2024 Mazda CX-90 Review

2024 Mazda CX-90 – Overview

The beloved Mazda CX-9 may be gone, but its spirit lives on in a more refined and upscale form: the all-new 2024 Mazda CX-90. Replacing the CX-9 as Mazda’s flagship three-row SUV, the CX-90 embraces a more premium identity—and it’s already made an impression, earning a 2024 Editors’ Choice award.

This next-generation SUV debuts a powerful turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine, offered in two output levels—280 horsepower or a more robust 340 horsepower. For those leaning toward electrification, there’s also a plug-in hybrid variant (covered in a separate review).

Mazda’s move toward luxury is unmistakable in the CX-90. The top trim levels come loaded with upscale features that go beyond anything else in the brand’s current SUV lineup. With seating for up to eight passengers, the CX-90 combines practicality with elegant design.

The exterior styling is sleek and sophisticated, while the interior draws inspiration from the CX-50 and MX-30, featuring high-quality materials and thoughtful touches throughout. Built on a completely new platform, the CX-90 also serves as the foundation for Mazda’s upcoming two-row sibling—the CX-70—which is set to debut for the 2025 model year.

When Is The 2024 Mazda CX-90 Coming Out?

Mazda unveiled the CX-90 on January 31, 2023, with availability in North America starting later that year. The SUV was subsequently introduced in other markets, including Australia and the Middle East, throughout 2023.

What’s New for 2024 Mazda CX-90 ?

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 is an all-new addition to the lineup, stepping in to replace the outgoing CX-9. With this fresh nameplate, Mazda signals a bold new direction, emphasizing luxury, performance, and modern technology in its largest SUV yet.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 starts at $39,220 and ranges up to $57,325, depending on trim level and selected options.

For the best blend of performance and luxury, we recommend opting for the S trim, which features the higher-output version of the new 3.3-liter inline-six engine, delivering an impressive 340 horsepower. Beyond its power, the S model is generously equipped with upscale features that elevate the driving experience. Highlights include second-row captain’s chairs, a premium 12-speaker Bose audio system, interior ambient lighting, striking 21-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, and a hands-free power liftgate. It’s the most compelling version of Mazda’s new flagship SUV.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 debuts a new era for the brand, introducing a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Power output depends on the trim: 280 horsepower in standard versions and 340 horsepower in the performance-oriented S trims. This move aligns Mazda with premium players like BMW and Land Rover, both of which also favor inline-six engines in luxury SUVs.

Mazda’s upscale ambitions are further signaled by the availability of a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version, which utilizes a 323-hp powertrain similar to the one found in Europe’s Mazda CX-60—though we cover that variant separately.

All CX-90 models are equipped with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission and come standard with all-wheel drive, maintaining the brand’s commitment to confident, balanced handling.

On the road, the CX-90 Turbo S trim impressed us during initial testing. The 340-hp inline-six felt strong and refined, delivering ample thrust for both urban commuting and long highway cruises. At our test track, it sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.3 seconds. However, we found the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters somewhat sluggish and preferred leaving gear changes to the transmission’s intelligent programming.

While the engine delivers smooth and powerful performance, some engine noise at full throttle detracted slightly from the otherwise polished experience. Still, the CX-90 holds true to Mazda’s reputation for sporty, engaging dynamics, even in a larger three-row format.

To dive deeper into the real-world performance, we’ve added a CX-90 Turbo S to our long-term test fleet, where it will tackle 40,000 miles of road trips, school runs, weekend projects, and everyday errands. Stay tuned to see how it holds up.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA rates the 2024 Mazda CX-90 at up to 24 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. During our real-world testing on a 75-mph highway route, the CX-90 exceeded expectations by achieving an impressive 29 mpg. For detailed official fuel economy figures and additional information, you can visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Matching its sophisticated exterior, the Mazda CX-90 boasts a stylish and thoughtfully designed cabin that accommodates up to eight passengers. Choosing the available second-row captain’s chairs reduces the seating capacity to seven, but significantly enhances comfort and accessibility.

Inside the higher-end trims, the dashboard is adorned with elegant fabric upholstery that adds a refined touch, while the seats are wrapped in supple Nappa leather for a truly premium feel. Lower-tier Select trims may not feature the same luxurious materials but still impress with tasteful styling and quality finishes.

Leather seating surfaces become standard beginning with the Preferred trim, but the even softer, more luxurious Nappa leather is exclusively reserved for the top-tier Premium Plus models, offering the ultimate in comfort and sophistication.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Mazda CX-90 features a sleek dashboard-mounted infotainment display, available in either 10.3 inches or a larger 12.3-inch screen. Control is handled via a user-friendly click wheel located on the center console, making navigation straightforward and intuitive.

Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, with wireless connectivity expected across the board for added convenience. Lower trims of the CX-90 include a 7.0-inch digital gauge display and an eight-speaker audio system.

For those seeking a more immersive experience, an optional 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a premium 12-speaker Bose sound system are available, elevating both the tech and audio quality inside the cabin.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Every Mazda CX-90 is equipped with the comprehensive i-Activsense suite of driver-assistance technologies. This package includes essential safety features such as automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control as standard across all trims.

For detailed information on the CX-90’s crash test performance, you can visit the websites of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Key safety highlights include:

• Automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection (standard)

• Blind-spot monitoring (standard)

• Adaptive cruise control (standard)

These systems work together to provide added peace of mind on every journey.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Mazda provides a solid warranty package for the new CX-90, though it lacks some perks offered by competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Toyota Highlander, which include complimentary scheduled maintenance.

• Limited warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

• Powertrain warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

• Scheduled maintenance: Not included

While Mazda’s coverage offers standard protection, buyers looking for added maintenance benefits may want to consider how this compares to rival SUVs.

2024 Mazda CX-90 Specifications

Final Verdict

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 stands out in the crowded midsize SUV market by offering a compelling mix of performance, luxury, and efficiency. Its introduction of a rear-wheel-drive platform and powerful engine options signals Mazda’s commitment to delivering a premium driving experience. While cargo space is modest compared to some competitors, the CX-90’s upscale interior, advanced technology, and engaging dynamics make it a strong choice for those seeking a refined family SUV.

2024 Mazda CX-90 Videos