We recently tested the all-new Mazda CX-90 PHEV 3-row SUV, and we loved the looks the upscale interior and wonderful driving dynamics. That tester was fitted with the optional Plug-in Hybrid powertrain, featuring a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine. With up to 26 miles of pure EV driving it’s a pretty cool setup.
But what had us really salivating was the all-new 3.3-liter, turbo in-line 6-cylinder powerplant –aimed at BMW and Land Rover territory, a huge step up from the previous CX-9 model, which we loved, but only offered a turbo 4-cylinder engine. If you want to play with the big boys, you need a 6. So now so equipped, is the CX-90 ready to take on the Europeans? Let’s take a look!
Elegant, Refined Looks
Well, it certainly looks expensive. Taking design cues from the all-new CX-50, the 90 feels like a wider, more muscular interpretation of the previous models’ design language.
Up front we have Mazda’s familiar pentagon grille, with angled LED headlights and a contrasting lower fascia that gives an aggressive look. Large side grilles promise performance and carry the feeling of width across the front.
The profile echoes the upscale vibe with a high shoulder line that gives a sleek look to the sporty window line. Chrome trim including an inline 6 badge on the front fenders and lower garnish add some bling.
Interestingly, where our PHEV tester had blacked-out fender trim, our Premium Plus 6-cylinder tester had those pieces body colored, which makes the design look more flowing, but it loses some of the sportiness, and makes the CX-90 look a little slabbier on the sides. You still get the same handsome black-metallic finish 21-inch rims though, and they’re one of our favorite wheels on any SUV.
The rear ties into the flowing design with slim horizontal LED taillights, a sporty body-color spoiler above the rear window, a nice cut-in shape to the rear hatch, and a handsome lower chrome garnish to reinforce that pricey look. Like our previous tester, our 6-cylinder was finished in Rhodium White, and combined with subtle color-keyed body parts, it really popped, especially in a world of black, gray and cement-colored SUV’s that you tend to see these days.
Plush Plus Interior
Open the door and your enveloped in an interior that is pure elegance.
It starts with tan quilted Nappa leather on the front and 2nd row captain’s chairs, that also shows up on the steering wheel A soft sued-like trim in matching tan (really more of a Terra Cotta) mixed with black covers the dash, and doors. A nod to traditional Japanese arts, the fabric on the dash uses hanging stitches inspired by handbook binding and a Japanese weaving technique known as Kumihomo. Beautifully contrasting matt finish wood trim finishes off the design – this is a showplace!
Our tester was a 7-passenger model, thanks to superbly comfortable 2nd row captain’s chairs – a standard bench is available to boost the capacity up to 8. A caveat here – the third row is for kids only.
The cargo situation is quite good, with the third row up, you have a small cargo area. Drop the third row, and you have plenty of space, and those 2nd captain’s chairs easily fold flat to form a massive hold. Thoughtfully, the backs of the third-row seats are covered in hard-wearing carpeting to help protect that beautiful interior.
Another feast for the eyes are the dual 12.3-inch digital driver’s display and infotainment screen. The driver display serves up three round gauges including a 160-mph speedometer, 8,000-rpm tachometer and combo fuel and temp gauge. We love how Mazda throws little prompts on the gauge faces – like speed limits, etc., in subtle but easily-understood ways.
Mazda continues to use an Audi-like control knob behind the shifter for info-tainment functions, as well as a smaller volume knob next to it. While that system works well, we found that the touchscreen was quicker and easier to use.
We wonder if Mazda will eventually do away with the remote knobs – the Lexus LC 500 we recently had no longer used the fidgety touch controls, and we didn’t miss them for a minute.
The Big Six
Most of the above is true for our recently tested CX-90 plug-in hybrid, but the real difference is under the hood.
And what a difference it is, with a new turbocharged, 3.3-liter, inline six-cylinder engine – the most powerful engine Mazda has ever put in an SUV. In lower trims, this powerhouse makes 280 horsepower, but in higher models like our tester, you get a stout 340 horsepower, and a massive 369 lb.-ft of torque at just 2,000 rpm.
While we had dreams of a snorting, high-performance mill, Mazda has really tuned the engine for smooth, luxurious, yet rapid travel. It won’t be keeping BMW up at night – it pulls nicely, and the 8-speed automatic shifts quickly, but the sound is subdued, so our 3-row sports car dreams were blunted. We will note that Sport Mode does brighten things up, and it turns the gauge faces to an angry red!
We should note that we were very pleased to have an honest to goodness shift lever, and not one of those pushbutton affairs some manufacturers seem to think is upscale. We don’t like them – save the shift levers!
Featuring a 48-volt, mild-hybrid setup to provide efficiency without compromising on performance. With a combined EPA rating of 25 mpg, we’d say it’s doing an admirable job, for a big, powerful, 3-row SUV, that’s an impressive number. Other strong numbers include a 5,000 lb. towing capacity – go ahead, bring the toys.
Mazda always seems to deliver a driver’s chassis, and the CX-90 continues the trend, much like the CX-9 we loved so much. The steering feel is excellent, and the big Mazda responds quickly to the wheel and it’s easy to toss around. A neat trick, it feels much smaller to drive than it actually is – the mark of a masterfully tuned suspension. When you do need to park, the 360-degree monitor makes snaking into tight parking spaces easy-peasy.
Standard AWD is sure to help in poor weather, and in an unusual SoCal rainstorm we found the CX to feel extremely confident in the slick stuff. Hill Descent Control and Off-road modes will let you take the CX-90 beyond the paved universe, but mild off-roading is probably about all you’d want to do.
Regardless of weather, you’ll find confidence in the i-Activsense driver assistance suite, including Radar Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, Smart Brake Support and more.
Big 6, Big Price?
Depends. The lineup starts with the CX-90 Turbo Select at $39,595. Featuring a 280-horsepower version of the inline-turbo 6. For a handsome and luxurious 3-row SUV with AWD and great driving dynamics, that’s impressive value. Our 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus Package tester is the massively loaded model, starting at $59,950. The only option on our vehicle was the Rhodium White paint, at $595 – well worth it. Add in $1,375 for Destination, and we rang the bell at $61,920.
The CX-90’s looks and power make it a tempting competitor to the high-end Europeans. We love the style and design of the Volvo XC90, but comparably-equipped at $71,395, it’s significantly more expensive. The BMW is equally nice, but equally pricey at $72,645. Those looking for a more affordable alternative could consider the Kia Telluride at $54,780 a little more truckish than the Mazda, but a very nice vehicle.
Elegantly designed, with a gorgeous interior, a powerful turbo 6 and a wonderful drive, the 2024 Mazda CX-90 gives European luxury at a very sensible Mazda price!
Ben Lewis grew up in Chicago, and after spending his formative years driving sideways in the winter – often intentionally – moved to sunny Southern California. He now enjoys sunny weather year-round — whether it is autocross driving, aerobatics, and learning to surf.