There’s a peculiar trend in modern SUVs. The bigger they get, the louder they try to be. More screens, more alerts, more of everything. The 2026 Mazda CX-90 takes a different view. It doesn’t compete on volume. It competes on composure. And that alone makes it worth your attention. Safety That Doesn’t Need a Marketing Translator The CX-90 arrives with credentials that don’t require interpretation. An IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating. Consumer Reports naming Mazda the Safest New-Car Brand. No asterisks, no creative phrasing. Just results. In a market full of “advanced safety suites,” this is something simpler. Proof. For drivers in Greenville, NC, it means you’re not decoding claims. You’re choosing something that’s already been tested, measured, and signed off by people who don’t care about marketing departments. more Read the rest of this entry » Driver Assistance That Knows Its Place Here’s where things get interesting. Mazda’s safety tech doesn’t hover over you like an anxious co-driver. It steps in when needed, then gets out of the way. Forward collision systems, lane guidance, and monitoring tech all operate quietly in the background. It’s the difference between assistance and interference. Some SUVs feel like they’re constantly trying to prove how clever they are. The CX-90 simply works, which is far more useful. Engines That Feel Like They Belong Here Mazda has done something rather unfashionable here. They’ve fitted a proper Inline-6. A 3.3L Turbocharged unit, good for 280 hp or 340 hp depending on specification, supported by mild-hybrid tech. Smooth, linear, and entirely appropriate for a vehicle of this size. Then there’s the plug-in hybrid. 323 hp, 56 MPGe, and the ability to handle shorter drives on electric power alone.  It’s a lineup that doesn’t force a decision. It simply offers one. An Interior That Hasn’t Lost the Plot Step inside and something unusual happens. You don’t feel the need to learn it. The CX-90’s cabin avoids the trap of turning every surface into a touchscreen. Controls are where you expect them. Materials feel deliberate. The layout makes sense the first time you use it. 7 or 8 seats, depending on configuration, and a third row that functions as an actual seat rather than a polite suggestion. It’s not trying to impress you in the showroom. It’s trying to work six months later. The Rare Thing: An SUV That Feels Finished The 2026 Mazda CX-90 doesn’t overwhelm you with a single standout feature. Instead, it does something far more difficult. It gets everything broadly right. The safety systems are credible. The engines suit the car. The interior feels resolved. Nothing feels like it’s been added as an afterthought or to win a comparison test. For drivers near Greenville, NC, Brown & Wood Mazda offers the chance to see it up close, but more importantly, to test drive it. Because this isn’t a car that wins you over in bullet points. It’s one that wins you over about ten minutes into the drive, when you realize there’s nothing you’d immediately change.

How to Change the Battery in a Mazda Key Fob If you've noticed your Mazda key fob taking multiple presses to respond, the battery is likely running low. Knowing how to change the battery in a Mazda key fob is a simple, quick DIY skill that will get you back to using your advanced keyless entry system without a trip to the service center. This guide walks you through the exact process so you can swap out the battery yourself. What You'll Need Before You Start Before you open up your Mazda key fob, you'll need to gather a few simple tools: A replacement battery: Most Mazda key fobs use a CR2025 coin-style battery, though some models may use a CR2032. (Check your owner's manual to confirm). A small flathead screwdriver: Essential for prying the housing apart. A small piece of tape: Wrap this around the metal tip of your flathead screwdriver to prevent scratching or gouging the key fob's casing. A clean, flat workspace: Having a clear table prevents tiny internal pieces from rolling away. How to Open Your Mazda Key Fob Remove the auxiliary key: Turn the key fob over to find the small slide release button on the back. Push it and pull the metal emergency key out of the fob. Locate the prying slots: Look inside the slot where the metal key was just stored. You will see a small notch on either side of the inner casing. Pry the case open: Insert your tape-wrapped flathead screwdriver into one of these notches. Gently twist the screwdriver to begin splitting the two halves of the key fob apart. Repeat this on the other side if needed, working slowly until the cover pops open. Replacing the Battery With the case open, locate the battery compartment. Note the orientation of the existing battery before removing it; this is crucial as it ensures you'll place the new battery in the correct direction. Using your fingertips or a small tool, gently lift the old battery