2024 Mazda CX-90 Review | The Smoothest 3-Row Family SUV

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The 2024 Mazda CX-90 is a 3-row midsize SUV. In this video, we drive a 2024 Mazda CX-90 Premium Plus trim with an inline 6-cylinder engine to review its positives and negatives from a family perspective.
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00:00 2024 Mazda CX-90 Review
0:15 Interior & Safety Features
4:46 Arm Rest Test
5:08 Exterior Review
6:08 Driving Impressions
9:10 Evie Drives
11:58 Infotainment Review
13:44 Engine Choices & Fuel Economy
14:22 Which Mazda CX-90 trim is best?
14:54 Mazda CX-90 Competitors
15:13 Synopsis

[@nostyle126]

I've had mine for about a month and a half now. Non-S, Premium trim, under $45k and 0.9% financing. Is it perfect? No, but it is a TREMENDOUS bang for the buck at that price.

[@radientproductions9799]

for 45k , def worth it. 60k , hell no.

[@carenthusiast4984]

I’m going to test drive one next week. How do you find the transmission? I’ve heard it’s something that you need to get used to.

[@nostyle126]

​@@carenthusiast4984that's absolutely true. So in normal mode, at low speed, the electric motor gets the car going, and it's jumpy/inconsistent with its power delivery. My understanding is this is solved by the solenoid update I expect to get when I go for my first oil change. Once the transmission takes over it is okay. It's not 'torque converter' smooth because it's a wet clutch but it's still good. What I'll point out is that the hybrid boost makes a 'whoop' sound when it applies a boost to smooth out a gear shift as you land at your desired cruising speed. For example, if accelerating to 45 mph you may hear a 'whoop' sound as you reach 6th gear and land at your cruising speed. I've heard this sound at speeds as low as 26 mph. I don't hear it as much if I'm in Sport mode. Last thing, the I-Drive mode. Let me start by saying I HATE the typical auto stop/start function most modern cars have. But I gotta say, I like I-Drive on the CX-90. It will literally turn your engine off while cruising at high speeds and you won't even realize it. Then it re-engages the engine when necessary. There is only the slightest power delivery lag as a result. I have not only gotten used to it but I like it, and it really helps your MPG. Of course, I-Drive can be turned off if you want.

[@sheldonduffy9442]

These low APRs Mazda is offering makes me wish I had listened to my wife and waited to purchase. However, my kid needed a vehicle to drive to school so my kid got my old Kia and I got my CX90 PHEV.

[@nostyle126]

​@@carenthusiast4984I wrote a long reply but it seems like it vanished. You didn't see it, did you?

[@allenmovies]

Always love your family reviews!

[@ryanfrisby7389]

Great video!

[@franky1939]

Reviewers so concern about the small 3rd row seats of all SUVs. Get a commuter van if you want space. The 3rd row for SUVs are intended for cargos space. They only put seats there for maximum use of space.

[@bigdlife86]

The I6 is a buttery creamy puller, that gets great mileage. Solid review✅

[@levigato125]

That’s one nice CX-70.

[@amcb2035]

😄😐😐

[@saltyt.1886]

😂

[@Redix9]

The CX-70 doesn’t come with a third row….

[@XChronicHash]

@@Redix9that’s the joke, are you just slow?

[@richardfeynman2462]

@@XChronicHashi don’t get the joke

[@MrProteinK]

That red is amazing.

[@brytonmunro5270]

In regards to the chimes upon starting the engine, I always put my seatbelt on right after I push start and it chimes maybe twice. The entire premise is to get you to put your seatbelt on. It absolutely does it’s job.

[@namelast9340]

Mine doesn't make this sound when I start it without seatbelt on. I guess they have fixed that issue

[@gillmoni64]

I love that CX90, it reminds me of my 07 Dodge Magnum

[@bonjournaste]

Good well-rounded reviews! Shame the transmission is still clunky, hope they're able to fix. Wish there was a non-hybrid version with a small torque converter. I'd even take a non-turbo version TBH. FYI, Sport mode is just changing throttle sensitivity, and shift programming. Steering effort or anything else like suspension is not affected.

