How Does the All-New Mazda CX-90 Stand Out From the CX-9?
Mazda has an all-new three-row crossover called CX-90 that aims to replace the current CX-9—and become the brand’s latest flagship—starting with the 2024 model year. It’s a pretty attractive and interesting vehicle at first glance, but how exactly does it stand out?
Basically, the CX-90 is to the CX-9 what the CX-50 is to the CX-5: a more modern, more spacious and more premium offering with extra luxury and technology. Of course, just like all Mazda vehicles, it was designed with the driver in mind, but at the same time it proves more accommodating to families and friends.
The exterior design gives the CX-90 a rather majestic appearance. The available new 21-inch diamond-cut wheels in a black metallic finish are the largest ever fitted on a Mazda. The model pictured here also debuts the company’s latest Takuminuri colour, Artisan Red, which has been developed specifically to reflect the CX-90’s blend of performance and refinement.
Inside, multiple materials such as Nappa leather, wood, chrome and tone-on-tone fabrics all come together harmoniously. One highlight is the distinctive fabric on the dash connected using hanging stitches, which is specifically inspired by hand-bookbinding and an intricate Japanese weaving technique known as Kumihimo.
The increased dimensions of the CX-90 are also reflected in the size of the centre display, which grows from 10.25 inches to 12.3 inches. It has touchscreen capability with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but Mazda’s own infotainment system still can only be controlled by using the large dial and buttons on the centre console. New technologies, such as an available See-Through View monitor, are meant to assist in a variety of parking situations through the display.
Mild Hybrid or PHEV
Now, having said all that, the biggest differences between the CX-90 and the outgoing CX-9 are those you can’t see. Mazda’s all-new Large Vehicle platform features a front-engine, rear-wheel-bias longitudinal layout to elevate driving dynamics, along with a more rigid body structure and upgraded suspension.
Under the hood, the CX-90 comes standard with a new turbocharged 3.3-litre inline six-cylinder engine that boasts the highest horsepower (340 hp) and torque (369 lb-ft) of any Mazda production engine to date (the CX-9 delivers a maximum of 250 hp and 320 lb-ft). It also uses a mild hybrid system called M-Hybrid Boost and new eight-speed automatic transmission for increased efficiency.
If you want to save more fuel, you need to check out the optional plug-in hybrid powertrain, which combines a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and 17.8 kWh high-voltage battery. Output is down to 323 hp, but torque is unchanged at 369 lb-ft. The PHEV is designed to operate purely on the electric motor in a variety of driving scenarios, though Mazda has not specified zero-emission range yet.
The main takeaway from all this is that Mazda continues to move upmarket and challenge more established luxury brands. Pricing for the all-new CX-90 will be announced closer to launch this spring, but it will inevitably cost more money than the 2023 CX-9, which ranges from $42,050-$54,050 in Canada. Families must keep an eye on this one.
