Mazda steps up large SUVs with new CX-90

Mazda has joined the ranks of brands offering full-size SUVs with the introduction of the 2024 Mazda CX-90 three-row.

Not wanting to just stick their toe in, they are offering this new model – replacing the CX-9 – with a whopping 11 different trim levels and three powertrain options including a hybrid. All of them are AWD and available in 8, 7 and 6 seat configurations.

To borrow a phrase from that famous burger chain, you can have one “your way” – starting at just MSRP $39,595.

From the multiple trims and powertrain options available in the new CX-90, Mazda selected the top-of-the-line CX-90 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus AWD for us to test.

2024 Mazda CX-90 Premium Plus as Tested

The base MSRP on our test vehicle was $59,950. It was delivered in a handsome Artisan Red Metallic color with Tan Nappa Leather interior running on tall 21-inch wheels.

Tan Nappa Leather Trimmed Quilted Seating

With $595 for the color option added – plus delivery, our test CX-90 landed in our garage for $61,920.

In our opinion, an exceptionally well equipped and well-priced step into the large luxury SUV market by Mazda.

Let’s take a look.

2024 Mazda CX-90 SUV Inline 6 electrified Turbo

Powertrain and Mechanical

The powerplant for the 2024 Mazda CX-90 Turbo S Premium Plus is the new “electrified” mild-hybrid e-SkyActiv Turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-6 engine augmented by a 48-volt electric motor hybrid system.

The Mild-Hybrid Boost system adds efficiency to the engine by powering the Start/Stop function plus accessories like AC for the vehicle – while not taking power from the engine.

Designed for premium fuel, this power plant produces 340 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft. of torque. It can also run on regular fuel with a reduction in output performance.

A SkyActiv Drive 8-speed automatic transmission with Paddle Shifters delivers the power to the rear-biased i-Activ AWD system.

2024 Mazda CX-90 Hybrid — Multiple Drive Modes available

Equipped with Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive), the CX-90 offers alternative drive modes including SPORT/OFF-ROAD/TOWING modes for sport, towing and off-road driving.

Underneath, our Mazda CX-90 Turbo S Premium Plus ran on a platform with Double Wishbone suspension front and Multi-Link rear. The Rack and Pinion Steering is electric power assisted. Braking is ABS with 13.7-inch ventilated discs front and rear. Completing are Falken Ziex CT60 All Season tires mounted to the 21-inch alloy wheels.

Of Note: A Kinematic Posture Control (KPC) software feature suppresses body lift on tight corners by applying slight brake force to the inside rear wheel when cornering. Supported by a revised rear suspension geometry that enhances the grip – the CX-90 delivers tighter turning while allowing occupants to maintain a natural posture. A real plus driving in the rolling Hill Country of Central Texas.

Exterior

A quick glance at the new CX-90, one might mistake it for the (bit smaller) CX-9 it is replacing. Make no mistake, it is bigger, a bit more difficult to park, but a lot more vehicle for every day driving and or vacations.

Standard elements found on our test CX-90 Premium Plus included Power Panoramic Moonroof, Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers w/Deicers, Adaptive Front Lighting, LED Headlights w/Auto On-Off and High Beam Control, Heated Power Side Mirrors w/Reverse Tilt and Auto Dimming Side Mirror Driver Side, Aluminum Roof Rails, Hands Free Power Liftgate, Body Color Rear Spoiler plus those awesomely tall 21-inch wheels and Falken tires.

Interior

The top-of-the-line interior in our test vehicle was both handsome and rich in its butter soft Nappa Leather trim.

Front seating was roomy and comfortable with plenty of head and legroom. All control elements were easily identified and reachable.

The second row was fitted with a pair of very comfortable Captain’s Chairs including a console between with storage and cupholders plus Side Window Sunshades for comfort.

At the rear was the third-row seating. A split fold down bench was mounted high severely limiting both leg and head room. For all practical purposes, it is a kid’s space” only.

Behind the flip down seating was a somewhat limited cargo space. With seats up, plenty adequate for a weekend trip or weekly grocery shopping for a family of four.

Feature elements worth special note included an innovative Fabric Covered Dashboard, the Quilted Nappa Leather trimmed seating first row and Captain’s Chairs, 8-Way power seat adjustment driver and passenger, 3-Zone Automatic Climate Control w/third row vents, Ambient Lighting and more.

Convenience/Technology/Infotainment

The dash of our CX-90 Premium Plus featured a ‘connected’ 12.3-inch Fully Digital Active Instrument Display with steering wheel mounted controls. Directly alongside was the 12.3-inch Color Infotainment Display w/Rotary Controller.

A word about the Controller: Where others have struggled with a rotary controller, Mazda has this one right. Without effort, we were able to intuitively operate with ease.

Features to note included the Bose 12-Speaker AM/FM/HD Radio, Mazda Navigation, SiriusXM, Wireless Android Auto, Wireless Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, Wireless Phone Charging, 6 USB Inputs, a 150-Watt Accessory Power Outlet and more.

All of the technology and related functions are supported or driven by the available Mazda Connect Connected Services

2024 Mazda CX-90 360 degree surround camera

Safety

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 Luxury SUV has been named a2023 Top Safety Pick + by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) – the top industry rating.

The 2024 CX-90 is equipped with Mazda’s i-Activsense safety system.

Feature elements of the package and other include Mazda Radar Cruise Control w/Cruising and Traffic Support, 360 Degree Surround View Monitor, Driver Attention Warning, Blindspot Monitoring w/Vehicle Exit Warning, Rear Seat Alert, Traffic Sign Recognition, Tire Pressure Monitoring, Front Cross Traffic Alert w/Braking, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Keep Assist, Emergency Lane Keeping, Front and Rear Parking Sensors and more.

Warranty

Warranty coverage on the 2024 CX-90 includes a Limited Warranty of 3-years/36,000 miles. The Powertrain Warranty is 5-years/60,000 miles.

Unlike many of its competitors today, Mazda does not offer Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance (they should in our view).

Mazda CX-90 SUV Line-Up

As noted, the new CX-90 is available in 11 different trims and tree powertrain options including a hybrid. It is available in 8, 7 and 6 seat configurations among the trim levels. All are AWD.

Model/trim levels include the CX-90 3.3 Turbo (ICE) available in five packages starting at MSRP $39,595, CX-90 PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid) in three packages starting at MSRP $47,445 and the CX-90 Premium 3.3 Turbo S (ICE w/Mild Hybrid Boost) in three packages starting at MSRP $51,750.

Go tohttps://www.mazdausa.com/vehicles/cx-90 for a detailreview the entire line.

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KEY DATA: 2024 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus AWD