The CX-90 sits on a new rear-wheel-drive platform to rival the Germans and comes with an inline-6 turbo or a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Mazda has been teasing the 2024 CX-90 for quite a while now, and now we know everything about its flagship. It’s a premium SUV that boasts three seating rows and, more importantly, uses a longitudinal engine architecture. Mazda hopes the move will push the CX-90 upmarket, where it will compete directly with the BMW X5, Audi Q7, and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.
The CX-90 will replace the CX-9 in the company’s lineup. Mazda chose the new nomenclature to differentiate its new flagship, as the previous model was based on a front-wheel-drive architecture from the brand’s compact cars.
Coined as the “Large Platform,” it’s Mazda’s all-new longitudinal-engine architecture launching in the US. This platform also supports various powertrains, including mild-hybrid inline-6 engines and plug-in hybrid variants.
But perhaps the star of the show is the new e-Skyactiv G 3.3-liter inline-six turbocharged engine, which produces 340 hp and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque. It’s Mazda’s most powerful production engine to date and one that the company says provides an “upscale feeling, a smooth-driving experience, engaging sound, and efficiency.” It also employs the M-Hybrid Boost technology, a fancy name for a 48V mild-hybrid system. The electric motor, sandwiched between the engine and gearbox, should improve efficiency and maximize responsiveness by helping the engine at lower revs.
The other powertrain option forgoes the smooth inline-6 engine and replaces it with a 2.5-liter, non-turbocharged inline-4. Despite losing two cylinders, the CX-90 e-Skyactiv PHEV still produces 323 hp and equal 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque as the ICE-only model. That’s largely thanks to the added juice from the 17.8-kWh battery pack, which is quite hefty for a plug-in hybrid.
Despite the two different powertrains, both CX-90 models come with a brand-new eight-speed automatic without a torque converter. Mazda aimed for smoothness and direct acceleration, which is usually not a trait of gearboxes that lack a torque converter. But let’s give the Japanese engineers the benefit of the doubt.
All 2024 CX-90 models come exclusively with AWD, but the system is rear-biased for better handling and drivability. Mazda was always known for producing fun-to-drive cars — even its crossovers feel better behind the wheels than their rivals. However, the new architecture should improve things further and enable Mazda to compete with BMW.
On the outside, the CX-90 looks elegant and luxurious, with different proportions from other Mazda models, due to the new architecture. The long hood is a dead giveaway of the new design — the SUV also gets a lot of curves, contradicting the modern design approach with sharp edges and angles. The CX-90 will be available in new colors, including Rhodium White and Artisan Red, and the top trims will come with huge 21-inch wheels.
The luxurious touch continues inside the cabin of the CX-90. A 12.3-inch center infotainment screen takes center stage along with another digital display for the driver. The interior is lavishly decorated with multiple materials like Nappa leather and wood and looks minimalistic and calm. Mazda claims the CX-90 can carry eight passengers in comfort while folding the third row
Mazda has made the new CX-90 a three-row SUV that can easily carry up to eight passengers and more than enough cargo space for the family with the third row folded down.
Mazda has yet to announce pricing and other details but said sales should start later this year. We’ll keep you updated as soon as we have more information!
Gallery: 2024 Mazda CX-90