[@th003g]

Are you sure that's not a CX70? It should put you in park if you open the door.

[@JackSmith-qi7dr]

😂

[@amcb2035]

😄😐

[@timothyzhuk2847]

That is the cx 90 because it has third row. The xc 70 has no third row, they both look the same.

[@Al-ok1lj]

@@timothyzhuk2847 He knew that. It was a joke.

[@ssr1680]

😂😂😂😂

[@sheldonduffy9442]

Excellent review as always. I really like the family angle and it is fun watching your little girl grow up. However, it interesting how different reviewers feel about which engine they like the best. Many prefer the I6, others the PHEV. I will admit that hybrid lacks the smoothness of the 6 but I love the gas mileage (I plug mine in daily) and the low end torque from the hybrid engine.

[@David_Journey]

You need to augment for where each reviewer tests the vehicles. Micah drives mostly mountain passes, where the PHEV may be out of its natural habitat (urban roads and freeways that are congested, where fuel economy shines), and linearity of Inline-6 is more fitting.

[@sheldonduffy9442]

I want to change my opinion on the smoothness. I recently had a i6 loaner vehicle and much to my surprise I now think the PHEV is smoother. However when driving at highway speeds (70 mph) and you step on it to pass even the base i6 accelerates significantly better than the PHEV.

[@billyrock8305]

Stunner!! 😮😮😮😮

[@citibear57]

I agree with Evie ...the CX-90 looks great in white. And, I like the black interior with the tan-colored stripe. Also, the black interior has grey-stained wood that looks better. I don't like anything that is beige-and-white such as the leather and wood in your tester. It is wood, isn't it?

[@fathomdetails]

Good stuff

[@DV8shredder]

The dealer updates have helped a lot with the PHEV smoothness.

[@sheldonduffy9442]

Definitely

[@ervindelacruz8]

Did you ask your dealer to update your CX-90?

[@DV8shredder]

@@ervindelacruz8 it was part of the transmission solenoid recall.

[@ervindelacruz8]

@@DV8shredder what is the build date of your CX-90?

[@DV8shredder]

@@ervindelacruz8 I bought it in July, build date was May I believe.

[@DM72513]

6:29 We have the PHEV. If you’re in Sport mode the power is instantaneous and effortless. It’s actually faster to 60mph than the top Turbo S inline-6 Turbo.

[@LafemmebearMusic]

That’s not true the faster than top trim statement. Just checked that with many publications. Did you test it is that what you’re basing that off of?

[@GooseVan]

@@LafemmebearMusic It's faster 0-60 and silky smooth, but if you accelerate on highway to pass, the inline 6 feels more powerful. If you primarily drive on highway, get inline 6 model. If you drive in town mainly, get phev.

[@thestonetable]

Looks like a great car!! Of course it does… it’s a Mazda. They are building great vehicles these days.

[@ravipeiris4388]

They've being building reliable vehicles since the 1970s.

[@thestonetable]

@@ravipeiris4388 true, but they have always felt flimsy. I drove my neighbor’s in 79 and didn’t like the handling and feel. Reliable, but not to my liking. I drove one recently and it really felt like a high end car. Still a bit flimsy feeling compared to American and European, but that’s a Japanese thing I’m not crazy about. However, they feel way better than they have in the past.

[@pleasantcrew]

As usual, great review. I can't wait for the family to review the new Hyundai Santa Fe

[@lucasl.5084]

10 am Sunday is Micah Time

[@K03sport]

Micah and family, what about the engine and associated (regular) maintenance? belts, pumps, plugs, etc.? I hear the I6 might need a lot of "engine out" for some serviceable items...

[@WScott-gd2mj]

Wish Mazda had spent the time and energy on a truly next-gen CX5 with updated tech and a hybrid option.

[@bigdlife86]

Give it time. CX-50 Hybrid for 2025, and new CX-5 eventually coming.

[@10tenman10]

I own the Preffered Plus CX 90. The only things I would have liked on my vehicle are mirror mounted garage door opener and seat memory buttons, neither of which is critically important to me.

[@sheldonduffy9442]

Recently had a Preferred Plus loaner. I also would have preferred to have an XM radio (however I had the app). Also, not having a 360 camera it really needs front and rear sensors.

[@Bonjurro]

Clunky shifts seems to be common with many of the reviewers on the CX-90

[@GooseVan]

It's been much improved by software update. He may have one with updated software already.

[@sheldonduffy9442]

I love my CX90 PHEV, but sometimes the clunkiness is annoying. Even at highway speeds you sometimes get a clunk that is so pronounced it sometimes feels as if the vehicle got bumped. However, the remarkable gas mileage makes up for it.

[@robertlandry5676]

Looking Chic 👍🏼

[@aceofspades6667]

Beautiful vehicle

[@JaredSVX]

Anyone else getting a whole bunch of Tesla Ads all of a sudden? I don't ever remember seeing any Tesla ads until the last couple of weeks.

[@4uanC]

What's up with the IR sensor on the center screen @12:12? What is that for? 👀

[@MicahMuzio]

It's for a feature called Driver Attention Alert. The vehicle monitors the driver for signs of distraction or drowsiness and will alert them accordingly.

[@rafalpgresiak629]

Love it

[@bjjbrawler1]

My old 1995 Jeep Wrangler with an I6 was a torque MONSTAH

[@JoeE.]

You told us to leave you a comment if you forget something. Well, there's one thing. You forgot to mention another competitor in its price segment which is the Nissan Pathfinder which I find to be a better looking SUV.

[@LetMeCook86]

Nice CX70 with a 3rd row you got there!!!

[@Redix9]

CX-70 doesn’t come with a third row…

[@meowmeow2759]

​@@Redix9flew right over you...

[@Josh-179]

​@@Redix9, you keep missing the joke.

[@richardfeynman2462]

WHAT IS THE JOKE

[@Josh-179]

@@richardfeynman2462 , that everyone knows the CX-70/90 are essentially the same vehicle. The 70 just deletes the 3rd row. Plus a few cosmetic tweaks.

[@jonathonhibbard]

How is the leg room on the driver side? I have a CX-9 and my legs dig into the side of the door. Is there more room?

[@terence4427]

I'm a former CX-9 owner and test drove the 90 yesterday. It definitely has more room in the front seat especially the width, but aside from that, it feels much smaller than the competition.

[@Motorheaddoc]

Micah can you please review the TX?

[@MicahMuzio]

We won't get to drive one until early April but yes, we have a TX scheduled.

[@carynmcentee6725]

Zack and and Andrea from Motormouth test drove this and Andrea loves Mazda but both did complain about the transmission and it seems that it may need to get a software update because of the jerkiness.

[@mbenton6]

Theres nothing wrong with the transmission. I have this exact car with the tan leather

[@GooseVan]

Software update is already out there. They don't like the heavy steering but I love it. Funny they keep mentioning they had a Cayenne and loved it but Cayenne has heavy steering too. I have both Cayenne and CX-90 and love steering on both.

[@JamaicanMeCrazy]

Definitely the cx70 not falling for your tricks this time Micah

[@MicahMuzio]

🤫

[@Rockybalboa541]

Cx 90s have been brought in for a transmission update. Thats probably why it feels better not because of the inline 6.

[@MicahMuzio]

I noticed the same distinction between the inline 6 and the hybrid on the CX-90 launch event after driving both back-to-back. There are powertrain tuning peculiarities with the hybrid that aren't present with the non-hybrid I6.

[@jrod237]

I wonder if the bikini influencer made a comment on their instagram, “hey there goes Micah Muzio & Co in a car review!” Cool SUV, Cooler sunglasses! 🕶️

[@reeeddd590]

Technically its really a wagon.....no true SUV pretenses whatsoever. That being said...Mazda builds quality vehicles and this is one of them.....Drove it compared to many others....Ended up getting a 23' Santa Fe 2.5t Calligraphy instead. Thanks for the great content as always.