out, taking care not to touch any electronic circuitry inside the fob. Place the new battery into the compartment with the positive (+) side facing upwards, ensuring it sits securely within the designated holder. Then, align the two halves of the main key fob case and press them firmly together until you hear them click shut. Finally, slide your metal auxiliary key back into its slot. Pro Tip: Avoid using metal tweezers to pry out the old battery or slide the new one in. Metal tools can touch the internal circuitry and cause a short circuit, potentially damaging the transmitter. Your fingers or a small plastic tool is much safer. Testing Your Key Fob After the Swap With everything clicked back into place, stand near your Mazda and press the lock or unlock button. Your vehicle should respond instantly. If your model features a push-button start, jump inside and start the engine; the low-key battery warning indicator on your dashboard should now be gone. If the fob still isn't responding, open it back up to ensure the battery wasn't put in upside down. When to Visit a Professional While replacing a Mazda key fob battery is typically a five-minute job, sometimes key fob issues run deeper than a dead battery. If a fresh battery doesn't restore your key's remote functions, the transmitter may need to be reprogrammed or replaced altogether. If you need a replacement battery, a brand-new fob, or any other certified Mazda maintenance, the team at Brown & Wood Automotive is here to help. Stop by our Greenville dealership or visit us online at brown-wood.net to schedule a service appointment today!

Let’s be honest. Winter doesn’t ask permission before it beats up your car. Cold starts, rough roads, salt, grime, all of it adds up. And by the time spring rolls around, your Mazda might still look fine, but there’s a good chance it’s carrying a little wear you can’t see yet. The good news is this. A bit of straightforward maintenance now can save you a lot of trouble later. If you’re driving around Greenville, here’s how to get your Mazda back where it should be. Start With the Tires. They’ve Taken the Hit Your tires do the hard work, especially in winter. Check the tread. Look for uneven wear. If something looks off, it probably is. That’s usually a sign you need a tire inspection and alignment service. If you ran winter tires, now’s the time to swap them out. And if you didn’t rotate them recently, go ahead and schedule a tire rotation service. It’s simple, but it keeps them wearing evenly and lasting longer. more Don’t Skip the Fluids. That’s Where Problems Start Fluids are easy to ignore right up until they aren’t. Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid, they all need a look. If your oil is dark or overdue, it’s time for a Mazda oil change service. Coolant matters more than people think this time of year. Warmer temps are coming, and your engine needs to stay cool under pressure. This is basic stuff. But basic maintenance is what keeps expensive repairs away. Your Battery Isn’t as Strong as It Thinks It Is Cold weather drains batteries. Sometimes quietly. If your Mazda hesitates when starting, or if the battery is a few years old, don’t wait. Get a battery test and replacement service done before it leaves you stuck somewhere inconvenient. It’s a small job. It’s also the difference between getting home and calling for help. Brakes and Suspension. No Guessing Here If something feels different when you brake, pay attention. Squeaking, grinding, vibration, none of that fixes itself. A quick brake inspection and service will tell you exactly where things stand. Same goes for the suspension. Winter roads are rough, and potholes don’t do you any favors. If the ride feels off, or the steering isn’t as tight as it used to be, it’s worth having it checked. Wash It Properly. Not Just the Easy Parts This one gets overlooked all the time. Salt doesn’t just sit on the surface. It works its way underneath. If you don’t clean it off, it starts doing real damage. A proper wash, especially the undercarriage, clears out what winter left behind. Add a wax, and you’ve got a layer of protection heading into warmer weather. Get Ahead of Spring, Not Caught by It Wiper blades, air conditioning, little things like that matter more than you think. Replace worn blades before the next rain hits. Make sure the AC is working before you need it. It’s a lot easier to deal with now than in the middle of a hot day. Handle It All in One Visit You can piece this together yourself, or you can knock it out in one stop. A full spring maintenance inspection with a multi-point inspection service covers everything at once. It’s quicker, more thorough, and you know it’s done right. The team at Brown & Wood Mazda handles everything from routine maintenance to the issues you didn’t know were there yet. Schedule a service appointment online today to get your vehicle ready for the miles ahead.