizes the AWD system, traction control, and transmission for loose surfaces like snow, mud, or gravel. This mode helps prevent excessive wheelspin and maintains momentum.
• Despite its impressive AWD, the choice of tires remains paramount for optimal winter performance. Owners who upgraded from standard all-season tires to dedicated winter or all-weather tires reported a significant improvement in confidence and capability.

The discussion quickly shifted to the critical role of tires, even with a capable AWD system. One commenter, u/Zone2Apologist, shared a similar experience with the CX-70, Mazda's two-row variant built on the same platform: "I tell ya, I have a CX-70 and was terrified the first time I drove it in wet, slippery snow. It was all over the place. Turns out, tires can be a major limiting factor, no matter how good the AWD system is. I swapped the stock Falken tires for some Pirelli Scorpion Weather Active tires, and it’s possibly the best vehicle I have driven in the snow. It shreds through everything and is very confident."

This observation reveals a fundamental truth often overlooked by consumers: the best AWD system in the world is only as effective as the rubber connecting it to the road. Factory-equipped tires are often chosen for a balance of cost, fuel economy, and all-season performance, which rarely translates to optimal winter grip. Investing in proper winter-rated tires, or at least high-quality all-weather tires like the Pirelli Scorpions mentioned, can transform a vehicle's cold-weather capability, turning a treacherous drive into a confident one.

Another owner, u/TrueSlide2727, offered a compelling comparison, placing the CX-90's winter performance above several established luxury and mainstream SUVs. "I’ve owned my share of AWD or 4WD SUVs. I must say this has been one of the best, if not the best, SUD’s I’ve driven in winter. Compared to X5, ML350, MDX, XT6, and Grand Cherokee. The CX90 just seems to want to pull forward no matter what. Very confident driving this in snowstorms."

Such a statement, comparing the CX-90 favorably against vehicles like the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz ML350, is a significant endorsement. These European luxury SUVs are often lauded for their sophisticated AWD systems and winter performance. For the CX-90 to not just compete, but potentially surpass them in an owner's real-world assessment, speaks volumes about Mazda's engineering priorities and the effectiveness of its i-Activ AWD system. It suggests Mazda has engineered a system that prioritizes consistent, predictable traction over complex, often less intuitive, electronic aids.

However, not all owners found the CX-90 to be a class leader in all respects. User u/jbrewlet offered a more tempered view, stating, "Doesn’t really compare to the Subarus we’ve had, but it’s not bad otherwise." This comment shows the enduring legacy of Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel-drive, a benchmark for many in the snow-belt regions. While the CX-90 may not fully replicate the specific feel or performance characteristics of a Subaru, the fact that it's even in the conversation for winter capability against such a formidable competitor is a testament to its design.

The Mazda CX-90's AWD system, particularly when paired with appropriate tires, appears to be a genuine standout feature. Its ability to navigate challenging snow conditions, as reported by multiple owners, positions it as a strong contender for those prioritizing winter capability in a three-row SUV. This real-world validation from consumers suggests Mazda has engineered a robust and effective system that delivers confidence when driving conditions deteriorate.

Image Sources: Mazda Media Center

Noah Washington is an automotive journalist based in Atlanta, Georgia. He enjoys covering the latest news in the automotive industry and conducting reviews on the latest cars. He has been in the automotive industry since 15 years old and has been featured in prominent automotive news sites. You can reach him on X and LinkedIn for tips and to follow his automotive coverage.