Upon perusing the 2024 Mazda CX-90’s specification list, it seemed as though Mazda had customized an SUV exclusively for my needs. The CX-90 seems like the ideal everyday vehicle because of its stunning but understated excellent looks, three rows of seating, reasonable pricing, and brand-new straight-six engine. However, while it’s ideal for me, it’s probably not ideal for the great majority of American SUV buyers, which poses a bit of a challenge for Mazda. I really like the CX-90, but I’m not sure who will actually purchase it.
I certainly do not fit the stereotype of the typical American SUV shopper. My priorities are different from those of the typical customer: handling dynamics, power, performance, and steering feel. In order for a car to feel sportier and more thrilling, I would be willing to give up some cabin size, practicality, and even some dependability. Customers of SUVs, however, usually prefer the opposite characteristics. They are looking for something roomy, cozy, sophisticated, and high-tech. Customers like myself are more suited for the CX-90.
I don’t think I’ve ever driven an SUV that handled as well, especially one as large as the CX-90. And I’m in love with the new engine. But I worry that while Honda, Toyota, and Chevy sell literal boatloads of Pilots, Highlanders, and Traverses, Mazda will only sell about 12 of them. This is unfortunate since Mazda ought to be commended for creating the CX-90, a vehicle that aims to prove to the rest of the world that SUVs don’t always have to be so sensible and uninteresting.
The Fundamentals
Mazda had only previously produced the CX-9, which is still marketed alongside its new sister for the time being. The CX-90 is a completely new vehicle from Mazda. Mazda aimed to achieve a somewhat more upscale and thrilling look with the CX-90 compared to its previous models. It appears and feels more costly than any other Mazda product I’ve ever driven, so you can tell. While it’s still not as good as luxury brands like Lexus or Mercedes, I would say that it’s comparable to the majority of Acuras.
Even if it’s elegant, I find that its design is one of its main problems. The CX-90 is a dull car, but it’s by no means ugly. But because I’m a dorky introvert who enjoys subtle, unnoticeable designs, I appreciate that. But the large Mazda is hardly noticeable when compared to vehicles like the sleek Acura MDX, Kia Telluride, or even the recently released Chevy Traverse. The Artisan Red paint on my test car also seemed a little dated, and I believe it looks better in brighter hues like Soul Red or Deep Crystal Blue. Its tiny headlamps that blend in with the grille still bother me about the front end of the vehicle.
It’s a similar story inside. The materials are premium and feel pricey to the touch, despite the design’s restrained and elegant appearance. However, it also harbors the primary problem with the CX-90: its technology. There’s no denying that Mazda’s interior technology is archaic. With its tiny infotainment screen, delicate rotary dial controller in the center console, and extremely basic functionality, it feels like it’s at least two generations behind. In terms of infotainment, it appears like Mazda used BMW’s iDrive 6 as a benchmark. Of course, if you only use Android Auto or Apple CarPlay like a rational person, this won’t be much of an issue; but, the in-built systems from GM, Toyota, and Hyundai are all more sophisticated.
Its engine is where the CX-90 stands out from the crowd and where Mazda makes a name for itself. This large Mazda does not have a little four-pot engine. No, buddy, the 3.3-liter straight-six twin-turbocharged engine in the CX-90 is insane. I’ve owned a number of straight-six automobiles, so the news that Mazda was releasing a new model made me happy. It’s a terrific one, too, packing a lot of punch and delivering power with ease. Compared to the four-cylinder engines found in nearly all of its rivals, it undoubtedly seems more expensive.
Operating a Mazda CX-90.
In their advertising, Mazda often extols the virtues of the CX-90’s driving dynamics, and they are all accurate. In its class, the CX-90 has the best handling qualities of any three-row SUV. The only three-row SUVs that can compete with it are almost three times as expensive as the CX-90 and sport “M” or “AMG” badges. Even yet, I contend that the balance and steering of the Mazda are superior. There is hardly anything of its size that can rival the fluidity with which it snakes around turns and slides down the road. It’s a pleasure to drive.
Nevertheless, it isn’t flawless. Considering the engine’s oomph and the steering’s responsiveness, I anticipated the eight-speed automatic transmission to shift with greater urgency and immediateness, but it never did. It isn’t as good as the eight-speed ones found in the majority of its German competitors, but it is still passable. Its brakes were also erratic at low speeds, which made smoothly applying brake pressure more challenging than necessary. Its ride is also rough, probably due to the firm suspension setting that tries to be sporty but can’t handle the weight and 21-inch wheels of the vehicle.