[@buckeye44wbg]

Man that non-PRNDL shifter is scary. I could see someone getting hurt by that.

[@ModernDayMixtapes]

7:20 can this be a test you do on every vehicle??

[@7728abbott]

Always fun! "Animal style", lol.

[@seb5945]

I want this i6 engine in the Miata.

[@K03sport]

water pump is on the back...just remember that

[@beinghooman7989]

Soooooo, will we be testing cars with an actual baby seat any time soon? 😉 Asking for a friend. 🤣

[@theodoretoth2884]

I Absolutely hate the back of this car … I’d you are looking at it from the back it looks like a minivan , that egg shell back is terrible. I was so hoping the 70 they would have slanted that down … but no it’s a cx90 with third row delete ! Lol thanks for the review ! New sub here !

[@th003g]

The humpback is hideous.

[@xmodgt1419]

I hate the captain chairs in the second row

[@TheSlugger76]

Most Asia cars I notice back windows don’t go the whole way down

[@Broba_Fett]

It is a nice SUV but if I am getting a mid size 3 row I'd want more cargo space and legroom.

[@DailyRants89]

Leg room is fine in the front and second row. Becomes more cramped in the third row but how many times are people really traveling around with 5 plus adults in a vehicle?

[@jamesshort5682]

It sounds like a little premature extrapolation on Mazda's part...you test drive proves that its not quite ready for prime time yet. That's a miss as their "first ever" PHEV and inline 6 should have been launched when it was fully ready. Also, I have a 2023 CX-5 Turbo and I agree with your comments - the car just nags too much! Thanks for another great, clear and unbiased review. Cheers from Canada ... Jim

[@K03sport]

well, German cars nag too, and if Mazda is trying to be German, well, they are only following who they want to be like... former GTI owner so familiar with VW nagging features

[@figoliu]

How is this compare with MDX?

[@sheldonduffy9442]

I think it compares extremely well. I actually chose the CX90 over the MDX. Any Premium Plus model will give you most of the features of an Advance Model CX90 for anywhere from 5-10 thousand dollars less.

[@TheMannis]

Enjoy what they’ve done with the front end styling on these new models, but I think they lose some appeal the further you move towards the rear end. I generally like the interior design (lack of piano black is much appreciated), and don’t mind the media control dial; you can get used to it. I think it’s way more user friendly than the laptop-style mousepad on the Acura. Biggest gripe with the interior is probably the cargo area. Didn’t seem that wide or spacious for how large the car is, and the seats (much like my CX-5) don’t provide the flattest loading platform once folded. The CX-70 looks better in this regard, which you’d expect given the lack of 3rd row. Kind of odd it’s almost the same car aside from that distinction. I have to wonder if most people shopping for an actual family hauler will seriously be considering a CX-90 anyway. It doesn’t have that great of a third row, they probably won’t care as much about the driving performance oriented powertrain, and the pricing of the higher trims will start to look pretty unattractive. Outside of brand loyalty shoppers, I can see family buyers preferring a grand highlander, pilot, palisade, or perhaps even the new sante fe.

[@kfc_hackeye]

I was so excited for this CX-90. But when we drove it, I had my teenage boys sit in the third row and knew it wouldn't work. we went with the grand highlander.

[@TheMannis]

@@kfc_hackeye That only makes sense to me. Appears as though Toyota had a more focused mission/target audience for the Grand Highlander as a family hauler with some guts. Meanwhile, the CX-90 may be their largest car, but that doesn’t make it inherently a great option for families. I’m not in need of a family hauler, so look at it a little differently, but if I was, I would be cross shopping pretty hard.

[@francisgallozzi2595]

At 4:33, did you call it CX-9?

[@MicahMuzio]

Geez. I did! 🤦‍♂️ Slip of the tongue.

