In a market crowded with three-row SUVs aiming for the sweet spot between luxury, practicality, and value, Mazda’s CX-90 stands out as an ambitious contender. Introduced as the brand’s flagship model, the Mazda CX-90 showcases an upmarket pivot for a company historically known for its nimble sedans and crossovers. Positioned above the outgoing CX-9, the CX-90 rides on an all-new platform and debuts Mazda’s latest powertrain innovations. Its arrival underscores a broader shift: many automakers are embracing electrification while refining the premium appeal of their mainstream offerings.
From its sophisticated design language to a technology-forward interior, the Mazda CX-90 seeks to attract buyers who demand more than the typical family hauler. This in-depth review unpacks its features, specifications, performance, and pricing—framing the CX-90’s role in the competitive SUV segment.
Mazda’s Kodo design philosophy is on full display with the CX-90. Sleek proportions, a striking front fascia, and sculpted flanks reflect the brand’s signature attention to form and proportion. With dimensions noticeably more generous than the CX-9, the CX-90 offers a more commanding presence and expanded interior accommodations.
Inside, real-world impressions highlight a thoughtful blend of premium materials and ergonomic design:
– Available Nappa leather upholstery and open-pore wood trim
– Soft-touch surfaces and minimalist dashboard layout
– Well-bolstered front seats with available ventilation
– Triple-zone automatic climate control
Space-wise, the CX-90 is available with seating for up to eight, depending on the chosen configuration (bench or captain’s chairs). Comfort in the first and second rows earns praise for both legroom and seat support. The third row, while suitable for children or shorter trips, remains more accommodating than many segment rivals.
On the tech front, the SUV offers:
– A 12.3-inch central infotainment display (on upper trims)
– Integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (with wireless capability in most models)
– A digital gauge cluster for a modernized cockpit feel
Families will especially appreciate clever storage, charging ports throughout, and a hands-free liftgate. The usability factor is high—a testament to Mazda’s efforts in refining the driver and passenger experience.
A significant departure from the past, the CX-90 shifts to a rear-biased all-wheel-drive architecture—a move designed to deliver both sharper handling and a more premium feel. Power comes from a new inline-six turbocharged engine, a choice that sets Mazda apart in a segment where V6 and four-cylinder engines dominate.
Most variants offer the e-Skyactiv G 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six, available in two tunes ranging from moderate to robust horsepower and torque figures. Mazda pairs this engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, which contributes to smoother stop-start transitions and a slight bump in fuel efficiency.
For those prioritizing efficiency, Mazda also introduces a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option—a first for the brand’s U.S. SUV lineup. The PHEV combines a four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and battery pack, providing more than 25 miles of electric-only range. This addition targets environmentally minded buyers while delivering meaningful real-world savings in fuel costs.
Behind the wheel, early reviews and expert analyses point to a clear emphasis on driving enjoyment—an attribute that’s set Mazda apart for decades. The new platform’s rear-wheel-drive bias gives the CX-90 greater agility than many family-focused SUVs.
“Unlike many three-row competitors, the Mazda CX-90 delivers a sense of engagement and road feel that’s genuinely rare in this segment,” notes automotive reviewer Jon Wong, highlighting the CX-90’s responsive steering and balanced chassis.
Ride quality strikes an appealing balance between carrying comfort and composed handling, even in models equipped with larger wheels. The vehicle maintains confidence during highway cruising, while still offering enough feedback to satisfy drivers who enjoy a spirited backroad jaunt.
Mazda doesn’t skimp on technology. Even base models of the CX-90 come equipped with an impressive suite of standard features:
– Adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist
– Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
– Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking
Higher trims add features like a surround-view camera system, head-up display, and upgraded Bose audio. The infotainment system, while stylish and high-resolution, has garnered mixed feedback for the rotary controller interface—a holdover from previous Mazda models that some users find less intuitive than touchscreen-centric rivals.
Connectivity is robust, with wireless device charging available, multiple USB-C ports in all seating rows, and over-the-air software update capability introduced for smoother tech maintenance.
When analyzing the CX-90’s place in the three-row SUV market, pricing is a critical factor. Mazda positions the base model at the lower end of the segment’s premium spectrum, while top trims can approach established luxury SUV pricing.
The CX-90 offers several trim levels, including:
– Select and Preferred (well-equipped at entry level)
– Premium and Premium Plus (adding luxury appointments and advanced tech)
– Exclusive trims for the plug-in hybrid
Most trims provide substantial value with a standard suite of safety and convenience features. Compared to rivals like the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, or even entry-luxury contenders such as the Acura MDX, the CX-90 strikes a balance between substance and upmarket ambition.
Mazda’s reputation for reliability bolsters long-term value. Warranty coverage is competitive, with a basic coverage period that matches most mainstream manufacturers. Projected fuel economy—especially for the mild-hybrid and PHEV variants—translates to lower operating costs, a trend growing ever more important among SUV shoppers.
In head-to-head comparisons, the CX-90’s premium design, rear-wheel-drive platform, and available inline-six engine distinguish it from most mainstream rivals. Larger SUVs like the Toyota Highlander or Ford Explorer offer comparable space and features, but few match the CX-90’s blend of driving engagement and interior refinement.
For buyers cross-shopping entry-level luxury alternatives (e.g., Volvo XC90, Audi Q7), the Mazda offers a tantalizing mix of near-luxury materials at a less intimidating price point. The inclusion of a plug-in hybrid option further broadens its appeal to eco-conscious consumers.
The Mazda CX-90’s debut signals more than just a new nameplate—it’s the culmination of Mazda’s intent to compete at the intersection of premium experience and everyday practicality. With confident performance, an upscale interior, advanced safety tech, and value-focused pricing, the CX-90 stands out amid a fiercely competitive landscape.
Prospective buyers seeking a three-row SUV that goes beyond utilitarian needs and aspires to deliver true driving enjoyment will find Mazda’s latest offering a compelling fit. Ultimately, the CX-90 exemplifies Mazda’s maturing brand identity while challenging conventions in the large SUV sector.
The Mazda CX-90 offers seating for up to eight passengers, with various configurations including bench and captain’s chairs to suit different family needs.
Yes, the CX-90 is available as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), delivering both a traditional gas engine and the ability to drive on electric power alone for short distances.
Key competitors include the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Toyota Highlander, and entry-luxury models such as the Acura MDX and Volvo XC90.
Absolutely—the CX-90 is designed with families in mind, offering spacious seating, advanced safety features, plenty of charging ports, and thoughtful storage solutions.
Thanks to its rear-biased platform and available inline-six engine, the CX-90 offers a more engaging and refined driving experience than many mainstream rivals, appealing to those who value both comfort and road feel.
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