Road Trip Adventure: Driving the Mazda CX-90 from Dallas to LA and Back
The road trip from Dallas, Texas to Los Angeles, California was not just a journey; it was an unforgettable family adventure. From the moment I slid behind the wheel of the Mazda CX-90, the excitement of the open road ahead set the tone for a memorable experience. This (about) 3,800 mile round-trip, crossing some of the most iconic cities and landscapes in the United States, would take us through Amarillo, Albuquerque, Tucumcari, Flagstaff, and Las Vegas, with stops to tour the best of LA and the Grand Canyon. Alongside me were my family—my spouse and our two grown-up kids, including a 6-foot-plus teenager—who shared in the comfort and excitement of the ride.
Day 1: Dallas to LA –
The trip began on a warm evening in Dallas, Texas. We set off from our starting point at 7:00 PM, eager to see what the Mazda CX-90 had to offer. The vehicle’s combination of luxury and power made it the ideal road-trip companion for the family. The CX-90 provided plenty of space for everyone, including our two older kids, both of whom are quite tall. Even our 6-foot-plus teenager comfortably fit in the back seat, with ample legroom and headspace—something that’s often a challenge in other vehicles. The SUV’s spacious cabin meant there was no need for anyone to feel cramped, even on a long drive.
As the sun set behind us, we drove through the outskirts of Dallas, gradually hitting the open road on Interstate 20 West. The car’s advanced driver-assistance systems—like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist—took the pressure off the long journey, especially as night fell. The 3.3-liter turbocharged engine under the hood hummed steadily, providing enough power to handle the stretches of highway effortlessly.
Stop 1: Amarillo, Texas
The night drive to Amarillo was amazing, old western towns, dotted the highway. Movies and Western novels, quite the flashback. Our first major stop was Amarillo, Texas, a city known for its place on the historic Route 66 and its vast plains. Although it was a brief pit stop in the dead of the night, gas, and gas station goodies and snacks and after a quick chat with some folks at the station we headed on. The spacious cabin of the CX-90 made it easy to stretch out during the break, with no complaints from our teenager, who usually feels cramped on long trips. The drive was smooth, and the cabin was impressively quiet—no road noise disturbing the comfort of the backseat passengers. The combination of space, power, and comfort made the long hours on the road much easier to handle.
Stop 2: Albuquerque, New Mexico
By the time we reached Albuquerque, New Mexico, it was around 5:00 AM. The city, nestled in the high desert, was just waking up, and we took a moment to stretch our legs before continuing to Tucumcari. The CX-90’s spacious interior was a big plus here, as we were all well-rested and ready to tackle the next leg of the journey.
Although we didn’t stay long in Albuquerque, the drive through New Mexico’s arid terrain was visually stunning. The CX-90’s impressive suspension system handled the desert landscape with ease, providing a smooth and stable ride.
Stop 3: Tucumcari, New Mexico
Tucumcari was our next planned stop, only because of the reference from the Good Bad and Ugly Western. Known for its nostalgic Route 66 atmosphere, the town features neon signs, old-school diners, and classic motels that made it feel like a trip back in time. We spent some time walking along Main Street and checking out the quirky local shops. 
Stop 4: Flagstaff, Arizona
By the time we reached Flagstaff, Arizona, the sun was rising higher, and the cool mountain air was a welcome change. We took a short meal break, and the kids enjoyed the fresh atmosphere. Flagstaff’s unique mix of mountain views and small-town charm made it a lovely pit stop.
As we got back on the road, the drive through Arizona was absolutely breathtaking. The rugged, desert landscape and the distant mountains created a picturesque backdrop, and the CX-90 handled the terrain with grace. The rear-seat passengers were particularly happy with the ride, especially our teenage son, who commented on how comfortable the backseat was, even with the long hours.
Arrival in Los Angeles
After hours of driving, we finally arrived in Los Angeles at 8:00 PM. The sprawling cityscape greeted us, and the bustling energy of LA was evident even as the sun was setting. Although we were all exhausted, we couldn’t help but feel excited for the next day’s adventures.
The Mazda CX-90 had performed beautifully during the long journey, with every family member enjoying the comfort, space, and smooth ride. The spacious interior was perfect for our tall kids, and the vehicle’s technology, like the premium sound system and infotainment system, kept everyone entertained throughout the trip.
Day 2: Touring Los Angeles
After a restful night, we spent the day exploring Los Angeles. We started by visiting the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame, where we all took turns searching for our favorite stars. The kids, especially, were excited to see their favorite celebrities’ names engraved in the sidewalk. From there, we drove down Sunset Boulevard, admiring the upscale shops and taking in the California vibe.
At Santa Monica Pier, we spent some time on the beach and enjoyed a classic Californian meal from one of the pier’s food trucks. It was nice to take a break from the road and relax, knowing we had a comfortable and spacious vehicle to return to. The CX-90’s ample cargo space came in handy when we picked up some souvenirs to remember the trip.
Later, we visited Griffith Observatory, where we had amazing panoramic views of Los Angeles and the famous Hollywood Sign. The car handles the LA streets with east, the ups, the downx to the observatory and sign were also not an issue, especially in very steep and narrow streets, it drove like a champion.
Day 3: LA to Vegas
The next morning, we headed from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. The drive through the Mojave Desert was beautiful, and we enjoyed taking in the stark beauty of the landscape. The CX-90’s smooth ride, even on long, straight stretches of highway, kept everyone comfortable. Our kids, including the 6-foot-plus teenager, were able to relax without feeling squished, and the vehicle’s quiet cabin ensured we could have meaningful conversations during the drive.
We arrived in Las Vegas in time for dinner, where we marveled at the neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip. The kids were fascinated by the city’s over-the-top hotels and attractions. The late night walk on the strip was eventfull, a cultural awekening for the kids, and a reminder of all things insane that Vegas has to offer.
Day 4: Touring Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon
We spent the next day exploring Las Vegas, visiting iconic spots like Caesars Palace, The Venetian, and The Bellagio. We took in a show and dined at one of the Strip’s famous restaurants. Everyone in the family had a great time, but the highlight of the day was our trip to the Grand Canyon.
The drive to the Grand Canyon was spectacular, with the vast, colorful landscapes offering a view unlike anything we had ever seen. The entire family was awestruck by the Canyon’s beauty. The Mazda CX-90’s high seating position gave us an excellent view of the surroundings, and the ride was so comfortable that the long drive felt much shorter than it actually was.
After taking in the Grand Canyon’s breathtaking views, we returned to Flagstaff for the night, resting up for the final leg of our journey.
Day 5: Flagstaff to Dallas
The drive back to Dallas was bittersweet, but the CX-90 made the return trip just as comfortable as the first leg. With the kids relaxed in the back and plenty of room for everyone’s belongings, the long hours on the road flew by. We retraced our steps through the same towns, and the car’s comfort and space were a constant reminder of how much we had appreciated the journey.
By the time we returned to Dallas, the trip had come full circle. The Mazda CX-90 had proven itself as the perfect road-trip vehicle for a family—comfortable, spacious, and a joy to drive