The Mazda CX-90 nevertheless has the impression of a three-row family bus designed for enthusiasts. It’s intended for the individual who drove Miatas, Golf GTIs, or Civic Sis during their twenties but now needs something large but doesn’t want something boring because they have a few kids. Its steering, suspension, and chassis were clearly designed with a true love of driving in mind.
The peaks and valleys
The engine of the CX-90 is, without a doubt, the highlight of the vehicle. Not only is it fantastic to use, but it’s also amazing to have it available. Even when it is idle, the CX-90 seems unique compared to its competitors because of the twin-turbo straight-six engine under its hood. And that’s really awesome. Among its outstanding qualities are also its steering and handling. Nor is the third row all that horrible.
The CX-90 has flaws, just like anything else, but sadly, they are more numerous than I would have wanted. Its ride is a little too harsh for a three-row SUV in this class, its interior switches seem cheap, and its cabin technology is just plain awful. Additionally, there were a few peculiarities that were merely inconvenient, including the sunroof’s sluggish opening and the auto start/stop button’s misleading “i-stop” name, which I couldn’t find for the first two days I was testing the CX-90.
Features, Options, and Competition of the Mazda CX-90
With a large straight-six engine, all-wheel drive, 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, three-zone climate control, blind-spot monitors, and a long list of additional features, the CX-90 is reasonably well-equipped for its starting price of nearly $41,000. Though there isn’t a budget four-cylinder model, the CX-90 has good equipment for the price.
However, if you upgrade to the top-tier Turbo S Premium Plus model, you’ll receive 21-inch alloys, Nappa leather, heated and ventilated second-row captain seats, and a huge panoramic sunroof. However, all of that will set you back just under $62,000.
In terms of rivalry, it faces out against vehicles like as the Acura MDX and Lexus TX at the upper end of the pricing range and the Toyota Grand Highlander, Chevy Traverse, and Volkswagen Atlas at the lower end. The only automobile that is actually enjoyable to drive is the Mazda CX-90, making it the obvious driver’s car among those listed. But those cars’ luxurious designs and cabin technologies are absent from the Mazda (at least from the latter two).
Fuel Efficiency
The Mazda CX-90 gets an EPA-rated combined fuel economy of 25 mpg, which is surprisingly good for a car with a huge straight-six engine. That outperforms every SUV in the price range of the Mazda. It’s true that I didn’t get 25 mpg, but I also drove it like a pro, giving it my all whenever I could and enjoying the wonderful inline-six sound.
But given the abundance of hybrids and tiny four-cylinder engines on the market, one has to wonder how long Mazda will be able to maintain this larger engine. It’s a nice engine to drive and a sizable one that would look right at home under a BMW’s hood. However, a brand-new straight-six looks unlikely to endure given the industry’s desire for economy and low emissions. The CX-90 plug-in hybrid, which is rated for 56 mpge and has a 26-mile electric-only range, serves as Mazda’s defender, though.
Worth and Judgment
Financial evaluation of the Mazda CX-90 is challenging. It compares favorably enough to the rest of its rivals on paper to give clients in the market a genuine choice. The interior creature comforts and cabin technologies of, say, a Lexus TX are not offered by this vehicle. With the CX-90, Mazda prioritized the heart over the mind and invested development funds to provide the performance, emotion, and driving characteristics of a sports vehicle. Will buyers respect the CX-90 for its amazing driving capabilities and accept that trade-off, or will they think it is outdated and retro? Naturally, I hope for the former, but regrettably, I anticipate the latter.
I was upset when the Mazda CX-90 departed my driveway at the end of my rental. Not only was it no longer mine to drive, but I also got the uneasy impression that its time on the market would not be long. I genuinely hope I’m mistaken, but I just don’t see buyers of three-row SUVs choosing it above any of the other available models. It was designed for a different era and client. If you prioritize sporty driving over comfort, convenience, and technology, it’s easy to love and a pleasure to drive, but how many buyers of three-row SUVs fall into that category? For the benefit of the CX-90, hopefully, those people are more common than I realize.
