2024 Mazda CX-90: Upscale Three-Row SUV for Those Who Love to Drive

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 is the first vehicle to be built on the Japanese automaker’s all-new large platform and to use its equally new turbocharged 3.3-litre inline six-cylinder engine.

The latter is not the only option available under the hood of the CX-90, mind you. There’s also a plug-in hybrid system that combines a revised 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and 17.8kWh high-voltage battery. Pure electric driving is possible for up to 42 km. In both cases, a new eight-speed automatic transmission further enhances performance while improving fuel efficiency.

Excellent Handling

Whichever powertrain is selected, the Mazda CX-90 proves highly dynamic on the road with excellent handling and remarkable poise in corners. When it comes to mainstream three-row crossovers, this one stands out as the most fun to drive. It’s actually closer to those luxury SUVs from Germany.  

The CX-90 is blessed with a double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, the latter eschewing rubber mounts in favour of metallic ball joints that create a more direct link between the chassis and the suspension. Mazda engineers have also developed what they call Kinetic Posture Control. First introduced on the MX-5 roadster, this software-based technology suppresses body lift on tight corners to enhance grip and allows all occupants to maintain a natural posture. The CX-90 is therefore able to maximize comfort by neutralizing body movements. The highly refined and quiet interior adds to the experience at highway speeds.

The turbocharged six-cylinder engine is perfectly balanced and arguably better suited to a three-row midsize crossover like the Mazda CX-90. In GT-P or Signature trim, it generates 340 horsepower when fed with premium gasoline—the most power ever for a Mazda production engine—along with 369 lb-ft. of torque. With regular gas, output is down to 319 horsepower, but torque stays the same. The base GS and GS-L models, as well as the mid-grade GT, produce 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft. of torque when running on regular gas.

The performance delivered by Mazda’s new straight-six makes the CX-90 quite spirited and pleasant for drivers. Meanwhile, the eight-speed autobox drops fuel consumption to 9.3-9.5 L/100 km, which is more efficient than most direct competitors. It’s not perfect, mind you. We noticed some hesitations when trying to gently accelerate from a stop, which proved to be an irritant. With more pressure on the throttle, however, things are smooth.

Despite its 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. of torque (with premium fuel), the plug-in hybrid system combining a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor isn’t as satisfying as the six-cylinder, at least from our experience. The smaller combustion engine is rather noisy under acceleration and doesn’t seem to fit with the CX-90’s otherwise refined manners. On the other hand, the 42 km of zero-emission range further reduce fuel consumption and will earn customers a $2,500 rebate from the federal government’s iZEV program (plus provincial incentives where applicable).

We’re happy to report that we managed to travel 40+ km without burning any fuel during our test drive of the CX-90 PHEV. When the battery runs empty, though, the combined rating of 9.4 L/100 km is right on par with the six-cylinder.

Charging and Towing

Charging the PHEV’s 17.8kWh battery can be done on the go using the combustion engine as a generator. When stopped, taking it from 20-80 percent charge requires just over an hour via a level 2 (240V) charger or 6.5 hours via a regular power outlet.

The Mazda CX-90 can tow up to 3,500 lbs in GS or GS-L trim. Higher-end models increase towing capacity to 5,000 lbs thanks to three radiators that improve cooling.

As for styling, we very much like the premium look and feel of the CX-90, including how light can have varying effects on the body. Subtle chrome accents are incorporated all around for good measure.  

The minimalist design of the interior echoes its Japanese lineage. For example, the distinctive fabric on the dash is connected using hanging stitches, which is specifically inspired by hand-bookbinding and an intricate Japanese weaving technique known as kumihimo. The fully digital instrument panel is flanked by a 12.3-inch centre screen. Similar to that of the CX-50, the latter has touchscreen capability with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but Mazda’s own infotainment system can only be controlled by using the large dial on the centre console.

The second-row bench seat can be replaced by a pair of captain’s chairs depending on the model. As is often the case in three-row midsize SUVs, rear passengers don’t enjoy nearly as much space as those sitting in the middle. Cargo capacity is 537 litres with all the seatbacks up, or 1,343 litres with the third-row seats folded down, meaning the CX-90 can’t match the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade and others.