The Mazda CX-90 was introduced as a larger, more sumptuous edition of the automotive journalists’ favorite three-row crossover, the CX-9. At the same time, and while everyone was downsizing, Mazda also introduced its new engine: an inline turbocharger. six motors, later supplemented by a 48-volt hybrid system. In the CX-90, the new powertrain develops 280 horsepower in the lower models or 340 horsepower in the S models and, like all Mazda SUVs now, the power is sent to all 4-wheelers. A CX-90 plug-in hybrid produces 323 horsepower, but we’re testing this car separately.
For this test, Mazda sent us the 3. 3 Turbo S edition with the Premium Plus package. This makes sense as Mazda is slowly but actually moving away from the most affordable component on the market to enter the premium segment with its double-digit models.
The CX-90 is an attractive demon, similar to the CX-9 that went to the gym but without going overboard with protein shakes. However, it is built on Mazda’s new Skyactiv multi-solution architecture and has a longer wheelbase of 7. 5 inches. meaning it’s an all-new vehicle compared to the CX-9 and Mazda’s behemoth styling to date. That means Mazda can offer the CX-90 with a choice of six, seven or eight seats, with a giant third row. enough to comfortably accommodate adults. However, the shipping area is fantastic
Inside, the CX-90 uses the high-quality recipe showcased by Mazda that provides a sense of taste and luxury impressive to that of its contemporaries. Well-organized physical buttons are also readily available to passengers and driver, while the small infotainment screen is perfectly adequate. , well placed and smoothly controlled via the rotary dial on the center console. There’s not a lot of nifty parking space in the cabin, but we didn’t need more either.
The Mazda CX-90 is part of a new mindset for the modern Mazda. The logo has focused on the driver, but the CX-90 has reached a new level with a longitudinally fixed six-in-line engine, which brings many functionality benefits. Six engines are desirable because they provide smoother force than a V6, and that proves to be true here. It also means that the engine consumes no width under the hood and provides Mazda with room for a double-wishbone front suspension – anything usual. discovered in sports cars and sportier luxury vehicles.
Our Turbo S Premium Plus comes with the 3. 3-liter turbo engine with 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of premium fuel, and you can make do with regular unleaded gasoline. The 48V mild hybrid formula is there to contribute to efficiency, while an eight-speed automatic transmission is responsible for distributing power to all 4 wheels. The EPA estimate for the edition tested is 25 mpg combined, and in our week with the SUV, we recorded a stated fuel burn of 24. 9 without spending a lot of time on the road. .
A midsize SUV is rarely expected to be fun to drive unless it has a German badge on the front, however, Mazda showed its strengths with the CX-9 and surpassed them with the CX-90. It’s serene, but it helps keep the chassis in corners and changes of direction aren’t dramatic for passengers, unless the driver is rude. His ability to impress on back roads is just as good in the city, where he can kick. Back off or rush with the same confidence. Mazda also made use of the available area in the engine compartment by making the wheel arches deeper and giving the CX-90 a higher guide angle, which was noticeable in tight parking lots.
The six-line engine is excellent and smooth, and it’s a satisfying match to the eight-speed automatic transmission. In the city, this adds to the overall feeling of luxury and quality and helps make the journey fun for passengers.
Heading out of town, we were going to explore the benefits of the CX-90’s newly optimised weight distribution, meant to soothe the heavy nose of a long-hooded car with an inline six-cylinder engine. Weight distribution and new suspension powered by Mazda’s kinematic system Posture control, which applies a small amount of mid-turn braking force to the inner rear wheel when cornering to decrease understeer and keep things firmer, makes the CX-90 oddly effective in corners, considering its duration and weight, even under typical conditions. Standards of Mazda. Su ability to take corners is excellent, and his ability to hold a line and gain speed in a corner is equally impressive; This makes it simple to drive a passenger transport truck on long, winding roads.
While the Turbo S trim’s 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque make it Mazda’s toughest style to date, it’s far from the fastest, clocking in at six-and-a-half seconds from zero to sixty seconds. It’s not fast, but there’s plenty to overtake in incredibly slow traffic and overtaking on the highway.
However, we do have some criticisms of the CX-90 on the road. The sensitive Start/Smost formula is more pronounced than I would like. Although the transmission is quick and sleek like an automatic, there’s no noticeable improvement when the paddles are on top of that, the CX-90’s responsive brakes are fantastic overall, but they can have a bit of grip overall, making it difficult to do so smoothly.
There’s no doubt that the CX-90 ticks the boxes for a wonderful Mazda SUV – it was a finalist in the Family Fun category of our 2023 CarBuzz Awards. It’s elegant, it’s manageable, it’s wonderful on the inside, and the ride is wonderful. It also has an adequate level of protection, making it ideal for family tasks.
Pricing starts at $37,845 for base models, while 340-horsepower models start at $49,850. If you love to drive and want a three-row midsize crossover and the budget is right for you, it’s a no-brainer at most. However, the functionality will necessarily set a precedent for peak buyers of midsize crossovers, and some competitors will offer more space for cargo and passengers. But Mazda is doing something different than the rest of the pack with the CX-90, and the result is good.