The Mazda CX-90 is a new three-row crossover from Mazda, signaling the automaker’s move into the upscale market. Unlike traditional competitors like Toyota and Honda, Mazda is positioning the CX-90 as a vehicle that could appeal to buyers of luxury brands such as BMW, Mercedes, Acura, and Audi. It offers a more affordable option compared to similarly equipped models from those luxury brands while also providing an engaging driving experience.
The CX-90 isn’t just a facelift of the existing CX-9; it’s an entirely new vehicle with a fresh platform, a new straight-six engine, and a mild-hybrid system. Additionally, there’s a plug-in hybrid variant that combines a four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and a substantial 17.8 kWh battery.
The Mazda CX-90 is a compelling addition to the large crossover segment, offering attractive specifications and pricing that should catch the attention of both Honda and BMW shoppers.
Mazda CX-90: What’s New
- The Mazda CX-90 introduces several significant changes, including Mazda’s new longitudinal architecture.
- The CX-90 features Mazda’s first straight-six engine, combined with its first mild-hybrid system.
- It also offers a plug-in hybrid model, marking another first for the brand.
- The interior represents a notable improvement over the CX-9, featuring innovative use of materials to create a premium environment.
Mazda CX-90: What’s Pros and Cons
| No. | Pros | Cons |
| 1. | The CX-90 boasts a lovely interior design that enhances the overall driving experience. | Some expected features are missing from the CX-90’s offerings. |
| 2. | It introduces a brand new and smooth straight-six engine. | The start-stop calibration may require some adjustments. |
| 3. | Offers excellent value for buyers seeking a well-rounded SUV. | The CX-90 is notably large in terms of dimensions, which may not suit all preferences. |
Power and Performance in the Mazda CX-90
The Mazda CX-90 offers a choice of powertrains to suit varying preferences. It can be equipped with a straight-six engine featuring a mild hybrid system or a full plug-in hybrid setup. The plug-in hybrid configuration delivers an impressive 323 hp, while the turbocharged straight-six comes in two variants, offering either 280 hp or 340 hp, depending on the chosen trim level.
In the tested model, the CX-90 featured the 340 hp version of the straight-six engine, which proved more than capable of swiftly propelling this nearly 5000-pound SUV. It excels at passing in traffic and offers effortless acceleration. The engine’s optimal performance range lies in the middle of the rev range, as it may lose some power as it approaches the redline. Mazda pairs this engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission of their own design, resulting in quick and almost imperceptible gear shifts.
While the CX-90’s engine provides an overall smooth experience, the start-stop system did exhibit some occasional hesitation during rapid starts, leading to a slightly jerky acceleration. Despite this minor drawback, the CX-90’s straight-six engine offers a refined driving experience, falling somewhere between the sophistication of Mercedes and BMW’s straight-sixes and the V-6 and turbo-four engines found in many other crossovers.
Lavishly Equipped, but Some Notable Omissions
The Mazda CX-90 S Premium Plus leaves little to be desired in terms of features and amenities. It boasts a generous array of offerings, including multi-zone climate control, heated and cooled seats, a heated steering wheel, dual 12.3-inch displays, compatibility with CarPlay and Android Auto, cross-traffic and blind-spot alerts, and much more.
However, it’s worth noting that there are a few surprising omissions in a vehicle with a price tag that can reach $60,000 or more. For instance, the proximity unlock feature only works on the front doors, leaving the rear doors excluded. While the center controller is intuitive and user-friendly, it’s disappointing that the center screen locks out touch functionality while the vehicle is in motion. Additionally, Mazda’s menus can be slightly more convoluted compared to the straightforwardness of CarPlay.
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Another area of improvement could be the instrument display, which lacks certain customization options, such as the ability to add a numerical speedometer. These are relatively minor gripes, but in the luxury vehicle segment at this price point, such features should ideally be standard.
Fuel Efficiency Assessment
During our extensive evaluation of the Mazda CX-90 in both urban and highway driving conditions, the vehicle achieved an average fuel economy of approximately 24 miles per gallon. While this performance is acceptable, it doesn’t rank as exceptional. It’s important to note that the hybrid variant is expected to deliver superior fuel efficiency figures.
A Mazda That Delivers on Driving Pleasure
Mazda has a reputation for crafting some of the most enjoyable-to-drive vehicles in their respective classes, and the CX-90 is no exception. Despite its substantial length of over 200 inches, it exhibits a driving demeanor that makes it feel more compact and agile than its dimensions suggest. The steering is well-weighted, providing a direct and connected feel, although some may find it slightly on the heavier side. The ride quality is generally smooth, although the presence of large 21-inch wheels on our test car did lead to a slightly harsher ride over sharper imperfections like small potholes and expansion joints.
Any concerns about performance quickly fade when experiencing the CX-90’s new engine. It delivers a seamless and sonorous performance, though it may not feel particularly quick or fast. Nonetheless, it provides more than enough power to accelerate the vehicle confidently without any concerns about impeding traffic. While the BMW X7 may hold the title for the best-driving large SUV, the CX-90 is a strong contender for the runner-up spot, offering a rewarding driving experience.
