The Mazda CX-9 has been a stalwart of the three-row SUV landscape, particularly in its second generation, as it has offered the kind of driving pleasure missing from the segment with an upscale presentation and styling infringing into luxury territory. Though the CX-9 is supremely stylish and well-equipped, it is also among the least practical three-row SUVs for hauling people and stuff. In turn, Mazda’s new flagship SUV, the CX-90, is hitting the road in the 2024 with slightly larger dimensions, a new design language, and a host of desirable features that, as rumor has it, will replace the CX-9.
In addition to offering more space, the CX-90 marks several firsts for Mazda, including the brand’s first plug-in hybrid and its first model to feature an inline-six powertrain, Mazda’s most powerful engine to date. Additionally, the debut 2024 CX-90 offers styling more in line with the rugged appearance of the CX-50 and a more upmarket cabin that makes the new three-row SUV a quasi-luxury offering without a luxury price tag.
2024 Mazda CX-90
- Available PHEV powertrain
- 3.3-Liter Turbo Inline-Six
- Available Second-row Captain's Chairs
- i-Activsense Safety Features
- 10.25-Inch Center Display
- Standard All-Wheel Drive
- Model: CX-90
- Engine:: 3.3-Liter Turbo Inline-Six/2.5-Liter Four-Cylinder Hybrid
- Power Output: 280-323 HP
- Torque: 332-369 LB-FT
- Range: 24 city, 28 highway (3.3-Liter Turbo engine)
- Transmission: Eight-Speed Automatic
- Driveline: AWD
- MSRP: $39,595
- Handsome Looks
- More Practical Than The CX-9
- Choice Of Hybrid Powertrain And Powerful Inline-Six
- Not As Spacious As Rivals
- Pricier Than Some Competitors
- Fewer Standard Features Than Rivals In Base Trim
2024 Mazda CX-90 Performance And Capability
For its debut year, the Mazda CX-90 will be offered in 11 trims:
- Turbo Select
- Turbo Preferred
- Turbo Preferred Plus
- Turbo Premium
- Turbo Premium Plus
- PHEV Preferred
- PHEV Premium
- PHEV Premium Plus
- Turbo S
- Turbo S Premium
- Turbo S Premium Plus
The CX-90 rides on an all-new platform with a longitudinal engine layout instead of the CX-9’s transverse setup. Mazda claims this will provide an enhanced driving experience to build on the automaker’s already solid reputation for providing fun-to-drive models in a segment that often lacks delivering excitement behind the wheel.
Along with the new platform, the CX-90 will mark the debut of two highly anticipated powertrains. The CX-90 will be available with Mazda’s first inline-six engine and its most powerful production engine, a 3.3-liter turbocharged powerplant delivering up to 340 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque on premium gas. The standard engine is the same 3.3-liter turbo offering 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque.
The 3.3-liter engine also pairs with Mazda’s M-Hybrid Boost, a 48-volt mild hybrid system with an electric motor placed between the motor and transmission that operates similarly to Mercedes’ EQ Boost feature to power the CX-90 exclusively at low speed and create smooth acceleration.
Additionally, the Mazda CX-90 PHEV is the first plug-in hybrid from the automaker with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and 17.8kWh battery to deliver 323 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque with premium fuel. The Mazda CX-90 electric PHEV is designed to operate solely with electric power in certain driving scenarios, Mazda claims while improving the torque of its 2.5-liter engine.
All Mazda CX-90 engines will pair with an e-Skyactive eight-speed automatic transmission. In lieu of a torque converter, the eight-speed automatic uses a multi-plate wet clutch developed by Mazda said to improve efficiency and improve smooth operation and acceleration. The CX-90 will exclusively be available with all-wheel drive. The EPA rates the inline-six powertrain for 24 mpg city and 28 mpg, though the organization has yet to rate the mpg figures of the CX-90 PHEV.
Engine Type | 3.3-Liter Turbo Inline-Six/2.5-Liter Four-Cylinder Hybrid |
|---|---|
Horsepower | 280-323 HP |
Torque | 332-369 LB-FT |
Transmission | Eight-Speed Automatic |
Drive | AWD |
Mileage/Range | 24 city, 28 highway (3.3-Liter Turbo engine) |
Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs. |
Exterior Design
The 2024 CX-90’s larger platform has increased its dimensions over the CX-9 with a wider body and fenders and stretched wheelbase. The CX-90 takes many of its styling cues from its smaller sibling, the CX-50, with its more squared-off nose, revised grille, updated headlights, and boxier overall look. Compared to the CX-9, the CX-90 is subjectively more handsome with a more rugged, shaper appearance over the more flowing lines of its predecessor.
Some trims will also feature chrome garnishes on the front bumper, 21-inch black wheels, and a new color — Artisan Red. A rear body-color roof spoiler is standard with available aluminum roof rails with a satin chrome finish.
Exterior Colors | Price |
|---|---|
Jet Black Mica | $0 |
Deep Crystal Blue | $0 |
Platinum Quartz | $0 |
Sonic Silver | $0 |
Rhodium White | $595 |
Machine Gray Metallic | $595 |
Soul Red Crystal | $595 |
Artisan Red | $595 |
Length | 201.6 in. |
|---|---|
Width | 84.9 in. |
Height | 68.7 in. |
Wheelbase | 122.8 in. |
Ground Clearance | 8.0 in. |
Curb Weight | 4,709-5,243 lbs. |
Interior Quality And Technology
Mazda’s reputation for lux interiors continues with the CX-90. Its handsome cabin features a simplistic but attractive layout with vertical vents flanking the gently sloped dash topped by a short but wide infotainment screen, a small gear lever forward of a rotary controller, and a slim bay of buttons for common controls.