[@jj8383]

Hey y’all I miss the frenetic “la-di-da” phase Micah went through a couple years ago. Think it will repeat? 😉

[@MicahMuzio]

Now that you've reminded, I think it could. :)

[@davidg11134]

7:20 you put it on the engine cover not on the engine that cover isnt attached to the actual motor lol

[@jon2al356]

Did anyone hear about the latest recall? What do you think?

[@hss8973]

No

[@deet4895]

Yes, something to do with the steering.

[@owenmcdonald5922]

I like the look of the cx90, but I'm unlikely to ever see one in the metal. I'm on the wrong side of the Atlantic. I agree that light colours are better.

[@triaxe-mmb]

I thought they sell a variant of it in Europe - CX80? Not exactly the same, but similar or so I have read

[@owenmcdonald5922]

@triaxe-mmb there's a cx60, but it's smaller. I've not heard of cx80.

[@triaxe-mmb]

@@owenmcdonald5922 I just read an article - it's going to be a 3 row version of the cx60. Coming out in the summer or so

[@TDogCA]

Mazda Metallic reds are stunning and this one is no different. It does, however, looks like it’s been run through 40,000 automatic car washes. Somebody please correct that paint! 😢

[@jermainec2462]

as a person with a mazda 6 with the crystal soul metallic, i feel ya pain ... piant chips so easily 😢

[@adrianadrian3765]

I just watch your reviews to see your wife😂😂😂

[@ravipeiris4388]

As a Maybach driver, I utilize my 2008 Honda CRV as my daily driver. I'm going to purchase this vehicle for Mazda's reliability, the car's good looks and resale value ❤.

[@GoofieNewfie]

How that shifter got approved in this day and age.....wow.

[@flimgenco]

When was the last time kiddo had a hard time getting into a car? 😅

[@211Gus]

Hard disagree with Evie about the color. No better red than Mazda red. Also, that dash piece looks like it's made of the cupholders they give you at a coffee shop.

[@J.W.W.]

$60K 😳

[@haidengameplays]

It's ok

[@alexmassengale433]

Really nice car but these aren't selling well and already are on big discount in my area. After the CX-9 failed to compete, I understand why Mazda didn't learn the lesson that having below average cargo and third row space in one of the biggest (by exterior dimension) cars in the class wasn't a winning formula. Luxury and driving dynamics are important but for the three row family segment, utility is king and this falls on its face compared to the Pilot, Telluride, and Grand Highlander on those counts. It has almost exactly the same amount of space behind the first row as a CRV which is a full two size classes down and is miles behind something its competitors on max cargo space.

[@jvkrause]

Recently test drove this. It’s pretty cramped and feels more like a car than a $54K+ three row SUV. I’m coming from a 2021 Honda Pilot and choosing the 2024 Pilot instead of the CX-90.

[@Henry-sj1kl]

The comments mention 70? So is it 90 or 70?

[@joecrash1232]

It’s a 90 that Micah is showing. However, recently Mazda revealed the 70, and majority of people said it looks exactly the same as the 90 with third-row deleted. The dimensions are almost exactly the same as well. That’s why people make jokes about. The CX70 is a nice suv, but I do have to agree with the majority that Mazda overhyped it, and the CX70 turns out to be dead on arrival because you’re better off with the CX90 so that you have more space and features with the third row just in case of the emergency.

[@Henry-sj1kl]

@@joecrash1232thank you for taking the times out to reply. Good to know. Thank you!

[@joecrash1232]

@@Henry-sj1kl you’re very welcome

[@chemjam92]

Mazda...boom boom

[@ed52369]

This is not mid-sized. It's 200 inches long. Like a BMW X7.

[@Kingthin]

mazda does no wrong!

[@ChowDownDetroit]

that's one of the worst rear window tests! Not even close to going all the way down. Do better Mazda!!

[@sentiencepsn2714]

Ten years ago, it was yoga leggings in parkas. Today, it’s bikinis.

