MazdaCX-90

　　

2024 Mazda CX-90 Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　, rating written byMark TakahashiSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　When the Mazda CX-9 was last redesigned in 2016, it became one of our favorite three-row midsize SUVs. As the years went on, however, its lack of interior and cargo room became more of a liability as fresher and roomier rivals such as the Kia Telluride and Volkswagen Atlas debuted. But now Mazda is back once again vying for a top spot with the all-new 2024 CX-90.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Select 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$148/mo  for CX-90 3.3 Turbo Select

　　CX-90 3.3 Turbo Select

　　3.3 Turbo Select 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $39,595 MSRP3.3 Turbo Preferred 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $43,445 MSRP3.3 Turbo Preferred Plus 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $45,900 MSRPPHEV Preferred 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $47,445 MSRP3.3 Turbo Premium 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $48,900 MSRP3.3 Turbo S 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $51,750 MSRPPHEV Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $52,900 MSRP3.3 Turbo Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $52,950 MSRP3.3 Turbo S Premium 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $56,450 MSRPPHEV Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) (Most Popular) - $56,950 MSRP3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $59,950 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　The CX-90 is similar in size to the CX-9 it replaces as Mazda's flagship, though its wheelbase (the distance between front and rear wheels) grows by 7.5 inches, benefitting passenger and cargo space. The CX-9 was notable for delivering a more luxurious interior than its contemporaries, and the CX-90 builds on that refinement by delivering an experience that rivals entry-level luxury SUVs. Acceleration is strong and smooth thanks to a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. All-wheel drive is standard, and Mazda even offers a plug-in hybrid version that delivers an estimated 26 miles of all-electric range on a single charge.

　　Overall, we're impressed with the CX-90 and think it's a desirable choice for a three-row SUV. Besides the Telluride and Atlas, other alternatives include Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade and Toyota Highlander. Check out our test team's Expert Rating below to get our full report on where the CX-90 shines and where it comes up a little short.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.1

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.5/10

　　How does the CX-90 drive? Performance isn't generally a priority for the midsize three-row SUV buyer, but the CX-90 proves to be quicker, better-handling and more stable than pretty much anything else in the class. We tested the CX-90 with the top-line 340-hp engine. At our test track, the CX-90 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in a very respectable 6.5 seconds and displayed excellent midrange- and high-rpm punch after that. Squirting through traffic and highway merging is a breeze.

　　We're also fans of the CX-90's eight-speed automatic transmission, which shifts quickly and unobtrusively. But we found the engine stop-start feature to be a bit more noticeable than we'd like. It can engage, shutting the gasoline engine off during cruising for better fuel economy, but can be a bit slow to start the engine back up.

　　As you'd expect from a Mazda, handling is something the CX-90 does better than most others in its class. The steering is nicely weighted, and the CX-90 feels planted and secure around corners. The brakes are also worth mentioning. Emergency stopping performance is impressive, but in routine driving we found the brake pedal to be a bit too touchy, which makes it hard to consistently stop smoothly.

　　

Comfort

8.5/10

　　How comfortable is the CX-90? The CX-90 has an impressively composed ride quality. Our test vehicle's 21-inch wheel and tire package did feel a bit stiff over broken city streets, but in general the CX-90 smooths out bumps pretty well. At highway speeds, the CX-90 has excellent composure and is unfazed by dips or undulating surfaces. Another area where the CX-90 shines is its quiet interior. Road and wind noise is well subdued, and the engine is smooth and quiet until you really step on the gas. 

　　We're big fans (no pun intended) of the CX-90's push-button climate control system. It's essentially set-and-forget, and not having to dive into a menu screen to make quick adjustments is very much appreciated. While the front seats offer excellent long-haul comfort, the second-row captain's chairs (other configurations are available) felt merely average. The third row is much more spacious than the one in the previous CX-9 but lacks the comfort provided by the back rows in the Kia Telluride and Volkswagen Atlas.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below