Mazda CX-90

Importing a used Mazda CX-90 from the USA

The Mazda CX-90 is the brand's flagship three-row SUV, and it arrived as a genuine departure from everything Mazda had built before. Instead of the transverse front-drive architecture of the outgoing CX-9, the CX-90 rides on Mazda's Large Platform: a longitudinal layout with a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system and, for the first time in a modern Mazda, an inline-six under the hood. That mix of a premium powertrain and a family-friendly cabin is exactly why buyers in Germany and the wider EU look across the Atlantic. As an independent broker, USCar Trader sources used CX-90s directly from the American market and manages the full path to your German registration. This page walks through what you are actually buying when you import a used Mazda CX-90 from the USA.

From launch to today

The CX-90 debuted in early 2023 as a 2024 model year vehicle and sits at the very top of Mazda's North American SUV range. It replaced the CX-9 as the seven-plus-seat flagship, though the two briefly overlapped. Because it is a recent design, every used CX-90 on the US market is a first-generation car, which keeps the buying decision simple: you are choosing trim, powertrain and seating layout rather than untangling several generations. Early cars have already collected real-world mileage and depreciation, which is where the value in a used import comes from.

Engines and drivetrain in detail

Two very different powertrains define the range. The headline is the e-Skyactiv G 3.3-litre turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, offered in two states of tune: roughly 280 hp in the standard Turbo and around 340 hp in the Turbo S, the latter running on higher-octane fuel. The second option is the CX-90 PHEV, which pairs a 2.5-litre four-cylinder with an electric motor for a combined output near 323 hp and a modest electric-only range. Every version uses an eight-speed automatic that swaps the traditional torque converter for a wet clutch pack, and i-Activ all-wheel drive is standard across the board. This is a rear-biased chassis, so the CX-90 drives more like a European premium SUV than a typical American crossover.

Trim levels and variants

US CX-90s run from Select and Preferred through Premium, Premium Plus and the range-topping Turbo S and Turbo S Premium Plus, with dedicated PHEV Premium trims. The body is a single three-row wagon-style SUV, but the interior is where the choices matter: six-, seven- and eight-seat layouts are available, with second-row captain's chairs on higher trims. Nappa leather, a 12.3-inch display, a head-up display and a Bose audio system appear as you climb the range.

Used availability in the USA

Because the CX-90 is new, used American inventory skews toward low-mileage 2024 and 2025 cars, many coming off short leases or trade-ins. Condition is generally strong, and the higher inline-six trims are well represented because US buyers favoured them. When you import a used CX-90, you are typically looking at a vehicle with plenty of remaining service life, which is one reason the model has become popular for private imports.

When importing makes sense

The CX-90 suits a buyer who wants three usable rows, a genuinely refined straight-six and a more engaging drive than most large SUVs offer, without stepping up to a German luxury badge. If you regularly carry five or more people, tow a mid-size trailer, or simply want something less common on European roads, a used US-market CX-90 is a logical target. Buyers who only need two rows or the smallest possible footprint should look at Mazda's smaller SUVs instead.

Facts and figures

Reliability and common problems

As an early-production vehicle on an all-new platform, the CX-90 has attracted the usual first-year scrutiny. The most discussed issue is the eight-speed transmission's low-speed behaviour: some drivers report hesitation, a slight clunk or jerky take-up when creeping in traffic, a by-product of the clutch-pack design rather than a torque converter. Mazda has addressed calibration through software updates, so a used car that has had recent dealer service is preferable. Owners have also noted occasional infotainment glitches and, on very early cars, minor 48-volt mild-hybrid warning messages. The inline-six itself has no widespread mechanical failures reported, but as with any turbocharged engine, disciplined oil-change intervals matter. When you research CX-90 reliability and CX-90 common problems, focus on service history and whether pending software campaigns have been completed.

How US versions differ

US-market cars run miles-per-hour clusters, ship with amber side markers and, in most cases, lack a rear fog lamp, which German TÜV requires. Headlights are built to US (SAE/FMVSS) standards; the beam pattern must satisfy European approval. The 48-volt system, driver assistance features and connectivity are broadly the same hardware, but map data and some telematics services are set up for North America. None of this is a barrier to registration, but each item is part of the individual approval process.

From US purchase to registration

The path is methodical: vehicle selection from US inventory, a VIN and origin check to establish the build plant, payment via escrow for security, ocean freight to a European port such as Bremerhaven, customs clearance on arrival, a TÜV inspection with the necessary modifications, and finally German registration. USCar Trader coordinates each stage as your intermediary.

Costs, duty and taxes at a glance

In short: the 0% duty rate applies only with documented US origin (VIN/plant) – German import VAT of 19% is always due.

Two charges are separate and must never be blurred together. First, the import duty: since 1 July 2026, Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461 provide a 0% rate for vehicles of provable US origin, shipped directly, valid until 31 December 2029. The CX-90's origin depends entirely on where the individual car was built. Many CX-90s are assembled in Japan, in which case US-origin relief does not apply and the standard third-country duty is charged. This is exactly why the VIN and plant check comes first. Second, and always applicable, is the 19% German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer), calculated on the customs value plus duty. We never promise duty-free treatment; we verify origin and state each figure honestly.

TÜV, approval and license plates

Expect to add a rear fog lamp, adapt or replace headlights for the European beam pattern, and confirm the odometer can be read in kilometres or is documented in miles. The CX-90's recent build means emissions and safety hardware are current, which usually smooths the individual approval (Einzelabnahme) considerably.

Pre-purchase checklist

Before committing, confirm the following: the VIN and build plant (this drives the customs rate); a full Carfax or AutoCheck history with no structural or flood damage; a clean, non-salvage title; complete service records including any transmission software updates; underbody condition, since northern US cars see road salt; genuine mileage matching the history; and that all 48-volt and driver-assist warning lamps are clear.

Import FAQ

Can I get 0% import duty on a used Mazda CX-90?

Only if the specific car has provable US origin and ships directly. Many CX-90s are Japan-built, so we always confirm the plant from the VIN before quoting.

Does the 19% import VAT always apply?

Yes. The German Einfuhrumsatzsteuer of 19% is charged on every import regardless of origin, calculated on customs value plus any duty.

Which engine should I look for?

The 3.3-litre inline-six is the defining powertrain and the most common on used lots. Choose the PHEV only if you can charge regularly and value electric-only running.

Is the transmission a real concern?

Low-speed manners were criticised early on and largely improved via software. Buy a car whose updates are documented and test low-speed creep during inspection.

Will a US CX-90 pass German TÜV?

Yes, with the usual changes: rear fog lamp, European-approved headlights and documented mileage. The car's modern emissions hardware helps.

How many seats can it carry?

Depending on trim, six, seven or eight, with second-row captain's chairs on higher versions.

How long does the import take?

Ocean freight plus clearance and approval typically runs several weeks; the exact timeline depends on shipping schedules and inspection slots.

Explore the full range in the Mazda in the Carhub, compare it with the Mazda CX-70 and the older Mazda CX-9, or browse current CX-90 listings sourced from the USA.