Overview
Mazda’s current CX-9 crossover has long been a favorite among our staff, but the larger and more premium 2024 CX-90 three-row SUV appears poised to move the company’s largest SUV further up the luxury mountain. The CX-90 will make a new turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine that produces either 280 or 340 horsepower, as well as a plug-in hybrid powertrain option. Mazda’s premium aspirations leading us to believe that this three-row eight-seat lineup will offer more luxury features than its current crop of SUVs. Its styling is attractive, and the CX-90’s cabin design borrows cues from the smaller CX-50 and MX-30 SUVs. The all-new architecture on which the CX-90 is built is also expected to be a two-row SUV called CX-70which should go on sale shortly after the CX-90.
What’s new for 2024?
The CX-90 will be a new nameplate for the Mazda brand when it goes into production sometime in 2023. It is unknown if the CX-90 will replace the current CX-9 in Mazda’s lineup or if it will be offered alongside the smaller three-row model moving forward.
Prices and which one to buy
While we haven’t driven the CX-90 yet, we’re intrigued by the new inline-six, especially in its top S tune that pumps out 340 horsepower. The S model also comes well-equipped with goodies like second-row captain’s chairs, a 12-speaker Bose stereo system, interior ambient lighting, 21-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, a hands-free power liftgate, and more.
Engine, transmission and performance
The CX-90 will be the first Mazda to use a new turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine supplemented by a 48-volt hybrid system. Mazda says the powerplant is good for 280 horsepower in non-S trims and 340 in S trims. An inline six-cylinder engine is a hallmark of SUVs like the BMW X5 and the Land Rover Range Rover Sport, indicating Mazda’s desire to move its brand even more towards the premium end of the market. A plug-in hybrid variant will also be offered, with the same 323-hp setup used in the European-market CX-60 SUV, consisting of an inline four-cylinder engine, an electric motor and a 17.8 kWh battery pack . All models come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and, like the rest of the Mazda SUV range, the CX-90 has all-wheel drive standard. When we get to drive the CX-90 for ourselves, we’ll update this story with driving impressions.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA has not yet released fuel economy estimates for the plug-in hybrid CX-90 model, but the inline-six is rated for up to 24 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The plug-in hybrid powertrain will likely be more efficient and come with at least 30 miles or so of electric range per charge. For more information on the CX-90’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, comfort and cargo
To accompany its luxurious exterior, Mazda equipped the CX-90 with a stylish cabin design that offers room for up to eight passengers. Opt for the second row of captain’s chairs and the total seating drops to seven. The fabric dashboard upholstery in the high-end models looks striking, and the seats in those trims are also wrapped in soft nappa leather. Base Select trims are more spartan, but no less attractively styled. Although leather is standard from the Preferred trim, the more luxurious and buttery nappa leather upholstery is reserved for Premium Plus levels and up.
Infotainment and connectivity
A 10.3- or larger 12.3-inch infotainment screen is located in the dashboard and controlled via a click wheel on the CX-90’s center console. Mazda’s latest infotainment interface is easy to navigate and relatively intuitive. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard, and we expect wireless connectivity for both. The CX-90 also features a 7.0-inch digital gauge display and an eight-speaker stereo system. A larger 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is optional, as is a 12-speaker Bose premium stereo.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Mazda says all CX-90s will come with a suite of driver assistance features called i-Activsense, which includes automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring and more. For more information on the CX-90’s crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard blind spot monitoring
- Standard adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Cover
Mazda offers an adequate protection plan for buyers of new CX-90s. What it doesn’t offer is something that both the Hyundai Palisade and the Toyota Highlander do: complimentary scheduled maintenance.
- Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
