Mazda, a brand celebrated for injecting driving passion into everyday vehicles, is making a bold statement with the 2024 CX-90. This all-new, three-row SUV isn’t just bigger; it’s a significant leap towards luxury and refinement, positioning itself to challenge established players in the segment. As a long-time admirer of Mazda’s engineering ethos and their knack for crafting upscale interiors, I was eager to see if the CX-90 lived up to the hype. After spending considerable time behind the wheel, it’s clear Mazda is serious about moving upmarket, and the CX-90 is leading the charge. This Mazda CX-90 review dives deep into what makes this SUV a compelling, albeit not flawless, contender.
Image: Front angle view of the 2024 Mazda CX-90 showcasing its sleek design.
Minor Interior Quirks in an Otherwise Premium Cabin
Let’s address the few shortcomings upfront, as they are minor blemishes on an otherwise exceptional vehicle. The most significant niggle is the gear selector. In a world of intuitive shifters, the CX-90’s electronic gear knob feels counterintuitive and lacks the reassuring mechanical feedback drivers expect. It requires a learning curve, and initial use might lead to accidental mis-shifts. While practice mitigates this issue, it’s an unusual design choice in an otherwise driver-focused vehicle.
Another point of contention is the generous use of microsuede trim throughout the interior. While suede generally exudes a premium feel, the CX-90’s suede has an unusually long nap. This texture can appear slightly frayed or worn, almost as if a pet has taken a liking to it. While many may overlook this detail, the slightly shaggy texture detracts from the otherwise meticulously crafted cabin. Finally, the CX-90’s auditory warnings are a bit overzealous. The seatbelt alarm, in particular, is more persistent and prolonged than in most modern cars, which can be irritating for drivers who start the engine before buckling up.
Image: A detailed view of the 2024 Mazda CX-90 interior, highlighting the dashboard and steering wheel.
The Masterpiece: A Smooth and Potent Inline-Six Engine
Now, for the CX-90’s pièce de résistance: its all-new inline-six engine. In a market increasingly dominated by downsized turbocharged four-cylinders and sometimes unrefined V6s, Mazda’s decision to employ an inline-six is a breath of fresh air. This engine configuration, historically favored by luxury brands like BMW, is renowned for its inherent smoothness and balanced power delivery. Mazda’s commitment to this classic design speaks volumes about their ambition to deliver a truly premium driving experience.
This isn’t just any inline-six; it’s a 3.3-liter turbocharged unit augmented by a 48V mild-hybrid system. This combination is engineered to provide both robust power and enhanced efficiency. The mild-hybrid assistance is most noticeable during initial acceleration, seamlessly filling in the torque gaps often associated with turbocharged engines at low RPMs. The result is a powertrain that feels exceptionally responsive and refined, outclassing the often coarser V6 and four-cylinder engines found in its Japanese competitors. With 340 horsepower on tap, the CX-90 effortlessly accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a brisk six seconds, impressive for a vehicle of its size. Furthermore, the mild-hybrid system contributes to a commendable 24 MPG overall fuel economy, a 20% improvement over the previous CX-9 with its smaller four-cylinder engine. This demonstrates Mazda’s engineering prowess in delivering a larger, more powerful, and more efficient engine simultaneously.
Image: Close-up of the “Turbo S” badge on the 2024 Mazda CX-90, highlighting the engine variant.
Engaging Driving Dynamics Sets it Apart
True to Mazda’s DNA, the CX-90 delivers a driving experience that transcends the typical three-row SUV. The steering is remarkably communicative, offering a level of feel and responsiveness that rivals many sports cars. The handling balance is equally impressive, eclipsing competitors from various continents. While the Toyota Highlander is often praised for its composed driving manners, the CX-90 elevates the standard significantly, making the Highlander feel comparatively less dynamic.
The CX-90 isn’t aiming to be a high-performance SUV in the vein of BMW M or Mercedes-AMG models. Instead, it strikes a harmonious balance between handling prowess and ride comfort. Body roll is present when pushed hard, but the overall driving experience evokes the golden era of BMW, reminiscent of the first-generation BMW X5. The CX-90 offers a satisfying blend of steering weight, poised handling, and ride quality, making it genuinely enjoyable to drive. Understeer is well-controlled and only surfaces when cornering at excessive speeds. The AWD system effectively distributes power, allowing for confident corner exits and maintaining the intended driving line. The CX-90 embodies Mazda’s “zoom-zoom” philosophy even in a larger SUV format.
A Cabin that Rivals Luxury Brands
Stepping inside the CX-90 is an exercise in surprise and delight, especially considering its price point in the $50,000-$60,000 range. The interior quality surpasses expectations for a mainstream brand, approaching and even rivaling some luxury marques. Supple Nappa leather adorns the first and second rows, complemented by microsuede seat inserts. The caramel-colored leather in the test vehicle exuded a particularly rich and sophisticated ambiance. While the aforementioned microsuede nap on the doors and dashboard is a minor drawback, the overall cabin aesthetic is undeniably upscale. The fit and finish are impeccable, with materials and textures that feel befitting of a vehicle costing considerably more. The CX-90 elevates the interior benchmark set by the already impressive CX-9 to a new level. The recently introduced Toyota Grand Highlander will face a formidable challenge in matching the Mazda’s cabin refinement.
