I drove a $59,000 Mazda CX-90. It’s the closest thing to a sports car you’ll find in a big family SUV.

The base CX-90 3.3 Turbo Select starts at $38,045, and the range-topping CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus starts at $57,950.

My CX-90 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus text car is the second most expensive in the lineup, starting at $56,450. Premium Artisan Red paint and shipping fees pushed the as-tested price to $58,500.

Its long hood, which helps it accommodate a longitudinally mounted straight six, and tall upright cabin help give it the proportions of a rear-wheel-drive European sport wagon.

Mazda used its Takuminari or “artisan coloring” paint technology, which uses robots programmed to mimic the brush strokes of an artisan to create a rich multi-layer hand-painted effect.

My CX-90 Turbo S test car is powered by a 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine that produces 340 horsepower (319 with regular gas) and 369 lb-ft of torque.

A 48-volt mild-hybrid assist system assists the engine’s low-speed throttle response, contributing 16 horsepower and 113 lb-ft of torque.

All CX-90s come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

The base CX-90 has a 280 horsepower version of the straight six with less boost coming from its turbo. The PHEV version of the SUV has 323 horsepower coming from its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric drive motor.

My Turbo S test car boasts EPA fuel economy ratings of 23mpg city, 28 highway, and 25 mpg combined, which are impressive considering the size, weight, and power of the vehicle.

The CX-90 is the most fun I’ve ever had driving a big family SUV. Mazda has the best-handling SUV in its segment and is not even close.

The 4,900-lb CX-90 feels lively and enthusiastic on winding mountain roads. It attacks corners with poise and aggression, while most SUVs of its kind are simply fighting to maintain control

Its Kinematic Posture Control system lifted straight from the Miata roadster, brakes the inside rear wheel when entering the corners to keep body roll under control.

Straight-six engines are naturally smooth and balanced. Pair that with the power of a turbocharger and the effortless linear torque of an electric motor, and launches from stop lights transform from a chore to a thoroughly enjoyable pastime.

On the downside, the Mazda chose to compromise ride comfort in favor of driving pleasure. Its ride is the harshest I’ve encountered in the segment. While not disagreeable in most daily drives, you really feel the jolt on rough roads or when you hit a bump.

Mazda sought to deliver an elevated premium cabin experience with the CX-90, and it succeeded. The interior is both intuitive to use and artfully designed.

The intricately woven fabric accents on the front dash are not only beautifully done but also something I’ve never seen before in a modern vehicle.

My test car’s seats are upholstered in soft white Nappa leather.

The CX-90 comes standard with adaptive cruise control.

Only when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is it a touchscreen. In all other instances, you need to use the somewhat cumbersome rotary controller to operate the system.

My test car was configured to carry six passengers, while Lower trim levels can be optioned to carry up to eight.

In addition, the decision to place air vents next to the passenger’s thigh feels poorly thought out and can result in uncomfortable streams of air blowing up shorts and skirts.

With just under 16 cubic feet of space behind its third row, the Mazda offers comparable cargo to the smaller Toyota Highlander. It falls short of the Honda Pilot and Hyundai Palisade’s more than 18 cubic feet.

In an era of milquetoast four-cylinder engines, Mazda’s decision to go with a silky smooth turbo straight six is brave and praiseworthy. As are the CX-90’s sporty handing, bold looks, and beautifully executive interior.

Unfortunately, most of what makes the Mazda beloved by enthusiasts like myself results in a stiff ride, tight rear cabin, and limited cargo space that compromise its abilities as daily family transportation.

So much as I love driving the CX-90, it’s an SUV that really only makes sense for consumers where carrying people and their stuff isn’t a priority.