Mazda’s recent survey of 1,776 parents and guardians, conducted to dig into the real challenges of family driving, confirmed that keeping kids safe and entertained on the road is no easy feat. In fact, a whopping 77% of parents agree that driving with children poses its own unique set of challenges, with a solid 63% reporting they feel more anxious with little ones in tow.
Safety First, Always
The top parental concern, according to Mazda’s study, is child safety in the event of an accident, which 55% of respondents ranked as their number-one worry. This focus on safety is making parents increasingly selective, with nearly half (47%) preferring vehicles with the highest safety ratings post-kids. And that’s where Mazda shines. With its i-Activsense suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, the CX-90 is built to make your drive as safe as possible. These features—like automatic emergency braking and traffic-sensing technologies—aren’t just selling points; they’re essentials that help give parents peace of mind on the road.
Jennifer Morrison, Mazda North America’s head of vehicle safety, puts it this way: “Mazda’s i-Activsense was designed to help parents stay focused on what really matters—their family—by offering heightened safety and awareness on the road.”
Handling the Road Ahead
The second-highest concern? The unpredictability of the road itself. From sudden downpours to erratic drivers, parents ranked external conditions as a major worry (43%), which is why tech-savvy safety features have become even more appealing. According to Mazda’s survey, 40% of parents now lean toward vehicles with advanced safety and driver-assistance systems.
Mazda’s i-Activ AWD technology, which comes standard in the CX-90, provides all-weather confidence by continuously adjusting power distribution to maintain optimal traction. This tech, combined with its smart braking and stability control, makes the CX-90 ready for whatever comes its way.
Keeping Kids Comfortable and Content
A parent’s third most common concern? Keeping kids entertained and minimizing distractions in the back seat. There’s no magic trick to prevent back-seat squabbles, but having the right in-car features can make a huge difference. In Mazda’s survey, 58% of parents named smartphone connectivity like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as must-haves, with USB ports (54%) and Wi-Fi hotspots (33%) not far behind. Mazda delivers these essentials with the CX-90, so streaming, charging, and connecting devices is a breeze.
On top of tech, parents are also thinking about comfort. Smooth rides, climate control for everyone, and—yes—plenty of cup holders and storage compartments were among the most valued features. Mazda delivers here too, with comfortable three-row seating, ample storage, and climate options to keep everyone happy from the front to the back.
Mazda knows families need flexibility, safety, and comfort, and the CX-90 is built with all that and more. And for smaller families or those wanting a different size, Mazda offers a complete lineup tailored to different needs—from the compact yet versatile CX-5 to the adventurous CX-50 and the stylish CX-70. Each model brings the quality, design, and safety Mazda’s known for, ensuring that every family can find a Mazda that fits.
Mazda’s attention to the modern family shows through in the details, making every drive as safe, connected, and enjoyable as possible—so parents can focus on what really matters: spending time together.
Mazda, ever-aware of family needs, is stepping up to ease that tension with the redesigned CX-90—a family SUV that combines spacious comfort with cutting-edge safety and connectivity. With six 2024 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards under its belt, Mazda is on a mission to make family road trips not just safer but also more enjoyable.