[@bshwayde]

At 60k there are some very obvious issues. For one, that’s about the price of an Audi q7 or BMW X5. Both of those are going to have all doors with keyless access. And regardless of reliability, Mazda does not have the brand prestige to get away with those prices.

[@majed6956]

"Regardless of reliability." 😂 That's the most important factor.

[@sheldonduffy9442]

Mazda has recently lowered the prices of all top trims (other than the PHEV) at least $4,000.00. Also, any BMW or Mercedes at that price are not going to have ANY of the features you want.

[@bradyb9929]

I think this is a downgrade in looks from the CX 9

[@hkfan4596]

god that voice

[@MicahMuzio]

Yeah, it’s pretty great for encouraging engagement in the comments. Thanks!

[@exonsun]

Stiff ride, clunky transmission, slow steering. It is like you make the sacrifices giving up comfort but you don't get much back in fun and sporty driving. But the platform has potential - Mazda just need to spend a bit more time fine-tuning the car.

[@mbenton6]

Absolutely not. I have this and it's awesome. Transmission isn't clunky at all

[@hsauto589]

This was the second vehicle that is co developed with Toyota... Notice all of their other vehicles up to date have had no significant issues from the factory

[@sheldonduffy9442]

I own one, and I do wish they would have fine tuned it better. However, they have gradually been addressing all of the most concerning issues (which are mostly relatively minor). However, that “slow” steering is so reassuring at highway speeds.

[@6SpeedTA95]

That color wood trim looks absolutely atrocious on camera. It looks yellow, sometimes with a hint of green, absolutely nasty. In person this has to look better???

[@JackSmith-qi7dr]

Much better. Blonde wood.

[@yeulakho6574]

Made in Hiroshima❤

[@mertersun]

Handsome looking car, nice interior and that is it. Lack of practicality and functionality, which are essentials of a 3 row suv, is killing this car. Who wants such a big car, when size dont bring you any benefit?? Mazda engineers fail again, after failing with CX9 with same reasons.

[@Jay-bw3fl]

Anyone interested in this vehicle should definitely watch the car care nut review on it. You will probably change your mind pretty quickly.

[@victormoreno2767]

I saw it, I have a 2005 ford explorer, replaced trasmission at 160k last year. I am hoping cx-90 trans last at least 150k. I have a vw eos and turbo still working fine at 105k. My only concern is how hard is to replace the spark plugs, water pump, tensioner or alternator..😁😁😁😁

[@K03sport]

​... the i6 has water pump and belts on the back, like Audi....so simple mx items will/could require engine out service....

[@denault3985]

It looks good but it's no Audi, BMW, or Mercedes like they're trying to promote.

[@ravipeiris4388]

I agree with you as the cars you listed aren't reliable and lose 80% of their value in less than 5 years. The Mazda is the superior vehicle.

[@triaxe-mmb]

IMO, I think this and much of their upcoming product mix is intended more as a Infiniti, Acura, Buick, maybe Genesis , and even lower trim Lexus, BMW, Audi, Merc fighter...it can't compete at the top of the product ranges in each class but this is a good first effort to me on paper...going to touch and feel it personally soon as I am considering it for the next Family hauler

[@David_Journey]

You are right, it cannot match the sea of Piano Black in newest Audi and Mercedes models that reflect sunlight in just ever-so-perfect way to blind the driver and collect fingerprints. As for BMW, in latest models you are saying goodbye for some of physical Climate control buttons. I am glad Mazda went its own way and did not copycat all of the manufacturers above.

[@user-lj7zm6ym1x]

Too big

[@user-dp9dq3to5r]

BMW X6🥲

[@AyAy008]

$60k for a Mazda 🤣

[@otomoto258]

Shut off car ..radio & phone calls bye bye?, as cx5, also remote start…open any door , engine bye bye..so dam annoying , in fact the entertainment system is intolerable

[@quentinhebda5194]

Y’all are insufferable

[@richardfeynman2462]

disagree

[@richardfeynman2462]

curious why you think that

[@4uanC]

You sound lovely on the other hand. /s