Image: Interior shot of the Mazda CX-90 showcasing the premium leather seats and spacious cabin.
Space and Technology: Practicality with Modern Touches
The CX-90 offers generous space in the first two rows, ensuring comfortable accommodations for adults. However, the third row is best suited for children or shorter adults, particularly on longer journeys. This is an area where competitors like the Grand Highlander may offer more generous accommodations. With the rear seats folded, the CX-90 provides ample cargo space for everyday needs. Technologically, the CX-90 is well-equipped, featuring a large 12-inch center screen that is visually appealing and generally user-friendly. The rotary dial controller offers a tactile alternative to touchscreen inputs, although the menu structure can be slightly convoluted. Interestingly, the screen transforms into a touchscreen when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, offering added convenience. The CX-90 is also packed with safety features, perhaps to the point of being slightly intrusive with its numerous alerts.
Image: Exterior shot of the 2024 Mazda CX-90 Turbo S highlighting its side profile and wheels.
Value Proposition and Market Positioning
The notion of a $60,000 Mazda might initially raise eyebrows, but a week with the CX-90 quickly dispels any skepticism. It justifies its price tag with a compelling blend of luxury appointments and engaging driving dynamics, hallmarks of the Mazda brand. Consider that a fully-loaded CX-90 still undercuts the base price of a BMW X5, highlighting the exceptional value proposition Mazda offers. Moreover, lower trims of the CX-90 can be had for under $50,000, making it accessible to a broader range of buyers. In terms of overall package and driver satisfaction, the CX-90 surpasses mainstream competitors like the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander by a significant margin. Its closest rival in terms of refinement and driving experience is arguably the Genesis GV80. Mazda has undeniably solidified its position as a versatile automaker capable of competing—and excelling—across various segments. Is the CX-90 the Shohei Ohtani of the automotive world, a player excelling in multiple roles? Perhaps.
A Word of Caution: Steer Clear of the PHEV
While the standard CX-90 impresses, the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant is a significant misstep. After evaluating the CX-90 PHEV, it’s advisable to avoid this version altogether. In purely hybrid mode, without regular charging, the PHEV offers a negligible fuel economy improvement, barely exceeding the standard inline-six model by a single MPG. The most significant drawback is the replacement of the smooth inline-six with a less refined four-cylinder engine. This swap sacrifices the luxurious and effortless character of the standard powertrain for a coarser and less responsive experience, particularly at higher speeds. Highway passing maneuvers require significantly more effort, and the engine feels strained at higher RPMs.
However, the PHEV’s most glaring flaw is its unrefined operation, especially at low speeds. Transitions between electric and gasoline power are often jarring, resulting in noticeable shudders and jerks. The transmission also feels less smooth and transparent, even during gentle acceleration. The overall powertrain calibration feels unpolished, akin to a pre-production vehicle not quite ready for prime time. Furthermore, the EV mode is accompanied by noticeable mechanical whirring noises that can sound concerning. While regular charging will yield better fuel economy figures, the compromised driving experience and inferior powertrain make the PHEV a poor trade-off compared to the exceptional inline-six.
2024 Mazda CX-90 Turbo S: Final Verdict
As-tested price: Estimated $60,000
Pros: Sublime inline-six engine, exquisitely crafted interior, engaging driving dynamics
Cons: Third-row space is limited, PHEV variant disappoints, quirky gear selector
The 2024 Mazda CX-90 is a resounding success, marking Mazda’s confident entry into the premium three-row SUV segment. Its standout feature is undoubtedly the silky smooth and powerful inline-six engine, a rarity in this class. The interior quality is exceptional for its price point, and the driving dynamics are genuinely engaging, setting it apart from many competitors. While the third row is best reserved for smaller passengers and the PHEV version is best avoided, the standard CX-90, particularly in Turbo S guise, is a compelling and highly recommendable SUV. For those seeking a three-row SUV that blends luxury, driving pleasure, and value, the Mazda CX-90 review concludes that this vehicle deserves serious consideration.
Image: Detailed exterior shot of the 2024 Mazda CX-90 showcasing its elegant lines and premium finish.
Image: View of the 2024 Mazda CX-90 third-row seats, illustrating the space available.
Image: Close-up on the microsuede trim detail within the 2024 Mazda CX-90 interior.
Image: Panoramic view of the 2024 Mazda CX-90 interior showcasing its spaciousness.
Image: Rear seats of the 2024 Mazda CX-90, highlighting the legroom and seating configuration.
Image: Closer look at the third-row seating in the Mazda CX-90, showing seat details and headrests.
Image: Another perspective of the 2024 Mazda CX-90’s third row, emphasizing accessibility and space.
Image: Interior of a Mazda CX-90 Premium Plus trim, highlighting upgraded features and materials.
Image: Close-up on the leather seats of the Mazda CX-90 interior, showcasing stitching and design.
Image: Interior view of the 2024 Mazda CX-90, emphasizing the dashboard layout and infotainment screen.
Image: General interior shot of the Mazda CX-90, providing an overall impression of the cabin.
Image: Detailed view of interior elements in the Mazda CX-90, possibly trim or switchgear.
Image: Side profile of the 2024 Mazda CX-90 Turbo S, showcasing its silhouette.
Image: Close-up of the Mazda CX-90’s gear shifter, highlighting its unconventional design.
