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Mazda CX-90 Overview

Mazda CX-90: Mazda’s now-discontinued CX-9 crossover had long been a favorite among our staff, but the larger and more premium 2024 CX-90 three-row SUV has elevated the company’s biggest SUV further up the luxury mountain—and it earned a 2024 Editors’ Choice award along the way.

The CX-90 debuts with a new turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine, delivering either 280 or 340 horsepower, and offers a plug-in hybrid powertrain option (reviewed separately). Mazda’s premium aspirations are fully realized here, with top-tier variants of the three-row, eight-seater SUV offering more luxury features than the brand’s current lineup.

Its styling is attractive, and the CX-90’s cabin design takes cues from the smaller CX-50 and MX-30 SUVs. The all-new architecture on which the CX-90 is built has also led to the creation of a two-row SUV named the CX-70, which will join the Mazda lineup for the 2025 model year.

What’s New for 2024?

The CX-90 is a new nameplate for the Mazda brand, replacing the CX-9 for the 2024 model year.

Mazda CX-90: Pricing and Which One to Buy

The price of the 2024 Mazda CX-90 starts at $39,220 and goes up to $57,325, depending on the trim and options. We are most captivated by the new inline-six engine in its top S tune, which produces 340 horsepower. The S model also comes well-equipped with amenities such as 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.

Mazda CX-90: Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The CX-90 is the first Mazda to feature a new turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine, enhanced by a 48-volt hybrid system. Mazda claims the powertrain generates 280 horsepower in non-S trims and 340 in S trims. An inline-six-cylinder engine is a hallmark of luxury SUVs such as the BMW X5 and Land Rover Range Rover Sport, reflecting Mazda’s ambition to position its brand further into the premium market.

A plug-in hybrid variant is also available, utilizing the same 323-hp setup found in the European-market CX-60 SUV, but we review that model separately. All models come with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and like the rest of the Mazda SUV lineup, the CX-90 has standard all-wheel drive.

During our initial test drive, we tried the top-spec S model, which provided ample power for both city and highway driving. The 340-hp inline-six is particularly smooth, although we found the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters to be laggy, making it best to let the eight-speed automatic handle the shifting. At our test track, the CX-90 with the inline-six reached 60 mph in 6.3 seconds but exhibited some unrefined sounds that did not match the engine’s otherwise smooth-running nature. Nevertheless, it delivered refined road manners with the athleticism Mazdas are known for.

We’ve signed up a CX-90 Turbo S for 40,000 miles to test its performance on road trips, errands, and more.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA rates the CX-90 at up to 24 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. On our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, the CX-90 achieved a 29-mpg result. For more information about the CX-90’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Mazda CX-90: Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Mazda’s CX-90 features a stylish cabin design that seats up to eight passengers. Opting for the second-row captain’s chairs reduces the total seating to seven. The high-end models feature striking fabric dashboard upholstery and seats wrapped in soft Nappa leather. Base Select trims are less plush but still handsomely styled. Leather is standard on Preferred trims, while upscale Nappa leather is exclusive to Premium Plus trims.

Mazda CX-90: Infotainment and Connectivity

The CX-90 has a 10.3-inch or 12.3-inch infotainment display, controlled by a click wheel on the center console. Mazda’s latest infotainment interface is user-friendly and intuitive. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, and wireless connectivity for both is expected. The lower trims of the CX-90 include a 7.0-inch digital gauge display and an eight-speaker stereo system. A larger 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is available as an option, as is a 12-speaker Bose premium stereo.

Driver-Assistance Features

All CX-90 models come with Mazda’s i-Activsense driver-assistance features, including emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. For crash test results on the CX-90, visit the NHTSA and IIHS websites. Key safety features include: