Awards rarely tell the whole story. They recognize the finished product, but the real achievement begins years earlier with the decisions engineers and designers make long before a vehicle reaches the road. That's what makes Mazda's safety leadership around Alexandria so impressive. For the third consecutive year, Mazda earned more IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards than any other automotive brand, reflecting a philosophy that places occupant protection at the center of every vehicle's development. more What It Takes to Earn IIHS Top Safety Pick+ The IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award is reserved for vehicles that excel in some of the industry's most demanding evaluations. Crashworthiness, crash avoidance technology, headlight performance, and pedestrian protection all contribute to the final result. Achieving the highest designation requires more than adding advanced driver-assistance systems, it demands a vehicle engineered from the ground up to perform when it matters most. That comprehensive approach has helped Mazda remain an industry leader in IIHS safety recognition. The 2026 Mazda Models Recognized for Excellence Mazda's 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ recipients span nearly the entire lineup. The breadth of those awards is significant. Rather than concentrating safety innovation in a handful of flagship vehicles, Mazda has applied the same engineering philosophy across compact cars, family SUVs, and electrified models alike. That consistency gives buyers the freedom to choose the vehicle that best fits their lifestyle without compromising on occupant protection. Safety Engineered in Every Journey Mazda's design philosophy has always centered on creating vehicles that respond naturally to their drivers. That same philosophy extends to safety through carefully engineered body structures and the i-Activsense® suite of driver-assistance technologies. Available features such as Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Departure Warning, and Lane-keep Assist work together to help drivers recognize potential hazards earlier while supporting confident, predictable driving. It's an approach that prioritizes prevention alongside protection. Recognition Built on Consistency The IIHS awards are only part of the story. Consumer Reports also named Mazda the Safest New-Car Brand, reinforcing the brand's reputation for combining thoughtful engineering with advanced safety technology. Independent recognition from multiple organizations reflects a sustained commitment to vehicle design rather than a single successful model year. It's evidence that Mazda's emphasis on craftsmanship extends beyond premium materials and engaging driving dynamics to include the protection of every occupant. Experience Mazda's Award-Winning Lineup at Alexandria Mazda Safety is one of the first qualities families consider when choosing their next vehicle, and Mazda continues to demonstrate that exceptional protection can exist alongside refined design and rewarding performance. Visit us in Alexandria, MN, to compare the award-winning 2026 Mazda lineup and schedule a test drive online to experience Mazda's thoughtful approach to engineering firsthand.
Captain's Chairs or a Second-Row Bench? Choosing the Right Mazda CX-90 Interior
The Mazda CX-90 is one of the most versatile three-row SUVs on the market, and one decision you'll need to make when configuring yours is where you stand on the Mazda CX-90 captain's chairs vs bench seat question. It's not just about looks - it's about how your family uses the vehicle day to day. What Are Your Options With Mazda CX-90 Seating? The 2026 Mazda CX-90 offers flexible seating configurations, with the ability to seat either 7 or 8 passengers depending on the package and trim combination you choose. The second row is where the real difference is - you can opt for a bench seat that stretches across the full row, or choose captain's chairs that create two individual, separated seats. The Case for Captain's Chairs If comfort and easy access to the third row are priorities, captain's chairs are worth serious consideration. These individual bucket-style seats provide each second-row passenger with their own dedicated space, which can make longer drives much more comfortable for adults. The gap between the chairs also creates a natural walkthrough to the third row, making it easier for kids to climb back without everyone having to shuffle around. For families who frequently use all three rows, this seating layout tends to feel more practical. The trade-off is capacity - captain's chairs reduce total seating from 8 to 7 passengers. The Case for the Bench Seat If you regularly need to carry a full load of passengers, the bench seat configuration is the smarter choice. That extra seat in the second row brings total capacity to 8, which is important for larger families or carpools. A bench seat also offers more flexibility when it comes to seating 3 across the middle row - helpful when you have younger children who need to sit together or when you're occasionally transporting extra guests. How Trim and Package Choices Affect Mazda CX-90 Seating It's important to know that not every Mazda CX-90 trim or package combination offers both seating configurations. Your choice of captain's chairs vs bench seat on the Mazda CX-90 will depend on which trim level and package you select, so it's worth mapping out your priorities before diving into the build process. Speaking with a product specialist who knows the current inventory can save you time and help you land on the exact combination that fits your needs. Discover The Mazda CX-90 At Alexandria Mazda No matter if you prioritize comfort and accessibility with captain's chairs, or maximum capacity with a bench seat, the Mazda CX-90 captain's chairs vs bench seat choice ultimately comes down to how you use your SUV most. Both configurations are well-designed and deliver the premium feels the CX-90 is known for. Stop by and explore your options with the team at Alexandria Mazda - they can walk you through available inventory and help you find the configuration that's right for your family.