Mazda’s Competitive Pricing for the CX-90
The Mazda CX-90 enters the market with a starting price of $40,970, positioning it in a similar price range as the CX-9. However, it scales up to a range-topping trim with all the available options, surpassing $62,000. While this marks a notable increase in pricing for Mazda, it’s worth noting that even the highest-priced CX-90 is roughly $20,000 less expensive than the starting price of the BMW X7, offering consumers an appealing value proposition to consider.
Mazda CX-90’s Thoughtfully Designed Interior
Stepping inside the Mazda CX-90, you’ll discover a well-crafted interior that combines modernity with practicality. Unlike some other manufacturers who have embraced minimalism by eliminating buttons, Mazda has retained them, and the result is a user-friendly and uncluttered cabin.
The interior design strikes a balance between contemporary aesthetics and ease of use. The BMW iDrive-style controller located in the center console adds to the intuitive nature of the cabin’s layout, although it may require a few additional steps for certain functions compared to more straightforward alternatives.
In our experience with the top-tier S Premium Plus trim, the interior showcased premium materials, including suede on the dashboard and door panels, creating a luxurious atmosphere. However, if you have young children, it might be worth considering a trim with less intricate materials. The alcantara suede, while elegant, can pose cleaning challenges if it comes into contact with sticky substances like peanut butter.
Superior Ride Comfort and Well-Designed Seats
The Mazda CX-90 offers an exceptional ride quality whether you’re cruising on the highway or navigating city streets. The seats, designed with both comfort and support in mind, are highly adjustable to cater to individual preferences.
The bolstering on the seats ensures that you’ll feel well-supported during your journeys, enhancing overall comfort. For trims equipped with larger 21-inch wheels, there may be a slightly more noticeable impact when encountering smaller bumps and surface imperfections. However, it’s important to note that this shouldn’t deter you from considering the CX-90, as the ride quality remains at a level that meets the expectations of discerning drivers.
Comprehensive Safety and Technology Features
The Mazda CX-90 is equipped with a range of safety and technology features to enhance your driving experience:
- Blind Spot Warning: This system helps you stay aware of vehicles in your blind spots, improving safety when changing lanes.
- Front and Rear Cross Traffic Alerts: These alerts provide valuable assistance when backing out of parking spaces or navigating congested areas, helping you avoid potential collisions with vehicles approaching from the sides.
- 360-Degree Camera: The CX-90 boasts a comprehensive camera system that provides a complete view of your surroundings, making parking and low-speed maneuvering more convenient and safe.
- Heads-Up Display: The heads-up display projects important information onto your windshield, allowing you to keep your eyes on the road while accessing key data.
- Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto: Enjoy seamless smartphone integration with wireless connectivity for CarPlay and Android Auto, enhancing your in-car entertainment and navigation capabilities.
While the CX-90 may not feature the most advanced cruise control or driver assistance systems, its comprehensive safety and tech offerings provide convenience and peace of mind during your journeys.
Exceptional Cargo Space
While Mazda vehicles aren’t typically associated with the largest interiors, the CX-90 is set to change that perception with its wider and longer platform. The cargo space in the CX-90 is simply vast, especially when you fold down the third-row seats. Even with the third row in place, there’s ample room for a substantial grocery haul, luggage, or a combination of both.
When you fold down both the second and third rows, you unlock a staggering total cargo volume of 75.2 cubic feet. This exceptional cargo capacity ensures that the CX-90 can easily accommodate your storage needs, whether you’re embarking on a family road trip, shopping spree, or any other adventure.
Comprehensive Safety Features
The Mazda CX-90 comes equipped with a comprehensive array of safety features to provide peace of mind during your journeys. Some of the notable safety technologies and amenities include:
- Airbags: The CX-90 is equipped with knee airbags and side curtain airbags, enhancing protection for occupants in the event of a collision.
- Lane Keep Assist: This feature helps you stay within your lane by providing steering assistance when it detects unintentional lane departure.
- Blind Spot Warning: The CX-90 includes a blind spot warning system that alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots, reducing the risk of side-impact collisions during lane changes.
- Cameras: Various camera systems are in place to provide a clear view of your surroundings, assisting with parking and maneuvering.
- Braking Assist: The braking assist system is designed to enhance your vehicle’s braking performance in emergency situations, helping you come to a stop more quickly and safely.
These safety features collectively contribute to the CX-90’s commitment to providing a secure and protected driving experience for you and your passengers.
Choosing the Right CX-90 Trim
The Mazda CX-90 lineup offers a range of trim options to cater to various preferences and needs. With eight trims available for the straight-six powered variants and three additional trims for the plug-in hybrid, there’s a CX-90 for everyone.
For those looking for a balanced combination of power and features without breaking the bank, the S trim stands out as an excellent choice. Priced starting at $53,125, this trim offers the 340-hp version of the straight-six engine and comes well-equipped with a range of features. While it may not boast the same high-end materials, advanced technology, and luxury amenities as the S Premium Plus trim, it provides a compelling value proposition that is sure to appeal to many buyers.
Verdict
The Mazda CX-90 represents a significant step forward for the brand as it aims to position itself as a more premium offering. Mazda has been gradually moving in this direction for some time, and with the introduction of the new platform and engine, it now has the necessary tools to realize its aspirations of becoming a more upmarket brand. This SUV offers an appealing alternative to both mainstream and luxury SUVs and should certainly be on the radar for those seeking a well-rounded and stylish vehicle in this segment.