A 10.25-inch center display is standard with a 12.3-inch center display and digital gauge cluster available. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity are standard, though some trims require a wired connection. The CX-90 features a long list of standard features like a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, voice command, Pandora radio integration, and remote engine start. Four Type A USB ports (two front, two rear) are standard with all but base models featuring two Type C USB ports in all three rows. An eight-speaker sound system is standard with an available 12-speaker Bose audio system.
The CX-90 seats eight passengers as standard, but second-row captain’s chairs are available and standard on certain trims. Heated second-row seats are also standard on upper trims with heated front-row seats available in all but the base trim. The lowest-trim model is fitted with synthetic leather seats while all other models are equipped with genuine leather, including Nappa leather with or without quilting in upper trims.
While the CX-90 has larger overall dimensions than the CX-9, the passenger space offered is only slightly improved, up from 135.8 cubic-feet of total passenger volume to 141.6. The third row is slightly more accommodating with nearly 1.5 inches of added headroom and half-inch more leg room. Cargo room is 14.9 cubic-feet behind the third row and 40 cubic-feet behind the second row, increases of 0.5 and 1.8 cubic-feet over the 2023 CX-9, respectively.
Seating Capacity | 7 to 8 |
|---|---|
Headroom (front) | 39.7 in. |
headroom (second row) | 39.3 in. |
headroom (third row) | 36.9 in. |
Legroom (front) | 41.7 in. |
Legroom (second row) | 39.4 in. |
Legroom (third row) | 30.4 in. |
Shoulder room (front) | 59.2 in. |
Shoulder room (second row) | 58.1 in. |
Shoulder room (third row) | 53.3 in. |
Cargo room | 14.9 cubic-feet (behind third row) |
2024 Mazda CX-90 Price, Availability, And Safety
Mazda has yet to formally announce when the CX-90 will go on sale, but the automaker’s website states it will be “initially expected” this spring. Those interested can configure a model using Mazda’s online tool.
With far more trims and powertrains available, the CX-90 has a wider pricing range than the CX-9, with the new SUV commanding between $39,595 for the base Turbo Select trim up to $59,950 for the Turbo S Premium Plus with the PHEV versions starting at $47,445.
Safety
The CX-90’s crash test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS have yet to be released, but the CX-9 scored 5/5 stars for its overall safety rating by the NHTSA. All CX-90 models will feature Mazda’s i-Activsense suite of driver’s aids and safety features like blind spot monitoring, radar cruise control, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking.
Trim | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
CX-90 3.3 Turbo Select | $39,595 |
CX-90 3.3 Turbo Preferred | $43,445 |
CX-90 3.3 Turbo Preferred Plus | $45,900 |
CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium | $48,900 |
CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus | $52,950 |
CX-90 PHEV Preferred | $47,445 |
CX-90 PHEV Premium | $52,900 |
CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus | $56,950 |
CX-90 3.3 Turbo S | $51,750 |
CX-90 3.3 Turbo S Premium | $56,450 |
CX-90 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus | $59,950 |
Main Competition
Like the CX-9, the Mazda CX-90 faces stiff competition in the mainstream three-row SUV segment where it will take on the likes of the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, Ford Explorer, and the recently launched Toyota Grand Highlander. Against its rivals, the CX-90, like the CX-9, will continue to be slightly less practical offering less passenger and cargo space, but the CX-90’s added dimensions will help in those regards.
The CX-90s more powerful engines also put it more in line with the competition, where most models, including the Telluride and Pilot, are powered by V-6 engines with similar power figures, though the high-output Mazda turbo engine will be among the most powerful motors available in the non-luxury three-row segment. The CX-90 PHEV stands out above the crowd as one of the few three-row plug-in hybrids available joining the Kia Sorento PHEV and Volvo XC90 Recharge.
Mazda’s prowess in delivering athletic and responsive driving characteristics should continue with its new flagship SUV. Coupled with the top-notch materials used in the cabin, attractive design inside and out, slightly more practical dimensions, and updated powertrains, the CX-90 will be a better overall player in the three-row SUV segment, particularly for those who value styling, overall performance, the availability of a plug-in variant, and top-notch handling.
FAQ
Q: How much will CX-90 cost?
The 2024 CX-90 starts at $39,595 with the top model commanding $59,950.
Q: Where will the CX-90 be built?
The CX-90 will be manufactured in Japan.
Q: How many seats does a Mazda CX-90 have?
The CX-90 is available either in seven or eight passenger configurations.
Q: Is the Mazda CX-9 discontinued?
Mazda has not formally announced it is ending production of the CX-9, but the CX-90 is rumored to be replacing the model.
Q: What is the mileage of CX-90?
The CX-90 returns an EPA rating of 24 city/28 highway mpg, but the EPA has not yet released the CX-90 PHEV's mpg figures.
Q: What is the biggest Mazda CX?
The CX-90 will be the largest Mazda SUV as it is slightly wider and longer than the CX-9.