Big, wide, and powerful — drives
more like a BMW than a Mazda

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(August 17, 2023) When you think of Mazda what do you imagine? If you're sensing a nearly forgotten Japanese brand whose sales are continually pummeled by other Japanese competitors like Toyota, Honda and, Nissan you're not alone. However, do a bit of research, slip behind the wheel of the brand's all-new full-size three-row family hauling SUV and you're in another level of the multiverse. In this new reality, the CX-90 might just be the pick of the litter competing against stalwarts like Toyota Grand Highlander, Nissan Pathfinder, Hyundai Palisade and others in this class vehicle.

I agree, that's a serious declarative but read on to see if my senses have been exaggerated by the intoxicating fumes of its supple quilted Nappa leather upholstery and the sweet symphonious turbocharged inline-6 cylinder engine.

What can most routinely be described as mundane driving commutes of most SUVs that dull the experience and excitement of testing them, my first experience with the new CX-90, the replacement vehicle for Mazda's ho-hum CX-9 I could be accused of excessive hyperbole by comparison. But that's not the case here; the hype is real. A week of testing is compulsively compelling.



It's big, wide, powerful and drives more like a BMW than a Mazda. For years, the Mazda brand has been highly regarded but underrated. Mazda has been upgrading its vehicles for several years now moving from economy, to premium and now on the cusp of luxury with the just introduced CX-90 flagship of the brand.

Outside, the design elements are elegant yet instantly recognizable as a Mazda but also more modern and upscale especially the striking waterfall look grille with LED accent strips that cut the chrome "U" shape along with full LED headlamps. When viewed from the side it's instantly recognized as a rear-wheel drive platform with a long hood and short overhang ala European designed vehicles. The rear quarter of the vehicle has a bit of odd looking rounded shape. We think a bit more squared-off styling to the rear would have looked better plus added more headroom to the third row of seats and cargo space behind it. Taillights are LED as are the amber colored turn signals.

Our test CX-90 came equipped with 21-inch P275/45 Fallen all-season tires — quite beefy tires not usually found on this class of vehicle like a Toyota Highlander, Nissan Pathfinder or Honda Pilot.

Power comes from an inline turbocharged 3.3-liter six-cylinder engine bolstered by a mild hybrid system and paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. But it isn't just an inline six, it's an inline six that's been so that it's now longitudinal mounted which is big news. Taking a page from the engineering playbook from the German automakers who realized that if you want to make a large car handle with impeccable precision, you have to turn the engine, move it back and turn the rear wheels first.

That's precisely what Mazda did making the CX-90 rear-wheel biased all-wheel-drive system that then drives the all-wheel system when needed. Further, it's also a mild hybrid much like what BMW has done. There's also a plug-in hybrid offered in the CX-90 that still gets 323-horsepower and the same 369 lb.Ft of torque.

Our test CX-90 was the range topping Premium Plus all-wheel-drive finished in the stunning Artisan Red Metallic paint finish ($595) with white leather seating for eight listed at $61,920 including shipping and handling fees. Inside, the styling is attractive, modern and above average for the class. But choices for trim materials and color seemed a bit awkward especially the slightly textured very white vinyl trim across the center face of the instrument panel that was whiter than the Nappa leather seats and real blonde colored maple wood veneer that trimmed the center console and door panels.

Those were accented by a very dark brown injection molded upper and lower instrument panel, steering wheel and upper door trim with aluminum accent pieces about the instrument panel, center console and steering wheel. A very busy look that felt pieced together. We think the available and less busy looking tan or black interior a better choice.

Our Premium Plus CX-90 comes with twin 12.3 color fully digital display screens for both infotainment and gauge information mounted behind the steering wheel and center of the dashboard. While it includes the newest edition of Mazda's infotainment interface and software that hasn't been our favorite among automakers. We find it fussy and especially annoying to navigate and lacking intuitive steps and an awkward menu structure when using it often requiring to go several screens deep to adjust the audio system band. A round control knob just behind the gear shifter on the center console controls the infotainment screen.

Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is standard with the 12-speaker Bose Stereo, while wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay comes with the standard eight-speaker stereo HD Radio. A panoramic sunroof, universal garage door opener, auto-dimming rearview mirror, four USB ports, voice recognition commands and tricks-zone automatic climate control and proximity keyless entry all standard.

On the road we found our inline 6 cylinder engine was plenty quick enough for family use even with kids, gear and a dog on board. Acceleration is especially responsive thanks to the generous engine torque and its hybrid boost. It's smooth and quiet whether in town or highway driving but we wished for a bit more midrange snap when passing on the highway. As with all Mazda's we've tested the CX-90s driving dynamics are exceptional and among the best in its class with much of the credit going to a rear-drive bias for a decent balance of comfort and above average agility.

The steering feel is very good, cornering grip confident and predictable and brakes average for the class. And, with our tester's 21-inch wheels there was more road feel feedback especially on rough and uneven pavement. The standard 19-inch tire setup might be a better way to go for ride quality.

All CX-90s come standard with Mazda's i-Activsense suite of driver-assist features including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring and warning, adaptive cruise control and more.

Overall, the all-new 2024 CX-90 is a very good SUV with seating up to eight across three rows, with a welcoming and near-luxury interior for the first two rows, but the third row is tiny and for kids only. This is Mazdas largest, most powerful and most luxurious vehicle to date and ranks as one of our top picks for a mid-size or larger SUV in a strong upscale class of premium brands.

Vital Stats

Base Price: $59,950
Price as Tested: $61,920
Powertrain: 340-horsepower, 3.3-liter turbocharged inline 6-cylinder with mild hybrid assist with power delivered through an 8-speed automatic transmission.
EPA Fuel Economy: 23.25/28 mpg - City/Highway/Combined
Seating: Up to 8

Where Built: Hofu, Japan

Crash Test Safety Ratings: The Mazda CX-90 has not been crash tested for safety ratings by either the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as of this writing.

Competes With:
Buick Enclave
Chevrolet Traverse
Dodge Durango
Ford Explorer
Honda Passport
Hyundai Palisade
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Kia Telluride
Nissan Pathfinder
Toyota Grand Highlander

Likes
Dynamic driving performance
Near luxury — family friendly interior
A trio of engine choices

Dislikes
Fussy/annoying infotainment controls
Firm ride with 21" tire setup
Tiny third-row of seats