2024 Mazda CX-90: Test Drive Review

[@KillaninjaFC]

Former 2020 CX-9 owner now driving a 2024 CX-9 non-S Premium Plus, the former car had no issues and there was no pressing need to upgrade. What convinced me to take the plunge was that this unit is quantifiably better, on paper and in real-world usage, in every way that mattered to me personally, speaking from a "family-man who enjoys motorsports" perspective. We couldn't accommodate an extra $4K and $8K for the PHEV and S models at the same trim level respectively, but I get enough performance from the non-S engine to appease my senses, while my wife gets better fuel economy around the town than before, so it's a win for value for the both of us. It's all incremental upgrades, and there is not much fundamentally different inside, which is good, so we don't have to relearn all the controls and functions. I prefer the handsome looks of the CX-9 but this car's stance is more square, sharp, and current, which separates it from the crowd. We have already driven from NYC metro area to CT as well as FL, and it's quieter and less bumpy on long highway stretches; the lane keep system does a great job correcting drifting, and AEB saved us two times during unexpected stopping from 75 MPH to 0. Fuel economy was between 28-32 MPG depending on my cruising speed, which is just fantastic compared to the CX-9's 22-26, considering this is a bigger and stronger engine. The 48V system and new transmission keep the I6 around 2K RPMs even at above the speed limits. I can go about 500 miles on a tank before I start to get nervous! Just great for road trips. There have been occasional wonky issues with various sensors (parking sensor coverage, false blind spot activation). What matters to me is how the brand responds to my complaints and the dealer experience associated with fixing this normal "new car" stuff.

[@twystedhumour]

Stay on top of those sensors, esp. the front ones. I have issues with it on a '22 CX-9, and it resulted in needing to replace all front sensors, per Mazda USA. The shop is booked, so they'll replace it mid-July. Glad you like the car! I did hear from another channel that the "regular" i6 is quite sufficient, with minimal difference in the power delivery. Congratulations!

[@disruptioninworldcommunica4857]

Talk about missing the point. Mazda's infotainment system is way superior to competition and one of the few that actually follows some basic principles of good UX design. Things like having big readable menus, not having more that 5-7 elements per screen and so on. Contrast this to some of the competition that have cluttered 15-20 menus and icons on the same page. It's also way superior when actually driving. All the main things that one would most commonly do during driving are more easily controlled than in touch only systems. Things like changing music or radio stations, calling or switching between navigation and other views. Everything can be done with couple of button clicks and rotary controller on the center console without having to move your arm or change position. I can scroll through my hundreds of playlists and album folders or phone contacts with ease in highway or city traffic, without taking my eyes off the road or having to lean forward to mess around with touch screen and become traffic hazard. It's literally impossible with touch only systems. I can also switch between music, messaging and map views with shortcut buttons that are always on my fingertips in a very natural position. I would never buy a car that does depend on touch screen only.

[@robertmurdock7530]

I agree. I had a 2010 Lexus RX350 that had the dreaded "mouse pad," and once I learned it, it posed no problems. I prefer to use voice commands, if the voice recognition system is accurate, which the Lexus was not. Kudos for physical buttons for the HVAC. The new Lexus LX500h F Sport puts those functions largely into the infotainment menus. Big zonk for me. I want to drive one and see if it beats my '73 Monte Carlo. I suspect it will, easily 😁👍🏻

[@KillaninjaFC]

Agreed as well. He mentioned it's like playing Pong... Has anyone met a person who can't figure out how to play Pong?

[@cwinters9781]

And when in wirelesd Apple or Android Auto, it is a touch screen.

[@robertmurdock7530]

How's the voice recognition accuracy for doing some of those things?

[@winstondeocampo699]

I’m glad you tested this suv Sam. It was a very honest, objective review. Excellent as always. Cheers!

[@10tenman10]

Who buys these top trims? The CX90 which interests me is the preferred plus. 19" wheels, smaller moonroof (the premium comes with 21" wheels and the enormous moonroof, neither of which I want). I don't need huge horsepower or torque which comes with the S models. Seems like a nice car otherwise.

[@Jackkiller888]

great vid

[@albertjackson9236]

This Mazda CX-90 should have a base version, without the turbo.

