2024 Mazda CX-90 First Look Review: New Flagship Makes Grand Entrance

While it hasn't been made explicitly clear whether the CX-90 will be sold alongside the CX-9 or replace it entirely, we expected that the CX-90 will be the more expensive of the two and that's indeed the case. TheCX-9starts at an MSRP of $38,750 for the 2023 model, and the 2024 Mazda CX-90's price will begin at $39,595 for the 3.3 Turbo Select - that's not a huge difference in light of the CX-90 coming with the less powerful inline-six engine as standard. But from there, the CX-90's price rises quickly. Sticking with the 3.3 Turbo, you'll pay $43,445 for the Preferred, $45,900 for the Preferred Plus, $48,900 for the Premium, and $52,950 for the Premium Plus.

The CX-90 PHEV starts at $47,445 for the Preferred, rising to $52,900 for the Premium and $56,950 for the Premium Plus. To get the 340-hp version of the six-cylinder engine, you'll need to go for the 3.3 Turbo S. This one starts at $51,750, increasing to $56,450 for the Premium and $59,950 for the Premium Plus.

There are many rivals to choose from, including one of our favorite three-row SUVs, the Kia Telluride. With 291 hp, the Kia is actually a little more powerful than the base CX-90 at a cost of just $35,890; the base Telluride won't be equipped to the same standard as the CX-90, though. The same applies to the Hyundai Palisade, which shares many components with the Telluride.

But we think the CX-90 is aiming higher and that top-spec versions can legitimately be considered a threat to premium-badged crossovers like the一个cura MDX, Infiniti QX60, and Jeep Grand Cherokee L, although the latter separates itself from the soft-roading pack with better off-road capabilities.

While immediately identifiable as a member of the Mazda family, the CX-90 has a much more imposing design. Its confident aura partially stems from its large platform and bigger size, with a wide body and fenders.

与CX-9一样,外部的马自达cx - 90features a chrome grille surround that flows into the headlights. However, the CX-90 has a more masculine, squarer overall profile than the CX-9, and the front fascia is more upright. The grille is large but not an eyesore, and it features dark slats with the Mazda logo in the center.

一个dding to the premium appeal of the CX-90 are available 21-inch diamond-cut wheels with a black metallic finish, along with available chrome garnishes on the lower bumpers. Depending on the engine choice, the side fenders ahead of the front doors feature either "PHEV" or "INLINE 6" badging; such is the dearth of six-cylinder mills that Mazda is now proudly reminding everyone that the CX-90 is powered by one.

Staying along the sides, some versions have body-color cladding around the wheel arches, another indication that luxury and not ruggedness was the goal here. The rear continues the uncluttered, modern appearance. The stretched taillights have an integrated lighting signature that bears a surprising resemblance to those on the BMW 4 Series Coupe. Other than that, it's a fairly generic but still attractive SUV design from this angle.

Based on the initial images and after seeing it in person, the Mazda CX-90 is flattered by darker colors. Specifically, the new Artisan Red, a deeper shade of red than we're used to, smartly complements the design. This costs $595, and other premium paints with the same price are Rhodium White, Soul Red Crystal Metallic, and Machine Gray Metallic. Standard, no-cost colors include Jet Black Mica and Deep Crystal Blue Mica.

Based on the brand's large platform and with three spacious rows of seats, the dimensions of the Mazda CX-90 have grown slightly over the CX-9. The final specs show a length of 200.8 inches, a width including the wheel arch moldings of 84.9 inches (77.6 inches without them), and a height of 68.2 inches. At 122.8 inches, the CX-90's wheelbase is a meaningful 7.5 inches longer than the CX-9's.

The CX-90 has a starting curb weight of 4,709 pounds, rising to 4,899 lbs for models with the more powerful 3.3-liter engine. We expect the PHEV to weigh over 5,000 lbs when its specs are released.

Mazda only recently confirmed the details of the much-anticipated six-cylinder engine in the CX-90. Dubbed the e-Skyactiv G, this 3.3-liter inline-six turbocharged engine has the highest horsepower and torque of any mass-production Mazda gas engine. The numbers are good, rather than spectacular, at 340 hp and 369 lb-ft, but it's easily more powerful than the CX-9. In addition, the M-Hybrid Boost system - essentially a mild-hybrid system - features a small electric motor sandwiched between the engine and transmission. Instead of adding to power outputs, this motor allows for smooth getaways and contributes to improved efficiency.

The only caveat is that you need to pay at least $51,750 to get the more powerful version of the e-Skyactiv G mill. For over $10,000 less, the base CX-90 comes with a detuned version of this engine that makes 280 hp and 332 lb-ft.