[@crjlife_9082]

This interior blows away the new mustang you just reviewed and these cars are the same price. Ford, take notes. A 60k vehicle should feel and look like a 60k vehicle.

[@Jackkiller888]

How likely is this engine to support a tune by JB4

[@twystedhumour]

Thank you, Sam! Your review is what I needed to know about this new model, and it's a pass for me. My CX-9 holds up well enough, so I'll keep it and maybe look at the CX-70 for downsizing.

[@KillaninjaFC]

As a former CX-9 owner now driving a CX-90, I support your decision! The differences are more subtle than expected between models, except of course for the major new engines and transmission. That being said, as a current CX-9 owner, you would probably appreciate those differences more than any other group. For example, you might be able to better perceive the difference in suspension characteristics from the new double-wishbone architecture in the front (less crashing over bumps, less nosedives when braking). I think this model was made for us specifically to keep us invested in the brand!

[@twystedhumour]

@@KillaninjaFC Thank you for the information!😊 Congratulations on your new CX-90, also!

[@SilverScarletSpider]

11:05 engine specs

[@Ghanshyam00000]

Hi, Sam, this 2024 Mazda xc90 3.3 turbo inline-six is outstanding and buzzworthy in the auto industry I like every Mazda vehicle's sleek design this car is only driver-oriented focusing on the massive chrome glittering grille however this 61 thousand dollars price point is basically perfect because this vehicle is so big red artisan colour all the safety features in this model driver assist focus, blind spot monitoring and also they have dedicated second and third-row ac vents and USB port for a passenger I got a little disappointed about third row and cargo area little small 350 hp and 369-pound feet of torque overall this car looks upscale thanks.

[@patrickgagnon9662]

Can't understand why you would not review the CX-5 by Mazda , the most powerful and one of the best handling small SUV's at 256hp 320ft/lb torque ...not relevant?

[@TestDrivenTV]

Because Mazda hasn't sent us one.

[@patrickgagnon9662]

@@TestDrivenTV Rent one , borrow one , get one , this is a unique suv in this class and is relevant even if Mazda does not send one

[@TestDrivenTV]

We test drove it when the current generation came out some years ago. It was not all that remarkable really and hasn't changed enough since way back then to really change the outcome of a new review.

[@patrickgagnon9662]

@@TestDrivenTV A good car is a good car....name ONE that delivers the drive of the CX-5, or the raw power ....you like the screaming new 3 cyl. 1.2 liter engines taking over to save a few pennies ...I like to drive!!!

[@mycoyz8416]

what i worry is whether the engine auto-stop is reliable or not

[@IAmAPhan]

Wasn't this uploaded yesterday? Regardless, good review!

[@TestDrivenTV]

Had to make the correction.;)

[@IAmAPhan]

@@TestDrivenTV I figured that.

[@sergio34410]

Definitely a great looking suv, but the info system is th same as the Mazda 3 ! Need update! Thanks amigo

[@t3h8ar0n]

I saw an interview with a Mazda engineer who stated you can enable touchscreen for all functionality on the display (not just Android Auto and Apple Carplay), but you have to enable that feature buried down in some menu.

[@patrickgagnon9662]

A few reviews mention this but most don't , they just say bad Mazda without knowing...TOUCH SCREEN ACTIVE IN MOTION ....IS BURIED IN THE CONNECTIVITY SETTING AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SCROLL......this reviewer should know this .

[@twystedhumour]

@@patrickgagnon9662 Wonderful info, sir! Thank you!

[@patrickgagnon9662]

@@twystedhumour glad to share !

[@mbenton6]

Mazda has quickaccess buttons. What are talking about

[@TestDrivenTV]

Most other brands don't need them. They are simple and intuitive to use to begin with they don't need a workaround.

[@larryschlutt7211]

Mazda needs to update the steering wheel. Make it look more like Toyota. Mazda steering wheel looks kinda girly from a male opinion.. the round horn button in the middle looks like a baby gocart.. needs to be updated

[@biggeststeppa1]

I'm guessing you're salty because mazda refused to pay you?

[@TestDrivenTV]

No car company pays us.