With the engine mounted longitudinally, Mazda has confirmed that the CX-90 will have an all-wheel-drive system with a rear-wheel bias. That hints at sportier driving dynamics than is typical in this segment. Mazda also promises an "engaging sound" from the six-pot mill, which will come with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The second engine choice for the Mazda CX-90 is the e-Skyactive PHEV. This pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to make a combined 323 hp. Torque, however, matches the six-cylinder engine at 369 lb-ft.

一个s with the non-PHEV model, the multi-speed automatic transmission doesn't use a torque converter. Instead, the eight-speeder used an integrated electric motor, multi-plate clutches, and planetary gears. This not only saves space and granted engineers more freedom for the steering angle and suspension, but allowed them to move the engine further back. The CX-90 also borrows a piece of tech that appeared on the MX-5 Miata called Kinematic Posture Control; this utilizes software to suppress body lift in sharper corners, both improving grip and preventing passengers from being tossed around.

While no 0-60 times have been claimed, the 340-hp model should be capable of completing the benchmark sprint in just under six seconds. As for the PHEV, the CX-60 PHEV sold overseas takes 5.8 seconds for the longer 0-62 mph sprint, so the larger CX-90 with the same powertrain will probably need around 6.5 seconds for the 0-60 run.

The new engines also bring with them better towing capabilities than the CX-9. While the CX-90 PHEV can tow up to 3,500 lbs, that rises to a maximum of 5,000 lbs with the six-pot models when properly equipped - 1,500 lbs more than the CX-9.

Despite having a large-capacity six-cylinder engine, Mazda's published figures for the CX-90 are an improvement on the CX-9. Expect 24/28/25 mpg city/highway/combined for the standard model, besting the CX-9's 20/26/23 mpg. The 340-hp version of the CX-90 manages 23/28/25 mpg.

Buyers wanting a more economical alternative should consider the PHEV version. In the CX-60 PHEV sold overseas, which has the same powertrain, Mazda claims an all-electric range of 39 miles. The larger, heavier CX-90 will probably get a bit less than that, but Mazda will only release this model's gas mileage figures closer to the on-sale date.

一个s far as charging the PHEV goes, the CX-60 provides another reference point. Its battery can be fully recharged in under eight hours with a normal household socket, or it can achieve a 20%-80% charge in around 90 minutes with a 7.4 kW AC home charger.

一个side from the new six-cylinder mill, the restrained luxuriousness of the Mazda CX-90's interior may just be its finest attribute. Mazda has a knack for nailing the basics like usability and quality, and always manages to prioritize the driver. Customers of German or Italian vehicles who prefer a bit more flash may be a bit underwhelmed by the simple layout, but we find it elegant and refreshing.

The CX-90's cabin was inspired by Japanese design, and this is present in elements like the hanging stitches on the dashboard that are a nod to hand-bookbinding and a Japanese weaving technique known as Kumihimo. The deliberate use of negative space has helped to create an airiness to the layout, as has the use of light tone-on-tone fabrics.

Black leatherette seats are standard in the base Mazda CX-90, and this model can seat up to eight occupants. On upper trims, expect genuine leather upholstery (upgraded to Nappa leather on the priciest trims), and seating for seven or six. The Turbo S Premium Plus comes with attractive maple wood trim, and both first- and second-row seats are ventilated. In the third row, there is a rather tight 30.4 inches of legroom, but that's still more than the CX-9's 29.7. The CX-90's third-row headroom is also 1.4 inches greater than in its older sibling.

Mazda seems to be immune to gimmicks, so instead of a touchscreen-heavy control layout and weird button-type gear selectors inside, you get a neat row of physical buttons for often-used features, a rotary controller linked to the central screen, and a stubby shift lever that you can actually grab hold of. Those physical controls are primarily for the ventilation system, but it's a relief to find buttons for the heated seats and volume knob as well.

一个seven-inch LCD instrument panel display, automatic climate control, an eight-speaker sound system, and an eight-way power driver's seat are standard. Heated front/second-row seats and a 12-speaker Bose system are available further up in the range. Cupholders for those at the back, along with separate ventilation outlets and available USB-C ports for the third row, will ensure that all passengers are comfortable. Second-row captain's chairs are available, but a second-row bench seat will be standard.

Besides the 12.3-inch central display, there is also a 12.3-inch digital driver's display on upper trims. However, base models have a 10.25-inch center display. New technologies will include the See-Through View monitor that makes parking easier, while the more familiar i-Activesense safety suite will include radar adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and smart brake support as standard.

Cargo space in the new Mazda CX-90 crossover is a slight improvement over the CX-9, with 15.9 cubic feet of space behind the third row (14.4 in the CX-9), 40.1 behind the second row (38.2 in the CX-9) and 75.2 when the second and third rows are folded flat.